Open Carry
Started by 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.
States Where Open Carry Is Not Allowed
Only four states and the District of Columbia currently do not allow open carry under most conditions:- California: Generally prohibited; limited licenses may be issued in counties under 200,000 population and are valid only in the issuing county.
- Florida: Open carry allowed only when engaged in fishing, camping, lawful hunting or target practice at an indoor range.*
- Illinois
- New York
- Washington, D.C.
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
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.
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.
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....
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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...
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...
www.wweek.com
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?
Portland troop deployment sparks mixed reactions across Oregon
As Portland fights against troops, some outsiders welcome an intervention.
www.opb.org
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
Typical.
Can't have any discussion about the topic without someone making ridiculous WMD false equivalences.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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I don’t say this disrespectfully, but I’ve never understood condition 3 carry. My own training and tactics dictate that if my gun is coming out, I need to go to work right now and I don’t need any other distractions. Whats your plan if you’re in close, physically fighting, and it’s escalated to lethal force? In these scenarios, you are unlikely to have both hands available at the wrong time.
My handguns are condition 1 at all times (I only own striker fire pistols without thumb safeties). Draw, fire, reholster drills have been drilled into me over years and thousands upon thousands of exercises and are second nature.
If you are committed to condition 3, I would hope that you train extensively with draw/rack drills to the point that you can’t draw without racking. Remember, vapor lock, auditory shutdown, loss of peripheral vision, and loss of dexterity in lethal scenarios are VERY real even for those who are good at stress management.
To the original point…. I find open carry to be tactically ignorant. I would much rather take a step back and evaluate what’s in front of me before taking action. Open carry would put a spotlight on me that I don’t want and dramatically reduce my ability to complete the OODA loop…
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Us non gun folk zealot folk don't know what any of that crap means but it sounds like you know what you are doing. People who open carry look like dorks.
He mentioned condition 3 so I rolled with it. Condition 3 is loaded mag, nothing in the chamber, so you have to rack it to fire. Condition 1 is loaded mag and 1 in the chamber.. pull it out, pull the trigger, bang..
Sorry, lol
Many of them are more interested in what their gun is saying to others about them, than in having a useful weapon for self defense. It's an act of speech and demonstration to a large degree. Part of a costume in a performance.
While there's something to be said for publicly exercising a right simply to exercise it, many/most of us (people who carry some or all of the time) think they're dorks too. There are circumstances where it's practical, but most of those circumstances aren't out in public where it draws attention.
A good number of them are obnoxious dorks too, thinking they're advocates for 2A and carry rights, but actually doing far more damage than aid to the cause. The Starbucks open carry meets, complete with slung tacticol AR15s, are a great example of that.
While I can only speak for myself I prefer safety over readiness. The odds I will ever need to use my firearm against another person are very low, so low that I prefer safety over readiness. For me that means condition 3 carry (no bullet in the chamber). If the IDF recommends condition 3 for most of its units that is good enough for me. I am sure there are plenty of experienced gun owners who choose to carry in Condition 1 but that isn't me.
Most of the time when I carry a firearm I have a revolver (I own quite a few).
Most of the time when I carry a firearm I have a revolver (I own quite a few).
You mention "basic training". Would you let an anesthesiologist with basic training maybe 5 hours total intubate your child?
Not exactly an apples to apples comparison, but also invalid because an anesthesiologist has thousands of hours of experience. Maybe you mean to say an anesthesia resident with 5 hours of experience?
5 hours is sufficient for an adult to learn how to safety handle and shoot a firearm. More is needed for proficiency, but the basics can be taught in less time. 5 hours is more than the vast majority of service members receive because most never use a firearm again after basic training.
No one has a constitutionally enumerated civil right to intubate my child.
Course Name: Introduction to Handgun Course (HI)
Course Brief: This 4 Hour class is designed to teach the student the basic knowledge and attitudes necessary for selecting, owning, and using the pistol of their choice safely and effectively. Topics covered include: Safe gun handling, weapon selection, firearm nomenclature and manipulation, ammunition options and applications, storage & maintenance, fundamentals of pistol shooting including, grip options, stance options, sighting fundamentals, and trigger control. This class will qualify students to apply for a Florida Concealed Weapon or Firearm License.Course Level: Introductory
Cost: $150
Length: 4 Hours
Ammunition Required: 75-100 rounds
Equipment Required: None. Handgun, and Eye & Ear Protection Rental are Included in the Course Fees
If you don't have a handgun, handgun rental is provided at no additional cost and you will have the opportunity to try multiple guns including revolvers and semi-automatic pistols. If you will be using the range's rental guns you must purchase your ammunition at the range as they only allow their ammunition to be shot through their guns. The ammunition is sold in preset packages of 75-100 rounds which you can purchase when you check in for class.
My wife has taken the basic handgun course twice and she told me that her plan is to take it a third time soon. I encourage her to practice with her pistol at the range once per year and carry a small, lightweight revolver for self defense. CCW is not just about being legal but rather being safe with whatever firearm you choose to use.
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This is the type of gun I prefer to Carry concealed in my state. There are many other choices out there but I prefer simple, effective, close range protection. I hope that I will never use this weapon on another human being in my lifetime but that doesn't negate my responsibility to be a safe gun owner.
14.4 ounces
14.4 ounces
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My wife Carries a 22 Magnum Smith and Wesson revolver for self defense. This was an expensive pistol but it is very lightweight (11.4 ounces) and shoots a 22 magnum load rather than a 38 special making it easier for a woman to handle the gun more effectively. This pistol fits into her purse and she can practice with it.
Ruger SP101 Review | Is this the best 357 Magnum Revolver?
The Ruger SP101 is a fantastic reveolver offering. If you are in the marketing for a decent size pistol with a lot of function look no further.
lynxdefense.com
I typically Carry and practice with 38 and 38 special caliber rounds even with my 357 magnum pistols. The Ruger Pistols are built like tanks but heavy guns. I own several of them. The SP101 is one of my favorite close range handguns.
I like 9mm rounds as well and own HK, Beretta etc in 9mm. My aim with the 357 and 45 caliber rounds just isn't good enough to use those guns for Concealed Carry but they can stop a raging Meth maniac in his/her tracks.
If all you need or want is home defense then a shot gun or pistol would be adequate. Still, you need some practice time with the weapon so you know how to use it properly and effectively in a crisis.
Yes i meant anesthesia resident. 5 hours in the OR. Would you let them intubate your baby who has epiglottitis? Simple question. Yes no.
What do you think you can hit in a crisis?
Apples vs oranges comparison. What does a Neurosurgeon resecting a brain tumor have to do with basic firearms training for self-defense? Nothing. The average person is not training to become a Navy Seal or Special Forces team member. He/She wants to use and own a simple firearm safely. This is a constitutional Right and many are choosing to exercise it.
Nobody knows for certain how they will react in a crisis. I am very certain that I would hit my target at 5 feet or less even in a stressed out situation.
The vast majority of firearm situations do not end with a bullet being fired from the gun. The reason I carry a revolver is that I know it will go "bang" every time I pull the trigger and there is no slide to rack. I also never expect to fire my gun at an actual human being. For home defense I have many choices available to me besides a snub nose revolver. The revolver I use at home is much bigger than my carry weapon and it would allow me to get to my safe for my other firearms which are much more deadly/accurate.
So you won't answer the question
Well, statistically speaking..
Gun owners are at a much much higher risk of suicide, homicide, accidental shootings, shooting their spouse, and being shot themselves in the event of a robbery
So, in a crisis, they would probably be shooting themselves or a loved one
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I have no dog in this fight. I don't own guns. I plan on taking a firearm class. I may want to own a gun in the home in the future when kids are out the house and I am old just for added protection.
But these comparisons adds little and just distracts from threads. What if I said, "basic training should mean 4 years of gun school and then 3-7 years of gun residencies to own different forms of guns". Similar to what you said just on the opposite end of craziness.
Gun Ownership by State 2026
Discover population, economy, health, and more with the most comprehensive global statistics at your fingertips.
What kind of country are you living in if you need automatic rifles, multiple magazines of ammunition to go out? Somalia?
I live in a rural area of a permit less carry state. It’s common in hunting season to see firearms carried openly, but really only in those circumstances, like getting fuel for side by sides or ATVs before going hunting. Times are of course changing, but generally speaking if you are open carrying an AR or a pistol on your hip in public places, it’s considered bad manners.
Gun Ownership by State 2026
Discover population, economy, health, and more with the most comprehensive global statistics at your fingertips.worldpopulationreview.com
Surprise surprise... states with the highest gun ownership also have the highest gun related deaths..
This is why I don't understand the mentality of needing to own a weapon for self-defense. I have a child, and even with properly securing a gun and ammunition (which render it useless in a home invasion scenario where quick access is needed), I would never feel comfortable having a handgun in my home, and certainly not a loaded concealed carry weapon. And guns don't scare me. I grew up with guns and know how to use them safely. Hunting is a religion where I'm from. I can't justify the risk, given I have a child.
And to your point, my friend had a shotgun in his house a few years ago. I don't remember the backstory about how he obtained it, but he was messing with it and didn't know it was loaded, and somehow it had a "hair trigger" and fired, putting a hole in his wall. I think the more likely scenario is he didn't know wtf he was doing and was careless to make sure it wasn't loaded. I know of a teenager who had his whole life ahead of him but was handed a rifle or shotgun at a friend's house, and assuming it wasn't loaded, pointed it at a friend and pulled the trigger. The gun discharged, killing his friend. He was prosecuted for manslaughter. People act stupid when it comes to guns.
Given the current state of affairs in the trans community, thanks to the Trump administration, many trans women want to exercise their constitutional right to bear arms as a means of protection. I think this is a really bad idea. As a mental health professional, I know this population is at a much higher risk of attempting suicide, and a self-inflicted gunshot to the face/head guarantees an almost 100% chance of a successful suicide. I've also seen three patients in my bedside nursing career who missed the brain but blew their face off, and that wasn't pretty either. I also know that without proper training, a trans woman's gun is more likely to be used against her by the assailant attempting the crime, and that if the weapon is not used in a situation that clearly justifies lethal force, they could face charges. I'm a pretty vocal critic of this population owning guns for self-defense.
I think that, generally speaking, guns for self-defense are a bad idea. I can understand firearm ownership for hunting and sports shooting.
Well they used to teach this stuff in schools. Now you can get suspended for drawing a gun.
Buddy
Only about three in five U.S. firearm owners have received any formal gun training, according to a new study from the University of Washington.
Did you know this?
That's 10s of millions of gun owners have absolutely no formal training. If anything a day 5 resident has more experience...
No formal training doesn’t mean 0 training.
Views of gun safety in the U.S.
Just as reasons for owning guns and using them in daily life vary, so do the ways in which gun owners store their guns and the extent to which they…
www.pewresearch.org
“7/10 have taken a firearms safety course”
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