If I was in an area where open carry was acceptable, then
YES! I'd definately spend some dough on an embossed leather holster and a fancy 1911 with burled walnut stocks. Casual events would bring out a p232 with wood grips in a plain brown holster, and physical activity would call for a Makarov in kydex.
If open carry was the norm, I'd want to look GOOD!
Open carry is
not the norm here, though. In fact, I've never seen a single person (non-leo) open carrying a pistol! If I were to open carry around here, I would likely select my firearm based on appearance alone.
I would specifically try to find something that looks non-threatening to the sheeple.
Revolvers scare sheeple less than black polymer semi-autos do. An engraved firearm looks more like a family heirloom than a weapon to them. Cosmetic appearances are a big deal to those who aren't familiar with firearms.
I had joked about carrying this openly on a previous thread:
I'd really be curious to see sheeple's reaction to a pink firearm, though. I just imagine that sheeple would find it so unusual, and so non-threatening, that they would forget to panic, and begin asking questions instead. It might actually be a good conversation starter.
Is that a real gun?
Yes, it sure is.
Why is it pink?
I bought it for my wife, but she prefers that I carry it when we are together.
Why do you need a gun?
Because police response times can be up to 15 minutes in this area, and my chances of becomming a victim of violent crime are better than my chances of winning the lottery... 12 out of 1000.
Wow, the crime rate is that high?
Yeah, its scary... this pistol makes us more comfortable.
Don't you need special training?
No, a permit to carry is really easy to get if you have a clean record... I'd recommend training just to help you be safe, and to learn when its legal and ethical to use a firearm.
When is it legal?
When my live is in immediate danger, and I cannot otherwise escape. Obviously, I don't ever want to use it... I don't dream of being in the Wild Wild West... but its a comforting thing to have, at times.
Wow, that's really not scary at all...
No "Pink Pistols" jokes please... I'm straight... its for my wife, honest!