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....

 

[cchoukal]

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

And give us the full report; was it burning to the ground?

 

[Teillard]

And give us the full report; was it burning to the ground?

Nope...not literally, right now anyway, but if you call big employers leaving (just to name one thing), that is kind of a dumpster fire...

 

[cchoukal]

Nope...not literally, right now anyway, but if you call big employers leaving (just to name one thing), that is kind of a dumpster fire...

Such as?

 

[Teillard]

This is weird...Defending Portland, OR has become a trigger for some folks, I'm finding, and I have no dog in the fight. I was just driving thru on my way to the coast, honest, and it was a pit (so were a lot of the towns on the way, btw, that weren't even 20 years ago). but since you asked I googled it...and you seem to be on to something...it's not just Portland, its the whole state of Oregon. But OPR had interesting things to say too...

The Departure of Oregon Companies Speaks to a Bigger Problem for the State

How much faith can one retain in the local workforce when Oregon’s fourth and eighth grade test scores for reading and writing are among the nation’s worst?

www.wweek.com

Portland troop deployment sparks mixed reactions across Oregon

As Portland fights against troops, some outsiders welcome an intervention.

www.opb.org

 

[pgg]

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.

There's a compelling Constitutional argument for some form of carry, either open or concealed, or both. And indeed SCOTUS has commented on this in the past.

I'm not a fan of open carry (of handguns) but I wouldn't go so far as to make it illegal. Broadly speaking, in the context of self defense, I think the practice is unwise and counterproductive. My personal opinion is that when it comes to handguns, concealed is far more practical. Open carry obviously advertises the presence of a gun, which might be a deterrent, but can draw unwanted and unkind attention as well. This is the polar opposite of the purpose of carrying a weapon for self defense. Concealed carry is simple and practical in every place where it's legal to possess a firearm. It fulfills the basic need for self defense and ought to be the default self-defense right, IMO. I favor legal concealed carry everywhere[1], and probably federally-mandated national reciprocity for state-issued permits (same as a driver's license).

Persons exercising their right to open carry are often doing it as a part of exercising their right to assembly and free speech. They're carrying for the express purpose of being seen carrying. The guys who carry AR15s into Starbucks aren't doing so because they're actually worried about being attacked, they're doing it to get on the news and draw attention to their 2A advocacy. I think they're dumb, but being dumb in public shouldn't be a crime unless it creates a hazard to other people and their property.

I don't think banning open carry of long guns should pass Constitutional review, since the core of the right is to keep and bear arms. The 2A doesn't actually say anything about self-defense (or deer hunting, or Olympic competition, or recreation) although SCOTUS has ruled that those rights are implied and protected. If there's any meaning or teeth to the Amendment that preserves the right of armed resistance to tyranny, the people who keep the arms have got to be able to load them, carry them outside their homes, and freely assemble with other people doing the same.

I understand there are people who don't think any of that should be legal, but their remedy is also right there in the Constitution: amend or repeal the 2nd Amendment.



[1] with some limited and notable exceptions, e.g. sterile areas of airports, courthouses etc - locations where security is present and actually has a duty to protect the unarmed people inside

 

[dannyboy1]

There's a compelling Constitutional argument for some form of carry, either open or concealed, or both. And indeed SCOTUS has commented on this in the past.

I'm not a fan of open carry (of handguns) but I wouldn't go so far as to make it illegal. Broadly speaking, in the context of self defense, I think the practice is unwise and counterproductive. My personal opinion is that when it comes to handguns, concealed is far more practical. Open carry obviously advertises the presence of a gun, which might be a deterrent, but can draw unwanted and unkind attention as well. This is the polar opposite of the purpose of carrying a weapon for self defense. Concealed carry is simple and practical in every place where it's legal to possess a firearm. It fulfills the basic need for self defense and ought to be the default self-defense right, IMO. I favor legal concealed carry everywhere[1], and probably federally-mandated national reciprocity for state-issued permits (same as a driver's license).

Persons exercising their right to open carry are often doing it as a part of exercising their right to assembly and free speech. They're carrying for the express purpose of being seen carrying. The guys who carry AR15s into Starbucks aren't doing so because they're actually worried about being attacked, they're doing it to get on the news and draw attention to their 2A advocacy. I think they're dumb, but being dumb in public shouldn't be a crime unless it creates a hazard to other people and their property.

I don't think banning open carry of long guns should pass Constitutional review, since the core of the right is to keep and bear arms. The 2A doesn't actually say anything about self-defense (or deer hunting, or Olympic competition, or recreation) although SCOTUS has ruled that those rights are implied and protected. If there's any meaning or teeth to the Amendment that preserves the right of armed resistance to tyranny, the people who keep the arms have got to be able to load them, carry them outside their homes, and freely assemble with other people doing the same.

I understand there are people who don't think any of that should be legal, but their remedy is also right there in the Constitution: amend or repeal the 2nd Amendment.



[1] with some limited and notable exceptions, e.g. sterile areas of airports, courthouses etc - locations where security is present and actually has a duty to protect the unarmed people inside

By this logic I should be able to own jet fighters and nuclear weapons.

 

[pgg]

By this logic I should be able to own jet fighters and nuclear weapons.

Typical.

Can't have any discussion about the topic without someone making ridiculous WMD false equivalences.

 

[arkgal]

I live in an open-carry state and I've never seen it, not once. Most gun owners have enough common sense not to draw that kind of attention to themselves, nor do they want it. I suspect most businesses wouldn't allow it. Open-carry isn't practical for everyday use in a modern society, unless you are a rancher and have to fend off things like cyotes and what not, but you probably would be using shot guns and rifles. Again, open carry isn't practical.

 

[BLADEMDA]

The reason I prefer (strongly) CCW (concealed carry weapons) permits is that at least some level of training and education has been documented.
This will at least give some basic training and education to those seeking self-defense weapons. "Well Regulated" means good training so any citizen seeking a gun should demonstrate a basic proficiency with that weapon and an understanding of the laws in their state. For example, you can't point your gun in threatening manner at anyone. You can't carry the gun at a school or post office. You should try to diffuse the situation and preferably withdraw from a hostile interaction if possible.

 

[BLADEMDA]

I carry in condition 3 (as shown in the video). The odds I will ever need to discharge my pistol are very low. When I carry 380 or 9mm it is in condition 3. Most of the time I carry a 38 special revolver.