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Ayoob: Is Open-Carry Irresponsible (or the Right Move)?

After a long career as a LEO both in uniform and plain clothes, I have formed opinions. First, if you think open carry is a deterrent to criminals, consider that violent criminals bent on mayhem will attack a uniformed, armed officer. Why would you think they would not attack a civilian open carrying?

One thing is for certain: If you are open carrying where it is not commonplace, you draw attention to yourself. Ask why do you want to do that? And why are you carrying a firearm in the first place?

People who allow their ego, or their emotions to gain control of their firearm are headed for a disaster. If you are open carrying to satisfy your ego, you are on the wrong track. Put your gun and your ego away and you will get a better result.

Florida is an open carry and a constitutional carry state, except for certain places enumerated in the law. I am fine with the law. I live on a ranch and open carry all the time out here because we have a wide variety of varmints that one might encounter. My neighbors expect to see me armed. But when I head into town, I throw on a cover garment so as not to spook the townfolk. If my pistol is ever to become visible to a n'er do well with evil intent, I want my 1911 to come as a terrible surprise.

To quote an old timer, "your pistol is like your penis. Keep it covered in public and it won't get you into trouble".
 
I remember being in Tennessee a few years ago. My wife and I took a little vacation, and we were going into one of a museum at one of their historic sites. Posted on the door was a sign stating that open carry was not permitted BUT concealed carry was ENCOURAGED. I think that is a respectful, thoughtful and intelligent way of dealing with the issue. I appreciated their effort to put the regular folk at ease while being considerate of those of us who do carry. I was carrying concealed, as I do everywhere it is permitted. Closest I come to open carry is an OWB holster with a cover garment. Here in Florida, during the warmer months I may choose to do that from time to time, especially when I am mowing the front entrance to our subdivision. If I print a little bit, oh well. I am not going to lose sleep over that.
 
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