This differs from State to State, but if legal do you? It's been legal here in Wisconsin forever, but fairly rare. I do open carry when Hiking, Fishing, or just kicking around in my own woods but do not in the towns or cities. I have seen people doing it to make a statement about support for the Second Amendment and a few times simple minded people trying to look like they were bad. What are your feelings?
Open Carry?
- Thread starter Tangof1!
- Start date
PieterCoetzee
Custom
Im not a fan. Sure maybe while hunting because Im carrying a rifle but NOT while hiking, there are too many Karens on the trails and its not worth the headache
It gives a tactical advantage (surprise) away. I just dont see the point
It gives a tactical advantage (surprise) away. I just dont see the point
Annihilator
Hellion
It’s legal in Ohio, but to me it just makes it easier for someone to try to get it off you unless your holster has some kind of retention
HayesGreener
Ronin
On the ranch and when hunting and fishing. Otherwise, no. I don't think it's usually a good idea in public. It is provocative and singles you out for attention you probably don't want.
OldGrunt
Professional
I open carry on my own property all the time. I live in the country. My neighbors know I open carry, they see me and talk with me all the time. They don't care or seem upset about it. Some of them also open carry on their property. My mailman sees me open carry and he gives me a thumbs up. I don't care what a stranger coming on my property might think. Going to town, now that's different. I carry concealed.
Retired Bum
Elite
Whether legal or not, I never wanted to be the bad guys center of attention. My first agenda of an armed encounter is go home in one piece
PieterCoetzee
Custom
I sorta expect guys on a ranch to open carry but it needs to be a Peacemaker
HayesGreener
Ronin
I go "modern" with a 1911
Winchester67
Custom
Open carry to me is the tactical equivalent to wearing a T-Shirt with a Bullseye Front and Back that says "Shoot Me First" because that is what is going to happen when two crackheads are hopped up and decide to rob the restaurant you are in. They panic, and before you even know they are bad guys they shoot you. Very poor form in my opinion.
MY OPINION: Aside from whether its legal (and it is here in Texas), why would an "average Joe" want to give up the tactical advantage of surprise by openly carrying? I know that some feel that it makes a statement, but most of the time that I'm out and about, I don't have another person "with me" to help watch my six. That means that I'd have to spend a bunch of energy (and time) scanning behind me. I'm too old and stiff to simply turn my head anymore, so that's a bunch of effort I'd just as rather avoid.
I've tried open carry while at home and also when out working on my property. I find that waistline open carry is a nuisance. Indoors, it snags and pokes on furniture (the wife didn't like that one bit) and bangs against door frames, furniture and cabinets. Outside, much the same story, plus all the little sticks, grass and other outdoor detritus get down in the gun and holster (and down in my pants if carrying IWB). If I were to carry in a shoulder holster, that'd probably be OK. I used to carry my 7 1/2" Ruger Blackhawk in a Bianchi X-15 holster when I was a youngster on the farm. It pretty much stayed out of the way, and that'd probably work better than waistline carry does. YMMV and your experience might be different. [END OF OPINION]
I've tried open carry while at home and also when out working on my property. I find that waistline open carry is a nuisance. Indoors, it snags and pokes on furniture (the wife didn't like that one bit) and bangs against door frames, furniture and cabinets. Outside, much the same story, plus all the little sticks, grass and other outdoor detritus get down in the gun and holster (and down in my pants if carrying IWB). If I were to carry in a shoulder holster, that'd probably be OK. I used to carry my 7 1/2" Ruger Blackhawk in a Bianchi X-15 holster when I was a youngster on the farm. It pretty much stayed out of the way, and that'd probably work better than waistline carry does. YMMV and your experience might be different. [END OF OPINION]
Ethan Sackett
Elite
Moved to a state that does it. Moved up here about 20 years ago, it took a little getting use to. It has its pros and cons. Con, half of them do not use good retention holsters.
Pro's, folks don't bother you and pretty much leave you alone.
Makes you look around little more careful like.
Pro's, folks don't bother you and pretty much leave you alone.
Makes you look around little more careful like.
Jsimon78
Professional
I’m not a fan of open carry. Yeah I live in the commie state Illinois that hates us little town people. I can tell the Chicago people on how they drive in my parts and I don’t want to advertise to them folk.
I used to work with a knuckle head that thought open carry was the biggest thing since sliced bread. I told him that he was the billboard for the hood rats and should hand over his firearms to the local anti 2 crowd.
I used to work with a knuckle head that thought open carry was the biggest thing since sliced bread. I told him that he was the billboard for the hood rats and should hand over his firearms to the local anti 2 crowd.
Jsimon78
Professional
Advertising made easy for criminals. I’m creepy enough before I bring my Stuff out (yes I can carry multiple at any given time).
Muzzlestuffer
Elite
I do on occasion but here in Az not unusual mostly just throw a light Hawaiian shirt on and I'm good to go.
