This has been a fascinating thread! Thanks all of those that had good insights to share.
I realize the thread was originally a post responding to the various arguments typically raised against OC. I think some of the discussion turned to OC vs CC for various situations (which is interesting too, and probably a valid question for those who carry to think about). But it's an incredibly complex question because of the myriad scenarios possible, with different implications for OC and CC.
Many of the discussion points seem to be based on evaluating OC (or CC, or comparing) against one particular example scenario. I think it'd be more helpful to look at it a bit more methodically. Analyzing the merits of OC, or comparing OC vs CC, and nearly impossible without having some kind of framework to list/model the different scenarios and evaluate for each.
I think it'd be more helpful to look at all the various classes or types of scenarios and evaluating OC and CC benefits/downsides for each. It's also useful to talk in terms of probabilities to see what are the top most likely types of scenarios so one can decide how best to prepare.
Probably hard to do this on a forum, though.
For me, I can picture situations where OC would be a deterrent and would cause the perp to go elswhere. I can also think of situations where OC wouldn't be a deterrent and may actually also be a detriment. The question isn't whether these situations exist, but how likely each is--- and what situations they are, so one could decide when it is most likely advantageous to OC versus CC.
As for my own situation, thinking through the risks, the place I live, the places I go, and the ability to fairly easily avoid fairly high risk situations, I find there is no compelling need to carry concealed; however, it isn't difficult to imagine times when it would be wise, but the need hasn't been pressing / frequent enough to pursue.
However, there are situations I am in when I will do OC (while out camping in some cases) but this thread has given me a lot to think about in terms of doing OC more consistently when traveling / in the back country.
By contrast, where I grew up is less safe (I can point to a bullet hole in my parent's car as one data point of many). They enacted a law exonerating people who shot carjackers due to the rash of these crimes that resulted in victims being shot dead. I would have a different answer for OC or CC in that town.
And I think that's what this is all about -- doing your own risk analysis of the situation and deciding what ways to mitigate the risks, CC and OC being two options available to many of us. As long as you do the risk analysis in a fairly methodical way, and if you can successfully avoid the myriad biases humans tend to succumb to, you'll probably make a good choice.
Michael
