There are many ways in which someone may carry a firearm, but, arguably, the first decision that must be made is whether to carry open or concealed. For some, there isn’t an option. In Texas, for example, it is illegal to open carry, regardless of whether or not one possesses a permit to legally concealed carry. However, in Wisconsin, open carry was legal well before the state granted its residents the right to carry a concealed firearm. As with all varieties of carry methods, there are associated benefits and drawbacks to carrying either open carry or concealed carry. This article will briefly introduce the key arguments in favor of and against open carry (the merits and risks of concealed carry will be the topic of a followup post).
Open Carry
Advantages
As the method’s name suggests, open carry allows for the carrier to wear their carry piece visibly. The most popular means of open carry is via waist holster (often outside-the-waistband/OWB
rather than IWB). Keeping one’s carry pistol open on one’s hip makes it easily accessible in a self defense situation. There are no cover garments to move out of the way, and there is no need to design the holster in such a way that it lies flat against the body. However, the faster draw isn’t the only argument that some make in defense of carrying open. Some choose to carry open for the psychological factors of being visibly armed. There are some who choose to openly carry their firearm as a preemptive show of force to dissuade would-be attackers from victimizing the open-carrier. The idea here is that an armed individual presents a more challenging target than someone who is unarmed. However, the psychological implications of open carry are not always helpful.
Disadvantages
Earlier, I mentioned that it was legal in Wisconsin to open carry many years before concealed carry was legalized. Although this is true, open carry was still liable to get someone in trouble; someone who is legally open carrying can still be arrested for “disorderly conduct,” or “disturbing the peace.” There also exists the argument that those who open carry are making their self defense tools more easily accessible to others. To emphasize this point, there are some individuals who attempt to contact another’s open carried pistol without the carrier themselves noticing. This exercise suggests that there may be some who open carry who are not completely aware of their surroundings to a degree that may put possession of their self defense firearm in jeopardy. Open carry, by its very nature, also removes the element of surprise that someone is carrying a firearm. This is a distinct disadvantage under the circumstance that a victim is surprised and overwhelmed by an attacker (or group of attackers) who then takes measures to impede, or outright prevent the victim’s access to their self defense tool.
Final Thoughts
Not being encumbered by cover garments, or hampered by holsters designed more for their ability to conceal than for their ergonomics of efficient use allows open carriers to access their self defense firearms quicker than many concealed carry options. However, because there are individuals who are unsettled by the sight of openly armed individuals, the presence of a firearm may be as likely to cause someone to call the cops on a law-abiding open carrier as it is to dissuade a potential attacker. There is also the argument that an openly carried firearm may be easier for others to access (and therefore disarm the open carrier). Are the benefits worth the risks? The answer may vary depending where you’ll be, what people will be around you, and whether or not you’re all right with others knowing that you have a firearm on your person. What’s your preference?
I’ve always seen open carry laws as important for an number of reasons.
The first is when you screw up your concealed carry. For example if you live in a particularly windy area, sometimes you’re going to print badly, there’s no getting around it. Worst case your cover garment blows up over your gun. Other situations are when you trip and fall, etc. With open carry laws you’re still legal.
As was previously mentioned. Open carry allows for carrying a larger firearm when you’re more likely to run into the 4-legged predators. Don’t really have a need in the Midwest, as the biggest thing I’ll run into is a bobcat, and maybe a wolf, but there have been times hiking with the grizzlies that I kind of wished for a 10mm or 44mag…
The last part of open carry, and to me the most important, is for those who suddenly find a need for a gun for self defense. If you suddenly find yourself in a domestic violence, restraining order, etc. situation you still have to wait for your CCH application to get processed. It’s taking about 90 days in my state just with the shear number of people applying. So while you’re waiting for your application you can at least carry (you do have to unload in the car in my state, like one of the other posters mentioned). This allows you to get good training (which is pretty easy to get now if you shop around) and get a good holster (again, pretty easy to get a retention holster) and you can be armed if your ex, stalker, etc. comes around. Its not ideal, and you’ll probably get some looks, but at least when you come home at night you’ll be armed, especially if you live alone. Basically open carry when there aren’t a lot of people around, otherwise you have the advantage of witnesses. Works a lot better for women than men, just because we have the social stigma. I wouldn’t advocate open carry without good training (with an emphasis on open carry) and a proper holster for open carry.
Not all states allow open carry without a permit though. Here in TN, we have carry permits. They allow you to carry openly or concealed, but you must have the permit to carry at all.
JunkfoodZombie Hmmm then how do folks hunt ifn gthey cant open carry?
Sorry if. Wasn’ clear. I’m speaking strictly of handguns. If you are talking about hunting with a handgun, then in some states, like NY, you would need a hunting liscence and a handgun permit. Not sure what their laws are on hunting with handguns. You pretty much have NO option for carry in NY. I’m glad I don’t live there anymore.
JunkfoodZombie Hmmm then how do folks hunt ifn gthey cant open carry?
JShepard I appreciate the fact that WI has open carry for the reason you mentioned – on the off chance that I’m printing and don’t realize it (I’m very careful not to, but it’s nice to know I won’t get in trouble on the off chance that it happens anyway).
Open carry = first shot.
Jaycel Adkins Could be. :]
Open carry = first shot.
Like many supporters of the 2nd amendment, I cannot accept laws that directly invalidate the Constitution. I believe open carry is protected by the 2nd amendment. Ironically, I choose to conceal my firearm to placate left wing media and the firearm-ignorant. As I’ve stated before, it is generally best to take a defensive stance to prevent altercation and headache.
aptPatriot I generally choose to concealed carry, too. There are specific circumstances (and only a few) in which I open carry – generally only at organized shooting events.
Well, I must say that although open carry is being considered here in Texas, I, most likely, would continue to carry concealed, as I believe the pluses out weigh the minuses, as far as the element of surprise is concerned. It reminds me of the person who wears a photographers vest for concealed carry, but no film, camera, or additional lens. That’s referred to as a “Shoot Me First” vest/
superdave1953 I’d like to see it happen just to give people the option, you know? Lol at the “Shoot Me First Vest”
“Although this is true, open carry was still liable to get someone in trouble; someone who is legally open carrying can still be arrested for “disorderly conduct,” or “disturbing the peace.””
Destinee, I don’t know if this was a typo, (the ‘someone who IS legally OC’), or if you weren’t/aren’t sure but that isn’t applicable anymore. From AG J.B. VanHollen’s memo from April 20th, 2009:
“The Wisconsin Department of Justice (the Department) believes that the mere open carrying of a firearm by a person, absent additional facts and circumstances, should not result in a disorderly conduct charge from a prosecutor.”
http://www.doj.state.wi.us/sites/default/files/2009-news/final-open-carry-memo-2009.pdf
“Meanwhile the Wisconsin attorney general has issued guidance to district attorneys and law enforcement stating that under Wisconsin law, and Wisconsin interpretation of federal law, open carry in and of itself does not create an arrestable offense.”
Perhaps it’s not followed as it should be in Madison or Milwaukee (gotta love Chief Flynn….) but I haven’t heard of a case of DC brought on by JUST the act of openly carrying a firearm since Jesus Gonzales, or the Culver’s incident in Madison.
Not trying to step on your toes or anything Destinee, I promise. I just don’t want people to think that it’s common practice to get arrested for DC for the sole reason of openly carrying a firearm.