General Gun Discussion

[Dago]

I think the overwhelming majority of those preaching or practicing open carry are sad people looking for attention, or trying to impress strangers.  It stems from something lacking in their self-esteem to have such a need.

I have a CCW, and don't even bother carrying, sure wouldn't want to advertise if I was carrying concealed, open carry would seem ludicrous.

[storch]

Of course...and you are talking about concealed weapons are you not? that is an unknown that would cause pause, open carry is a whole different matter.

Open carry proponents from what I have seen are trying to make a constitutional point or trying to fill some unfulfilled emotional void.

shamus

 

no open carry in FL but I think open carry would indeed be a far better deterrant.  when we were in AZ last I was amazed at the number of dudes with iron out in the open.  I think it makes a strong impression and there was no place I went where there weren't more than a few armed.

[SteveBailey]

To beat a criminal, you must think like a criminal.

With that in mind, if I were to rob a bank, upon walking in I would look for anyone who looks like they would ruin my plans.  The open carry guy would be imediately picked out as a threat.  I would casually ease over in line behind him like any other customer and as soon as he looked forward to await his turn, I'd pull my gun out of my pants and put it against the back of his head and take his gun as a trophy, or even easier, just cap him in the base of the skull and be done with it. 

It would be the normal, casual looking customers with a gun concealed about them that would ruin a criminals' plans.

Dude you live in fantasy land.  Almost all robbers are looking for the eaisest, fastest way to get cash.  If they see strapped folks, they move on. Three's lots of examples where crime went down more relaxed carry laws.

Also, every single person I know.... every single one that carries open, practices good retention technique. OC is a proven crime deterrent, period.

[Shamus]

Dude you live in fantasy land.  Almost all robbers are looking for the eaisest, fastest way to get cash.  If they see strapped folks, they move on. Three's lots of examples where crime went down more relaxed carry laws.

Also, every single person I know.... every single one that carries open, practices good retention technique. OC is a proven crime deterrent, period.

I will agree that most criminals look for the softest target, but what you don't seem to understand, and I know I will never convince you, is that openly advertising your capabilities makes you the soft target.

You are probably the guy that thinks he can pick out all the secret service guys by looking for sunglasses and earpieces.

You are the one living in fantasy land my friend.

shamus 

[lasersailor184]

I will agree that most criminals look for the softest target, but what you don't seem to understand, and I know I will never convince you, is that openly advertising your capabilities makes you the soft target.

You are probably the guy that thinks he can pick out all the secret service guys by looking for sunglasses and earpieces.

You are the one living in fantasy land my friend.

shamus 

You can lead a liberal to logic, but you can't make him think.


Criminals look for the pansiest group of peace loving democrats they can find.  They will skip over ANY hint of anything that can fight back, to find a group that won't fight back.  And with pansies such as yourself running around, it's rather easy to find it.

They will NOT engage someone with an open carry just as much as the guy down your street that played for the Defensive Line of the 2005 Patriots will NEVER be mugged.

[Shamus]

You can lead a liberal to logic, but you can't make him think.


Criminals look for the pansiest group of peace loving democrats they can find.  They will skip over ANY hint of anything that can fight back, to find a group that won't fight back.  And with pansies such as yourself running around, it's rather easy to find it.

They will NOT engage someone with an open carry just as much as the guy down your street that played for the Defensive Line of the 2005 Patriots will NEVER be mugged.

Well you see while everyone is watching the guy like you dancing and flexing, impressing himself, the laid back pansies in the background will get the job done after you hot shots get disarmed or killed.

shamus

[Roundeye]

Dude you live in fantasy land.  Almost all robbers are looking for the eaisest, fastest way to get cash.  If they see strapped folks, they move on. Three's lots of examples where crime went down more relaxed carry laws.

Also, every single person I know.... every single one that carries open, practices good retention technique. OC is a proven crime deterrent, period.

No, I live in a land that is lax on crime...with lots of it.  Correct, "almost all" criminals look for the easiest way.  It's the desperate, drug-crazed or just plain crazy ones that should worry you.  Look how many police and security officers have been gunned down in the line of duty.  These are professionals armed with many weapons and tools and have training to take control of dangerous situations and have countless numbers to back them up with a single radio call, yet crazed individuals shoot it out with them ayway.  If a madman will shoot a police officer, do you think they will be scared of an average joe with a gun strapped on?  

I'm with you 100% on the RIGHT to carry open.  I have no problem with it.  It's just not for me.  I carry every day but I choose to blend in and appear harmless.

[SteveBailey]

I will agree that most criminals look for the softest target, but what you don't seem to understand, and I know I will never convince you, is that openly advertising your capabilities makes you the soft target.

I do understand.  I understand that if someone is bent on killing you, they will.  Whether you are armed or not.  Do you understand that OC reduces crime?

[Carrel]

NOPE, WRONG. 
 Open carry is a good idea. An armed robber is not going to rob a bank if he sees half the customers carrying guns. If they were all concealed, you'd have yourself a shootout.
  Weapon retention is a simple responsibility.
And how many people have you felled with a well placed shot?

Not only that, but open carry gives one the opportunity to make a fashion statement. Do you want to look threatning, or passive? A set of cross draw .44s like that guy in 3:10 to Yuma sported definately give off the vibe of "don't cut in line in front of me pal" whereas a Kimber .45 in a shoulder holster says "you leave me alone and I leave you alone."

[Marshal]

Actually this varies greatly from State to State.  IN AZ you may carry in a vehicle, loaded and unless you have a CCW, the gun must be visible and holstered or contained, if it is in the passenger compartment.

Thanks for clearing that up Steve. I guess I should have mentioned here in PA.

[SteveBailey]

 If a madman will shoot a police officer, do you think they will be scared of an average joe with a gun strapped on?  

I'm with you 100% on the RIGHT to carry open.  I have no problem with it.  It's just not for me.  I carry every day but I choose to blend in and appear harmless.

No, but we're not talking madmen, statistically, they are a minute fraction of the criminal element.  I believe that if a guy wants to kill you, and is willing to die himself, there is little you can do if he gets the drop on you. That is regardless of whether you are carrying or not, IMHO. Will you agree that there are a heck of a lot more burglars and robbers out there than random murdering madmen?

FWIW, I do not OC, I CC. I spend time in buildings where guns are prohibited(but CC regardless) so OC for me would be impractacle much of the time.

[SteveBailey]

Not only that, but open carry gives one the opportunity to make a fashion statement. Do you want to look threatning, or passive? A set of cross draw .44s like that guy in 3:10 to Yuma sported definately give off the vibe of "don't cut in line in front of me pal" whereas a Kimber .45 in a shoulder holster says "you leave me alone and I leave you alone."

Interestingly enough  I have a stainless goldmatch in .45.  No shoulder holster though.. lol

[SteveBailey]

Thanks for clearing that up Steve. I guess I should have mentioned here in PA.

The whole unload-your-gun-when-you-get-in-the-car  thing is pretty darned stupid, don't you think? I mean, what is the intent of that law? It makes little sense to me.

[Marshal]

The whole unload-your-gun-when-you-get-in-the-car  thing is pretty darned stupid, don't you think? I mean, what is the intent of that law? It makes little sense to me.

I agree it makes little sense to me too. I also have a CCW permit so it does not affect me. 

[Roundeye]

 I spend time in buildings where guns are prohibited(but CC regardless)

Now we are seeing eye-to-eye.