Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Your thoughts on "open carry"

The point I was trying to make is that it's far easier for criminals to disarm or kill police or honest citizen in the field than it is in the city yet I don't hear of police or honest citizens being killed or disarmed in the field. I believe that the myth of open carry leading to disarmament or death in the city is just that a myth.

If there are actually stats to say otherwise than let someone post especially the police types on here.

I totally agree, wish it was an option in my state(MS) although where I live, there would be an extreme rarity that I would ever even need my gun....where I work on the other hand, it is a daily necessity

You very well maybe completely right, but in the off chance youre not, I choose to conceal

I have a good friend who is LE and even if he is off duty, if he is still in his uniform, he keeps his vest on for the very reason we are talking about, to not be a target

We've had an "unintended consequence" (interesting book, BTW)from a recent open carry law that was passed here. Overland Park is either the largest or 2nd largest city in KS and recently passed an ordnance allowing open carry. About two weeks ago I stopped in a very large liquor store to get libations for a South Dakota pheasant hunt for 11 guys (would have been a significant purchase )and found that they had recently posted it. Rather than enter, I went to the car and called them---they said they decided that it wasn't appropriate to have open guns being carried in their store---evidently none of the clerks felt comfortable having customers openly carrying. I next drove to the local mega-mall where my wife and I frequently go walking when the weather is bad---there's also a Panera and a Barnes & Noble that we frequent there. There are now no-carry signs on the mall entrances as a result of the oc law. Quite honestly, I didn't anticipate that result. Our concealed carry laws have been in effect for about 5 years and neither location was posted---within a week of Open Carry being passed, both locations posted their property.

I've always had conflicting feelings about oc----the deterrent factor is real in some cases, but so is the catalyst factor.


...unfortunately the "armed society is a polite society" concept has its deviants.

Having worked in a gunshop and at a large indoor range, I'm convinced that everyone should be allowed to own and carry a gun----however, it's also convinced me that not everyone should be allowed to breed or vote. The shooting qualification-test for our state is a joke---it literally could be passed blindfolded.....I'm more concerned with the incompetence of the carriers than with whether they're open or concealed carrying. Most people carrying in the State of Kansas (and I suspect most other states also) are less of a threat to their intended target than they are to any other object downrange in a very broad beaten zone (including themselves). Still, I support their right to carry, but indeed ignorance is bliss and knowledge is a burden.
JMO-YMMV

In more places than not, even where legal, open carry will generally be frowned upon and could lead to questions, looks and stops by an LEO. Not right, just a fact. Living in a stupid ass blue state there is no way I'd open carry in town or city unless I was trying to make a statement. Which by the way I think is about the stupidest reason for an "individual" to do something. So while I'm not against it, I really question the intelligence/sanity of someone who goes open carry for a trip to the store. Throw a dang jacket or untucked shirt on for Christ sake.

But "issue" avoidance is really my only reason to be against it. I've yet to see one documented case where a civilian was singled out and attacked first because it was known they had a gun, or was big, or looked tough, or...........

Now you'll note that I put "individual" into quotes above. Personally I wonder if we'd all be better off if everyone as a "group" with open carry capabilities did so on a regular basis. The more folk who get used to the idea the better off we'd all be in the long run. Maybe we should declare first Sat. every month "Open Carry Day" and let the rest of the folk know that it's not gonna be a gun battle free for all that they fear.

I only open carry around the farm or in country where people are few and far between. I don't think OC is a wise option otherwise.

I can. For example, there are arsonous riots going on, and heading your way. You want them to see that folks in your neighborhood are prepared to repel them, if need be.

Also, you and your family are moving from your old house in Miami to your new house in Tallahassee, and in the truck you have your fifty thousand dollar firearms collection, and fifty thousand dollars worth of silver and gold. At gas stops and such, it seems to me you might want to send the signal, when you all dismount, that you folks are prepared to repel carjack attempts. Avoid the trouble before it happens that way.

+1000000 Gentlemen.

Gunner

I originally come from Vermont. Back in the day (30+ years ago) Vermont had no gun laws, open carry, concealed carry who cares there were no laws or licensing requirements for either and there were not gun battles on every corner.

I guess it's just the anarchist in me, let people carry as they see fit with no restrictions or licensing requirements. Hold people responsible for their consequences of their actions if they screw up.

If we all carry, we will be a polite society and criminals will go some where else. Personally, I think the police are more scared of the honest citizen carrying than any criminal.

I should have added politicians to that last sentence as well.

How the [bleep] would you know about the thoughts of any LEO?


Travis

In this regard, I would agree.



Here, however, you are way off the mark.

George

Do you really? Say something intelligent every now and again and you could probably get away with saying that ("I think" that is; the rest of your post is polar opposite of what LEOs would like to see). Right now? Not so much.

well, for about seven years i worked patrol as a sheriff's deputy in yavapai county arizona, which is larger than some states. At times there was only a couple of us on duty for the whole county, and many areas i patroled i had NO radio contact or backup. I had absolutely no concern about being disarmed period. Backup if any, was often provided by some agency that took quite a bit of time to get there. I think the same is true still in parts of arizona, certainly for the border patrol in some areas. Most of the people i had contact with i would have said at the time probably would have covered my butt if needed. But then that was rural arizona. To this day, i have a habit of slowing down or stopping if i see a leo THAT looka like they may need assistence. Course that helps in areas where everybody knows everybody.
Game and fish works with armed people all the time. I don't think i can remember even one of them being shot.

Well you may have a point in more rural areas of any state but you get into the big metropolitan areas such as New York City, Boston, Chicago, etc. and the police are scared of anyone having a gun citizen and criminal alike.

There I compromised for the good cops like you George.

See reply to George.

Cite your source. Anecdotal evidence (talking to a few LEOs) means about as much as what you think (or even IF you think) - nothing. Direct me to a scientifically conducted survey of LEOs working in the inner cities asking them about their perception of an armed, law abiding citizenry. I'd like to read it and examine their survey instrument and the methodology of the application of the instrument. Additionally, I'd be very interested in the conclusions of the PhD(s) who conducted the survey.

Otherwise, as Travis put it; how the [bleep] would you know what an LEO thinks?

I LOVE Utah and yes I OC, EVERY day. This will be me tomorrow am after I walk out of my local elementary school where I vote.

Alan

Makes sense to me. Only a nut job would be looking around for an opportunity to mess with someone who's openly armed. Not saying such nut jobs aren't out there, but that they are rare in the extreme. As Travis intimated, it's probably only a legitimate concern when you're in the process of arresting someone who's determined not to be arrested.

I am sure you are referring to AZ because I know of several wardens that have been shot and/or killed the last few years across the country

They, IMHO, have the most dangerous LE jobs

Them and probably border patrol

....Alan, my guess is that even in Utah if you go into an elementary school and polling place on election day armed, you'll be walking out in handcuffs. Of course, I could be wrong.