Quote:
Originally Posted by AaronM
On one hand I agree with you. However the other side to that is:
Open carry can often make others around you feel uncomfortable. The other thing is that most people think that a permit is required for you to own a gun, which is not the case in most states, and they don't understand that it is legal to open carry in many areas. It's not unheard of for people to call the Police and report a guy with a gun in a store. The Police show up and everything is legal. That's a waste of Police time and resources because some idiot in the public THINKS he knows the law.
Open carry attracts more attention and being the center of attention is not what carrying a firearm is about. I do open carry at times but when I do I am very aware of how my gun is positioned and I do my best to limit it's visibility. If I'm standing at a counter then I will put my right side to the counter and limit the exposure of my gun. Sitting in a booth then I never sit on the side where my gun can be seen.
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I would think that open carry would make people more comfortable. If I know that people are carrying, but concealed, am I wondering who has one and who doesn't? At least with open carry its right there for all to see. And I would think a public education campaign, some billboards and things on the news, could easily alert the public that it is normal to openly carry, eliminating calls to the Police.
I understand what you are saying about attracting unwanted attention, but isn't the reason to carry a weapon for self defense? Couldn't a potential problem be averted if a would be criminal saw that gun on your belt?