The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - If both OC and CC is/were an option, which of the following best applies to you:

Willie Sutton · April 5, 2013, 06:43 AM

I carry for two reasons:

(1): Self Defense

(2): Utility (hunting and hiking).

For Utility, there are no tactics: See a snake, shoot a snake. See a rabbit, shoot a rabbit and plan dinner. See a bear, stand still, yell... and shoot if needed. Open carry is the right tool.

For self defense, surprise is an important tool in the box. I will not give up that element of advantage. Anyone carrying OC for self defense is taking one advantage (openly advertising "don't tread on me") but at the same time giving advantage to someone who might not be swayed by that, and in fact you might simply be a target for being shot "before you get to say howdy" by a determined assailant (who might just want to steal your handgun). I'd prefer to be invisible, and to fade into the noise.

"Political" Open Carry is generally juvenile although in a concerted effort, as was done in Ohio, might obtain some results. Generally, it's not about defense, it's about making a statement. That's not me. I make a statement when I send $10K to the SAF every December.

Willie

.

April 5, 2013, 06:43 AM	#28
Willie Sutton Junior member Join Date: January 26, 2012 Posts: 1,066	I carry for two reasons: (1): Self Defense (2): Utility (hunting and hiking). For Utility, there are no tactics: See a snake, shoot a snake. See a rabbit, shoot a rabbit and plan dinner. See a bear, stand still, yell... and shoot if needed. Open carry is the right tool. For self defense, surprise is an important tool in the box. I will not give up that element of advantage. Anyone carrying OC for self defense is taking one advantage (openly advertising "don't tread on me") but at the same time giving advantage to someone who might not be swayed by that, and in fact you might simply be a target for being shot "before you get to say howdy" by a determined assailant (who might just want to steal your handgun). I'd prefer to be invisible, and to fade into the noise. "Political" Open Carry is generally juvenile although in a concerted effort, as was done in Ohio, might obtain some results. Generally, it's not about defense, it's about making a statement. That's not me. I make a statement when I send $10K to the SAF every December. Willie .