What If Florida Got Open Carry?

[MagnumDweeb]

I'm a born raise Florida native. I've got a concealed carry license and I'm excited about the prospects of having the lawful and rightful act of open carry restored to Florida residents. Granted it's only for those who have a concealed carry license but hey one step at a time. It's not exactly hard to get a license or ridiculously expensive, just have to have a clean record and such.

My only concern is if we get open carry, then what? I want to open carry but I don't want to....come off as a Mall Ninja. I wouldn't really open carry anything amazing or a Barbecue gun. Maybe my Taurus PT 99, I conceal carry it in a IWB holster but it's not always the most comfortable form of carry. I also conceal carry in a IWB a Ruger P345.

I think if we get it should go to some of those open carry get togethers that are going on in Central Florida, where I live. I'm a known identity at my local diner, bookstore, and gym. Everyone knows me a studious hardworking guy, honest and even-tempered at these places. So I figure if it ever goes through I can just put my S&W Model 15-3 unloaded in a hip holster, unloaded because hey I got ease into getting comfortable with it but I'll still conceal carry my usual pocket Rossi .357 snub nose and Ruger SP101 3" .357 and yes my pockets are that big.

I guess my real concern is, what if I want to carry something a little more outlandish, like my Ruger Redhawk .44 magnum with a 7.5" barrel, is that a faux paux in the open carry world. I'd admittedly wouldn't load anything other than .44 special or maybe Corbon's 165 grain .44 magnum at 1300 fps.

Also I was thinking if we got open carry, maybe carrying what I call "California Style," where it's unloaded with the slide back, granted I'd still be conceal carrying a snub nose .357 magnum in the opposite pocket.

If there are any open carriers out there with big bore revolvers could you please share? Also if people think I'm getting too far into that "SIX GUN COWBOY" thing let me know too, it bothers me but I don't want to do any harm to the movement being a law school grad(hopefully passing the MBE in February), Certified Family Mediator, Small Business Owner(employer) that carries a big bore revolver.

 

[Packman]

I don't know if we're actually seeing more of this, or if it's just jumping out at me lately...

If you're going to carry a gun, why aren't you going to load it? That makes absolutely no sense to me. If you have occasion to use it, you're going to want it loaded. If you're trying to avoid scaring people, openly displaying a firearm isn't the best way to go about it. Anyone schooled enough to recognize that it's empty probably wasn't going to be afraid of it in the first place.

I'm also a Florida Native. If we get open carry, I think that will be an excellent thing. However, it's not something I plan on utilizing terribly often. The best part, as far as I'm concerned, is not having to worry about violating a law if I accidentally break concealment. I generally prefer to blend in and avoid actions that call me out in a crowd. However, if I'm out with a group of people I know well, that's a different story. There's a large group of people who congregate at the local airfield every weekend. 90% of us shoot, though not many have CCW, that I know of. (Ain't that the point, though?) I'd have no problem OCing in that environment.

If you want to carry a big bore revolver, go for it. The best gun for the job is the one you have with you when you need it. Now, I personally wouldn't carry my 8 inch barreled 1858 Army: That's just too big for me to comfortably go about my day with.

If you're that concerned about people's opinions and perceptions, then perhaps you should reconsider carrying openly and unloaded. Sounds to me like that would just be a deliberate attempt to draw attention to yourself, which is not what the movement needs.

Whatever you choose to do, be safe, be smart, and be responsible. Always remember: Once you're known as a "Gun Guy," you're an ambassador for our way of life. Be responsible with that power, you reflect us all.

 

[easyg]

Also I was thinking if we got open carry, maybe carrying what I call "California Style," where it's unloaded with the slide back,

What???

This is probably the dumbest method of carry that I have ever heard.


While I certainly don't think that open carry should be criminalized, I'm still not a fan of open carry.

"Keep the criminals guessing" is my view.

 

[DAdams]

I have lived in TN on an off for 5 years. TN is an open carry state. In that time period I have seen two individuals who I thought were likely citizens exercizing their rights and open carrying....but, they may have been LEO.

I don't think you are going to see that many open carriers if your law changes. I lived in FL for 20 years and carried for 4 years there. It was in the pocket for me. There are probably many who carry IWB or OWB in the land of hang out tropical shirts.

Whatever you choose to do, be safe, be smart, and be responsible. Always remember: Once you're known as a "Gun Guy," you're an ambassador for our way of life. Be responsible with that power, you reflect us all.

 

[atlctyslkr]

Not a fan of open carry. Tried it a few times and just didn't go over well. Georgia requires permit to carry period and makes no distinction. I guess it's good that I'm not required to carry concealed so if someone sees me wearing I don't have to worry about brandishing.

 

[NavyLCDR]

I don't understand the fascination with open carry. I put my gun on my belt when I go out just like I put my cell phone in my pocket. 99% of people don't notice the gun, or show no visible signs that they see it. When I do get comments about it, 9 out of 10 are positive. The MOST grief that I get from anybody comes from the concealed carry only crowd.

I open carry because there should be absolutely nothing unusual about an American carrying a gun for self-defense. To me, if we want to win over the public, in that regards, it helps if we look like normal Americans carrying a gun that would normally be used for self-defense going about our normal business.

If you want to carry Redhawk .44 magnum with a 7.5" barrel, go right ahead, but think about this - how much is your rapid draw and firing going to be hindered by the size of the gun? How much is your ability to move going to be affected by the gun? Isn't your main reason for carrying a gun for self defense?

 

[Mainsail]

Personally, I don’t want the bad guys to guess, because the only way they’ll find out for sure it to put a knife to my throat or a gun in my ribs. Either way, drawing from concealment at that point is a pretty uncomfortable gamble.

Have you ever noticed how the police assume every bad guy they arrest is carrying a concealed weapon? They make sure they have the drop on the guy before they start getting physical. The bad guys are no different! Concealed carry is no big secret and the bad guys take the same precautions with their victims. I still don’t understand the idea that we, as concealed carriers, sometimes have; the bad guy is going to lollygag around and give you time to draw from concealment. It reminds me of the running gag in all the Austin Powers movies:

Dr. Evil: Scott, I want you to meet daddy's nemesis, Austin Powers
Scott Evil: What? Are you feeding him? Why don't you just kill him?
Dr. Evil: I have an even better idea. I'm going to place him in an easily escapable situation involving an overly elaborate and exotic death.

That is not, however, reality. Reality is that the mugger is never going to give you time to draw, and if he thinks you’re going for a gun his sense of self-preservation will kick in (with adrenaline) and he’ll shoot/stab/club you without hesitation.

Besides, even if I have the time I would much rather make it through my life without ever having shot or killed someone, deserving or not. Yeah yeah, people like to talk tough, but if your kid sees you shoot a guy dead from three feet away, his or her life will never be the same, and neither will yours. I’d prefer the bad guy sees I’m carrying and decides it isn’t worth the risk.

People that never carry openly can only make guesses and assumptions, those of us that do have a different experience. I carry open vs concealed about 90%/10% in the summer and about 30%/70% in the winter. When I carry concealed I don’t feel as secure as I do when I carry open. That’s my experience, it may not apply to you. (I also lived downtown in the most crime infested city in the entire northwest, in case you were wondering.)

As to the idea of carrying openly and unloaded, with a loaded back-up concealed, what’s the point? Just carry concealed then. An unloaded gun means you are assuming two conditions will always be present when you’re getting robbed; you will have time to load and you will have two hands available to load.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

If Florida (or Arkansas) get open carry for permit holders then those permit holders who want to carry openly will do so. Others will be under no obligation to follow suit.

I typically carry openly when in the woods or riding. Technically, if I walk out to the mail box through the woods while carrying my Colt Woodsman during squirrel season, I have to leave the gun in the woods when I step out into the County road or I'm breaking the law.

How silly is that?

 

[Japle]

I’ve lived in Florida (Brevard County) since 1985 and have been carrying every day since 1988.
I have no particular desire to open carry, but I do want the right to open carry if I feel like it.
My opinion is, you should be able to carry any firearm “in common use”, including shotguns, ARs and AKs if you feel the need. Walking around Lowes with an M-4 would be a tad over the top, but it ought to be legal.

I was talking to one of Thad Altman’s legislative assistants at an open carry rally earlier this month. I didn’t get a definite timeline, but I got the idea that the plan runs something like this:

Step 1. Pass open carry of handguns for CCW holders.
Step 2. When the sky doesn’t fall, pass open carry of handguns for all law-abiding citizens.
Step 3. When the sky doesn’t fall, pass open carry of long guns for all law-abiding citizens.

I’d expect this to take 5-10 years, but a SCOTUS decision might speed things up.

 

[obiwan1]

Frankly I don't think that I would OC very much. I just don't want anyone knowing that i'm armed.

As far as carrying an empty gun in any condition/configuration, that's FOOLISH!!

I don't know about carrying an 8+" Redhawk unless you're going hunting.

My suggestion is to carry a full or compact size service style handgun of your choice. Again, just my idea. If you want to OC a Jframe, why not? It's your choice. 1911 - same thing. I just don't like the idea of carrying barbeque guns just to show that you can. Too flamboyant for me.

 

[LouCap]

Beyond the intimidation factor of OC on the non-gun crowd...

I worry about guns being snatched from those who DO choose to OC. LEO's practice weapon retention and wear retention holsters to thwart criminals from grabbing their guns. And not just a simple strap holster either, but something big, like a Safariland level III retention holster that requires a hood, snaps AND a rocking of the gun to remove it. Why? because the BG's practice grabbing guns from cops while doing time in prison. There is plenty of video showing BG's practicing in prison yards all across the country every day. So, if they're not afraid of a LEO wearing a gun, why would they be afraid of you? Nope, once they know you're armed, they're just trying to think of the best and easiest way to get that gun away from you.

Also, consider this...a LEO is in a constant state of "yellow alert", aware of their surroundings, indexing their weapon and wary of letting anyone behind them or on their "strong" or weapon side. Do you want to got through every day you OC like that? Because believe me, after a few days of doing that, it's just no fun.

 

[Guns and more]

What If Florida Got Open Carry?

I'd still conceal. But maybe I'd get to use those OWB holsters I have, and not worry about a tiny bit peeking out.

 

[MagnumDweeb]

Thanks everyone, I'm glad everyone had input, I just wanted to get some opinions from folks of the same ilk. Even after I bought my mother a couple pistols and paid for her concealed carry permit fees and class, she still gets nervous about me carrying (even though I've been doing it since I was 21).

I know I'm one of the most even tempered people out there and i walk away from harmless conflict. I figured I should open carry just to have one more normal looking guy out there who's nice, will help an old lady in the parking lot load her groceries when it's obvious she's having trouble. Yeah I'm going to skip the Redhawk idea. I figure if I do open carry I need to invest in an excellent OWB retention holster and just carry my Taurus PT 99 or Ruger P345 and that's it. At worst maybe an N-Frame Smith and Wesson 4" barrel.

I'm glad people contributed. Get an excellent retention holster and keep it limited to service size firearms at their maximum size.

 

[leerdmn]

I live in Central FL, and have carried concealed every day for the last 4 years. I hope they pass the Open Carry Law. Even though I may never OC, I do ride a motorcycle. And having that muzzle poke and prod while carrying IWB. It would be nice to put my P95 on my side and let my jacket drape over, without worrying about the wind showing my pistol to the cop driving next to me. Just my .02.

 

[dogrunner]

Packman: You apparently don't realize that that '58 Remington (in it's ml configuration) is already legal to carry openly! And unlicensed at that!

Doubt that? Check the definations clause of 790..........you'll find that a blanket exemption exists for antique ignition system firearms.....unless they're used in a crime.

I was a member of the FPCA when the '87 law was passed and that particular issue was discussed at a training session!..............Course you'd likely be hasseled no end........but legal it IS!

 

[Standing Wolf]

I wouldn't really open carry anything amazing or a Barbecue gun.

When I carry openly, it's either a light gun for the sake of my back or a pretty gun in a dress holster. You might think about a barbecue gun, especially for dress occasions.

If Texas ever gets off its duff and legalizes open carry, I predict there'll be a red hot market in engraved nickel-plated Single Action Army revolvers, old west-style holsters, dress cowboy boots, and Stetsons.

 

[TheProf]

Here's the biggest benefit of "open carry"... if you accidentally break concealment, you are not breaking the law. You would then be simply..."open carrying".

I would not open carry. However, I am in favor of "open carry" laws.

 

[gpr]

it sure would be nice to get some use out of my naa belt buckel....

 

[welldoya]

Personally, I'm not for open carry passing in Florida. I just don't see the need.
The last thing I want to see is a bunch of 21 year olds running around with Glocks in their tactical thigh holsters or "Wild Bill" with his .44 Blackhawks in his double fast draw rig.
I prefer to keep mine concealed.
But that's just my opinion.

 

[TomKat]

I'm in FL, if the law passes (senate bill 234), I'll certainly open carry on the day its signed or the day after just for celebration purposes. After that, probably just conceal carry w/o worries of printing/showing.

 

[RUT]

>>"California Style," <<

How California!

 

[stchman]

I know I am probably going to get flamed for this, but here goes.

I really see zero need for open carry in everyday life. If you are hiking in bear/mountain lion/snake country then yes by all means carry a sidearm to protect yourself against a ferocious animal.

As far as open carrying down the street, pretty useless IMO. CCW is a far more effective method. I believe most open carry folks would do so just cause.

In a nice perfect world all 50 states would be a WILL ISSUE for CCW permits for law abiding citizens.

 

[MudPuppy]

A lot of people feel the same about CC.

Sometimes it's more comfortable and it's nice if you are cc'ing, that you don't get dinged if your jacket rides up.

I think we're being conditioned to thinking guns are evil and to be hidden like some kind of porn. I'm careful of the image I could project if OC'ing, like not wearing an Infidel tshirt or even having my truck workin' clothes on--I "think" seeing a middle aged guy in dockers and dress shirt with the holstered pistol can help, i don't know, normalize the idea that a lot of relatively normal people are armed.

Realistically, you won't see a difference except in the gun show parking lots.

(I did cc with an empty chamber in my ppk when I first started carrying, it was a little nerve wracking. But OC'ing "california style" is something I would just not do.)

 

[pikid89]

i was born and raised in florida as well (aka a florida cracker) and i am in support of SB 234
what people have not been talking about as much with this bill is that it would also allow for carry on state college campuses (FGCU, FAU, FAMU, FSU, New College, USF, UCF, UNF, UWF, and of course UF Go Gators)
This is a much needed law in the state of florida. a properly carried handgun is far more effective than the flail your keys or groin kick that the UPD teaches in its girls only RAD classes
As for open carry, i also fully support that, but i myself would probably not just strap up and go to town...i would utilize OC as a way to use an OWB for my G17 and just wear my light carhartt jacket unzipped and not have to worry about flashing the gun and being charged with brandishing

@welldoya....do you ever hear of in states that do allow OC of

a bunch of 21 year olds running around with Glocks in their tactical thigh holsters or "Wild Bill" with his .44 Blackhawks in his double fast draw rig.

Ive never heard of such a problem, and as a 21 year old, i do not like being grouped into that stereotype FYI, SB 234 would authorize OC for those who have a FL CCW. And all the 21 year olds i know that have gone through the process of getting a CCW (a select few), none of them would be

running around with Glocks in their tactical thigh holsters or "Wild Bill" with his .44 Blackhawks in his double fast draw rig.

All you Floridians on THR need to write your Florida Senator and tell them that they need to support SB 234
Ill even make it easy for you
http://www.flsenate.gov/Legislators/index.cfm?Members=By+District&Tab=legislators&Submenu=1

 

[welldoya]

Sorry young man but I don't think 21 year olds are mature enough to carry.
I was 21 once and I'm glad I wasn't allowed back then. When you are 35 , you will start to understand.
I have a 21 year old son who has been shooting since he was 4. I still wouldn't trust him to carry and I would put his safety and knowledge of guns against you or anybody else his age. Kids do some strange things and sometimes don't think right.
I guess you heard about the shooting incident at FSU. That's an example of what scares me.