10-11-2015, 02:19 AM
I started open carrying about a year ago, here in Alabama where it's legal. I carry my Xdm 45 3.8" compact in a Galco Silhouette High Ride Holster. (I absolutely love Galco holsters.)
At the time it was an individual attempt to remove the fear of the general public when they see someone open carrying. So when I would go out dressed respectfully (dress casual) I'd open carry. There's no reason to get nervous when you see someone open carrying. I'm a firm believer that the more open carriers in an area the less likely an attack/robbery is to take place.
Short of a couple of gun free zones (bank and mall) I haven't had any problems. Both times I had my xds 45acp backup on my ankle so it wasn't that big of a deal, I just put the xdm in my car and returned to business. I've had people thank me for carrying. I've had people ask me what they had to do to get a license to open carry. That always started a good conversation.
Since then I've become much more liberal about open carrying. If I'm out and not going somewhere I know I'll be given a problem (a bar where I'll carry my xds on my ankle) I'm open carrying.
As far as open carry vs concealed
1. I'd assumed be the first one targeted as opposed to the mom with her kids just trying to pick up a few groceries.
2. The most likely threat (some thug or nut job) is likely not going to be tactically sound enough to identify open carriers or even their biggest threat as they start targeting people. The thug is going to pick out the weakest target first and the nut job is going to pick out targets as they present themselves to them.
3. Every second will count with the threat that would be capable of acquiring targets according to proper priorities. I don't want to be fumbling for a concealed firearm when/if that happens.
4. There more people carrying the safer a place is, and I'm a believer that the more people that open carry the bigger the deterrent is to a potential attacker.
I'll add this little history lesson.
Up until almost the 20th century I believe, Gentlemen open carried and it was consider shady to conceal your firearm as only people with intentions did so. This was the original justification for concealed carry permits in lieu of the 2nd Amendment. The anti gun left had pushed a (successful) campaign to make open carry taboo.
At the time it was an individual attempt to remove the fear of the general public when they see someone open carrying. So when I would go out dressed respectfully (dress casual) I'd open carry. There's no reason to get nervous when you see someone open carrying. I'm a firm believer that the more open carriers in an area the less likely an attack/robbery is to take place.
Short of a couple of gun free zones (bank and mall) I haven't had any problems. Both times I had my xds 45acp backup on my ankle so it wasn't that big of a deal, I just put the xdm in my car and returned to business. I've had people thank me for carrying. I've had people ask me what they had to do to get a license to open carry. That always started a good conversation.
Since then I've become much more liberal about open carrying. If I'm out and not going somewhere I know I'll be given a problem (a bar where I'll carry my xds on my ankle) I'm open carrying.
As far as open carry vs concealed
1. I'd assumed be the first one targeted as opposed to the mom with her kids just trying to pick up a few groceries.
2. The most likely threat (some thug or nut job) is likely not going to be tactically sound enough to identify open carriers or even their biggest threat as they start targeting people. The thug is going to pick out the weakest target first and the nut job is going to pick out targets as they present themselves to them.
3. Every second will count with the threat that would be capable of acquiring targets according to proper priorities. I don't want to be fumbling for a concealed firearm when/if that happens.
4. There more people carrying the safer a place is, and I'm a believer that the more people that open carry the bigger the deterrent is to a potential attacker.
I'll add this little history lesson.
Up until almost the 20th century I believe, Gentlemen open carried and it was consider shady to conceal your firearm as only people with intentions did so. This was the original justification for concealed carry permits in lieu of the 2nd Amendment. The anti gun left had pushed a (successful) campaign to make open carry taboo.
"Those who sacrifice liberty for security, deserve neither." Benjamin Franklin