open carry poll

[pilotguyo540]

I hope this is in the right section.

First, I know how many of you are against open carry. I for one agree you. After inquiring today, I was told that I would almost certainly be denied CCW because of traffic violations.

My question is very specific. If open carry was your only option, would you?

Please don't tell me I should move, or that my laws are BS. I can't, and I know.

I understand thatevery open carry experience is an invitation for a street interview with the local LEO. On the up side, I could typically be mistaken for a cop.

Sorry for beating a dead horse.

[Hmac]

You will inevitably draw the attention of the local cops, and each time a report will be filled out. Assuming you don't get shot, or arrested for "disturbing the peace", the reports of those "MWAG" encounters will likely come up at CCW application time long after your driving record has become clean.

[pilotguyo540]

I hear that. The bitch of it is, that I have a "clean" record. I was issued tickets that are no longer on my record or never counted as points.

These policies can easily push well intentioned stand up citizens into the "assclown" catagory easily.

[ghostrider1]

At least you have the option to open carry. Here in the peoples republic of Maryland, we can't do either. Coming from someone that can't carry in his home state but can go 20min down the road and open carry or CCW, I say open carry it is. Better to be safe than sorry. You can carry your gun, you can't carry a LEO on your hip.

[one]

This is such a loaded question for me. I don't want to see OC go away. There are plenty of valid times to utilize it. But in my opinion strolling around town scaring the hell out of all the soccer moms and getting the local LE called out isn't the best of times to be doing so.

[xcibes]

I open carry often and I have to see anyone cowering in fear from seeing me walk around the city with my weapon....people sometimes ask if I have a permit or if it is ok to open carry but I have yet to see anyone freak out over it. I do have a chp buti like to have options, and no I do not do it to be "in-your-face", it is simply for my convenience. there are some places where I don't usually carry openly, but like I said, having options is good.

[muzlblast]

I agree with one. If open carry is the ONLY option, then yes I would go with it. I think there are many times when it is appropriate such as being out in the woods, or maybe working on a farm but for the most part I think it just looks ridiculous for ordinary people even though I agree with and support their right to open carry.

[one]

If it matters I voted for "Yes, on occasion".

[William B.]

This is such a loaded question for me. I don't want to see OC go away. There are plenty of valid times to utilize it. But in my opinion strolling around town scaring the hell out of all the soccer moms and getting the local LE called out isn't the best of times to be doing so.

Well said. I OC every once in a while. I know a few people who only OC. They realize that they are putting themselves out there and that this makes them very forward ambassadors for Second Amendment rights. It reflects in the way that they dress, speak, and act when they are OCing.

I have also seen the guys who are wearing wife-beaters and baggy pants while OCing and having vulgar conversations with their thugged-out butt buddies Not so good.

For the record, if OC was my only option that is exactly what I would do just like I CC now. I think that if you go about it in the right way you won't have too many problems.

[Lincoln7]

I OC everywhere I am allowed. I have never been harassed in the 2 years since I started. I have received numerous props from cops and citizens alike. I know there are pros and cons to OC (as wells as CC) but for me it fits my lifestyle well. I attempt to provide a positive image at all times when OCing by dressing decently, acting politely, etc. I am also mistaken for LE once in a while. (Their minds seem at ease when I tell them I am ex-military) Just know the laws in your state and follow them. I also recommend carrying a small voice recorder with you (OC or CC) as it may protect you in court. This is assuming that if your state allows you to carry, it allows you to record audio.