If the option went from Concealed to Open carry (as we know it's one or the other), would you opt for open carry? Or would you still prefer CCW? And of course why?

It doesnt have to be one or the other. I'm for constitutional open carry with shall issue CCW permits.

Sorry, bad way to word the question.

If the city is not willing to budge on how concealed carry permits are issued, but would remove the restriction against open carry, would that satisfy you as a gun owner?

For me I'd still prefer concealed over open carry. I'd prefer to let the bad guys keep guessing as to who is armed, as well as reduce the chances of being hassled by HPD over an openly carried firearm.

I'm for constitutional carry, but since we are playing the hypothetical game of one or the other, I'd choose concealed carry. The reason I'd choose that is that what you are carrying is your business, no one else's. They can always get you with the "disturbing the peace" or "public nuisance" charge when you are open carrying. 

If the option went from Concealed to Open carry (as we know it's one or the other), would you opt for open carry? Or would you still prefer CCW? And of course why?

What a good question! Depends on the situation.

It isn't "one or the other" everywhere. There are states that allow the individual the choice.  Some states you can do both at once.

Personally, I prefer Open Carry with the right to CC if I chose.  I don't care if the BG knows I have a firearm. Most criminals aren't stupid, they study the scene and a guy with a gun on his hip is either 1. Offduty LEO  2. Law abiding citizen who will use it when it comes down to it.

I HOPE he/she sees it and goes elsewhere to commit whatever crime he was planning. It may backfire, but less of a chance.

As far as the comment about getting hassled or harassed by the police with OC. How about arrested at gun point, cuffs on, gun/ammo confiscated etc for abiding the law?  All it takes is a MWAG call and an LEO(S) unfamiliar with the law to get you into a situation you don't want to be in.

You have to be ready for that when it comes down to it, along with the strange looks you will get daily. I doubt the local population here is ready for that...even in the states that have had OC for a long time, there are issues with LEO applying the laws incorrectly.

As voodu said, it's NOT one or the other in many places. However, most states have realized that a complete ban (e.g., Hawaii) is completely unconstitutional, and provide at least an option for one or the other.

As for me, if I had to pick one, I personally prefer concealed. There are merits to both, but for me the lack of attention (aka being a Grey Man) outweighs the potential benefits of open carry.

- Alex

Given a choice, I'd go for Concealed Carry

Keep the BG guessing, IS he or ISn't he carrying

Roger that old Guy, keep em guessing. Never know when a nut will go for your gun.

open carry is a good deterrent though.

I guess I said OC because I have CCd where it is hot and it is uncomfortable(TEXAS summer-112 degrees all day in the sun). Hawaii fits this bill.  Plus with my OC rig, if i want to CC, I just pull a shirt over it and pretty much gone, may print a tad sometimes.

I am not sure about the whole bad guy guessing who is or isn't armed. If it is going to go down, I would rather them think twice about me or my family being the victim and just take their shenanigans elsewhere. If it is going to go down, so be it. 

As far as someone taking your gun from you...not as easy as it it would look with the right holster.  Gotta watch you posture when you are an OCing. Hands on your hips is not the stance of choice when talking to anyone (especially LEO).

I have OCd as well, and you get some strange looks from the sheep -Ahem people you meet when you are out and about. Some people nod and smile, some stop to ask honest questions, some call the SWAT team.....

MY favorite:

"Why do you have a gun?"

Reply: "Why don't you?" 

Quote from: kaneohegrown on January 04, 2011, 01:35:02 PM

If the option went from Concealed to Open carry (as we know it's one or the other), would you opt for open carry? Or would you still prefer CCW? And of course why?

As far as the comment about getting hassled or harassed by the police with OC. How about arrested at gun point, cuffs on, gun/ammo confiscated etc for abiding the law?  All it takes is a MWAG call and an LEO(S) unfamiliar with the law to get you into a situation you don't want to be in.

You have to be ready for that when it comes down to it, along with the strange looks you will get daily. I doubt the local population here is ready for that...even in the states that have had OC for a long time, there are issues with LEO applying the laws incorrectly.

I and quite a few others are ready to go for this; it will be a bad mistake for the LEO's and cost the cities lots of money.