Open Carry

[BLADEMDA]

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My state, Florida, now allows Open Carry. As a Concealed Carry Weapons holder (CCW) I am not in favor of Open Carry.
With the current make-up of SCOTUS I wonder just how far the second amendment will be permitted in Blue states.

 

[BLADEMDA]

Over the past few years I have come to see the merits of some level of gun control as being both necessary and prudent. I still support the right to own and carry firearms concealed. I think everyone who owns a firearm should have proper training in its use. I may go a bit further and even support mandatory CCW to purchase and use a firearm. The problem with common sense laws is that the other side takes them too far in limiting my second amendment rights. I would not like to be subject to the laws of NY, Illinois and California for example. That said, Open Carry goes too far and isn't necessary. I just can't see myself strapped on the hip with my 357 revolver at Walmart or Target.

 

[BLADEMDA]

States Where Open Carry Is Not Allowed​

Only four states and the District of Columbia currently do not allow open carry under most conditions:

1. California: Generally prohibited; limited licenses may be issued in counties under 200,000 population and are valid only in the issuing county.
2. Florida: Open carry allowed only when engaged in fishing, camping, lawful hunting or target practice at an indoor range.*
3. Illinois
4. New York
5. Washington, D.C.

*On Sep. 10, 2025, Florida’s open carry ban was struck down by a state appeals court, which ruled the prohibition unconstitutional under the Second Amendment. While private property owners can still restrict open carry on their premises, law-abiding adults in Florida can no longer be prosecuted solely for carrying a visible firearm. However, because the statute technically remains in place until the legislature updates the law, gun owners should stay alert to any changes and exercise caution if they choose to open carry.

 

[BLADEMDA]

 

[Guillemot]

I see open carry as a necessity for preservation of our constitutional rights. There are those that prefer small arms, and for them concealed carry may be suitable. If that’s what they want to do I’m not trying to stop them. For those like myself, however, it would be unnecessarily confining to my wardrobe to try to conceal an automatic rifle, multiple magazines of ammunition, and other bulky accessories. If they want me to conceal my “back up” side arm, then whatever, but if Im actually out and about, I definitely want the capacity to lay down defensive suppressive fire. For that you need a lot of ammo and firearm with the right thermal and recoil characteristics to deliver it accurately and rapidly. A hand gun wont work for that purpose.

 

[UscGhost]

I see open carry as a necessity for preservation of our constitutional rights. There are those that prefer small arms, and for them concealed carry may be suitable. If that’s what they want to do I’m not trying to stop them. For those like myself, however, it would be unnecessarily confining to my wardrobe to try to conceal an automatic rifle, multiple magazines of ammunition, and other bulky accessories. If they want me to conceal my “back up” side arm, then whatever, but if Im actually out and about, I definitely want the capacity to lay down defensive suppressive fire. For that you need a lot of ammo and firearm with the right thermal and recoil characteristics to deliver it accurately and rapidly. A hand gun wont work for that purpose.

Lol

 

[cchoukal]

I'd be interested to know if there are any data on open vs conceal in terms of accidental shootings or related outcomes. I am inclined to think that I would prefer open carry. If you get past the optics of a bunch of people carrying guns, I might think it might be safer to know who around you is packing.

 

[GassYous]

I am disturbed by the number of federal agents moseying around in military gear and ziptieing american citizens on the street with no legal justification.

 

[UscGhost]

I'd be interested to know if there are any data on open vs conceal in terms of accidental shootings or related outcomes. I am inclined to think that I would prefer open carry. If you get past the optics of a bunch of people carrying guns, I might think it might be safer to know who around you is packing.

One thing we do know is there is a direct correlation between the number of douchebags and number of people open carrying firearms

 

[Teillard]

One thing we do know is there is a direct correlation between the number of douchebags and number of people open carrying firearms

Weird...just drove thru Portland and didn't see a single open carry....