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OPEN CARRY VS. CONCEALED CARRY
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Dustin
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 Posted: Thu Mar 12th, 2009 06:18 pm
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Sonora Rebel wrote: I don't wanna be a LEO look-alike... or a LEO wanna-be.  I don't want'a be confused with any kind of LEO at all.  On the other hand, I don't wanna look like a bad guy either. How ya dress varies with where ya live... and how tho pretty much.   Some adapt... some never manage.



 

That's pretty much how I feel too. But What I was referring to was citizens confusion. I'd rather citizens think I were a cop than dress like the picture I posted above and them harass me to get an answer.

Sonora Rebel
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 Posted: Thu Mar 12th, 2009 09:05 pm
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Confused citizens abound... (Look who they just elected).  I'm not in the education business.  I don't care what they ask anymore... or bother to respond either.

Big Gay Al
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 Posted: Thu Mar 12th, 2009 11:28 pm
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Sonora Rebel wrote:"WILD WILD WEST!" ?  Well... this IS the Wild Wild West (what's left of it) and I carry a .45acp.  My 'choice of outfit' is normal everyday wear.

Looks good to me! :D

Big Gay Al
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 Posted: Thu Mar 12th, 2009 11:30 pm
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Loneviking wrote: I'll just add in a couple of other thoughts for the paper..

Reason to CC:

I usually CC, and not so much out of fear as a desire to avoid the anxiety of having to stay at a high level of alert.  A lot of posters in this thread have talked about the 'increased situational awareness' that comes with OC, and this is something I would rather avoid.  CC means that nobody, good or bad, knows what the various lumps under the cover garment are and I don't have to worry about someone coming unglued in a crowded resturant when my gun brushes past their chair. 

Reason to OC:

One reason that I didn't see explored too much is a direct result of OC.  OC forces the LEO's and town fathers to abide by the letter of the law.  As a nation, we seem to have strayed from the idea that the law is something that everybody is supposed to follow.  Too many LEO's and town fathers (such as Dickson, PA.) have been doing whatever they want, however they want for far to long.  I've noticed changes in attitutudes toward law and procedure in every state where OC is actively pursued.  Look at Pennsylvania, Virginia and Georgia for good examples of this.  Not only are 2nd amendment rights restored, but so too are Freedom of Speech; Freedom of Assembly such as the VCDL picnics; 4th amendment rights to due process and protection from unlawful search and seizure; and 10th amendment 'states rights' also are strongest in states with a strong, pro-gun movement. 

So, it would appear as if OC has a strong, indirect effect of restoring/strengthening/drawing attention to the rest of the Bill of Rights. 

If you CC to avoid a heightened state of awareness, I can understand that, to a point.  Thing is, whether you CC or OC, you should always be in a state of awareness, that your typical sheeple is not.  But I will agree that CCing means you don't need to be as alert as when you OC.

Sonora Rebel
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 Posted: Thu Mar 12th, 2009 11:32 pm
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Big Gay Al wrote: Sonora Rebel wrote:"WILD WILD WEST!" ?  Well... this IS the Wild Wild West (what's left of it) and I carry a .45acp.  My 'choice of outfit' is normal everyday wear.

Looks good to me! :D


uh-oh:uhoh:

Big Gay Al
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 Posted: Fri Mar 13th, 2009 03:57 am
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Sonora Rebel wrote: Big Gay Al wrote: Sonora Rebel wrote:"WILD WILD WEST!" ?  Well... this IS the Wild Wild West (what's left of it) and I carry a .45acp.  My 'choice of outfit' is normal everyday wear.

Looks good to me! :D


uh-oh:uhoh:

But you're cuter. ;)

































:lol:

Sonora Rebel
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 Posted: Fri Mar 13th, 2009 03:30 pm
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Homie don't play dat... :what:

NavyLT
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 Posted: Fri Mar 13th, 2009 06:21 pm
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Sonora Rebel wrote: Homie don't play dat... :what:
Never know, you may never go back!

Sonora Rebel
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 Posted: Fri Mar 13th, 2009 07:05 pm
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Y'all in collusion here? :shock:

Big Gay Al
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 Posted: Fri Mar 13th, 2009 07:12 pm
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Sonora Rebel wrote: Y'all in collusion here? :shock:
LOL. :D

SlackwareRobert
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 Posted: Fri Mar 13th, 2009 10:11 pm
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Everyone knows you need to cross draw anything over 7" to get it out quick.
So quit picking on the lefty.:P

OC zone 35 feet, CC zone 15 feet, big difference in allertness for me. 
All those bunk brady's you are targeted, doesn't change that we do stand out,
and need more awareness because of that.  Once everyone starts carrying
again the danger zone will drop to the CC range because we don't have the
waco sheep causing problems. 
Polite predictable people are never a problem at any distance.
Unpredictable screeming sheep are always a danger.




Mr. Dogg
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 Posted: Mon Mar 16th, 2009 07:17 am
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fullauto223cal wrote:

OPEN CARRY VS. CONCEALED CARRY


Revision 1.24


Written By: Garry E. Harvey
Contributing Editors: OpenCarry.org Members

 
The purpose of this essay is to examine the two competing points of view within the handgun carry community and consider each one for its merits, both good and bad, from a common sense and logical point of view.


INTRODUCTION


"AN ARMED SOCIETY IS A POLITE SOCIETY"

    Weapons and firearms in particular have been personified by many in recent decades as being evil and able to impart that evil into anyone who chooses to wield the weapon.  In the anti-gun community, the only ones who appear to be immune from the gun's evil are those acting under the authority of government.  It has been engrained into the minds of millions that ordinary citizens cannot and should not be trusted with the ability to use firearms for protection much less carry them into the public.  Anyone who advocates such action is labeled evil, dangerous, or a vigilante.  This line of thinking appears to be slowing eroding away as evidenced by the fall of the once prominent and powerful anti-gun lobby.  The number of people choosing to carry a weapon for self protection has been growing steadily since the first laws were enacted.  The cry of anarchy and blood running in the streets by the anti-gun lobby has proven false.  As this has become more and more apparent, no thinks to the main stream media, the average citizen is beginning to change their minds over the issue.  Criminals in an armed society know that their actions may garner them instant peril of death should they choose the wrong victim.  That old saying still proves to be as true as it ever was, "An armed society is a polite society."
    Carrying a pistol has been a part of my daily routine for going on four years.  During that time I've taken almost every opportunity to speak with people from each end of the spectrum regarding the issue.  Before I ever received my permit I remember part of a conversation I had with a party advocate for the Al Gore campaign in early 2000.  Among the issues I posed to her during our conversation was that of Mr. Gore's support of gun control measures.  She scoffed at me and snobbishly remarked that we didn't live in the Wild West.  At the time I was not as well versed in the issue as I am now and really had no response although with her status I would have had more luck convincing a fence post otherwise.  Over the next seven years I made it a point to broach the topic every chance I had with whomever I thought might have an interesting opinion on the matter.  I researched the writing of the founding fathers and their predecessors with fervor.  I studied the history of gun-control in America from the civil war forward, the rise of anti-gun organizations and those pro-gun organizations who rose in opposition to defend the Constitution.  Having made my decision as to which side I was on I was surprised at the sometimes hateful opposition to carrying a firearm openly by members of the pro-gun rights community.  It is for this reason I have undertaken to write this for everyone within that community.  Before I delve into specifics let me state firstly that how one chooses to carry their weapon is their own choice and should not be subjected to harassment from others who disagree with that choice.  My purpose is not to hold one method above the other but rather detail the benefits of both and leave it to the reader to decide for his or herself which they prefer.

 

CONCEALED CARRY


THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE

    The most prominent reason given by proponents of carrying concealed is the element of surprise.  There are many hypothetical situations which have been posed to prove this point but they all boil down to the CRIMINAL not being aware of the ARMED CITIZEN as anymore of a threat than the UNARMED CITIZEN.  The result is that the ARMED CITIZEN may reserve the option to use deadly force until the situation is favorable or not, should the threat cease.
    What are the negatives associated with this logic and why is it not perfect in all situations?  Well, one must first assume they will not be the sole primary target but rather a third party or in a group setting.  The element of surprise is quickly rendered null once you are at knife or gunpoint with nothing to distract your attacker.  Assuming the attacker becomes distracted sufficiently enough to attempt a weapon draw the victim must consider the risk and added time needed to draw from a concealed location.  If all factors are not in the victim’s favor then the attacker is likely to win as his weapon was already in the ready position.
    Another reason given for favoring concealed carry is the fear or perceived risk of the weapon being taken by the CRIMINAL.  In one of two versions the CRIMINAL takes the weapon after it has been drawn from the holster and pointed at him.  This is commonly shown in movies where the CRIMINAL takes the gun as the ARMED CITIZEN is too afraid to shoot.  Unless the attacker is suicidal or the firearm is incapable of firing for some reason, expect to see this situation stay in the movies.  The second of the two concerns the CRIMINAL successfully taking the weapon from the holster before the ARMED CITIZEN can react.  This has happened to police officers and so it could happen to the ARMED CITIZEN as well but consider this following difference.  In all but a minority of cases, the CRIMINAL took the officer's weapon once being confronted by the officer or while being placed under arrest.  The act was one of desperation as the reward of escape outweighed the risk of taking the weapon from the officer.  Assuming the weapon is properly holstered in a professional manner, the ARMED CITIZEN would only pose a threat to the CRIMINAL within a self-defense situation; the risk to the CRIMINAL would be overwhelming in attempting to steal the weapon as this act would trigger the self defense reaction from the ARMED CITIZEN.
    Another less logical reason for not carrying openly is that one does not want to appear to be "looking for trouble."  This line of thought seems to have evolved from the anti-gun accusation that everyone who carries a weapon is looking for a fight.  The illogical hypothetical given for example tends to go as follows.  The CRIMINAL sees the ARMED CITIZEN carrying a weapon and for no logical reason chooses to confront the ARMED CITIZEN and instigate a fight which inevitably ends with the CRIMINAL winning.  Upon close scrutiny the reason and the hypothetical posed do not match up.  First, why would the CRIMINAL want to fight an armed opponent for no reason?  The CRIMINAL would have to lack any kind of judgment, have no fear of death and believe he is the fastest shooter on earth, not to mention invincible to bullets.  Finally, how exactly is the ARMED CITIZEN the one "looking for trouble" when the CRIMINAL prompted the confrontation?  Was it not the CRIMINAL "looking for trouble" by targeting the ARMED CITIZEN and pushing him into a self defense situation?  This line of thinking is similar to accusing a rape victim of wanting to be raped because she was supposedly dressed provocatively.
    Although there are other reasons I've been given for carrying concealed, the ones discussed have been some of the most prevalent; of the three only two hold some historical basis for concern but the last one falls apart upon a logical evaluation.  The real reason for concealment has less to do with a tactical advantage, I think, and more to do with a social advantage.  If the ARMED CITIZEN thinks he would be better served in a temporary social environment to have his weapon concealed then by all means do so.  An example might be that you're shopping at a local mall owned and operated by big city politically correct hacks that are obviously anti-gun.  If you know they'll ask you to leave their property should they become aware of you exercising your rights, it would be understandable to conceal it from their view; that is if you have to shop there.  Maybe you're going to church and you don't want to draw attention from the preacher and his sermon.  Bottom line, you should conceal when you think it is reasonable and serves a nobler purpose, not because someone pressured you.

 

THE CASE FOR OPEN CARRY


BEWARE OF DOG/GUN

                A sign, be it text, picture, or symbol, is something visual which communicates a clear message to the observer.  The observer can choose to disregard the sign but nonetheless they are forced to consider the message before proceeding.  Examples of signs conveying an important message would be "BEWARE OF DOG", "NO SMOKING", "EMERGENCY EXIT", or the more ominous "DEADLY FORCE AUTHORIZED".  Each sign aids the observer in any potential decision making.  Of course, the observer may choose to ignore the warning but this choice will be made based on whether the potential reward outweighs the risk.
                The case for open carry is simple.  I would submit that in much the same way that a sign works, when the ARMED CITIZEN carries his weapon in the open it communicates a clear message to any observer.  To an observer who has no intention of causing harm or using illegal force the sign should be meaningless.  However, when the CRIMINAL observes this same sign he must reconsider whether the potential reward outweighs the risk.  Where the risk was simply being caught or having to physically overpower the UNARMED CITIZEN it now suddenly rises to potentially enduring great pain and death when confronting the ARMED CITIZEN.  Do insane or even desperate CRIMINALS exist who would disregard such an obvious sign and follow through with an attack?  As with any possibility the answer is YES but even though they exist their actions do not support the opposing view that open carry should be avoided.  They can still be potentially stopped by the ARMED CITIZEN once he becomes aware of the CRIMINALS intent to present a lethal threat.
                With regard to the element of surprise discussed earlier, open carry actually supersedes the need for surprise.  If carrying openly causes the CRIMINAL to avoid you and those around you as his victims then the need for surprise is negated.  Your display of an ability to employ deadly force has avoided the confrontation before it even began, avoided the threat to your life and having to actually use your weapon.  As the CRIMINAL moves on to easier prey you will likely never be aware it even happened.

 

CONCLUSION


THE REAL PROBLEM WITH OPEN CARRY

    What is the real reason some shy from open carry?  I believe it to be fear; the anxiety of having to confront someone hostile to their choice to carry a weapon for personal defense.  As a pro-carry activist I welcome it but I can understand where a large section of armed citizens do not.  Are there times when it is expedient to conceal your sidearm, definitely!  Should you feel ashamed to carry it openly, NO!  Hundreds of thousands of people have fought state after state to pass legislation to restore that right which was once only granted at the behest of local law enforcement.
Anti-gun hacks claim to have a right to "feel safe."  This non-existent right has been twisted from the right to "be secure in one's person and effects" a right I exercise whenever I carry my weapon.  The anti-gun crowd has the twisted perception that the weapon and not the criminal is the threat.  They will and have called the police to harass the ARMED CITIZEN; I advise you show your permit and carry on.  They may card you as many times as they wish as I long as you know you are legal nothing they do should stop you from carrying openly.
We, the pro-carry citizens, have to stop criticizing each other.  We have to stop playing footsy with the politically correct crowd and stick together.  Public opinion can be swayed in our favor if we as law abiding citizens can show through open carry that we are safe, caring individuals whose only want is to be able to defend our family and ourselves from needless victimization.  Ben Franklin said it best when he explained that "the very fame of our strength and readiness would be a means of discouraging our enemies; for tis a wise and true saying that one sword often keeps the other in the scabbard.  The way to secure peace is to be prepared for war.  Those who are on the guard and appear ready to receive their adversaries are in much less danger of attack than the secure, the supine, and the negligent."


2007, Garry Harvey. This essay may be reproduced with the condition that it be kept in its entirety and cited accordingly.
While you make good points you did not even do the very thing you said you would do at the beginning of the "essay".  There are NO good points given about conceal carrying and there are certainly NO bad points given about open carrying.  Other than that it was an okay article.

Mr. Dogg
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 Posted: Mon Mar 16th, 2009 07:53 am
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flounder22 wrote: WOW! fullauto, if you are the true author of this writing, please, stand up and take a bow! Very well said. You have hit the nail straight on the head!
I disagree, it could have been said much better.  I conceal carry and open carry and the time it takes to draw my weapon is virtually the same.  To me the article simply points to a "hit piece" against anyone who conceal carry's and says that those who open carry are much smarter, without any real evidence to support either opinion. 

Dustin
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 Posted: Mon Mar 16th, 2009 01:55 pm
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Imagine that, the negative post comes from a new member.

You'll never convince me you can draw as fast from UNDER your shirt, as from an OC holster. :quirky

Last edited on Mon Mar 16th, 2009 06:06 pm by Dustin

abearir
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 Posted: Mon Mar 16th, 2009 04:34 pm
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Dustin wrote: Imagine that, the negative post comes from a new member.

You'll never convince me you can draw as fast from UNDER your shirt, as from on OC holster. :quirky

I sure as heck can't.

SlackwareRobert
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 Posted: Mon Mar 16th, 2009 06:30 pm
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Maybe he OC's in a fanny pack.:X
Or he is one of those states where one thread over the gun is considered concealed.
But anyone who can draw from inside his clothes as fast as from hip, either
has my respect and admiration, or is in need of practice for being so slow
with OC draw.  Maybe it is a very tight thumb break on his holster.

But I just noticed, where is the Do Both at the same time argument.
I always CC the BUG, regardless of the main carry option.

Has anyone ever OC'd a bug?  I guess you could call a dual holster this.
But I would look funny with a tiny bug in holster on week side, and full size
one on the strong side. Plus in a firefight I would worry about grabbing for
the extra mag and grabbing the pocket gun insted.:lol:

Dual holsters with only two hands to cover both is a hinderence I think
if the BG gets within striking distance.  But I could argue that dual OC
would make him think twice, even if he grabs one gun, the other is going to
get him before he figures out the retension. Unless you advertise you can't
shoot with either hand with a cross draw on week side and normal draw
on the strong one.

deepdiver
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 Posted: Tue Mar 17th, 2009 07:03 pm
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abearir wrote: Dustin wrote: Imagine that, the negative post comes from a new member.

You'll never convince me you can draw as fast from UNDER your shirt, as from on OC holster. :quirky

I sure as heck can't.
Well, that does depend on how one CCs.  I prefer to CC with a cover garment such as a jacket of some type.  In warmer weather when CC I tend to wear a t-shirt with a light, unbuttoned short sleeve shirt over it.  The time difference in drawing from OC vs CC and pushing back a sports coat to reach the same holster in the same location is likely insignificant.  On the other hand, when I have to more deeply CC I personally cannot draw as quickly or smoothly as I can otherwise.

fullauto223cal
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 Posted: Wed Mar 18th, 2009 08:29 am
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Mr. Dogg,

You stated that, “There are NO good points given about conceal[ed] carrying and there are certainly NO bad points given about open carrying.

“If the ARMED CITIZEN thinks he would be better served in a temporary social environment to have his weapon concealed then by all means do so.”

On the contrary Mr. Dogg, I think there are certain times and reasons why concealed carry is necessary from a social standpoint.  I give a few examples of this.  I stress social standpoint because in the following section “The Case for Open Carry” I argue against the “so called” tactical advantage in a combat and confrontation standpoint.

I was lucky enough to finally obtain a position as a police officer within the last year.  My department's general orders state that if I choose to carry my weapon off duty it must be concealed at all times.  I also have a Tennessee HCP but though my permit allows open carry I cannot disobey my general orders.  Even if I were allowed to open carry off duty I would choose not to, WHY?  It has nothing to do with tactical this or that but with the different set of legal standards I exposed myself to when I took on this job.  As a peace officer I am now duty bound to respond to life threating situations and as I am required to have credientals (badge/ID) on while carrying off duty I would have no choice if I open carried.  Citizens who can may flee from a shooting but, though I'm not going to run headlong into a gun battle without assessing the situation, I can't.

I also like the idea of open carry because it takes the guessing out of who's armed in any given situation.  I haven't come across one thug yet who was even wearing a cheap "Uncle Mike's" holster, much less a Blackhawk Serpa.  Bottom line is this, I don't worry about the gun I CAN see, I worry about the gun I DON'T see.

Last edited on Wed Mar 18th, 2009 08:45 am by fullauto223cal

SlackwareRobert
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 Posted: Wed Mar 18th, 2009 03:30 pm
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So have you complained about the policies, and keep going up the food chain
till you get it fixed.  Write your representatives, it is thier job to fix constituents
problems with government stupidity.  I thought unions were supposed to fight
for your rights?

Here is a thought for you....
OC your friends weapon then you will not violate you employment agreement.
Or travel out of city/county/state, they can't touch you outside your jurisdiction.
The more times you excercise your rights the easier it will be to show that you
are being denied them.

But if you except a job that restricts your rights, then it is on yourself to remedy
the problem. I certainly will not mind more gun rights for everyone and hope
you succeed.  But it will be an uphill battle the politico's at the top are the problem.

But you should be gratefull, the majority of gun battles take place where we are
not even allowed to have a gun with us, and you are exempt from those laws.




Last edited on Wed Mar 18th, 2009 03:57 pm by SlackwareRobert

Sonora Rebel
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 Posted: Wed Mar 18th, 2009 03:55 pm
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As a cop... (having been one) the Department can even limit your 'brand' of off-duty weapon and restrict you to 'Departmentally issued ammo' only.  If the Department requires CC only... then that's pretty much it.   As a cop... you have no need for a CCW/CWP 'cause the badge takes precedence.  It just goes with the job.


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