This.
I saw lots of dudes open carrying while living in Nevada. They'd waddle around Walmart cosplaying ex-Navy Seals or other SPEC-OPS. I'd say all of 'em were morbidly obese and thus "Gravy Meals" rather than Navy Seals. Open carry is a parade of coulda-shouldas but didn't and couldn't's. It's dumb and who are you trying to impress?
That's interesting. I haven't seen many people open carrying at all in the Texoma area, however I suspect there are many concealed carrying.
I think it all comes down to your mindset. I agree that some of those guys are wannabes. I remember watching the video of some couple shooting up a Walmart and one of those wannabe heros getting himself killed. My wife and I watched the video and we both agreed that instead of chasing/engaging the shooter, we would have gone out the door after the shooter passed even though both of us are always armed.
I carry because since I'm older I don't think and can't fight like I did 30 years ago and I never want to be in a position where I have to watch something happen to my wife or kids because I can't do anything about it. Granted a can of pepper spray and a .380 with 5 rounds isn't much, however I think most criminals look for people who have no way to defend themselves and it is my hope is that it will be enough, God forbid I'm ever in that situation.
That said I do believe there are some people who put themselves in a worse situation by having a firearm. In my experience there are two types.
The first type are the:
I'll rack the shotgun and scare them or I'll shoot the gun out of their hand types" They haven't ever had a confrontation with somebody hopped up on drugs and is out of their mind... These people are at high risk of being disarmed and shot with their own weapon.
The second type are the:
Ones that think having a gun makes them bigger and badder then they really are and gives them courage that they don't really have. These types risk writing checks that they can't cash and getting shot or jumped.
I also think that growing up with firearms makes a big difference. I received my first firearm more then 40 years ago and I grew up around them. I don't believe having one in my possession gives me superpowers, nor am I deluded about what I would have to do if I ever had to use one to protect my life or my families life. I pray to God that day never comes.
The only time I open carry is if I'm hunting, as I carry a .45 or a G17 during those times in addition to my .380. I believe that given the option to carry concealed it is always better because like a knife, the deployment of a firearm from a concealed position with the element of surprise is always going to be more effective.
