^^^^^^^
That is a thoughtful post.
Over the years, the discussion of concealed vs. open carry has been pretty well laid out by many. But I don't know that there are many statistics, nor do i know if there could be. After all, it is hard to prove that open carry changed the dynamic of a situation either for the better or the worse. Sometimes the facts are clear, but often not. The statistics/facts of concealed carry are likely even muddier waters.
I do find it interesting that you prefer one over the other based on where you are. It doesn't seem to me that should make a difference, at least not with respect to the usual arguments.
If everyone else would do so, I believe I'd be happy to open carry. But only if there were a lot of people open carrying. hell, I'd just as soon go about my day with a lightweight AR slung over my shoulder, mag full, chamber empty. Can you imagine how little trouble there would be if that were common practice? Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think so.
