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Opposite of concealed carry

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  • billtool

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    I open carried around town this week for the first time. Springfield Champion in a matte black 1791 paddle holster. In the past I've open carried to/from the range and maybe the errant gas station in between - but never actively had my side arm, in town, on my hip, for all the world to see.

    Frankly, I didn't care for it. I tried to act as normal but found myself almost paranoid and certainly self-conscious. I went to three or four businesses and found myself searching the front of the building looking for the magic no open carry sign. I never seem to see those no concealed signs. I'm sure they're there, but I've never seen one.

    So unless I'm at a gun event, I'm thinking concealed carry is for me. Do any of y'all open carry comfortably?
    DK Firearms
     

    Axxe55

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    Personally, I always conceal carry, but don't oppose or think any different of anyone that wants to open carry. I just don't feel comfortable personally.

    But after some of the events of last year, and some anti-gun snowflake liberals getting their drawers in wad over open carry, I might re-think that!
     

    majormadmax

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    So unless I'm at a gun event, I'm thinking concealed carry is for me. Do any of y'all open carry comfortably?

    All the time, for over five years now. Has never been an issue nor do I worry about it. I guess that is what I love about Texas, there is no irrational fear over the mere sight of a firearm.

    And there is no rational reason to be afraid of it either! Most of your concerns are mentally self-inflicted. It's rare anyone notices, and never have I had anyone make a big deal about it. And there is absolutely no evidence that it makes someone a target. That kinda hype is from the anti-gun crowd. Educate yourself and don't fall for it.

    But the beauty of it is no one is forcing you to OC...
     

    CodyK

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    All my holsters are OWB, and I usually have my shirt untucked and covering it. But I just don’t worry if it doesn’t, or if I’m “printing”. Walked around the grocery store the other day, and when I went to check out I noticed my shirt was tucked behind the holster. No one said anything.


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    TexasRedneck

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    I OC routinely, and find that once I got used to it, I didn't give it a second thought. You quickly find yourself looking for 30.07 signs as part of your SITREP, so it becomes second nature. Whether you like it or not is simply your choice.
     

    billtool

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    All the time, for over five years now. Has never been an issue nor do I worry about it. I guess that is what I love about Texas, there is no irrational fear over the mere sight of a firearm.

    And there is no rational reason to be afraid of it either! Most of your concerns are mentally self-inflicted. It's rare anyone notices, and never have I had anyone make a big deal about it. And there is absolutely no evidence that it makes someone a target. That kinda hype is from the anti-gun crowd. Educate yourself and don't fall for it.

    But the beauty of it is no one is forcing you to OC...
    I assure you - I'm quite well educated regarding liberal trope and don't assume otherwise. I can assure you as well, nothing scares me and I didn't indicate that in my post. My paranoia stemmed from just that split second where I move from condition yellow and as a result find it necessary to physically stop someone from accessing my open carry firearm. If it can be seen, it's a potential target for predators. No different than leaving your keys in the ignition or a $20,000 Rolex on your wrist.
     

    TexasRedneck

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    If it can be seen, it's a potential target for predators. No different than leaving your keys in the ignition or a $20,000 Rolex on your wrist.

    It's a LOT different - those keys or watch aren't gonna shoot you for trying to take them. I've seen people killed over a $100 pair of shoes - to a predator, anything can be a "potential target". That gun might just make them inclined to find a softer target.
     

    billtool

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    I do see your point and don’t disagree with the deterrence factor. But dumb evil people do dumb evil things. Is it better to advertise- “don’t screw with me” or not? I’m conflicted. I’ll try it more and see where I shake out.
     

    Haystack

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    I have to CC at work, so CC is my normal. But on weekends, holidays, and other times when I didn't go in to work I have open carried a lot. Grocery store, auto parts store, barber shop, hardware store, gas station, etc are all places I have open carried. Most people don't even notice. Those that do either nod politely, or shrink back a bit. A few have even asked me about getting their license and I have had the opportunity to help them.

    I won't poke at anybody over their decision to conceal, or open carry. To each his own. But if you are going to carry openly, try to be a good ambassador for the LTC members.
     
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    TexasRedneck

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    I do see your point and don’t disagree with the deterrence factor. But dumb evil people do dumb evil things. Is it better to advertise- “don’t screw with me” or not? I’m conflicted. I’ll try it more and see where I shake out.

    I'm not as concerned with any possible "deterrence factor" as I am immediate access. I've seen too many folks do stupid stuff in plain sight of a uniformed cop who then said "I didn't see you!". Perps get tunnel vision as much as good folk.
     

    majormadmax

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    I assure you - I'm quite well educated regarding liberal trope and don't assume otherwise. I can assure you as well, nothing scares me and I didn't indicate that in my post. My paranoia stemmed from just that split second where I move from condition yellow and as a result find it necessary to physically stop someone from accessing my open carry firearm. If it can be seen, it's a potential target for predators. No different than leaving your keys in the ignition or a $20,000 Rolex on your wrist.

    If a person's situational awareness is so bad that someone could access their open firearm without your knowledge, maybe they shouldn't be carrying a firearm at all!

    Texas has had open carry for over five years, please provide evidence of that happening once during that timeframe?

    But again, no one is forcing anyone to OC; but claiming there is a greater risk in doing so without providing any evidence to support it is pure nonsense. As I said, it is an irrational fear not supported by facts!
     

    Younggun

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    If a person's situational awareness is so bad that someone could access their open firearm without your knowledge, maybe they should work to increase their situational awareness!


    I think this is a better solution. It’s generally the lefties that want to say who should or shouldn’t carry.


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    Younggun

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    My original question was whether folks here open carry comfortably. I sure as hell don’t have to justify my opinion to you or anyone else.

    I have a few times. Never felt uncomfortable.

    But I don’t wear belts often so concealed fits better with what I usually wear. I just quit caring if my shirt gets hung above the grip.


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    John Galt

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    If a person's situational awareness is so bad that someone could access their open firearm without your knowledge, maybe they shouldn't be carrying a firearm at all!

    Texas has had open carry for over five years, please provide evidence of that happening once during that timeframe?

    But again, no one is forcing anyone to OC; but claiming there is a greater risk in doing so without providing any evidence to support it is pure nonsense. As I said, it is an irrational fear not supported by facts!


     
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