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View Poll Results: Would or Do you Open Carry in Public?
Yes 174 41.93%
No 114 27.47%
It depends 127 30.60%
Voters: 415. You may not vote on this poll

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Old June 25, 2008, 05:32 PM   #26
GWbiker
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In Arizona I OC (no permit necessary) or CC (w/CCW permit) as I so choose, which seems to irk some Kalyfornya anti's who drift over the state line!!
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Old June 25, 2008, 05:37 PM   #27
starshooter231
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It depends

I have a Michigan CPL so I generally CC however I do on ocassion OC. It depends on where I am or where I'm going. If I'm traveling around town, I will do both. If I'm traveling to Detroit I will CC. There are some places that you can only OC if you have a CPL, such as a car.
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Old June 25, 2008, 05:42 PM   #28
spyderdude
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Would I open carry?

It depends on the weather for me. I have open carried before, and wouldn't hesitate to do it again. I support OC and CC equally, and don't try and convince others that they should carry the way I do, and I expect the same out of others. Unless it is illegal in your state, it's your choice.
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Old June 25, 2008, 06:29 PM   #29
B.N.Real
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Yes,but with a compact handgun that was dark colored.

Along the lines with what Dusty Rivers said.

"As inconspicuous as possible."

I have a Taurus Ultralight .38 in dark blue that with a belt holster,you really can't tell it's there.

I don't think I'd try to side holster my Stainless PT101 on my side into town.

It's so bright it looks like it's got LED's in it.

If I wanted to carry a semi auto,I have a STAR BM 9mm in blue that is fairly small and does'nt make a big visual impact either.
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Old June 25, 2008, 07:02 PM   #30
dabigguns357
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concealment or not

I carry out and cross draw while driving around
(i'm a lefty),but as i get to my destination i'll slip my shirt over it and do my buisness.As for open carry around here,I'd say no.A guy came into a store where i was and while shopping was asked to please leave because he was scaring all the other cotsomers off.I personally didn't see the big deal,it was a great looking sig.
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Old June 25, 2008, 07:05 PM   #31
Stiofan
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I prefer ccw even when in the back country, but I have no problems OC with a larger gun when hiking or fishing away from population centers. Don't think I'd do so in town though. I'm not into advertising to make a point, personally. That's just me.
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Old June 25, 2008, 07:32 PM   #32
O.S.O.K.
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I voted yes

Open carry is good for all of us for one very big reason.

For decades, the establishment media, socialist and liberals have been working hard to ensure that every year, more and more hoplophobes (people that fear guns) are created. They want people to fear them. "oohh a gun... run!"

If people see private citizens with handguns strapped on their belts on a daily or regular basis, they will begin to understand that there is no danger. No more than a man with a knife clipped to his pocket, a worker with a deadly power tool, a person operating a motor vehicle, or a law enforcement officer with a gun.

Open carry is good.

I personally would choose a traditional revolver with no speed loaders - just the 5 or 6 beans. I'd carry it in a nice tooled leather pancake type holster.

In fact, I'd probably carry this one:

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Old June 25, 2008, 07:51 PM   #33
Wildalaska
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For decades, the establishment media, socialist and liberals have been working hard to ensure that every year, more and more hoplophobes (people that fear guns) are created. They want people to fear them. "oohh a gun... run!"
I'm not a hoplophobe and I, like many others here, don't like open carry in many circumstances.

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Old June 25, 2008, 08:29 PM   #34
kristop64089
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Missouri is an open carry state, but local municipalities set the bar.
My instructor/ffl/friend OC's on a regular basis. BUT, he also checked with our surrounding localities to see where it was and wasn't ok.

I am indifferent about it. I do open carry, especially during hunting season. My sidearm is always with me. Normally tho, I conceal. I like to blend in at all times, I'd rather noone know what I have or don't have. But I really don't have a problem with it either way, unless it's done in poor judgement.
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Old June 25, 2008, 08:38 PM   #35
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It looks like the Yes and It Depends are neck and neck while No is the minority.

I should have been more clear in that I support the right for an individual to open carry if they want, I just wouldn't in public. Again, around the house or a trip to the gas station or something...sure but Walmart, Books a million, or the mall? No way.

Thanks for the ideas and civility. I am surprised that so many states already allow (or should I say don't disallow) open carry.
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Old June 25, 2008, 08:38 PM   #36
orionengnr
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I'd probably do it on occasion, but would likely stick with concealed for the most part.

Sure would be nice to have the option; at least we are now discussing it here in Texas.
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Old June 25, 2008, 08:58 PM   #37
alabaster
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I don't but I would if the cops wouldn't get all uptight about it. I think it's illegal too if you have a CCW. Not sure about that part though.
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Old June 25, 2008, 09:10 PM   #38
jdtoyou
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If I had a job that required me to wear a suit I would open carry and not wear the jacket.
I'm thinking about doing this as I wear a suit or nice trousers most of the time for work and don't want to have to alter 15-20 pairs of pants to fit my IWB holster. I would probabaly look like a detective or fed so I wouldn't worry too much about getting hasled too much by police.
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Old June 25, 2008, 09:12 PM   #39
djmyers
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Since WA State is a OC State I do OC in warmer months as it gives me another option on how to carry. When I OC I put little thought into my attire so imho it is a nice choice to have. In the winter months I will of course cover up and CC.

Dave
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Old June 25, 2008, 09:12 PM   #40
ChicagoTex
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The only practical advantage I see to being able to open carry legally for me are
1. If someone spots my gun while I'm bending over or something it's not a problem.
and 2. I could carry bigger guns and just opt for "casual concealment" if I wanted to (a lot of cops do this).
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Old June 25, 2008, 09:32 PM   #41
bobn
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definately not....only time open carry makes sense to me is on the range, hunting, camping, hiking etc. however i respect your right to do so. bobn
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Old June 25, 2008, 09:39 PM   #42
Keltyke
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Open carry? I'd much prefer that over concealed - much easier. I used to live in NC where open carry is legal, and I often did.
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Old June 25, 2008, 10:19 PM   #43
Majic
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One of the aspects of self defense is action beats reaction.
If it's self defense then it's already reaction.
I voted yes and have done so.
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Old June 25, 2008, 11:40 PM   #44
JohnKSa
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Not legal here but it would be rare that I would do so even if I could. I like being able to control who knows I carry. In fact, I like being able to control who knows I own guns.

I also like the fact that carrying concealed allows me to decide when/if I want to respond in a situation. Carrying openly doesn't really give you that option.
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Old June 25, 2008, 11:42 PM   #45
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Yes, I would.
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Old June 26, 2008, 02:24 AM   #46
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http://www.opencarry.org/


I'm with O.S.O.K!!!

I voted yes... I live in Colorado, and I have open carried about 4-5 times. I've just started. If I'm going out to lunch with my gf, or going to run errands. I've OC'd in Taco Bell, Wal-Mart, While getting gas, And while Riding my motorcycle. I live in a front range city of about 80,000 people. While OCing no one seams to be bothered by it. I've had a few people looking at me for a while while I was eating, and a few people at Wal-Mart glance my way. But no one Jumps and says "Oh no a gun!" Some times I tuck in my shirt, some times I leave it un-tucked and just pull up my shirt where the holster is to OC.

I've been carrying my grandpas old Ruger Mark II .22. Not exactly the most effective of my pistols, but it's flat, and comfortable, and I'm obviously very proficient with it.

My biggest reason for OCing is simply to exercise my rights. If you dont use it, you will eventually lose it. And thats obviously the case with OC. If everyone stops OCing because they would rather CCW, OC will eventually be outlawed because, "it makes people uncomfortable". And then after enough time, people will do away with any type of legal cary of a firearm, claiming that it's the Police's job to protect us, and "they are the only ones who know how to use guns" It's already headed that direction. Sure There are places where you can CCW but cant OC. Like in Denver, it is illegal to OC, but I dont have a CCW permit yet, so I cant carry there either way. But I can legally OC just about anywhere else in Colorado, with the exceptions of one other anti OC town, and certain buildings and "Gun free Zones"

I called a Police station once to ask about the laws of transporting a hand gun in a bag while on my motorcycle. I ended up talking to the Commander. I already knew OC was leagal, but I decided to ask him about it. He said "You shouldent do that" I said "But I can though, right?" He said "Well, there is a law that if you have a gun out in the open, and it causes a disturbance, thats illegal" I said, "I know, it's called brandishing a weapon, and I have to make a threat or take it out of the holster for a reason other than self protection to be illegal, right?" He said, "Well, you can get a CCW if you want to carry" I said "well I'd like to do that some day, but for now I can open carry if I would like, right?" He said "I wouldent suggest it" LOL... I was very disappointed in my conversation with him. I was surprised at how hard he tried to "imply" that OCing is not legal, yet would not come out and say it, because he knew very well that OC is infact, Perfectly legal. But his reluctance to admit so is just more evidence as to how close we are to OCing being voted away.

Anyway. Open carry is not a bad thing. I highly doubt there are many criminals that will see you carrying your pistol and rush up and try to take it from you, although, it could happen, and I'm sure the risks will be higher depending on where you are OCing. But Over all, OCing is one of our basic rights, and I chose to exercise it.

Also, if Open Carry is legal where you live, but you dont yet have a CCW permit, then why not OC? When people talk about .45 acp being the best carry gun, but they they admit that a .22 is still better than nothing. It fits in well with the idea of OCing being better than not carrying at all. I dont think that OCing makes you a target, it is much more of a deterrent. Someone brought up recently the fact that (statistics of a survey given to criminals in prison) Basically ALL criminals search out for a week looking individual or small group to pray on. I dont see how someone OCing will radiate the appearance of a week victim
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Old June 26, 2008, 03:43 AM   #47
ChicagoTex
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In fact, I like being able to control who knows I own guns.
big plus one on that John. Only my family and close trusted friends know I own guns, I figure the more people know, the more likely I am to get burglarized for my guns.
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Old June 26, 2008, 06:49 AM   #48
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mellow_c,

I don't think people are saying that OC is a sign of weakness, I think most say that it strips you as a potential victim of your most valuable tactical advantage, Surprise.

Picture something other than a one on one mugging, like a gas station hold up. 2-3 guys enter, see you with a gun on your hip while they are casing it, you are their primary threat to deal with upon entering to take care of business. So instead of being a sheep in disguise these guys see you are a wolf and will deal with you as a wolf.

The positive side is they may not even bother coming back to handle business.

As a concealed weapons holder, like John said, you have the decision of when and if to respond with your weapon. You can wait for your moment of "surprise" or decide not to act if they just clean the register and leave.

It's a double edged sword but I still think it's an individual's right to decide.
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Old June 26, 2008, 07:35 AM   #49
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I openly carry at work. I manage a pawn shop and we want maximum deterrence to prevent an attack. So far it has worked with zero robberies attempts in 20 plus years while shops located within blocks of ours are robbed regularly at gunpoint. Heres the catch there are usually three of us openly carrying. To take us they will have to use lots of force. If I was solo or while out on the town I carry concealed. This gives me surprise since I don't have friends to back me up.

Its not hard in a public place to get the drop on someone. Standing in line with others etc. I could simply get close enough and punch someone openly carrying then take their gun. Very few humans can with stand a powerful strike to the head without getting rocked especially from someone who knows how to punch. I think openly carrying would increase my potential of attracting trouble.
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Old June 26, 2008, 07:42 AM   #50
Billy Sparks
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Altough I don't begrudge anyone's desire to do so I would not. The reason is simple, I don't want to advertise I have a gun. Example you are the local quickie mart, you know the ones that have floor to glass ceilings along the front, local creatin decides to rob it but he can see you inside before you see him. Therefore he decides to just come in and shot you first. I know several people will take me to task in that I should be "aware" but you cannot be 100% vigilant every second and go about your life.
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