SFCRetired
Regular Member
I'm engaged in some interesting discussions on another, non-firearm only, forum about open vs concealed carry. I keep getting the same old, tired arguments that I think all of us have heard at least a thousand times:
1. You will be the first one shot. (To my knowledge, this has never happened. Anyone know different?)
2. Combined with #1 is the argument that you are making yourself a target (in general) by open carry.
3. You are giving up the "element of surprise". (Much more important, to me, is the element of deterrence. If I want to surprise him, I'll jump out and yell BOO! at him)
4. Open carry is for show offs. Quote (I presume this poster is LE): "I will open carry on duty, but only concealed off duty."
Now for the $64,000 Question (If you remember the source of that, you, like me, are older than dirt!): Where do the "concealed carry only" advocates come up with these "facts"? Are these more emotionally based than fact based?
The folks I am talking to are, IMNSHO, reasonably intelligent, but I feel like I am butting my head against a granite wall. Any suggestions for counter points will be much appreciated.
1. You will be the first one shot. (To my knowledge, this has never happened. Anyone know different?)
2. Combined with #1 is the argument that you are making yourself a target (in general) by open carry.
3. You are giving up the "element of surprise". (Much more important, to me, is the element of deterrence. If I want to surprise him, I'll jump out and yell BOO! at him)
4. Open carry is for show offs. Quote (I presume this poster is LE): "I will open carry on duty, but only concealed off duty."
Now for the $64,000 Question (If you remember the source of that, you, like me, are older than dirt!): Where do the "concealed carry only" advocates come up with these "facts"? Are these more emotionally based than fact based?
The folks I am talking to are, IMNSHO, reasonably intelligent, but I feel like I am butting my head against a granite wall. Any suggestions for counter points will be much appreciated.