Author Topic: Unliscenced open carry? (Read 556 times)

LaramieHirsch · « **on:** March 11, 2016, 08:16:23 PM »

Let me know. I don't have an opinion on it yet.

On the one hand, everyone could be carrying around a weapon. So, there's potential for a polite society.

On the other hand, you could have a bunch of morons walking around with guns who don't know how to shoot them.

Fill me in. This happened in Oklahoma this week.

I'm undecided.

Mark 79 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 11, 2016, 08:19:06 PM »

Open carry invites the unwelcome attention of sociopaths in government-issued costumes. Open carry also identifies you as the first person to be taken out by malefactors whether or not the malefactors are wearing government-issued costumes.

ihsv · « **Reply #2 on:** March 11, 2016, 08:25:39 PM »

It's sad that they have to pass a law saying you're "allowed" to carry a gun. In Kentucky, we've had "unlicensed" open carry for over 200 years, and its not uncommon to see folks exercising that right.

Whether it's a good idea to open carry is beside the point. The fact of the matter is, it should be everyone's right to decide how they choose to pack.

OHCA · « **Reply #3 on:** March 11, 2016, 10:24:48 PM »

Unlicensed open carry has been guaranteed at least since the current KY constitution was adopted some 125 years ago and I have every reason to expect ihsv is accurate that it even extends back 200 years--I just haven't ever personally looked into how far back it goes.

Before the nose-dive in civility, open carry was considered gentlemanly and concealed carry was considered cowardly and treacherous. Of course the nature of the world is such these days that I fully agree with Mark 79 that the factors now overwhelmingly dictate concealed carry. But though the good judgment of OPSEC may dictate, the nanny state should certainly not dictate.

If somebody chooses to open carry, that's their business. And let them do it without paying nanny state to say it's ok--licenses are just a revenue gimmick--a tax. It's not like open carry is any sort of free pass for convicted felons and wife beaters. LE usually know their faces and names well and would be quick to hook them up with new criminal charges for possessing firearms if they observed them. And as quick as cops can get identities these days, it would be extremely risky even where they aren't known. Besides, most folks who carry illegally are carrying concealed and would be doing the same thing if all forms of carry were outlawed.

Open carry is not uncommon here. I frequently see it in stores and restaurants. I'm not talking about ARs swinging across their backs (I'm glad it's legal even though I think it's stupid to routinely do so unless there is some specific circuмstance making it prudent or perhaps for a political demonstration)--I have never seen any of that stupidity except on YouTube. What I see is simply holstered pistols--not Rambo/operator crap--simply normal non-tactical holsters such as I would use if I was to choose to open carry. Of the many folks I have seen open carrying, I have never observed one behaving erratically, being any sort of an ass, nor giving rise to any sort of concern.

OHCA · « **Reply #4 on:** March 12, 2016, 07:13:21 AM »

A side note on civilian carriers (whether open or concealed) and safety. The only clumsy mishap I have ever observed was a state trooper dropped his pistol while toileting. Now I'm not dinging the trooper--a clumsy mishap could happen to absolutely anybody. And I know the stats thing comes into play because ALL cops carry. Although, I expect I have been in restrooms with more civilian carriers than with cops over the years. But in any event, the only time that I have seen anything remotely like that happen it was a state trooper.

And by mishap, I'm only referring to the fact the he dropped it--it did not discharge.