Concealed weapon or not?

[NM_Shooter]

We're having a rash of attacks lately (Don, I don't know why this is not on the news!) at grocery stores and walmart parking lots.  I have a friend who is an elderly lady who is somewhat mentally handicapped.  She went to cash her SSI check at a grocery two weeks ago and was mugged on the way out.  Another buddy of mine who is a cop said that there have been a bunch of these things lately.

I have told my wife not to shop at night any more, and to be very observant during the day.  I think I am going to start to carry more frequently than I do.

I am wondering if carrying open is more or less likely to make you a target for thugs.  I could see that if they spot your gun, they might make an effort to steal it.  It really would not take much to create a confrontation that I would rather avoid.

What do you think?  Open or concealed?

[Windpower]

very interesting question


If the scum bag has a gun, he would see yours and decide that he doesn't need yours and (I think) probably avoid confrontations with you

just my gut feel

Since  it is difficult to get a carry permit in Illinois -- I have no experience in carrying

nudge nudge -- I would NEVER break the law of course

[MountainDon]

First off, I am a little surprised that it hasn't hit the news; none I've seen at least.

Second, I have worried or wondered about open carry and if that could be an invitation to someone coming from behind and trying a bump/grab/run for the gun. The guy would have to be a bit stupid but that would be included in his personality workup wouldn't it? More than likely the open carry will attract enough extra attention that any would be perpetrator would be frightened off.

Being totally aware of who's around you and what they are doing is going to go a long ways to prevent most attacks. Not going out in the dark will help some too I imagine. This is one reason I prefer ATM's I can drive right up close alongside over the walk ups.

[peternap]

Pros and cons Shooter...

Pros
IMHO and experience, OC does NOT make you a target. It makes you someone to avoid. Just use a retention holster. I have OC'ed in some of the worst projects on the East Coast. The Bad Guys disappear. In addition to the holster, never carry further back than the point of your hip. Looks cool but you don't want someone sneaking behind you for a snatch and run. Practise keeping your gun covered with your arm and hand while going about your business.

OC is much faster!

OC allows a more suitable gun carried more comfortably.

Cons
Depending on the area, OC puts you in the posistion of having to explain to the cops who you are.
Some businesses don't want Oc'ers.
OC makes some people nervous.
OC might create talk among your kids friends parents.

CC
Pros
you can CC a smaller gun in your pocket and actually keep someone covered without them ever knowing it.
No one knows you are carrying.
Anti Gun Businesses haven't a clue.

Cons.
Slower
More likely to have to use it.
Limited on how you dress.

My suggestion is have two handguns and holsters. OC when you feel it is appropriate and CC when not.  

It's a damn shame when you feel like you Have to wear a gun all the time...but facts is facts!

[NM_Shooter]

I've got a Blackhawk CQB retention holster for one of my carry guns, and one gun that just fits in my pocket.  It is chambered for .38+P and is really cute. 

I'm thinking about getting another retention holster for the little one, and carrying it cross draw, a little bit forward on my hip.  I suspect that even under a jacket it will be easier to get to.  Plus, with it on my left side, my seatbelt doesn't make things uncomfortable.

Concealed carry gets trickier in the summer.  I guess I could go with a fanny pack, but might as well be OC at that point. 

-f-

[glenn kangiser]

I didn't want to get a concealed permit so just open carry around here.  No problems with the law or BLM so far - not even a sideways glance --- OK - I did intimidate a bit 'cause I look crazy - especially when PO'd like during the fire, but I never threatened.  Never had to.

I feel it stops confrontations for the most part.  Around here prospecting -possible pot farms etc.  I at least want to be able to protect myself..... even if I am laying there bleeding out....

[John_C]

When I got married my wife like to jog almost daily.  Shortly after we were married someone raped and murdered a jogger about 1/2 mile from our house.  We got an 8 mo. old Doberman from the pound.  She didn't think it would make much difference because the dog wasn't trained yet. After a couple weeks she realized there was a 25' - 50' bubble that went everywhere with them.

When I was building the house in GA I took the dog with me.  One night around 2 AM I stopped at a Howard Johnson's for coffee.  I parked my truck and trailer at the far end of the parking lot and left the windows down with the dobby on the front seat.  When I left the restaurant 4 dirtbags left behind me and followed me towards the truck.  About 75 ft. from the truck I whistled and the dogs came out the window and running towards me.  I glanced over my shoulder to see 4 guy doing the backstroke.

The open vs. concealed carry debate is valid, but a lot of thugs really don't want to mess with a large dog.  Dog + armed and few predators will show any interest at all.

[cordwood]

 Dogs can be more of a lawsuit liability than a gun .
I like OC because I can semi conceal it with a long shirt or coat and still be legal, Concealed carry says it MUST be concealed and that gets tough in the summer.
Bad part for us here in Ar. is right now CC is all we have but things are looking up for OC now
I Oced all over when I was younger and never had a problem even in areas like Long Beach Ca. or Las Vegas Nv. You just had to remember where you were and if it was going to freak a rent-a-cop out.
Muggings and Rapes are usually opportunity crimes that a visible weapon would generally deter.               
GangBanger stuff is just stupid and is impossible to predict because of the random "Just kill someone" mentality (or lack of!) of the whole act.

[Dog]

Peter, I also live on the East Coast and my job requires me to go into some pretty bad neighborhoods and projects as well. People are getting shot all time. Most of it doesn't make the news. I think they don't want to scare people. I would absolutely hate to be in a situation where I could not defend myself against a dirt bag.
I get really concerned when I hear talk about taking away our right to carry a gun at all.

Our state concealed is basically illegal. Can't get the permit to carry it legally. The thugs of course are well armed around here.

The dog is always a good idea. Great friend and protector and a house alarm when you're not home. 

[Mike 870]

Ohio is an open carry state.  The problem is that it's become so uncommon for people to use this right that a lot of people and police don't understand that it's legal.  We have a really great group called Ohioans for Concealed Carry (really they are for any type of 2nd ammendment right)  that is very active in getting the word out that OC is legal here.  They will write letters to a cheif of police or city manager if one of their members is bothered while OCing.  They also organize OC events to spread the word.  I also have my CCW so I carry concealed just to avoid any type of hassle. 

[peternap]

I think Don posted this site once but it should be posted again.
http://opencarry.mywowbb.com/

They have a forum for every state. Quite frankly, many of us don't see eye to eye. A lot of us do too. What we all have in common is that when the call goes out, we stick together. Thousands of emails can be generated on 15 minutes notice and hundreds of us can show up when we need to press a point to our Government. That's what counts! It doesn't matter if I think so and so is a sissy or he thinks I'm a dumb redneck. WE VOTE AS A BLOCK!

[NM_Shooter]

Peter... PM sent...

-f-

[Squirl]

It depends on what the person is after or how bad they want it.  I think O/C is a better deterrent to the would be junky.  Then again the hard up person jonesing for a fix might think you will be trouble or carrying something really valuable and just shoot you in the back.  Then they get a new gun and get to rob you, double score.  Peter had an excellent break down.  Some people find O/C unfriendly.  I have seen people get the wrong impression by it.

[peternap]

I'll give you a couple of hints that help with public opinion. Black holsters and blued or black guns are less obvious.

Neat dress is a must. If your in shorts, wear neat shorts.

Some type of ID clipped on your shirt or belt puts people at ease. When was the last time you saw a mugger wearing an ID.

Simple good manners go a long way and be prepared with an answer when some asks "Why are you wearing a gun?"

Good answers bring a lot of converts.

Be prepared for the inevitable tough guy, who will tell you "Real Men Don't Need Guns!"

Just thank him for the advise and ignore him. Don't feed the trolls.