Florid legislature is trying to pass an open carry law. I don't have anything against it but I think the practice is unwise.
Open Carry
- Thread starter MaxMan
- Start date
Are you saying 'unwise' due to being the target of a gun grabber(part of carrying a gun is maintaining control of the gun), gathering disdaining responses from other people(personally, I don't give a damn what someone else thinks) or being targeted by LEO who wish to discourage ANYONE from being armed (keep the recorder function of your phone handy and tell the fuzz you're recording their actions)?
IMHO, open carry may be 'unwise' in some locations. One big difference is how many folks engage in OC. The more, the better. If one person open carries, it results in unwanted attention. If one THOUSAND open carry, it's totally different.
MO has always been OC in most places and is now 'Constitutional concealed carry'. Neither of these has caused the highly touted 'gunfights in the streets'.
I often OC especially in summer. One would surprised just how few people pay enough attention to notice a discretely holstered handgun. I do notice and the number of citizens(both male and female) with a holster on their belt would surprise some folks.
IMHO, open carry may be 'unwise' in some locations. One big difference is how many folks engage in OC. The more, the better. If one person open carries, it results in unwanted attention. If one THOUSAND open carry, it's totally different.
MO has always been OC in most places and is now 'Constitutional concealed carry'. Neither of these has caused the highly touted 'gunfights in the streets'.
I often OC especially in summer. One would surprised just how few people pay enough attention to notice a discretely holstered handgun. I do notice and the number of citizens(both male and female) with a holster on their belt would surprise some folks.
OP
I was thinking more of a situation where a bad guy shoots the guy with a gun first. Concealed carry gives the armed person the advantage of surprise or at least a choice to engage or not.
GunnyGene
Hawkeye
Federal and State/Local laws are one thing. Personal decisions are quite another. I prefer that .gov stay out of the latter altogether regarding carry preferences and firearms, or other weapons. I fired my nanny a long time ago.
GunnyGene
Hawkeye
BTW, here's what happens when a State, such as FL, passes permitless concealed carry. The same thing will happen with open carry.
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/m...g-in-florida-after-enacting-permitless-carry/
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/m...g-in-florida-after-enacting-permitless-carry/
The reality so far is it really won't change anything.... couple years ago SC started allowing open carry if you had a permit.... the only time I saw someone doing this was when I saw my reflection in a window a few months back when I went back home and was with some friends and we ran into a restaurant in the rain and I forgot to cover up. Now S.C. has some limited 'constitutional carry' to a degree for everyone... to a degree... and I have yet to see one person open carrying. When they were fixing to pass this, I was with two very left wing socialist friends who were wetting their pants over it and I had to point out that 28 other states already had it and the streets weren't running in blood.
Constitutional Carry: Anyone can carry open or concealed anywhere.... as long as they meet certain federal and state requirements and as long as they don't do it in the following list of places.... and the list is a mile long.
Constitutional Carry: Anyone can carry open or concealed anywhere.... as long as they meet certain federal and state requirements and as long as they don't do it in the following list of places.... and the list is a mile long.
"I was thinking more of a situation where a bad guy shoots the guy with a gun first."
Another reason for having MORE open carry. On the other hand, just how many instances have been reported where an OC was shot by a bad guy who noticed the OC gun? I don't know this answer.
My response is not to look/act like a 'wild west gunfighter'. A discrete open carry is significantly less provocative than some I've seen. I live in a distinctly rural area where having/carrying a firearm is no big deal.
Another reason for having MORE open carry. On the other hand, just how many instances have been reported where an OC was shot by a bad guy who noticed the OC gun? I don't know this answer.
My response is not to look/act like a 'wild west gunfighter'. A discrete open carry is significantly less provocative than some I've seen. I live in a distinctly rural area where having/carrying a firearm is no big deal.
Pál_K
Guns. I has it.
I have nothing to add other than to say I haven't heard the charming term "fuzz" for quite a while.
Dang. Just when I was trying to perfect this look:
I see both sides. Certainly open carry is a better deterrent, and cops won't shoot you on sight like they have with concealed. Also slightly quicker access. For me it makes the most sense. However I do not dismiss Mobuck's statements lightly. If one is going to OC, one must stay sharp and aware at all times.
fiasconva
Blackhawk
I see open carry around here all the time. With all the military, plain clothes detectives, and security it's pretty common. The only negative reaction I've see was last year in church when a plain clothes detective walked in wearing a nice polo shirt and slacks with his firearm and badge on his belt. Two elderly ladies in front of me started freaking out, saying, "He has a gun. I'm scared." I leaned forward and said, "He is a police officer. Look at his badge. He's probably on duty and taking personal time to go to church this morning." One of them said, "Oh ok. I feel a little better now. But it's still scary." I told her, "You're a lot safer now than you were before he walked in here. "
Samantha Barrios wrote:
"Law enforcement now won't be able to identify a criminal from someone who has gone through a background check and training to carry a gun in public"
That is utter nonsense. If police stop someone for PC (probable cause) they HAVE A RADIO to check them. If there's no PC, there's no reason to know if someone went through a background check or the minimalist "training" to satisfy Florida statutes.
"Law enforcement now won't be able to identify a criminal from someone who has gone through a background check and training to carry a gun in public"
That is utter nonsense. If police stop someone for PC (probable cause) they HAVE A RADIO to check them. If there's no PC, there's no reason to know if someone went through a background check or the minimalist "training" to satisfy Florida statutes.
I feel compelled to add this tidbit: How one dresses and their demeanor has some bearing on how open carry is perceived by others.
Now and then I see 'clowns with guns' who attract attention. Right after MO passed Constitutional carry, one such actor could be seen prowling the aisles at Walmart or just 'hanging out' outside the entrance with some sort of semi-auto in an el-cheapo nylon holster flopping on his hip as he strutted around. HE ATTRACTED ATTENTION.
I'm just an old geezer but I generally change from grubby farming/work clothes to 'town wear' before leaving home. That and the fact that I'm comfortable with carrying a gun and don't 'make a show' of carrying seems to give the general public the idea that I'm legitimate in carrying my handgun even if it's noticed. The person who's constantly adjusting or fidgetting with their carry is going to attract unwanted attention/suspicion.
Now and then I see 'clowns with guns' who attract attention. Right after MO passed Constitutional carry, one such actor could be seen prowling the aisles at Walmart or just 'hanging out' outside the entrance with some sort of semi-auto in an el-cheapo nylon holster flopping on his hip as he strutted around. HE ATTRACTED ATTENTION.
I'm just an old geezer but I generally change from grubby farming/work clothes to 'town wear' before leaving home. That and the fact that I'm comfortable with carrying a gun and don't 'make a show' of carrying seems to give the general public the idea that I'm legitimate in carrying my handgun even if it's noticed. The person who's constantly adjusting or fidgetting with their carry is going to attract unwanted attention/suspicion.
GunnyGene
Hawkeye
That's absolutely true and my experience also. :)
GasGuzzler
Hawkeye
This again...?
Let people do what they want as long as it's moral.
Let people do what they want as long as it's moral.
My personal opinion is I like allowing 'open carry' for the simple reason it allows some latitude when carrying concealed. I prefer to stay concealed but really don't want the stress if someone can figure out the 'print' or if my shirt or cover garment rises up.
Here is the problem I have with the public's view of guns.... they have been brain washed into just accepting that it is okay for a government employee to carry but not a common citizen. There was a time in this country, all be it a long time ago, when the populous was not comfortable with those from the government being armed. In fact if you think about it, that is how the country got started......
Here is the problem I have with the public's view of guns.... they have been brain washed into just accepting that it is okay for a government employee to carry but not a common citizen. There was a time in this country, all be it a long time ago, when the populous was not comfortable with those from the government being armed. In fact if you think about it, that is how the country got started......
Sounds familiar, they just can't understand...
Trooper Joe
Single-Sixer
When I was a detective with a state agency, we had a rule that our guns could not be in plain view (ie., open carry). I have been retired 35 years and still comply with those guideline's when armed. I respect the non-gun citizens feelings about being nervous when they see open carry. I would hope they respect my feelings about being served a meal in a restaurant with someone with a ring in their nose (I may be losing that battle).
Trooper Joe
Trooper Joe
I'm in favor of it, to eliminate have police called because my, otherwise concealed, firearm, was seen when my shirt, jacket or other cover, exposed the gun on my belt. This was a case I heard of when I first moved to FL, & the person was fined for it. I think the case could have been handled as "Move along, nothing to see here", with open carry.
fiasconva
Blackhawk
Mobuck, of all the open carriers I've seen in this area over the years I can only recall two that weren't professional looking. One was some guy in Walmart wearing baggy sweatpants with a sagging belt wrapped his waist, old beat up cheap holster, and carrying a nice revolver that was about to fall out of it. The other one was a guy with his gun showing because he had pulled his sweatshirt up over it. This was in the local mall that prohibits guns on the premises, another gun free zone.
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Speaking of choices- a slight hijack / observation: I have been in several places where there is open carry and ( again, just my experience) that in more rural areas I see a lot of folks "loaded for bear". .357s, .45s, .44s, and I even saw an old navy .41. In more urban and suburban areas people are mostly carrying 9mm, .380 revolvers ( A LOT of Taurus, of which even I am not a fan), and even some .22s.
I can understand the rural folks-sort of. They may have to defend against non-human adversaries. While I happen to like smaller handguns, I still don't understand the almost complete differences in different areas.
Interesting observation but I suspect you are right... don't quite know the answer but I'd suspect it is almost the difference between revolver and semi-auto.
Somebody needs to do a serious survey on this, even break it down per state and region. We need the federal government to get involved... maybe that Center for Disease Control could do it?
(hope y'all realize the last was a joke)
Somebody needs to do a serious survey on this, even break it down per state and region. We need the federal government to get involved... maybe that Center for Disease Control could do it?
(hope y'all realize the last was a joke)
Answer to post #21. I suspect what a person carries are biased on many factors. Selling firearms sure opened my eyes to some people's ideas of what they want and why. Sometimes it defied logic or common sense.
It is interesting what people choose or think is best.... but who am I to judge... well I still do to a degree.... friend of mine on the safety committee at church found out I owned a Walther PPK and he has alway wanted one...probably growing up like me with James Bond and the first 5 or 10 movies... (sex in a holster) I loaned him mine and tried to discourage him but he bought it off of me any way.... since he carries a Glock I tried to steer him towards an Sig P365 that is striker fired for a smaller carry gun or back up but he wanted that PPK... even bragged on showing me the cuts on the top of his hand from practicing with it....
HumphreyDaBear
Bearcat
I live in a rural area in the Midwest. When I carry, it’s either a .357 Mag., .44 Mag or .45 ACP, full size guns, no compacts. I only carry wearing cross draw holsters with a long shirt covering as much as can be expected. Never blatantly open, so while not ‘open’ there is a certain amount of imprinting present during the warmer months. I do occasionally see the ‘clown type’ strutting around in an open carry mode, ignored by most people, quietly snickered at by the rest. And at other times people open carrying, but carrying themselves low key, being ignored by people.
Be subtle, be courteous and, at least where I reside, people don’t panic in the presence of an exposed firearm.
I have noticed that weekend visitors from a neighboring state seem a bit culture shocked by the locals carrying firearms when they see them exposed. Must be from not living in a Pro 2A state like I live in...thankfully.
It’s constitutional carry / open carry in the state I live in.
At least this is my experience so far
Be subtle, be courteous and, at least where I reside, people don’t panic in the presence of an exposed firearm.
I have noticed that weekend visitors from a neighboring state seem a bit culture shocked by the locals carrying firearms when they see them exposed. Must be from not living in a Pro 2A state like I live in...thankfully.
It’s constitutional carry / open carry in the state I live in.
At least this is my experience so far
Wow, now exercising one's rights makes you a clown. There's no hope for the continuing fight to preserve our rights if some folks get judgy and insulting.
And the only time I carry open if in the field. But open carry is restricted here. If you are blessed to live where it is unrestricted and choose to do so, thanks for exercising your rights it may help those of us still fighting for ours.
And the only time I carry open if in the field. But open carry is restricted here. If you are blessed to live where it is unrestricted and choose to do so, thanks for exercising your rights it may help those of us still fighting for ours.
HumphreyDaBear
Bearcat
No Jeepnik, open carry does not make a person a clown. But carrying openly in an accentuating manner (such as resting your hand on it constantly, in a box store by the way) to be sure others see you are carrying a firearm Probably does not help exude comfort to some people who have anxiety in our current social environment! especially where firearms are concerned.
And if I choose to use the phrase ‘clown type’ in an abbreviated description of this particular individual, that would be excercising my First Amendment rights(that’s another right they are trying to extinguish). If read in in the complete context it was meant to be written in such a manner as to serve as an explanatory example in an illuminated context, not as an insult.
If you don’t mind me asking, in regards to the instance I referenced, were you there? Did you see the other shoppers looks?
If you don’t like living in a restricted carry state why not get involved in helping organizations that are championing a pro 2A candidate, or volunteering for pro 2A candidates running for office. That’s where the fight truly exists, not with a post I make.
Since you do not know me or my core beliefs, it’s interesting you mentioned getting judgy and insulting, rather judge mental IMO.
Have a great day...
And if I choose to use the phrase ‘clown type’ in an abbreviated description of this particular individual, that would be excercising my First Amendment rights(that’s another right they are trying to extinguish). If read in in the complete context it was meant to be written in such a manner as to serve as an explanatory example in an illuminated context, not as an insult.
If you don’t mind me asking, in regards to the instance I referenced, were you there? Did you see the other shoppers looks?
If you don’t like living in a restricted carry state why not get involved in helping organizations that are championing a pro 2A candidate, or volunteering for pro 2A candidates running for office. That’s where the fight truly exists, not with a post I make.
Since you do not know me or my core beliefs, it’s interesting you mentioned getting judgy and insulting, rather judge mental IMO.
Have a great day...
Mia culpa. I'm sure your a fine fellow.
We all judge, the important thing is to recognize it and realize that we can at times be wrong .... It's just human nature and is actually probably part of our DNA left over from when we had to in order to protect ourselves.
As for the clown type... I know where you are coming from.... and heck I've probably could have been one of them at some times in the past.... and maybe in the future....
Here's me a few Winters ago with one of my hobbies.... and I've been know to go into town wearing my 'fruit cake' overalls....
As for the clown type... I know where you are coming from.... and heck I've probably could have been one of them at some times in the past.... and maybe in the future....
Here's me a few Winters ago with one of my hobbies.... and I've been know to go into town wearing my 'fruit cake' overalls....
"I can understand the rural folks-sort of. They may have to defend against non-human adversaries."
First off, I don't live in 'large predator' country. At times, I've carried a 357 revolver but lately, just carry a convenient sized 22lr on my person. I'm older and don't take a lot of long hikes away from a vehicle which carries a rifle. I've never felt 'under gunned' in any of the close confrontations I've had and most of the varmints I met didn't fare well. Although I don't recommend a 22 for primary SD, I contend that a 22 within reach is better than a 357 or 44 left at home.
First off, I don't live in 'large predator' country. At times, I've carried a 357 revolver but lately, just carry a convenient sized 22lr on my person. I'm older and don't take a lot of long hikes away from a vehicle which carries a rifle. I've never felt 'under gunned' in any of the close confrontations I've had and most of the varmints I met didn't fare well. Although I don't recommend a 22 for primary SD, I contend that a 22 within reach is better than a 357 or 44 left at home.
