Concealed Carry versus Open Carry

[TDA]

I spent some time last night surfing the web and had an opportunity to visit OpenCarry.org as a follow-up to the recent LA Times article that appeared in the paper recently. The article refers to that website as a basis for the article, so I decided to check it out for myself.

First I must tell you, I'm not a proponent of open carry so I do not advocate the practice. However, it was interesting to read the opinions of those who do and better understand their perspective.

I hope I will not offend anybody with my remarks, so I apologize in advance if I come across as being judgmental or paint with too large a brush. Having said that, when I first began to read some of the posts of the members of OpenCarry.org my first impression was, there is a huge difference in the maturity level of those that CCW versus those who OC. Seemed to me that those who OC, had many stories to tell about encounters with the public, business owners and LEO's who objected to their use of OC. When questioned about why they felt the need to OC almost without exception, the reason given was "because it's my right." After reading several posts, it seemed like that was a common thread woven through all of the various posts and the reason given whenever challenged on the subject.

The tone of the people who posted some of the stories seemed to be indignant about their cause and relished these encounters. It's as though they viewed these encounters as the perfect opportunity to lecture or educate the public on 2nd Amendment Rights. In some of the posts I read, forum members would organize get togethers in public places to demonstrate their cause, such as showing up at a restaurant while packing (OC).

Some of those who posted their comments indicate how liberating it is to OC and the feeling of power they derive by doing it. Some very proud members posted photographs of themselves posing with one another in various public places, their guns in plain view while sporting the latest in firearms fashion. Fashions range from the classic olive drab t-shirt with giant lettering across the front naming their preferred gun of choice, to more subtle things like ammo casing jewelry. The 30-06 ammo necklace and matching bracelet appears to be all the rage in women's fashion jewelry.

Meanwhile the entire time I'm reading and seeing this material, I can't help but think these are EXACTLY the individuals the Sheriff's Dept does NOT want to issue CCW permits to. One word came to mind...LIABILITY.
Then I reflected on the LA Times article which highlighted a young college student (from Colorado) who enjoys wearing his COLT .44 magnum (8" barrel) to Starbuck's for a venti Mocha Frappahooopalappa, while wearing his western attire. Then of course there's always the off-duty security guard, who probably prefers to wear military (cammo) fatigues, black t-shirt and combat boots while sporting his Glock to do his grocery shopping. I can't help but think to myself, is it any wonder why so many in the public have a negative impression of gun owners?

There were hundreds, no doubt even thousands of posts and I only saw about a dozen or so. Having said that I can only offer my initial impressions based on what I saw. I'm sure there are more level headed individuals who have a much softer approach when dealing with the public and don't feel the need to impose their views or exercise their rights in a way makes others feel uncomfortable or intimidated. In short, the OC group seems to fit a certain profile which is in stark contrast to those who CCW.

As a collective (gun carrying) group, the parties seem to be divided in two camps, CCW & OC. They seem to follow a different philosophy about how to best approach the issue. At the end of the day, there are gun ownership issues in general that effect everyone, whether you choose to carry or not. Presumably, nobody cares to lose their freedoms so in that way (as gun owners) both are equal. The loss of CCW, could lead to loss of OC privileges and vice versa. In that way, how individuals conduct themselves in public seems to be the bigger issue since it has the potential to affect both groups, both positively and negatively.

[rickr96]

The Open Carry guys do seem to be a bit over the top... That being said, we spend our time here discussing CCW and how to do it legally. While we and the open carry folks may share similar long term goals, we go about things a bit differently... and our way seems to work for us.

Interesting as it may be to discuss other ideas, we try to stay on the ccw topic whenever possible.

Welcome to forum and i hope you continue to add to our discussions.

[Bombard]

Originally Posted by TDA

As a collective (gun carrying) group, the parties seem to be divided in two camps, CCW & OC. They seem to follow a different philosophy about how to best approach the issue. At the end of the day, there are gun ownership issues in general that effect everyone, whether you choose to carry or not. Presumably, nobody cares to lose their freedoms so in that way (as gun owners) both are equal. The loss of CCW, could lead to loss of OC privileges and vice versa. In that way, how individuals conduct themselves in public seems to be the bigger issue since it has the potential to affect both groups, both positively and negatively.

There's also the Off List Lower camp, and the CCW/Shall Issue camp. All have overlap, but our goal, here, is the quiet and responsible promotion of one CCW at a time, within the system.

Welcome!

[TDA]

Thanks for the welcome greeting gentlemen. Much appreciated.

[El Gato]

I have always taught that concealed carry... that is never letting them know you are armed camp has certain tactical advantages...
especially... it has been very enlightening, in my humble experience, to observe the goblin, when said goblin has that moment of clarity when he/she/it realizes he/she/it has acquired a possible fatal flaw in their victim selection process/gene... Not all have had that moment of clarity...meth does that to people... and some are just nuts... but that is the advantage a Probation Officer has over a Police type hero... we know know basically who we are dealing with... we tend to take about 10 more officers than we need....
For the CCW citizen let us quote Hagar the Horrible...."sneak attack and big honking mallet"

[Bombard]

Originally Posted by El Gato

For the CCW citizen let us quote Hagar the Horrible...."sneak attack and big honking mallet"

Well said.

[Harry Carry]

As we deal with CCW, and the Open Carry discussions often head in directions that are unproductive, I'm locking this.