Longwatch,
You make some good points. Let me qualify what I am about to say by stating that Open Carry should remain legal with no restrictions (about where it is now in VA). However, I just don't see any real point to it.
I haven't seen anyplace where open carry has resulted in a backlash against gun rights. If anything open carry helps our numbers to grow.
I don't see any backlash either... yet. I feel that it's going to happen and the less "in your face" perceived behaviors we project the better. As for helping our numbers grow, that's up for debate. I haven't seen any real evidence anywhere that can be shown how Open Carry makes our numbers grow. However, I am very interested in seeing that as it lends a credence to our cause.
As for scaring people, doesn't happen, and police interactions are pretty rare. Have to agree and disagree here.
It does scare people, not all the time and not in every place, but it does scare people. Have to agree that police interactions are rare, but when they do happen they are a doozy:
http://www.newsleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061029/OPINION01/610290325
I'm beginning to think the tactical advantage of concealed carry are overstated. I mean drawing on someone who is already presenting a threat or has the drop on you seems to be a desperation move. Sure if you life is in danger you do what you must but few people could draw from concealment and beat someone who already has a gun or knife drawn.
I disagree, Concealed Carry holders have a much better tactical situation than someone Open Carrying. They have surprise. Open Carriers don't. I agree with your point on drawing on someone who is already presenting a threat, would I draw on someone pointing a gun at me? Probably not. If it was a knife, depends on the distance. The advantage of a Concealed Carry is obvious, the bad guy doesn't know you have a piece on you and doesn't know that the tables can be turned. There are methods to preventing being a victim of something happen too: Don't be in Condition White, be aware of your surroundings, and be ready to draw, point, and shoot in under 2 seconds if your life is in danger.
There are few cases of civilian open carriers being attacked for their gun. Until we have evidence that open carriers are victims of crime at a greater rate than the general public or CCW's it is a gratuitous assertion that can be gratuitously denied.
Granted there are few cases of attacks, but you can't stick your head in the sand here and state that it's a gratutitous assertion. There can't be that many people open carrying compared to the number who do Concealed Carry. I bet if there were statistics available on how many people open carry and then compare that with the amount of published attacks on people open carrying, I think you might find a rate that's startlingly high. Perhaps statistically insignificant from the 50K foot level, when compared to attacks vs little old ladies, but to the members who make up that statistic, it's vitally important.
I appreciate your points and you make some good arguments for Open Carry. I agree it needs to be kept legal and nothing further needs to be done to restrict it (I tend to be "no compromise" on gun rights). I just don't see the point of it.
Thanks again for the post, I will add it to my list of THR posts that got me thinking!
TJ
TJ
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