As I see it, people want to be able to choose. With that being said, I see, two different types of open carriers. Those who like the convenience of carrying without extra and/or bulky clothing and those who like to strut around and show off. “Hey everyone, I’ve got a gun, look at me!”
The first “show offs” I saw was not long after open carry was passed. I was in Academy Sports and a man and woman were strolling up and down the aisles. He was wearing a nylon shoulder holster and he’d make frequent turns in the aisle. Every time his pistol on one side and the mags on the other would swing away from his body. She was wearing a cheesy looking nylon thigh type holster that drooped from the weight of the gun.
Oh, and let’s not forget our self proclaimed “auditors” walking around with AR platform pistols filming themselves hoping for an encounter so they can “educate” the world with their YouTube videos.
The “show offs” are the ones who are hurting the gun community. Because of their antics, the rest of us may suffer any punishment and ridicule from those who oppose any progress we make.
Thinking as a criminal, my prey would be unable or less likely to fight back. If I wanted a gun, I’d choose my open carry target carefully. I’d wait till I saw someone older and less physically able to defend themselves, attack from the rear, grab the gun and run. Or, watch the parking lot near a popular store where they have a “no firearms” sign. Sooner or later I’m going to see someone step out of their car, take a gun off their hip or waistband and put it in a door pocket or something like that. Wait till they go inside, break the car window, grab and run.
When constitutional carry kicks in, I predict there will be a period of time where both the public and LE will have to adapt. 911 calls will increase and PD will respond. Then I expect some amount of friction because people don’t want to see the cops and be checked out. When called, the PD has a responsibility to respond and investigate. Without a permit, the officers only choice is to check records for outstanding warrants and past criminal history inquiry for felony convictions.
The first “show offs” I saw was not long after open carry was passed. I was in Academy Sports and a man and woman were strolling up and down the aisles. He was wearing a nylon shoulder holster and he’d make frequent turns in the aisle. Every time his pistol on one side and the mags on the other would swing away from his body. She was wearing a cheesy looking nylon thigh type holster that drooped from the weight of the gun.
Oh, and let’s not forget our self proclaimed “auditors” walking around with AR platform pistols filming themselves hoping for an encounter so they can “educate” the world with their YouTube videos.
The “show offs” are the ones who are hurting the gun community. Because of their antics, the rest of us may suffer any punishment and ridicule from those who oppose any progress we make.
Thinking as a criminal, my prey would be unable or less likely to fight back. If I wanted a gun, I’d choose my open carry target carefully. I’d wait till I saw someone older and less physically able to defend themselves, attack from the rear, grab the gun and run. Or, watch the parking lot near a popular store where they have a “no firearms” sign. Sooner or later I’m going to see someone step out of their car, take a gun off their hip or waistband and put it in a door pocket or something like that. Wait till they go inside, break the car window, grab and run.
When constitutional carry kicks in, I predict there will be a period of time where both the public and LE will have to adapt. 911 calls will increase and PD will respond. Then I expect some amount of friction because people don’t want to see the cops and be checked out. When called, the PD has a responsibility to respond and investigate. Without a permit, the officers only choice is to check records for outstanding warrants and past criminal history inquiry for felony convictions.
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