With all the new open carry laws hitting, thoughts on open vs concealed

[Jeremiah/Az]

Az. has had open carry only since statehood. Some years ago they passed CC with a permit. Now anyone legal to carry can do so either way without a permit. It is not uncommon to see OC here. No one seems to pay any attention to it.

I was in Costco the other day that has a BIG sign painted on the building by the front door, NO FIREARMS. That sign is not legally binding, but they could ask you to leave. A biker kind of rough lookin' guy was shoppin' with a cocked & locked .45 on his hip totally exposed. I kind of followed him around @ a distance to see any reactions from people. No one even gave him a second look. Might have been afraid to!

[CrabbyAzz]

Open Carry = foolishness

I worked for a year as a inner city substitute teacher and I can tell you that inner city bad guys are pack animals. They learn it from an early age. I see it in school all the time. They distract you and surround you. They don't plan crime, they are more opportunist. If they see an opportunity they will take advantage of it. If you think carrying that gun will scare them you a fool. What your really doing is bating them to take it away from you. And remember they are holding all the card. Pull that gun too soon and the police are going to take it away.

concealed carry = smart carry

[jlottmc]

We had this conversation some time ago, I called what happened in Kommiefornia. I said those folks were going to lose, and just for the reasons that you gave, adding only that there are a lot of folks that are just plain scared and in more populated areas, OC tends to spook the locals. Hate to say it, but CC makes more sense. Having said that, I think it should be your choice, and no permit needed, but don't see that happening across the country in my lifetime, unless it comes to a shooting war.

[TheTman]

I open carry around the farm quite a bit, but that is the only place. Or maybe if I'm fishing or something on a friends property,there are lots of snakes around here. I sure get a lot fewer of these "we have some extra asphault left over from a paving job, can we pave your driveway", and all those scammers. Instead I get some request about do you know where so and so is, or whatever they can make up in a hurry. I think open carry should be legal, for cases like Bawanna stated where your gun accidently shows for little bit. I think I should be able to carry my shotgun or rifle in a gun rack in a pick up during hunting season. Other than that, the only people I want to know I am armed are some of those that are out with me. I see no reason to walk around town with a gun on my hip. I think it would tempt too many people to make a grab for it and take off.

[muggsy]

Open carry attracts attention. I prefer to operate in a more covert manner. The only time I open carry is when I'm hunting, or on my own property. Even though we have a God given constitutional right to keep and bear arms I have a tendency to look sideways at anyone who openly carries on city streets unless he is wearing a uniform and a badge. Even then I'm on alert. Others can carry openly if they desire, but that's just not my style.

[CrabbyAzz]

I have to agree. Not only does open carry look silly, you give up the element of surprise. In fact it might even tempt some bad guys to take it away.

[Popeye]

Also live in Pa. Also have no interest in open carry. I agree with what your saying Tinman. To many negitives .

[nmkahrshooter]

Concealed is the way to go. Why give the bad guy any warning!

[jouesdeveau]

If you like being the focus of attention at your local shopping mall, carry open.

[les strat]

Either way, I am going to carry concealed.

As far as exposing a CC weapon, what are the legal definitions? Printing? Man, I was printing big time at Arby's at lunch, but I didn't give a crap. Keep em guessing.