I always conceal carry in public. Hell, God forbid something happens I want every advantage I can get. I don’t want to stand out, gray man for me. As for those that want to open carry, more power to them.
Your greatest weapon is the element of surprise. That’s the first thing you lose when open carrying. They know that you’re carrying, what you’re carrying, and where it is.
But wouldn’t some criminals see that an armed person is not a soft target, be deterred and select an easier victim? I’m not a committed defender of open carry but I’m not totally against it either, I feel like if you can preemptively avoid a violent confrontation altogether that’s better than having it almost or actually happen to you only to surprise your attacker that you have a gun.
@@TheTexasTravisYou’re assuming all criminals are sane, rational people. Some might change their plan and rob you for that gun instead. If they know exactly where it is, they can just make sure your hands are away from it and get the drop on you before you can draw. However, a good argument FOR open carry could be if you had a concealed backup. If they’re too concerned with your full-size at 4 o clock, they might miss your pocket rocket you already have your hand on.
In times past, open carry was the norm and people who hid their weapons were considered cowardly or of ill repute. This social construct has flipped around to only good people conceal carry and those who open carry are of an ill considered mindset. I support carry, open or concealed. I feel safest in a place full of cops or bikers or other crowds where you know most are carrying, and I know that in my small Ozark town I am not the only person with a pistol in the stores or restaurants. If you think you are painting a target on your back by open carry, don't. If you think you will prevent someone who may get out of line by open carry, do it. Most people are too focused on their devices to even notice anything, so I think it is less of an issue than many would realize. I remember stopping at a gas station that also sold some cars with my aunt to look at a vehicle. The shop owner had a grey Glock 17 on his hip the whole time and my aunt didn't even notice it, lol.
More than likely a criminal won't have their firearms in the open for the world to see. The one time I do get a little nervous is if I see someone carrying without a holster. That tells me you are properly not a responsible gun owner and possibly not a legal one either. The guy I'm thinking about when I write this also had a thuggish look to him, as did the other two guys with him. When I say thuggish look I mean sagging pants and such. These guys came into the store I work at probably within an hour of closing time with just me and my coworker there. I'm not going to lie, the thought of these guys robbing the place did cross my mind. I calmed my nerves a little bit by saying to myself, 'Well I recognize these guys as people I've helped in the past, they didn't rob me then so hopefully they won't rob me now.' Then they bought what they needed and left without any issues. While it's true that the average Joe isn't very observant, I feel like your average criminal probably is. It's not at all uncommon for criminals to stake out their targets and victims.
As a veteran and former Security Police officer, I have open carried for many years. I can get a concealed carry permit here in Oregon, but I don't care for the fees and the process. When they pass Constitutional carry I will switch to concealed carry more. Also the tweakers ,ect. tend to avoid me or walk away when they see that I'm armed. The criminal justice system here is completely broken and in the hands of the cartels. So for now I will continue to open carry. Just trying to answer your question. 👍
I'm in Portland and it's absolutely outta control! Being attacked is a absolutely daily thing to keep in mind! Ever since the collapse in 2020 I've faced I don't know how many life threatening situation's!
I agree with what you said about open carry. I conceal carry because I don't want to advertise that I'm armed. I don't put any information out in the public that it be on my vehicle or my self that I am armed. No NRA, GOA stickers or any thing else. I've been carrying for a long time and to me its an insurance policy. Its comforting knowing I have at least a fighting chance if a bad person or persons tries to kill me or my family or whoever.
Sherrif. I love your videos. Now, I am an open carrier, and I appreciate your comments on the subject, and respect them. I carry openly, in Arkansas, most days, and have for years. Some of my reasoning is that it's more comfortable, for one. I don't have to wear two shirts to cover it up. I also have quite a bit faster draw times open vs. concealed. I also figure that cops open carry, and military (which I was) open carry. If they see value in it, perhaps I should too. I have good retention holsters and practice what I think is good situational awareness, so I don't get disarmed. I know that, sadly, cops are disarmed and shot with their own service weapons, and they may be more trained than I at weapons retention, but they still open carry. As far as being the "first target of a bad guy", yea, that could happen. Or a bad guy could see an armed guy and just keep moving. We never know what is going to happen. If we did we wouldn't need a gun at all! I know I'm in the minority, open carrying, but there's some of my answers.
Ok. I see your logic, but fundamentally, disagree with it. Police and military have a much different function than the average person who isn't. As police and military regularly confront criminals or combatants, on purpose, with the intent to apprehend or neutralize them, the average person should be focused on escaping danger and defending themselves if need be. Not being recognized and standing out aids in that endeavor, where as being viewed as a threat by a true bad guy may likely draw fire that the average person has no defense for.
NC here! I open carry as well, and I definitely agree, we have to keep our heads on a swivel! I hardly go anywhere without my gun on my side, and if I do, there is a good reason for it!! I agree with you 💯%, it definitely makes a bad guy think twice about doing anything stupid, and if we keep eyes in the back of our heads, we want have to worry about someone trying to take our guns. I’m always aware of my surroundings, and always keep my gun side towards the counter at a gas station or anywhere I think someone would try to take my gun! God bless you bro!!✝️👈🏼🇺🇸🔫
I live in Texas. I mostly carry when walking country roads for exercise. I will open carry hoping that tells people I don't want want to be messed with.
I prefer either Alessi or Tucker myself, but I still fail to see how the cheap nylon holster comes into play for open or concealed carry. what about one of those tshirts with the built in cross draw shoulder rig that one would need to be a contortionist to draw from.
Here in Alaska, it's mostly people stopping after being out in the woods hunting for a couple weeks. Wanting some real food. Or they have to ride a 4 wheeler or snowmachine from their home to their car. Gotta have protection from four legged critters. Just quicker getting to your weapon.
I conceal carry everyday and the only time I open carry is when it’s leaving the belt to the storage place at home. I like being incognito and unsuspecting. But a little history to share, back in the 19th century it was actually considered suspicious if you carried a weapon concealed and was found out that you were, it was polite to open carry, weird how times have changed.
I open carry due to nerve damage, and anything odd pressing against my lower area causes extreme discomfort. My wife open carries as well, as she just finds conceal carry very uncomfortable. We also don’t wear cheap holsters, and use retention holsters. We also pay attention to our surroundings, and don’t go into shady area’s that invite questionable characters. I think personal choice is also important, and no one has the right to tell anyone how they should or shouldn’t carry. Just be responsible, and polite, and live a good life.
I only open carry when hiking or fishing in the back country. I usually carry full size that’s why. When I am in public I conceal with a small 9 or 380.
I would never open carry because I think secrecy and anonymity is best. HOWEVER, the advantage of having legal open carry is 1) If a wardrobe malfunction accidentally reveals your firearm, you don't go to jail. 2) In certain situations, the open display of a weapon just might make a criminal go elsewhere.
Some states don't require a permit for open carry and some folks don't want to pay " extortion fees" to the county/state for the "privilege" of exercising there constitutionally guaranteed rights... so open carry or get arrested for not complying.
I have been open carrying daily since 1996 without issue from Seattle to Boise to Vegas to Phoenix with no problems ever. Remember, criminals have the same self-preservation instinct as you do and will pick the safest target. If you are carrying concealed, you appear to be a personal gun free zone whereas open carry projects visually you are a hardened target.
exactly and gertting hasled while open carrying has alot to do with how you look and conduckt yourself if you clean shaved and well kept and act like an adult you tend to have alot less propblems
I open carry because I am legally allowed to do so in my state. I don't conceal carry because I am not legally allowed to do so in my state. Yes, I am currently working on getting my concealed and am pretty close. The class has been taken, the paperwork has been filled out, signed by a witness, and notarized. The only thing left to do is pay the fee, get my fingerprints taken, and wait for approval. However, that's proving to be harder than it sounds as no one at the Sheriff's Office wants to answer the phone, and even when showing up in person during regular business hours I was greeted with a sign saying we are closed. Legality aside there is one logical reason to open carry, advocacy. By behaving in both a responsible and polite manner while open-carrying you slowly break down negative stigmas that people have about the gun community. yes, you indeed open yourself up to all of the negative things that Matt discussed. -Scrutiny -Becoming a target for theft (Make sure your holster has retention) -Unwanted attention from law enforcement -First one-shot -And more So far I've been lucky enough to only experience one of those, that being scrutiny. You get some very strange comments when you open carry, you also feel like all eyes are on you. I've been fortunate enough not to have any threats or have to deal with overly aggressive people. The worst person I've come across so far was a guy who came to get some U-Joints at the auto part store where I work. I guess this guy had seen me carrying at the grocery store or something (of course I don't carry at work) and he popped off with a nasty attitude and said something along the lines of 'stop carrying that gun around town, I saw you with it the other day.' That's the only comment he's ever made about me carrying, but every time I interact with him (two or three occasions at this point) he catches a nasty attitude and I think some of it stems from the fact that he doesn't like me open-carrying. Of course, giving him the wrong U-joints the first time we met probably didn't help either. But when you are still making nasty comments towards me two or three months after the fact, I have to assume it's not from something as trivial as wrong parts. As small of a community as I live in it's almost certain that I will interact with him again, so perhaps someday I will figure out the true reason behind it. It might just turn out that in general, he's not a very nice guy, but until I find out otherwise I will assume that my open carrying has something to do with it. I suspect that once I get my concealed my open carrying will decrease significantly. However, I will likely continue to open carry on occasion in my hometown because I think the advocacy is important. How you conduct yourself while armed is important, it greatly shapes the viewpoint of the general public and that will influence policy going into the future.
Ok. First, what state are you in? Second - short of the communist states (CA, NJ, NY, IL etc), I can't believe states are still fiddling with CCW laws. Anyway, regarding open carry - Why do you somehow think that open carrying a gun will "normalize" this concept to those who are anti gun? I mean, let's face it, you dragging a gun into (insert business name here) will not somehow change the attitude of the anti gun crowd. IMHO, it only strengthens their resolve to pass anti gun legislation because in their eyes, you're nothing but a "zealot" looking for trouble. Read the comments here - even the majority of those that admit they carry have the same view........ How is this helping anything, including you?
@@SheriffMattOller I live in NC. We were almost a constitutional carry state except for our Governor vetoed it. Hopefully, Roberson will be voted in and then I think we will have a good chance of becoming the 30th constitutional carry state. You will never change the attitude of the antigun crowd, just like you will never change the attitudes of the pro-gun crowd. However, there are a lot of people in the middle of those two extremes. Those are the ones you can slowly win over just by interacting with them the way you would anyone else. The gun? It's just there for the off chance that I might need it, absolutely no different than the fire extinguisher, first aid kit, or spare tire I keep in my trunk. Outside of legality and passive advocacy, you are right. Tactically, concealed carry is far superior and theirs a host of other problems with open carry including everything we both already mentioned and more. I also have no problem admitting that you are much older than I am and certainly much more experienced in these topics. I would be a fool not to respect that, but at the moment this is where I stand. My position might change tomorrow, but for now, that's my belief.
I was always told that a man that hides his woman or his gun is probably abusing both. With that said, in modern society, it is more safe to conceal carry, uncomfortable as it may be. I have open carried a few times in my rural area, to the feed store and to the small hardware store, and all of the owners and patrons of those establishments also ipen carry, so I was in like company. The old saying is true, "when in Rome do as the Romans do".
During Covid we had a string of trespassers through our mountain property - rude and unruly and belligerent, a lot of them. I took to open carrying my 9mm and was amazed at how people tamed up. They saw it holstered on my hip when I confronted them, pulled their horns back in and politely went away. The next year we didn't have those people problems and I quit open carrying. I'd do the same thing again. I don't know that it matters but just FYI, I am a concealed carry permit holder and generally don't open carry.
I'll concede to open carry on a "mountain property", especially your own. I'll also concede to open carry for hiking, hunting and woods walking. No issue there.
Reasoning aside, anyone who would choose to open carry certainly shouldn't do it without first doing some serious (and ongoing) weapon retention training! A good retention holster (at least level 2) is smart, obviously, but training and practice are still absolutely necessary in my opinion to help ensure someone will at least have to work damn hard to get your gun out of your holster or out of your hands. This is not a terrible idea even for people who carry concealed. Great topic!
My state makes it difficult to get a concealed carry permit, but open carry is allowed without a permit. Back in 2020, a lot of new gun owners in my area started open carrying because they couldn't legally carry concealed.
Wow. That's crazy. I see that as being a driving factor to encourage your state to allow concealed carry, but still don't think it's a generally good idea.
@@SheriffMattOller Yeah they allow concealed carry for people with permits, but there are many labor intensive steps to acquiring a permit, and it takes several months. Hopefully we will get constitutional carry at some point. I really don't like the thought of open carry in public. Seems to me that you'd make yourself a target, like you said. Thanks for the video
I’m a TN resident and have been concealed carrying for about 15 yrs. Just the other day I was in our local Walmart and this guy was walking past me with blue hair and a tank top on with an Sig p365 OWB on display. I have no issue with that, except a criminal could definitely take it from him (little fella). Another wannabe thug Muppet character was carrying a Taurus G2C in his basketball shorts pants pocket with his shirt hiked up for all to see how cool he thinks he is. 🤦 That guy made me uncomfortable because I knew he hadn’t a clue on weapon retention or proper carrying of a firearm. So yes I agree, I’m not for open carry, especially when muppets like that decide to display their “manhood”. 😂
The main reason I open carry is because my gun is too big to conceal. A revolver with a six inch barrel isn't exactly easy to hide. In my small Texas town, most people open carry, we have plenty of ranchers and farmers down here, so it's normal to me. Nobody really gets nervous when they see someone with a holstered gun because it's safe to assume that everyone has one. Reading somebody's body language and demeanor is a good way to spot troublemakers. But I want to move to a city, and I got myself an M&P Shield Plus specifically for concealed carry while I'm there. Don't get me wrong, I love having the weight of my wheel gun on my hip, but at some point, you have to think about practically.
I'm concede to this - if it's the "norm" in your part of the world, that's different. If it's not "normal", then my question stands - why would you do it? "When in Rome........"
@@SheriffMattOller, The question is,if it's allowed in your particular area, WHY NOT??? in my state I can legally open carry without a permit or any other government infringement of my rights..,if that offends or intimidates you,then you are the one with the problem!
@EdwardTillotson-hj5pk it's legal in Missouri, except in cities with ordinances against it. I ask the question because I see no distinct advantage in open carry vs concealed for the average person.
@@SheriffMattOller Respectfully, what other way could you make it normal without starting to carry open? Maybe that's why people do it as an attempt to establish it as normal again.
Just an hour ago in Wal-Mart an older, out of shape guy literally slumped over his shopping cart and totally zoned out is open carrying with an iwb holster outside of his shirt. I almost stopped and told him how easy it would be to grab his Shield but I wasn't feeling 'helpful'
I agree with all the points you made. I do open carry a revolver while hunting. That said stopping in my small Nebraska town for gas or to pickup a gallon of milk on the way home doesn't really raise eyebrows. People in the community know me. When I am outside my comfort zone and carrying for defense it's always hidden. Be the gray man.
In East Texas it is very hot and humid in summer. I dislike IWB as it’s very uncomfortable for me; I’m fat. I open carry every day. My firearm doesn’t need to be so close to my sweaty body.
Hmmmmm....... as much as I "want" to argue with you, 3 things come to mind - 1 - Texas 2- Hot 3- Fat I'm 6 foot, about 230....... not obese, but not "slim", so I get ya. I was stationed in Ft Bliss, which goes to my next statement - I HATE hot weather. I'll give you a pass....... LOL
I absolutely agree no reason to open carry myself I carry every where the law allows I carry a ruger 380 12+1 hollow points lcp max with Alabama holster in my front pocket operates great never an issue I know I will get grief oh it’s to small not enough ammo I have been to safety courses I believe the key to concealed carry is situational awareness I constantly have back to the door and always watching others
I 100 % agree. I'm a 34 years law enforcement officer . I carry every time I leave my house. But only concealed, never open. You just open yourself up to more problems . I really enjoy your videos, so thanks. Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful day.
I am a gray man and the only time I open carried was when I was on a lease hunting. That aside, I live in Texas and have seen a number of people open carry. In general these men are more mature in age and seem to think it gives them a "don't mess with me" persona. I agree with you that it has more down sides than benefit, in particular the element of surprise. The last thing I want to do is provoke a gun fight, even if you are on the "winning" side, it is not worth the pain that follows.
I grew up in Alaska and can see open carrying in rural areas while hunting, fishing, on one's farm, or on a ranch. Other than that, I completely agree with you. It makes no sense to me why anyone would open carry in a populated environment.
Prior to retirement, I was a police officer in a “large” Texas city for 25 years. At my agency, officers in non-uniform (as opposed to low profile plainclothes or undercover) assignments typically open carried. The reason? We usually had duty sized pistols worn in a hot climate. Most cops are not “gun enthusiasts “. At my agency, most only had one sidearm for all purposes. That’s why duty size guns were so prevalent. Believe it or not, many cops did not have an “off duty” gun and did not carry off duty. I was unusual in having smaller pistols to use as uniform backups and concealed off duty sidearms. When I started, the agency did not regulate holsters for open carry but later wrote policy requiring retention holsters. I favored the Safariland open top holster equipped with the SLS locking device. The open carry was never a problem because cops typically operated in groups (even when going to lunch). I don’t recall any incidents of gun grabs from non-uniform personnel. When Texas first allowed citizen open carry (originally just for permit holders), many of my colleagues expected major problems. I opined that people would soon tire of the novelty and then return to concealed carry after thoughtful reflection. From what I see on a daily basis today, that has proven to be true. Few people open carry as opposed to concealed carry. The negatives far outweigh any perceived positives, except under a few specialized circumstances.
I have detectives that open carry in "soft clothes" (a shirt with agency logo and their name) along with a badge displayed. Not the same as as "off duty" or truly pain clothes. I get that point and do concede to that.
@@longgone9869 Just to clarify, larger pistols require dressing “around the gun”. At my former agency, people in investigative and support assignments had their choice of clothing dictated to a certain extent. As a detective in investigative units, I had to wear a tucked in shirt with a necktie (even on 100 deg plus days!). Wearing suit jackets or blazers as cover garments was typically not done in our hot climate. In plainclothes assignments, I usually used an untucked shirt to cover my G19 or the agency issued M&P. I had colleagues who used loose t-shirts to cover full size G17’s in the appendix position. Larger pistols carried well unless our clothing was “regulated”. Sheriff Oller noted requiring detectives to display badges while open carrying. My former agency required the badge to clipped to the belt adjacent to or at least near the pistol. When working plainclothes, everything was concealed.
Retired LEO and I agree 100%. Makes me nervous when I see someone open carry. Personally I want the element of surprise! I am enjoying your videos! Thank you
There is no element of surprise as it used to be since criminals know there may be concealed carriers, also not being situationally aware many concealed carriers have been killed, so they still target anyone, open carry generally they let leave the place before they rob it, open carry by far is more of a deturant to crime and a criminal who sees a alert open carrier knows it's not worth the risk, it's like a pit bull at a front steps, you want to get to the front door but fear the dog, that's what a alert open carrier looks like to most criminals, they even claim in prison that it's easier to let the open carrier leave before the robbery, otherwise if open carriers were targets we would be knowing about it but it doesn't happen any more then a conceal carrier being a target not paying attention, no situational awareness
@@RickNethery exactly, open carry by far is a deturant, if not we would hear constantly they are being attacked, so they exaggerate saying your a target open carrying, if we could play back robbery camera footage in open carry states we would see open carriers coming and going at the stores, the camera footage of robbery shows they wait for open carriers in that store to leave, your not a target because even a criminal knows risk verses reward' so they simply let you leave the area, easier to let open carries leave for a criminal then him getting a murder charge, also he risks you quick draw, as open carriers we are situationally aware more to because we get more practice, conceal carries are on their phone probably not as situationally aware, taking for granted the have the element of suprise when they themselves can be a target and not be able to get to gun fast enough
@libra7624 I wish people would stop being such cowards and start exercising their constitutional rights. If open carriers were everywhere, it would send a powerful message. Places with constitutional carry also have less looting.👍
As a Canadian it goes without saying that we are regulated and restricted to no end! I am not allowed to carry my holstered revolver on my own land. Situational awareness is key but it sure would be better to have the option for personal defense. Concealed would be the best option.
Third generation peace officer, long retired. Like yourself, I have a cop logic. When off duty, I never open carried. Retired, I still carry concealed. Reason? It doesn't make me a visible target. It keeps everyone around me calm. And allows me to better blend in, and able to react if necessary, and buys me time. Just when I boxed, you never telegraph your punch. Better to surprise your opponent, than to show your punch before you swing. Those who open carry are often "demonstrating" they have a weapon for self-serving attention and an ego boost. I avoid them like the plague.
But “what would you do?” is not the question, the question is why would anyone ever open carry? Why do cops open carry? If concealed carry was such an advantage wouldn’t that also translate to cops? The obvious answer is that open carry is SIGNIFICANTLY faster to get the gun out of the holster than concealed carry and there is less chance of mishandling the gun. Anyone who says otherwise is just a liar.
@SheriffMattOller You asked the question. But this the answer to the question you asked. This is an answer to an entirely different question that you apparently Adele afraid to actually ask. The answer to the question you asked is because open carry is MUCH more efficient to get the gun out of the holster. If it wasn’t you would not have your deputies doing it. My point isn’t that open carry is a particularly good idea but don’t outright lie about why your deputies do it. Stop pretending that there is some preordained BS that we both know isn’t true. For most people myself included concealed carry is advantageous if only to avoid Karen calling 911. But don’t lie about there being no reason. The reason is so damned obvious that if you told your deputies tomorrow that they had to concealed carry in uniform they would lose their minds and think you had lost yours. Claiming that you have some god given superior position in society makes me wonder why the rubes in your county would ever elect and elitist like you to any position of authority. You would fit in quite well in California, Illinois or New Mexico with your moral superiority. I bet you call your constituents “civilians” too don’t you? I know you do so don’t lie about that.
@kevinallies1014 quite honestly the most non thought out comment on this thread so far............ A police officer, in uniform, is there to pursue and apprehend in relation to criminal behavior. A civilian is not. You're there to avoid, and defend yourself against criminal behavior. Those 2 things are not the same. You should likely seek counseling.
@SheriffMattOller What in the hell does that have to do with the QUESTION YOU originally asked? Absolutely nothing. Open carry is faster out of the holster and everyone knows it. Those are just facts. You know it. I know it. And everyone on here knows it. That doesn’t mean it is superior for any particular person all the time or maybe even any of the time given the trade offs but to act like there is some moral superiority that makes open carry for some people and not for other just makes you look like a clown. You have already done a pretty good job of making yourself look like a clown by calling your constituents “civilians” like you are Chief of Staff of the Army. No you a podunk sheriff in a podunk county who probably should lose your job at the next election because you think you are better than the people whose taxes you steal. People like YOU are why there is such a lack of respect for law enforcement in this country. You think you are a man apart from the people you are supposed to serve but obviously they are just dirty “civilians” so their job is to pay the taxes and your job is to treat them like the serfs you think they are.
Good Video, I have retired and usually donot carry at all anymore. But I live in an isolated, rural area. And the old shotgun is usually close to hand. But when in the military, (in Vietnam, with a Weapon and a side arm. I carried a concealed .38 , insurance). And working in the woods I carried concealed. No reason for a citizen to show off their hardware, it is there for other eventualities. I have enjoyed you videos, you address iimportant points, keep up the good work.
Quite frankly after it was ruled that LEOs have no legal responsibility to protect the citizen, it's really none of your damn business how it's carried Bubba. Period
My reasons to open carry, in no particular order. 1) It's our right to, keep and bear arms. So it is our right to do so. 2) the more we normalize exercising our rights, the more likely we won't lose anymore than we've blost so far. 3) personally, i only open carry on my way to and from a range day, and if by chance i stop somewhere for gas or something, noone cares here in my neck of the woods. Just my thoughts. We've lost so many of our rights, because the populace refuses to exercise them, basically all of the bill of rights is on life support.
I'll concede to MOST of what you said with the exception of "normalization". Please explain how dragging a gun into Starbuck's or Walmart is somehow going to "normalize" guns to the anti gun crowd and not give them more confirmation that we're a bunch of zealots who need committed? It's not....... it's only going to make their anti gun rhetoric and will to fight gun rights that much stronger.
@@SheriffMattOller why should exercising a right, have to be done in secret? I get the tactical disadvantages of open carry. But, why wouldn't we want the freedom to choose however we wish to carry? The only way to get our rights back, peacefully, is to start exercising them openly.
I had a friend who thought it was a good idea to open carry. One day while standing in line at a restaurant he caught a rock to the side of his head. Though it did not knock him out, by the time he regained his composure, his pistol was gone.
Former active duty soldier here. I’ll give you several reasons for open carry, Sheriff. People who want that “element of surprise” always assume that they will be a bystander instead of the target victim. Your element of surprise doesn’t work when you are the one being attacked for giving the impression that you are an easy target. “Open carry sets you up as the first target to be eliminated by bad guys.” No matter how many times I hear or read this, I am still amazed that people continue to spout this nonsense despite any evidence that it has ever happened. Again, the argument for concealed carry typically hinges on the assumption that the carrier will be a bystander and not the intended target, thus relying on the element of surprise rather than preparing for being surprised yourself. Could it ever happen? Could you conceivably be taken out as the first threat in a robbery? Yes, anything is possible. But the fact is that criminals typically have tunnel vision and are focused on the object of their attack. Criminals are not skilled military tacticians. They are looking at the clerk behind the counter to make sure that he doesn’t pull a gun, not at the shopper getting ice cream from the frozen dairy counter. There have been instances where criminals have held up convenience stores with uniformed police in close proximity because they are focused on the cash register and getting in and out as quickly as possible. The probability of you being the target when you are alone is exponentially higher than if a criminal is walking through a convenience store shooting all the armed shoppers first before he robs the store. The myth that if you open carry a bad guy is going to shoot you first is just that, a myth. I’ll continue with more in the following paragraphs.
Sheriff Mat, for me it comes down to weather. As I get older I, at times, have problems in hot weather. Usually I cover, but if I start to feel ill from the heat I have to make an exception.
We all know why some guys open carry. It's the same reason that guy who is an accountant, lives in a condo downtown and drives a king cab F450 ... gotta make up for it somehow.
Logical arguments for open carry: 1.) Way faster draw. 2.) Comfort. 3.) Demonstrates why 2A is not a threat. NOW - by far the biggest reason is the faster / less likely to get hung up on clothing draw. In truly dangerous situations, like bear or lion country, or a high-threat human environment, open carry can be the difference between life and death. Natural predators are an issue when hunting, hiking, etc. and I think those settings are more accepting of open carry because everyone understands that. Highly threatening human environments are something I avoid, unless I cannot, like the need to pass through a rough part of a city, or go to a place with few exits and lots of strangers. I carry concealed in those situations, preferring to keep a low profile, and retain the tactical advantage. If I found myself in a major societal meltdown, or dealing with dangerous people coming toward my family/home, the rifle would come out and the side arm is OWB. The only people I resent open carrying are the sloppy, thuggish-looking types who make responsible gun owners look bad in public. If you don’t have enough brains to pull up your pants, put on a proper gun belt and a quality holster with retention, you shouldn’t be carrying. Conversely, the well-dressed citizen with the properly carried sidearm, holding the door for someone, or acting respectfully at a checkout counter, puts me at ease and makes me glad to see “good guys with guns.” I think we need more of those people as a counterbalance to the anti-gun paranoia. Whatever the disadvantages, it is good for the second amendment to be able to point to “old Joe Wilson” who carries his gun everywhere and is the nicest, most law-abiding guy you’d ever want to meet. I think everyone who carries a gun should have to take a training course with physical hands on the various weapons platforms and should be able to demonstrate safe handling, field stripping, and storage of the weapons they own. I think a small, reasonable fee, under $100 is the most anyone should have to pay for that. Subsidize it with our tax money, rather than wasting it on any number of stupid government programs.
I have no problem with OC and no problem with CC . The main thing is carry with one in the pipe . When I was in Iraq & Afghanistan everyone OC’d and nobody shot each other imagine that . We were all cond 1 or sometimes 2 at all times . Carrying a firearm gives you a chance .
I agree 100% I can’t figure it out. I was an officer in the 70s and 80s and never understood why people would open carry I’m done trying to figure it out because there’s no reason for it in my opinion. Sometimes I would open carry when I had my badge on my belt, but not too often, your points are right on it makes you a target for sure
@fgallogallo7 If concealed carry imparts some kind of magic into the gun then why don’t cops concealed carry all the time. Everyone knows the answer but lying to yourself about it has become a habit with the “2A” “community”. If concealed carry out you in a superior tactical situation every cop on every force would be doing it, but it doesn’t so they don’t. Lying about that obvious fact doesn’t impart some sort of moral superiority it just makes everyone who tells the obvious look like the obvious liars that they are. Is there a trade off with having an element of surprise? Sure but lying about having easier access to the gun is still lying.
Reasons to open carry would include: -You can carry a full size handgun, which usually has better ergonomics and "shoot-ability" than compacts and sub compacts, as well as greater overall firepower and better mechanical reliability -You can often access your handgun faster -Statistically, it is far more of a deterrent to crime. Consider that there is at least half a million defensive gun uses in the US, annually, and yet shots are only fired in an extremely small percentage of them. Why? Because criminals aren't looking for a gunfight, and 9 out of 10 of them simply flee at the first sign of armed resistance. Predatory behavior is about risk vs reward. If you watch the National Geographic Channel, you know predators don't usually attack the biggest or strongest, the buffalo with the biggest horns. They attack the slow and weak. Attacking a known armed advesary is too much risk, not enough reward. Getting into a gunfight is a lot of work. If criminals wanted to work for a living, they wouldn't be criminals. They are looking for a quick payout. They intend to have the monopoly on violence. It is a lose-lose proposition for a criminal to attack a known armed advesary. Even if they "win" the gun fight, they still have a murder rap hanging over them, for the rest of their life. That is a lot of heat for a handgun and a four year old iPhone. Any place a civilian is legally open carrying, law enforcement is going to take a shooting in public seriously. This isn't some dystopian liberal shithole where the criminal is back on the street after a warm meal and a nap 12 hours later. Places that allow open carry are predominately conservative with a deep appreciation for accountability and rule of law. We go by FAFO here. The incentive for a criminal would be to just find an easier victim. Intentionally bringing that kind of heat on themselves is like messing with the buffalo with the biggest horns. Predators that take unnecessary risk don't last long. Open carrying makes you the buffalo with the biggest horns. It deters far more criminal behavior than it encourages. I carry with Level II retention, but carry openly with confidence. I've had far more people thank me, or strike up a conversation about what I am carrying and guns in general than negative scrutiny.
In my state, you used to have to obtain a permit if you wanted to conceal carry but not if you wanted to open carry. I live in a rural area and for a little while, I saw several people open carrying in the grocery store, presumably as a workaround so that they could legally carry a gun without having to get a permit. This trend seemed to fall out of favor, probably after these guys got kicked out of Applebees too many times. A lot of people didn't like the money and hoops required to get a permit or didn't like the idea of a cop getting a notification that they carry a gun when they look up their license in a traffic stop. Considering that we live in a country where the police even shoot at acorns, I can't blame people for having that kind of mindset.
Thousands of private citizens including my self at times, off duty police and off duty military open carry with no problems, not necessarily open carry every where. We have to look at the facts, Lots of misconceptions about open carry, one of them is your a target but it's actually factual that your more of a deturant, for example criminals often go by 'risk vs reward' if a guy wants to rob a dollar store and sees I am armed they usually let you leave first because in that example the risk is not worth the reward, there are things like armored car and bank runners where the risk is worth it to a criminal. for open carriers no more have been killed in defense situations then concealed carriers, what we do know is you are just as much a target concealed carry if your not paying attention. most open carriers including myself don't open carry in some places, for example I am a north Minneapolis guy who lived near the most shootings in Minneapolis by Penn and Lowry north side, today if I have no business there I won't even go their concealed carry either. concealed carry doesn't mean you can go where you want and be safe, criminals expect you to be armed now because carry permits have increased so 'the element of suprise' isn't like it was a decade ago. out of context from a private law abiding citizen using gangs for example they make up the most shooting deaths and they all conceal carry, so we see that concealed carry doesn't mean your not a target. often the hard core concealed carriers use 'straw dummy arguments' against open carriers and why they shouldn't open carry, for example they show a guy with sweat pants and gun hanging out of pocket for the world to grab, now is that a fair way to portray us open carriers ?, well no because even we know what a dumb open carrier is. we who open carry are situationally aware, have eagle eyes from practicing open carry, we have strong belts and cranked up retention holster settings, we wear gun further in like 2 o'clock if we can, this puts arm covering grip and harder to pull from behind, a good retention holster you can't pull from behind, you have to pull straight up. a good open carrier will access where he or she is going and may conceal depending on the situation, wich the phrase comes to mind 'open carry for the woods, conceal carry for the hoods' but if I am in the country and suburbs I feel I have enough alertness to open carry. a reason it's Good to open carry some times is the community gets to know and trust you and it educates people about our rights in the second amendment, it's the right to bear arms meaning have out in the open on you, just like the protests in Richmond you have over 60,000 AR-15's and they where not conceal carrying AR -15's, so open carry is being American and what this country is about, you don't have to open carry all the time but you need that show to the American public that you are proud of your open carry rights and want to educate people and show them your a decent American and private citizen, or off duty cop, military. many concealed carriers have open carry days once in a while and walk around handing out constitution pamphlets, even winning over far left democrats who see you in the community and know that mostvopen carriers are decent folks, not the wild west shoot out types they though we would've if many of us open carry in one place. Given situational awareness is the same the open carrier will be faster on the draw but concealed carrier not farvbehind and will survive as well, it's all about mind set, your training, your wisdom about where you go and what you do, so I think open carriers get bashed to much, we dont don't bash concealed carriers and hope they understand many of us know how to open carry and have our reasons. If we took 100 people and divided them up into concealed carriers and open carriers the determining factor of winning a self defense situation wouldnt be just how we carry, it would be our situational awareness, our training and how we use that mind set in a gun fight and many more variables, each situation will be different but in no way would it be 50 open carry dead and 50 concealed carry alive, it's isn't like that since so many more variables of the gun fight advantage or disadvantage must be considered
I am a dem and I firmly believe in carring and believe it is a responsibility rather than just a right. I do feel concealed is best and feel open is just a macho thing. I wish the dems would get off the gun control thing. It is seriously hurting thier vote count. I used to vote red but I hate the facist they have become. My dad fought against Hitler and so should we.
Open carry doesn't mean macho in the same way displaying our American flag out in the open isnt being macho, its american, we have open carry organizations in the united states' and most of you miss represent us and don't have facts to go with the claims, open carry is the right to bear arms, meaning carry out in the open, we don't hide a American flag nor should those who choose to open carry be mocked and miss represented@@rayditzenberger9517
When stationed in Alaska and out on the tundra (taking pictures or just going for a mucky walk), we carried heavy revolvers in case of bear; those were not readily concealable. So I would say when in isolated and potentially dangerous wild parts of nature with a sidearm that will probably never be seen by anyone who isn't walking with you.
The only time I open carry then I am working back end of the farm . I have seen some tracks of a good sized cat maybe a bobcat there are suppose to be no mountain lion in Indiana but I'm only 40 miles south of Michigan so area could sneak down.
As one open carrier said, “I’m not a ninja. By concealing you have to attempt to ambush your ambusher in order to use your weapon, and that is just something I’m not interested in doing.” I will never claim that openly carrying a firearm will deter all criminals. The world is not that simple. I am of the opinion that open carry is one tool in a vast arsenal that can help reduce your chance of being selected as a potential target. *There’s also the caveate that folks seem to forget; if you’re open carrying, then that guy over there is too, and that gal back yonder as well. A potental predetor is not just attacking me, he’s potentially taking on a crowd of armed citizens. Most bad guys will walk away from that.
As a former LEO I would have to say all your points are valid. Most of all the guy that runs around with the $10 holster and has no grasp of the concept of retention. I'm glad I live in a state that allows concealed carry with a permit. The big issue is some form of training to me. A four hour class is not too much to ask.
the only difference between concealed carry and open carry is with open carry you're showing people around you that you have a gun. To me there's no upside to that. If there's no upside there's only a downside.
Last one for now, Sheriff. Looking forward to your replies, sir. Ease of carry Another advantage of open carry is that it is extremely comfortable. You can carry a full-sized gun easier than carrying it concealed. A concealable handgun is often a compromise in size and caliber. So many people today carry small, low round capacity pistols (even tiny .380 ACPs) because it is easy and they can throw one in their pocket almost as an afterthought. To them carrying a concealed medium or full-sized pistol or revolver is harder and uncomfortable. They don’t want to dress around it. Many don’t even carry extra magazines or speed loaders. Not only does a larger gun have a higher round capacity as in the case of semi-auto pistols, but it is also easier to shoot and is more controllable. You’re going to be more accurate both on initial and follow-up shots should you ever have to use it.
Hello Sheriff Oller, I am a big fat Dad. I am a resident of the commonwealth of Kentucky. Folks sadly miss the point that you have to be aware of your surroundings. I pocket carry a Glock 26 full time. While its not ideal for all situations more often than not you can anticipate when a problem might arise. That being said. I try not to put myself or more importantly my family harm's way.
My wife and I do the Farmers Market 3 days a week here in our small Ozarks city . . 3 years ago we had some issues with some tweakers and dealers sharing the common spaces on the city square. They were dealing right out in the open. The local cops didn't seem to care but the Sherriff's Deputies did. They advised several of the men who did the Farmers Market to open carry while at the market . . . within a week or two the Tweakers and Dealers moved somewhere else. Oh, and we all carry large amounts (several hundreds +) of cash at the market. Several of the men at the Market continue to open carry while there.
I need some direction on what and how to carry. Most adds I see are for people who dress like they are juveniles. Baggy shirts and shorts. I'm not a young man, my shirt is not form fitted, I wear jeans with a belt and my shirt is tucked in. Sometimes I wear a shirt over my T shirt. I've been trying to make a choice, but I have not been able to.
Take a look at the crossbreed supertuck holsters. I carried a G19 for a long time comfortably with one of those. Especially the horse hide model, really was comfortable. Now that I am in warmer climates and wear shorts without a belt more often I changed pistols and carrying methods.
I conceal carry all the time now! But when I walk the back road or walk in the woods, I always open carry. But I have NO problem with someone open carrying around me. If more people open carried, I think we would be safer and more polite!!!
Both types of carry, open or concealed carry, bring about their own set of pros and cons. As a native Texan who has employed both methods, I find that open carry is more comfortable, brings much quicker deployment times and precludes the need for cover garments. It’s usually quite warm here! I’ve never experienced any display of “public scrutiny” as you suggested. In fact, most people are so engrossed in their cell phones that they don’t even notice I have a firearm. Regarding being the first target of the bad guy intent on committing a crime… Where is the actual real world data that supports that notion? I think the deterrent factor could play a larger role in prevention of said bad guys deciding to carry out their plan when they know there are armed civilians on scene than it is credited for. Naturally, a quality retention holster is a must when open carry is to be utilized.
I agree that concealed carry is the prudent option. I’m a retired 75 year old Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant and confident in my ability to deploy and use my firearm should the need arise. However, I don’t want to create the situation that would cause some young bad dude to decide he can take my open carry weapon from some old guy. I don’t want to be that target! I agree totally with all your reasons for discrete concealed carry.
Completely agree. I got my first CCW in 1983. Why show the other players at the table your hand? That includes the nervous. I am compelled to inform law enforcement that I'm carrying if meaningful contact occurs where I live.
I used to carry open because 1 it’s more comfortable and you don’t have to sweat to death in 90’s or triple digits. 2 i always thought open carry would make people think twice about bothering you. Second one of course turns out to not always be true. If you carry open a good gun retention holster is necessary. Either that or Maybe appendix carry where it’s harder to steal… I hate appendix Cary for sitting down. If you carry open you have to be completely aware of those around you at all times. Not fun but a good idea anyways. I don’t carry open unless I’m at home but complete concealment is a problem in hot temperatures.
I agree with you. It's not just the law enforcement person who discharges a firearm, that is scrutinized under the law. Cameras are everywhere, and if some sidewalk journalist records what you do, don't be surprised that an action that results in the discharge of a firearm, may make the civilian look as bad if not worse than a law enforcement officer. A civilian discharge of a firearm, especially if it results in injury or death, is likely to be investigated. Incarceration might be the next steps afterwards and whether you carry concealed or open, may not work out well. Unless the circumstances are completely cut and dry, and no innocents were harmed, there could be some very expensive litigation that follows. If someone open carries, their judgement is likely to be called into question by people that may not share the enthusiasm of the gun owner. People that own guns, use them routinely in recreation and practice, may not be fully aware of how many people, and potential jurors don't agree on carrying an open firearm, and sometimes they don't support the right to carry at all. Every right has a flip side. That side B is responsibility. You can insist on rights, but beware of your responsibility, especially as it may be viewed by other people.
Comfort and ease of access. Main 2 reasons I can think of. IMO, if you do carry open use a secure holster. Not some $10 Amazon job. Use one with a higher lever of security instead of just a pouch to put the firearm in.
Surprise surprise surprise. Give your self that element. Be proficient at concealed carry. And you will be JUST as PREPARED. Just another thought. The sheriff was SPOT ON.
I would open carry but my wife doesn't like it. Lol but My state has concealed carry that goes in effect July 4, she has no problem with that. I can't wait till the 4th.
Precisely...on every point, especially when folks get offended. Those who get offended by the logic of not open carrying do so out of an emotional, not intellectual, response. I went through two attempted gun-grabs by suspects as a cop. I would spare anyone that ordeal with the simple advice the Sheriff has given. I'll keep my advantage that comes with being the unknown "Grayman".
Once out of curiosity I choose to open carry in my local walmart just to read peoples reaction .... I saw NO significant fear or unrest as I went thru the store tho in sporting goods the clerk had a couple of questions that were sensible and not aggressive. I figured if any would show objection it would be someplace big like wallyworld ... but no ... nothing .... got that out of the way and back to concealed carry.
Doesn’t bother me if someone else open carries. The only time I don’t worry if my pistol is showing is when I’m on my land. In public I always carry concealed.
Good points. If the country falls into anarchy, and you are moving around with a group of armed people you might want to open carry. This allows you to get the gun quickly.
After watching westerns for close to 70 years, I have noticed that the open carry cowboys won over 99% of the shoot outs against concealed carry card sharps and other assorted neir do wells. Lol
Sheriff, I couldn't agree with you more...I first became a police officer in Missouri in 1991, and mostly carried open carry on duty (except when I worked narcotics), and 99.9% of the time off duty was always concealed...and now that I am retired, always concealed in public...now stomping around in the Mark Twain, I open carry...but I am often puzzled why someone thinks carrying open carry at Walmart makes them safer...If I were a career criminal, I would always know where I could find a gun, on the side of someone that want's to show off that they are carrying and aren't truly ready for conflict....I would much rather everyone that can legally possess a firearm in public have it concealed....train with it, let their ego stay mellow, and be a good steward of the 2nd Amendment.
@BrianSmith-ql5nj until some gangster takes one of those 15 guns and starts shooting the place up........ So........ since there's ALWAYS a badder dude in the room that is willing to fight that fight, which of you and your 14 friends are willing to get blindsided and have your gun taken and used like that? Your falling straight into the "because I can" camp without giving any logical reason for "why I should"........ Can does not equal should - never has, never will.
@@SheriffMattOller Hi Mr. Oller, if what you are saying about open carry were true, wouldn't criminals be disarming police officers? because after all uniformed police officers open carry everyday, at least where I live. Fortunately, I haven't seen any news stories of that happening. Which is a good thing.
@JustSomeguy-lm7he Good question........ Unfortunately, it happens. It's attempted more than it's accomplished. Most police officers: 1- have retention holsters issued, which 99% of open carry people I see don't And 2 - undergo regular training for weapons retention, which the average person (open or CCW) do not. 3 - have other weapons available to try to stop such attacks that civilians do not. There's a vast difference in training levels and equipment that we're taking about. But - several times per year, police officers are disarmed. If that bad guy had the opportunity to take your gun, which would be much easier, he'll likely get it. Why give them one?
4 types of people who become cops. 1. Family Tradition. 2. They want to serve and protect their community. 3. They just need a job. 4. They want a legal means to harass, bully, beat, abuse, and m u r d e r people.
I have no problem with open-carry, however I'm not one who likes to advertise which is why I carry concealed. Some may say open-carry acts as a deterrent, however I would rather have the element of surprise on my side...coupled with practicing "Cooper's Color Wheel".
“The deterrent value of open carryl Carrying a concealed firearm suggests to a criminal that you are unarmed. Every study says that criminals will avoid an armed person or home when selecting a victim. I do not understand the advantage of appearing to be unarmed. As Ed Levine, founder of Virginia Open Carry, has stated, the probability of me being a victim of a violent crime is completely unchanged by the fact that I have a gun hidden beneath my shirt. My goal is not to be a victim in the first place. I don’t want to have to shoot someone. Few people will attack an open carrier. If you feel better concealing, that’s fine. If I can, I prefer to stop the threat before it turns into a physical reality. If you think that it’s better to stop a threat using your surprise tactics once you’re on your back getting your head smashed in, then that’s your decision. Simply put, there is a deterrent value to openly carrying. Truthfully, many don’t notice but if a criminal does he will pick another victim. Statistics are hard to come by here, but there is much anecdotal evidence. One of the most famous cases that made the news was the Kennesaw, Georgia, Waffle House robbery that was avoided simply because there were armed citizens sitting in there eating. What is not so well known is that there are many police reports in which criminal suspects who were taken into custody stated that they saw people openly carrying firearms in a business and postponed their attack until they left.
In FL open carry almost never allowed but I do see advantages. In hot weather you can have a larger and more capable gun at the ready. But the best part would be less worry about accidentally showing a concealed weapon. When concealed in a place where open carry isn’t allowed you always have to worry about printing and such even if most people won’t notice.
Absolutely agree with you! Why would you draw attention to yourself? For me, I like to “fly under the radar”. I go by the ABC’s, “Always Be Carrying” but, under the radar.
I always carry my handgun concealed! I've always felt that wearing my handgun openly though legal to do in Michigan, puts me at a tactical disadvantage. The bad guys know who they are but I don't until they do bad guy things so I don't want them to know I'm armed until I need or have an opportunity to use it. Just sayin...
Thank you Sheriff for an outstanding discussion. I personally conceal carry but am in no way offended when I see someone open carry. If my outer shirt blows back in the breeze I dont scramble in embarrassment either but again, concealed carry works best for me. Thank you for including officers in this. Tells me you are fair minded. Here are a few reasons why I think people may open carry. None of these am I endorsing but just what ive noticed. First, to some people who really like guns it may be like the wife choosing jewelry. I can see this one personally. You spend good money on a nice firearm so you want to enjoy it. Second part to this is maybe people also hope that promote a camaraderie and discussions etc.. Second possible reason, a century and a half ago, open carry was well accepted and you had regular Sheriffs posses. Maybe to some its just a matter of which hill to stand on to fight to regain ground to get back the mentality of the way things were. As I understand it there was a time when if the Sheriff recruited you to assist, it was a crime not to do so. Not sure if this true or not but have read it more than once. I always try to keep in mind that the courts have ruled that protecting the citizens isnt a primary responsibility of law enforcement. You correctly stated the duties of law enforcement and you have my respect sir. That tells me the responsibility is that of the people. Third possible reason is maybe its sort of a checks and balances type message for some people. Fourth, maybe a way to meet a like minded date ha ha. Hey you never know. I am happily married to a wonderful woman but just trying to get in the head of the open carriers. Fifth, comfort maybe? Summers in missouri get pretty hot. Just a few possibilities. Something to ponder though Sheriff, if you were open carrying in a room with 100 people you would probably be the first target as you have stated but what if the whole room was open carrying? My point is maybe some people are trying to normalize it to where we get to that point or close to it. I dont see it happening personally but oh well. Again excellent conversation.
I carry everyday no matter if I’m just going outside to sit in the yard… but I never open carry.. I don’t have anything to prove and I don’t want anybody to know I have a gun… I think if something went down I’d be the first person the bad guy took out… I totally agree with you buddy…
Sheriff, agree with you for the same reasons you voice. If some bad guy sees your gun it should come as a surprise to them, when you have the tactical advantage. Not before. Cover yur weapn and don't wear anything that says, "Look at me, I have a gun!"
Sheriff Mat, I have been enjoying your channel since I found it a few weeks ago. I agree that open carry is not usually a good idea. The only time that I open carry is occasionally when I'm working on the farm.
open carried when I was younger, i carried a rather large gun that was heavy and hard to conceal. besides the quickness of access, i can't think of a reason. now i'm older and pocket carry because of the advancements of firearms with the smaller lighter options.
Personal opinion not because it’s a right or to show off . Grocery stores or Walmart conceal . I’m not sure why it matters at least have a retainment holster
Haha, I’m laughing at the thought of you reading some of these, but I’d agree totally. To openly carry “opens” you up to being disarmed and who knows wth else.
I always conceal carry in public. Hell, God forbid something happens I want every advantage I can get. I don’t want to stand out, gray man for me. As for those that want to open carry, more power to them.
Your greatest weapon is the element of surprise. That’s the first thing you lose when open carrying. They know that you’re carrying, what you’re carrying, and where it is.
You make it sound like you're in an ambush mode. lol
@@bobbyb7127people get ambushed every day! It's absolutely outta control! Here in Portland literally every day!
But wouldn’t some criminals see that an armed person is not a soft target, be deterred and select an easier victim? I’m not a committed defender of open carry but I’m not totally against it either, I feel like if you can preemptively avoid a violent confrontation altogether that’s better than having it almost or actually happen to you only to surprise your attacker that you have a gun.
@@TheTexasTravisYou’re assuming all criminals are sane, rational people. Some might change their plan and rob you for that gun instead. If they know exactly where it is, they can just make sure your hands are away from it and get the drop on you before you can draw.
However, a good argument FOR open carry could be if you had a concealed backup. If they’re too concerned with your full-size at 4 o clock, they might miss your pocket rocket you already have your hand on.
Obviously never served
In times past, open carry was the norm and people who hid their weapons were considered cowardly or of ill repute. This social construct has flipped around to only good people conceal carry and those who open carry are of an ill considered mindset. I support carry, open or concealed. I feel safest in a place full of cops or bikers or other crowds where you know most are carrying, and I know that in my small Ozark town I am not the only person with a pistol in the stores or restaurants. If you think you are painting a target on your back by open carry, don't. If you think you will prevent someone who may get out of line by open carry, do it. Most people are too focused on their devices to even notice anything, so I think it is less of an issue than many would realize. I remember stopping at a gas station that also sold some cars with my aunt to look at a vehicle. The shop owner had a grey Glock 17 on his hip the whole time and my aunt didn't even notice it, lol.
More than likely a criminal won't have their firearms in the open for the world to see.
The one time I do get a little nervous is if I see someone carrying without a holster. That tells me you are properly not a responsible gun owner and possibly not a legal one either.
The guy I'm thinking about when I write this also had a thuggish look to him, as did the other two guys with him. When I say thuggish look I mean sagging pants and such. These guys came into the store I work at probably within an hour of closing time with just me and my coworker there. I'm not going to lie, the thought of these guys robbing the place did cross my mind. I calmed my nerves a little bit by saying to myself, 'Well I recognize these guys as people I've helped in the past, they didn't rob me then so hopefully they won't rob me now.'
Then they bought what they needed and left without any issues.
While it's true that the average Joe isn't very observant, I feel like your average criminal probably is. It's not at all uncommon for criminals to stake out their targets and victims.
@@justinbennett2633 sagging pants don't take your gun rights, believe it or not...
As a veteran and former Security Police officer, I have open carried for many years. I can get a concealed carry permit here in Oregon, but I don't care for the fees and the process. When they pass Constitutional carry I will switch to concealed carry more. Also the tweakers ,ect. tend to avoid me or walk away when they see that I'm armed. The criminal justice system here is completely broken and in the hands of the cartels. So for now I will continue to open carry. Just trying to answer your question. 👍
I'm in Portland and it's absolutely outta control! Being attacked is a absolutely daily thing to keep in mind! Ever since the collapse in 2020 I've faced I don't know how many life threatening situation's!
I agree with what you said about open carry. I conceal carry because I don't want to advertise that I'm armed. I don't put any information out in the public that it be on my vehicle or my self that I am armed. No NRA, GOA stickers or any thing else. I've been carrying for a long time and to me its an insurance policy. Its comforting knowing I have at least a fighting chance if a bad person or persons tries to kill me or my family or whoever.
Sherrif. I love your videos. Now, I am an open carrier, and I appreciate your comments on the subject, and respect them. I carry openly, in Arkansas, most days, and have for years. Some of my reasoning is that it's more comfortable, for one. I don't have to wear two shirts to cover it up. I also have quite a bit faster draw times open vs. concealed. I also figure that cops open carry, and military (which I was) open carry. If they see value in it, perhaps I should too. I have good retention holsters and practice what I think is good situational awareness, so I don't get disarmed. I know that, sadly, cops are disarmed and shot with their own service weapons, and they may be more trained than I at weapons retention, but they still open carry. As far as being the "first target of a bad guy", yea, that could happen. Or a bad guy could see an armed guy and just keep moving. We never know what is going to happen. If we did we wouldn't need a gun at all! I know I'm in the minority, open carrying, but there's some of my answers.
Ok. I see your logic, but fundamentally, disagree with it.
Police and military have a much different function than the average person who isn't.
As police and military regularly confront criminals or combatants, on purpose, with the intent to apprehend or neutralize them, the average person should be focused on escaping danger and defending themselves if need be.
Not being recognized and standing out aids in that endeavor, where as being viewed as a threat by a true bad guy may likely draw fire that the average person has no defense for.
NC here! I open carry as well, and I definitely agree, we have to keep our heads on a swivel! I hardly go anywhere without my gun on my side, and if I do, there is a good reason for it!! I agree with you 💯%, it definitely makes a bad guy think twice about doing anything stupid, and if we keep eyes in the back of our heads, we want have to worry about someone trying to take our guns. I’m always aware of my surroundings, and always keep my gun side towards the counter at a gas station or anywhere I think someone would try to take my gun! God bless you bro!!✝️👈🏼🇺🇸🔫
I'm sorry sheriff but your logic is totally flawed. Open carry is by all means an effective deterrent and proven life saver.
I don’t carry to run away. I carry because I can’t run away
@@SheriffMattOller I appreciate your reply, Sheriff, and I will consider it as I debate with myself on the best carry method for me.
I live in Texas. I mostly carry when walking country roads for exercise. I will open carry hoping that tells people I don't want want to be messed with.
Nothing like seeing someone carry an Ed Brown 1911 in a nylon holster bought from the bargain bin at a gun show.. LOL
Makes my spidey senses tingle......LOL
I prefer either Alessi or Tucker myself, but I still fail to see how the cheap nylon holster comes into play for open or concealed carry. what about one of those tshirts with the built in cross draw shoulder rig that one would need to be a contortionist to draw from.
Here in Alaska, it's mostly people stopping after being out in the woods hunting for a couple weeks. Wanting some real food. Or they have to ride a 4 wheeler or snowmachine from their home to their car. Gotta have protection from four legged critters. Just quicker getting to your weapon.
I'll stipulate and concede to the concept for folks that live in areas like that. Totally get that concept.
My post exactly, but in the opposite corner of the states, or swamp I should say.
I conceal carry everyday and the only time I open carry is when it’s leaving the belt to the storage place at home. I like being incognito and unsuspecting.
But a little history to share, back in the 19th century it was actually considered suspicious if you carried a weapon concealed and was found out that you were, it was polite to open carry, weird how times have changed.
I open carry due to nerve damage, and anything odd pressing against my lower area causes extreme discomfort. My wife open carries as well, as she just finds conceal carry very uncomfortable. We also don’t wear cheap holsters, and use retention holsters. We also pay attention to our surroundings, and don’t go into shady area’s that invite questionable characters. I think personal choice is also important, and no one has the right to tell anyone how they should or shouldn’t carry. Just be responsible, and polite, and live a good life.
I only open carry when hiking or fishing in the back country. I usually carry full size that’s why. When I am in public I conceal with a small 9 or 380.
I'll concede to open carry for hiking, hunting, woods walking, etc.
I would never open carry because I think secrecy and anonymity is best. HOWEVER, the advantage of having legal open carry is 1) If a wardrobe malfunction accidentally reveals your firearm, you don't go to jail. 2) In certain situations, the open display of a weapon just might make a criminal go elsewhere.
Some states don't require a permit for open carry and some folks don't want to pay " extortion fees" to the county/state for the "privilege" of exercising there constitutionally guaranteed rights... so open carry or get arrested for not complying.
I have been open carrying daily since 1996 without issue from Seattle to Boise to Vegas to Phoenix with no problems ever.
Remember, criminals have the same self-preservation instinct as you do and will pick the safest target. If you are carrying concealed, you appear to be a personal gun free zone whereas open carry projects visually you are a hardened target.
exactly and gertting hasled while open carrying has alot to do with how you look and conduckt yourself if you clean shaved and well kept and act like an adult you tend to have alot less propblems
I open carry because I am legally allowed to do so in my state.
I don't conceal carry because I am not legally allowed to do so in my state.
Yes, I am currently working on getting my concealed and am pretty close.
The class has been taken, the paperwork has been filled out, signed by a witness, and notarized. The only thing left to do is pay the fee, get my fingerprints taken, and wait for approval. However, that's proving to be harder than it sounds as no one at the Sheriff's Office wants to answer the phone, and even when showing up in person during regular business hours I was greeted with a sign saying we are closed.
Legality aside there is one logical reason to open carry, advocacy. By behaving in both a responsible and polite manner while open-carrying you slowly break down negative stigmas that people have about the gun community. yes, you indeed open yourself up to all of the negative things that Matt discussed.
-Scrutiny
-Becoming a target for theft (Make sure your holster has retention)
-Unwanted attention from law enforcement
-First one-shot
-And more
So far I've been lucky enough to only experience one of those, that being scrutiny. You get some very strange comments when you open carry, you also feel like all eyes are on you. I've been fortunate enough not to have any threats or have to deal with overly aggressive people.
The worst person I've come across so far was a guy who came to get some U-Joints at the auto part store where I work. I guess this guy had seen me carrying at the grocery store or something (of course I don't carry at work) and he popped off with a nasty attitude and said something along the lines of 'stop carrying that gun around town, I saw you with it the other day.' That's the only comment he's ever made about me carrying, but every time I interact with him (two or three occasions at this point) he catches a nasty attitude and I think some of it stems from the fact that he doesn't like me open-carrying. Of course, giving him the wrong U-joints the first time we met probably didn't help either. But when you are still making nasty comments towards me two or three months after the fact, I have to assume it's not from something as trivial as wrong parts. As small of a community as I live in it's almost certain that I will interact with him again, so perhaps someday I will figure out the true reason behind it. It might just turn out that in general, he's not a very nice guy, but until I find out otherwise I will assume that my open carrying has something to do with it.
I suspect that once I get my concealed my open carrying will decrease significantly. However, I will likely continue to open carry on occasion in my hometown because I think the advocacy is important. How you conduct yourself while armed is important, it greatly shapes the viewpoint of the general public and that will influence policy going into the future.
Ok. First, what state are you in?
Second - short of the communist states (CA, NJ, NY, IL etc), I can't believe states are still fiddling with CCW laws.
Anyway, regarding open carry -
Why do you somehow think that open carrying a gun will "normalize" this concept to those who are anti gun? I mean, let's face it, you dragging a gun into (insert business name here) will not somehow change the attitude of the anti gun crowd. IMHO, it only strengthens their resolve to pass anti gun legislation because in their eyes, you're nothing but a "zealot" looking for trouble.
Read the comments here - even the majority of those that admit they carry have the same view........
How is this helping anything, including you?
@@SheriffMattOller I live in NC. We were almost a constitutional carry state except for our Governor vetoed it. Hopefully, Roberson will be voted in and then I think we will have a good chance of becoming the 30th constitutional carry state.
You will never change the attitude of the antigun crowd, just like you will never change the attitudes of the pro-gun crowd. However, there are a lot of people in the middle of those two extremes. Those are the ones you can slowly win over just by interacting with them the way you would anyone else. The gun? It's just there for the off chance that I might need it, absolutely no different than the fire extinguisher, first aid kit, or spare tire I keep in my trunk.
Outside of legality and passive advocacy, you are right.
Tactically, concealed carry is far superior and theirs a host of other problems with open carry including everything we both already mentioned and more.
I also have no problem admitting that you are much older than I am and certainly much more experienced in these topics. I would be a fool not to respect that, but at the moment this is where I stand. My position might change tomorrow, but for now, that's my belief.
I was always told that a man that hides his woman or his gun is probably abusing both. With that said, in modern society, it is more safe to conceal carry, uncomfortable as it may be. I have open carried a few times in my rural area, to the feed store and to the small hardware store, and all of the owners and patrons of those establishments also ipen carry, so I was in like company. The old saying is true, "when in Rome do as the Romans do".
During Covid we had a string of trespassers through our mountain property - rude and unruly and belligerent, a lot of them. I took to open carrying my 9mm and was amazed at how people tamed up. They saw it holstered on my hip when I confronted them, pulled their horns back in and politely went away. The next year we didn't have those people problems and I quit open carrying. I'd do the same thing again. I don't know that it matters but just FYI, I am a concealed carry permit holder and generally don't open carry.
I'll concede to open carry on a "mountain property", especially your own. I'll also concede to open carry for hiking, hunting and woods walking. No issue there.
Reasoning aside, anyone who would choose to open carry certainly shouldn't do it without first doing some serious (and ongoing) weapon retention training! A good retention holster (at least level 2) is smart, obviously, but training and practice are still absolutely necessary in my opinion to help ensure someone will at least have to work damn hard to get your gun out of your holster or out of your hands. This is not a terrible idea even for people who carry concealed. Great topic!
My state makes it difficult to get a concealed carry permit, but open carry is allowed without a permit. Back in 2020, a lot of new gun owners in my area started open carrying because they couldn't legally carry concealed.
Wow. That's crazy.
I see that as being a driving factor to encourage your state to allow concealed carry, but still don't think it's a generally good idea.
@@SheriffMattOller Yeah they allow concealed carry for people with permits, but there are many labor intensive steps to acquiring a permit, and it takes several months. Hopefully we will get constitutional carry at some point. I really don't like the thought of open carry in public. Seems to me that you'd make yourself a target, like you said. Thanks for the video
Are you a fellow North Carolinian?
I’m a TN resident and have been concealed carrying for about 15 yrs. Just the other day I was in our local Walmart and this guy was walking past me with blue hair and a tank top on with an Sig p365 OWB on display. I have no issue with that, except a criminal could definitely take it from him (little fella). Another wannabe thug Muppet character was carrying a Taurus G2C in his basketball shorts pants pocket with his shirt hiked up for all to see how cool he thinks he is. 🤦 That guy made me uncomfortable because I knew he hadn’t a clue on weapon retention or proper carrying of a firearm. So yes I agree, I’m not for open carry, especially when muppets like that decide to display their “manhood”. 😂
The main reason I open carry is because my gun is too big to conceal. A revolver with a six inch barrel isn't exactly easy to hide.
In my small Texas town, most people open carry, we have plenty of ranchers and farmers down here, so it's normal to me.
Nobody really gets nervous when they see someone with a holstered gun because it's safe to assume that everyone has one.
Reading somebody's body language and demeanor is a good way to spot troublemakers.
But I want to move to a city, and I got myself an M&P Shield Plus specifically for concealed carry while I'm there.
Don't get me wrong, I love having the weight of my wheel gun on my hip, but at some point, you have to think about practically.
I'm concede to this - if it's the "norm" in your part of the world, that's different.
If it's not "normal", then my question stands - why would you do it?
"When in Rome........"
@@SheriffMattOller, The question is,if it's allowed in your particular area, WHY NOT??? in my state I can legally open carry without a permit or any other government infringement of my rights..,if that offends or intimidates you,then you are the one with the problem!
@EdwardTillotson-hj5pk it's legal in Missouri, except in cities with ordinances against it.
I ask the question because I see no distinct advantage in open carry vs concealed for the average person.
@@SheriffMattOller Respectfully, what other way could you make it normal without starting to carry open? Maybe that's why people do it as an attempt to establish it as normal again.
Just an hour ago in Wal-Mart an older, out of shape guy literally slumped over his shopping cart and totally zoned out is open carrying with an iwb holster outside of his shirt. I almost stopped and told him how easy it would be to grab his Shield but I wasn't feeling 'helpful'
I agree with all the points you made. I do open carry a revolver while hunting. That said stopping in my small Nebraska town for gas or to pickup a gallon of milk on the way home doesn't really raise eyebrows. People in the community know me. When I am outside my comfort zone and carrying for defense it's always hidden. Be the gray man.
I'll concede that open carry while hunting, hiking, or in very remote places where predators can be a thing is totally above board.
Good call.
In East Texas it is very hot and humid in summer. I dislike IWB as it’s very uncomfortable for me; I’m fat. I open carry every day. My firearm doesn’t need to be so close to my sweaty body.
Hmmmmm....... as much as I "want" to argue with you, 3 things come to mind -
1 - Texas
2- Hot
3- Fat
I'm 6 foot, about 230....... not obese, but not "slim", so I get ya.
I was stationed in Ft Bliss, which goes to my next statement -
I HATE hot weather.
I'll give you a pass....... LOL
I absolutely agree no reason to open carry myself I carry every where the law allows I carry a ruger 380 12+1 hollow points lcp max with Alabama holster in my front pocket operates great never an issue I know I will get grief oh it’s to small not enough ammo I have been to safety courses I believe the key to concealed carry is situational awareness I constantly have back to the door and always watching others
I 100 % agree. I'm a 34 years law enforcement officer . I carry every time I leave my house. But only concealed, never open. You just open yourself up to more problems . I really enjoy your videos, so thanks. Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful day.
I don't open carry except for when I'm deer hunting, it sure is more comfortable...but not worth it for all the reasons you mentioned.
I am a gray man and the only time I open carried was when I was on a lease hunting. That aside, I live in Texas and have seen a number of people open carry. In general these men are more mature in age and seem to think it gives them a "don't mess with me" persona. I agree with you that it has more down sides than benefit, in particular the element of surprise. The last thing I want to do is provoke a gun fight, even if you are on the "winning" side, it is not worth the pain that follows.
If you freely open carry, you've made yourself a target.
@sincere0025 How and why exactly is that? Also a target for what? A target for whom?
I grew up in Alaska and can see open carrying in rural areas while hunting, fishing, on one's farm, or on a ranch. Other than that, I completely agree with you. It makes no sense to me why anyone would open carry in a populated environment.
I'll stipulate to open carry for hunting, hiking, and woods walking. IMHO, totally cool.
Prior to retirement, I was a police officer in a “large” Texas city for 25 years. At my agency, officers in non-uniform (as opposed to low profile plainclothes or undercover) assignments typically open carried. The reason? We usually had duty sized pistols worn in a hot climate. Most cops are not “gun enthusiasts “. At my agency, most only had one sidearm for all purposes. That’s why duty size guns were so prevalent. Believe it or not, many cops did not have an “off duty” gun and did not carry off duty. I was unusual in having smaller pistols to use as uniform backups and concealed off duty sidearms. When I started, the agency did not regulate holsters for open carry but later wrote policy requiring retention holsters. I favored the Safariland open top holster equipped with the SLS locking device. The open carry was never a problem because cops typically operated in groups (even when going to lunch). I don’t recall any incidents of gun grabs from non-uniform personnel. When Texas first allowed citizen open carry (originally just for permit holders), many of my colleagues expected major problems. I opined that people would soon tire of the novelty and then return to concealed carry after thoughtful reflection. From what I see on a daily basis today, that has proven to be true. Few people open carry as opposed to concealed carry. The negatives far outweigh any perceived positives, except under a few specialized circumstances.
I have detectives that open carry in "soft clothes" (a shirt with agency logo and their name) along with a badge displayed.
Not the same as as "off duty" or truly pain clothes.
I get that point and do concede to that.
Not sure the problem with duty pistol carried concealed. I conceal my p226 everyday
@@longgone9869 Just to clarify, larger pistols require dressing “around the gun”. At my former agency, people in investigative and support assignments had their choice of clothing dictated to a certain extent. As a detective in investigative units, I had to wear a tucked in shirt with a necktie (even on 100 deg plus days!). Wearing suit jackets or blazers as cover garments was typically not done in our hot climate. In plainclothes assignments, I usually used an untucked shirt to cover my G19 or the agency issued M&P. I had colleagues who used loose t-shirts to cover full size G17’s in the appendix position. Larger pistols carried well unless our clothing was “regulated”. Sheriff Oller noted requiring detectives to display badges while open carrying. My former agency required the badge to clipped to the belt adjacent to or at least near the pistol. When working plainclothes, everything was concealed.
Retired LEO and I agree 100%. Makes me nervous when I see someone open carry. Personally I want the element of surprise!
I am enjoying your videos! Thank you
There is no element of surprise as it used to be since criminals know there may be concealed carriers, also not being situationally aware many concealed carriers have been killed, so they still target anyone, open carry generally they let leave the place before they rob it, open carry by far is more of a deturant to crime and a criminal who sees a alert open carrier knows it's not worth the risk, it's like a pit bull at a front steps, you want to get to the front door but fear the dog, that's what a alert open carrier looks like to most criminals, they even claim in prison that it's easier to let the open carrier leave before the robbery, otherwise if open carriers were targets we would be knowing about it but it doesn't happen any more then a conceal carrier being a target not paying attention, no situational awareness
This!! Surprise might be the ultimate tactical advantage 😮
What if there were multiple people open carrying ? A store full of open carriers would probably not be appealing to a criminal with serious intent.
@@RickNethery exactly, open carry by far is a deturant, if not we would hear constantly they are being attacked, so they exaggerate saying your a target open carrying, if we could play back robbery camera footage in open carry states we would see open carriers coming and going at the stores, the camera footage of robbery shows they wait for open carriers in that store to leave, your not a target because even a criminal knows risk verses reward' so they simply let you leave the area, easier to let open carries leave for a criminal then him getting a murder charge, also he risks you quick draw, as open carriers we are situationally aware more to because we get more practice, conceal carries are on their phone probably not as situationally aware, taking for granted the have the element of suprise when they themselves can be a target and not be able to get to gun fast enough
@libra7624 I wish people would stop being such cowards and start exercising their constitutional rights. If open carriers were everywhere, it would send a powerful message. Places with constitutional carry also have less looting.👍
I carried concealed in RI for 28 + years with an AG’s permit which allowed open carry. Never did. Not once.
Agree with you sheriff.
Daddy was in Patton’s Third Army and he always said the element of surprise was the upper hand
I choose to keep my weapon concealed. Just my opinion ! I am okay with open carry, it just doesn’t work for my situation !
As a Canadian it goes without saying that we are regulated and restricted to no end! I am not allowed to carry my holstered revolver on my own land. Situational awareness is key but it sure would be better to have the option for personal defense. Concealed would be the best option.
Third generation peace officer, long retired. Like yourself, I have a cop logic. When off duty, I never open carried. Retired, I still carry concealed. Reason?
It doesn't make me a visible target. It keeps everyone around me calm. And allows me to better blend in, and able to react if necessary, and buys me time.
Just when I boxed, you never telegraph your punch. Better to surprise your opponent, than to show your punch before you swing.
Those who open carry are often "demonstrating" they have a weapon for self-serving attention and an ego boost. I avoid them like the plague.
But “what would you do?” is not the question, the question is why would anyone ever open carry? Why do cops open carry? If concealed carry was such an advantage wouldn’t that also translate to cops? The obvious answer is that open carry is SIGNIFICANTLY faster to get the gun out of the holster than concealed carry and there is less chance of mishandling the gun. Anyone who says otherwise is just a liar.
Cops in uniform have a totally different role and duty than a civilian.
I mean, did you really just say that?
@kevinallies1014
@SheriffMattOller You asked the question. But this the answer to the question you asked. This is an answer to an entirely different question that you apparently Adele afraid to actually ask. The answer to the question you asked is because open carry is MUCH more efficient to get the gun out of the holster. If it wasn’t you would not have your deputies doing it. My point isn’t that open carry is a particularly good idea but don’t outright lie about why your deputies do it. Stop pretending that there is some preordained BS that we both know isn’t true. For most people myself included concealed carry is advantageous if only to avoid Karen calling 911. But don’t lie about there being no reason. The reason is so damned obvious that if you told your deputies tomorrow that they had to concealed carry in uniform they would lose their minds and think you had lost yours. Claiming that you have some god given superior position in society makes me wonder why the rubes in your county would ever elect and elitist like you to any position of authority. You would fit in quite well in California, Illinois or New Mexico with your moral superiority. I bet you call your constituents “civilians” too don’t you? I know you do so don’t lie about that.
@kevinallies1014 quite honestly the most non thought out comment on this thread so far............
A police officer, in uniform, is there to pursue and apprehend in relation to criminal behavior.
A civilian is not. You're there to avoid, and defend yourself against criminal behavior.
Those 2 things are not the same.
You should likely seek counseling.
@SheriffMattOller What in the hell does that have to do with the QUESTION YOU originally asked? Absolutely nothing. Open carry is faster out of the holster and everyone knows it. Those are just facts. You know it. I know it. And everyone on here knows it. That doesn’t mean it is superior for any particular person all the time or maybe even any of the time given the trade offs but to act like there is some moral superiority that makes open carry for some people and not for other just makes you look like a clown. You have already done a pretty good job of making yourself look like a clown by calling your constituents “civilians” like you are Chief of Staff of the Army. No you a podunk sheriff in a podunk county who probably should lose your job at the next election because you think you are better than the people whose taxes you steal. People like YOU are why there is such a lack of respect for law enforcement in this country. You think you are a man apart from the people you are supposed to serve but obviously they are just dirty “civilians” so their job is to pay the taxes and your job is to treat them like the serfs you think they are.
The only time I open carry is when hiking and camping in the woods. All other times it’s concealed. Always!
Good Video, I have retired and usually donot carry at all anymore. But I live in an isolated, rural area. And the old shotgun is usually close to hand. But when in the military, (in Vietnam, with a Weapon and a side arm. I carried a concealed .38 , insurance). And working in the woods I carried concealed. No reason for a citizen to show off their hardware, it is there for other eventualities.
I have enjoyed you videos, you address iimportant points, keep up the good work.
Quite frankly after it was ruled that LEOs have no legal responsibility to protect the citizen, it's really none of your damn business how it's carried Bubba. Period
My reasons to open carry, in no particular order. 1) It's our right to, keep and bear arms. So it is our right to do so. 2) the more we normalize exercising our rights, the more likely we won't lose anymore than we've blost so far. 3) personally, i only open carry on my way to and from a range day, and if by chance i stop somewhere for gas or something, noone cares here in my neck of the woods. Just my thoughts. We've lost so many of our rights, because the populace refuses to exercise them, basically all of the bill of rights is on life support.
I'll concede to MOST of what you said with the exception of "normalization".
Please explain how dragging a gun into Starbuck's or Walmart is somehow going to "normalize" guns to the anti gun crowd and not give them more confirmation that we're a bunch of zealots who need committed?
It's not....... it's only going to make their anti gun rhetoric and will to fight gun rights that much stronger.
@@SheriffMattOller why should exercising a right, have to be done in secret? I get the tactical disadvantages of open carry. But, why wouldn't we want the freedom to choose however we wish to carry? The only way to get our rights back, peacefully, is to start exercising them openly.
The way you were working that staple gun, I thought you were getting in some dry fire practice for your Glock….lol
I had a friend who thought it was a good idea to open carry. One day while standing in line at a restaurant he caught a rock to the side of his head. Though it did not knock him out, by the time he regained his composure, his pistol was gone.
Ummmmmm......... where and when was this?
This is exactly what I'm talking about.......
No problem here in Arizona - and always fun times here in Arizona !
Former active duty soldier here. I’ll give you several reasons for open carry, Sheriff. People who want that “element of surprise” always assume that they will be a bystander instead of the target victim. Your element of surprise doesn’t work when you are the one being attacked for giving the impression that you are an easy target.
“Open carry sets you up as the first target to be eliminated by bad guys.”
No matter how many times I hear or read this, I am still amazed that people continue to spout this nonsense despite any evidence that it has ever happened. Again, the argument for concealed carry typically hinges on the assumption that the carrier will be a bystander and not the intended target, thus relying on the element of surprise rather than preparing for being surprised yourself.
Could it ever happen? Could you conceivably be taken out as the first threat in a robbery? Yes, anything is possible. But the fact is that criminals typically have tunnel vision and are focused on the object of their attack. Criminals are not skilled military tacticians. They are looking at the clerk behind the counter to make sure that he doesn’t pull a gun, not at the shopper getting ice cream from the frozen dairy counter. There have been instances where criminals have held up convenience stores with uniformed police in close proximity because they are focused on the cash register and getting in and out as quickly as possible. The probability of you being the target when you are alone is exponentially higher than if a criminal is walking through a convenience store shooting all the armed shoppers first before he robs the store. The myth that if you open carry a bad guy is going to shoot you first is just that, a myth.
I’ll continue with more in the following paragraphs.
Sheriff Mat, for me it comes down to weather. As I get older I, at times, have problems in hot weather. Usually I cover, but if I start to feel ill from the heat I have to make an exception.
We all know why some guys open carry. It's the same reason that guy who is an accountant, lives in a condo downtown and drives a king cab F450 ... gotta make up for it somehow.
Logical arguments for open carry: 1.) Way faster draw. 2.) Comfort. 3.) Demonstrates why 2A is not a threat. NOW - by far the biggest reason is the faster / less likely to get hung up on clothing draw. In truly dangerous situations, like bear or lion country, or a high-threat human environment, open carry can be the difference between life and death. Natural predators are an issue when hunting, hiking, etc. and I think those settings are more accepting of open carry because everyone understands that. Highly threatening human environments are something I avoid, unless I cannot, like the need to pass through a rough part of a city, or go to a place with few exits and lots of strangers. I carry concealed in those situations, preferring to keep a low profile, and retain the tactical advantage. If I found myself in a major societal meltdown, or dealing with dangerous people coming toward my family/home, the rifle would come out and the side arm is OWB.
The only people I resent open carrying are the sloppy, thuggish-looking types who make responsible gun owners look bad in public. If you don’t have enough brains to pull up your pants, put on a proper gun belt and a quality holster with retention, you shouldn’t be carrying. Conversely, the well-dressed citizen with the properly carried sidearm, holding the door for someone, or acting respectfully at a checkout counter, puts me at ease and makes me glad to see “good guys with guns.” I think we need more of those people as a counterbalance to the anti-gun paranoia. Whatever the disadvantages, it is good for the second amendment to be able to point to “old Joe Wilson” who carries his gun everywhere and is the nicest, most law-abiding guy you’d ever want to meet. I think everyone who carries a gun should have to take a training course with physical hands on the various weapons platforms and should be able to demonstrate safe handling, field stripping, and storage of the weapons they own. I think a small, reasonable fee, under $100 is the most anyone should have to pay for that. Subsidize it with our tax money, rather than wasting it on any number of stupid government programs.
Excellent advice ! always fly under the radar ! Thanks for the videos !
I have no problem with OC and no problem with CC . The main thing is carry with one in the pipe . When I was in Iraq & Afghanistan everyone OC’d and nobody shot each other imagine that . We were all cond 1 or sometimes 2 at all times . Carrying a firearm gives you a chance .
I agree.... It has the potential to open up a can of worms
I agree 100% I can’t figure it out. I was an officer in the 70s and 80s and never understood why people would open carry I’m done trying to figure it out because there’s no reason for it in my opinion. Sometimes I would open carry when I had my badge on my belt, but not too often, your points are right on it makes you a target for sure
@fgallogallo7 If concealed carry imparts some kind of magic into the gun then why don’t cops concealed carry all the time. Everyone knows the answer but lying to yourself about it has become a habit with the “2A” “community”. If concealed carry out you in a superior tactical situation every cop on every force would be doing it, but it doesn’t so they don’t. Lying about that obvious fact doesn’t impart some sort of moral superiority it just makes everyone who tells the obvious look like the obvious liars that they are. Is there a trade off with having an element of surprise? Sure but lying about having easier access to the gun is still lying.
Only time I open carry is when in the forest, hiking/hunting. Around town, concealed all the time.
Reasons to open carry would include:
-You can carry a full size handgun, which usually has better ergonomics and "shoot-ability" than compacts and sub compacts, as well as greater overall firepower and better mechanical reliability
-You can often access your handgun faster
-Statistically, it is far more of a deterrent to crime.
Consider that there is at least half a million defensive gun uses in the US, annually, and yet shots are only fired in an extremely small percentage of them. Why? Because criminals aren't looking for a gunfight, and 9 out of 10 of them simply flee at the first sign of armed resistance.
Predatory behavior is about risk vs reward. If you watch the National Geographic Channel, you know predators don't usually attack the biggest or strongest, the buffalo with the biggest horns. They attack the slow and weak.
Attacking a known armed advesary is too much risk, not enough reward. Getting into a gunfight is a lot of work. If criminals wanted to work for a living, they wouldn't be criminals. They are looking for a quick payout. They intend to have the monopoly on violence.
It is a lose-lose proposition for a criminal to attack a known armed advesary. Even if they "win" the gun fight, they still have a murder rap hanging over them, for the rest of their life. That is a lot of heat for a handgun and a four year old iPhone. Any place a civilian is legally open carrying, law enforcement is going to take a shooting in public seriously. This isn't some dystopian liberal shithole where the criminal is back on the street after a warm meal and a nap 12 hours later. Places that allow open carry are predominately conservative with a deep appreciation for accountability and rule of law. We go by FAFO here. The incentive for a criminal would be to just find an easier victim. Intentionally bringing that kind of heat on themselves is like messing with the buffalo with the biggest horns. Predators that take unnecessary risk don't last long. Open carrying makes you the buffalo with the biggest horns. It deters far more criminal behavior than it encourages.
I carry with Level II retention, but carry openly with confidence. I've had far more people thank me, or strike up a conversation about what I am carrying and guns in general than negative scrutiny.
In my state, you used to have to obtain a permit if you wanted to conceal carry but not if you wanted to open carry. I live in a rural area and for a little while, I saw several people open carrying in the grocery store, presumably as a workaround so that they could legally carry a gun without having to get a permit. This trend seemed to fall out of favor, probably after these guys got kicked out of Applebees too many times. A lot of people didn't like the money and hoops required to get a permit or didn't like the idea of a cop getting a notification that they carry a gun when they look up their license in a traffic stop. Considering that we live in a country where the police even shoot at acorns, I can't blame people for having that kind of mindset.
Thousands of private citizens including my self at times, off duty police and off duty military open carry with no problems, not necessarily open carry every where. We have to look at the facts, Lots of misconceptions about open carry, one of them is your a target but it's actually factual that your more of a deturant, for example criminals often go by 'risk vs reward' if a guy wants to rob a dollar store and sees I am armed they usually let you leave first because in that example the risk is not worth the reward, there are things like armored car and bank runners where the risk is worth it to a criminal. for open carriers no more have been killed in defense situations then concealed carriers, what we do know is you are just as much a target concealed carry if your not paying attention. most open carriers including myself don't open carry in some places, for example I am a north Minneapolis guy who lived near the most shootings in Minneapolis by Penn and Lowry north side, today if I have no business there I won't even go their concealed carry either. concealed carry doesn't mean you can go where you want and be safe, criminals expect you to be armed now because carry permits have increased so 'the element of suprise' isn't like it was a decade ago. out of context from a private law abiding citizen using gangs for example they make up the most shooting deaths and they all conceal carry, so we see that concealed carry doesn't mean your not a target. often the hard core concealed carriers use 'straw dummy arguments' against open carriers and why they shouldn't open carry, for example they show a guy with sweat pants and gun hanging out of pocket for the world to grab, now is that a fair way to portray us open carriers ?, well no because even we know what a dumb open carrier is. we who open carry are situationally aware, have eagle eyes from practicing open carry, we have strong belts and cranked up retention holster settings, we wear gun further in like 2 o'clock if we can, this puts arm covering grip and harder to pull from behind, a good retention holster you can't pull from behind, you have to pull straight up. a good open carrier will access where he or she is going and may conceal depending on the situation, wich the phrase comes to mind 'open carry for the woods, conceal carry for the hoods' but if I am in the country and suburbs I feel I have enough alertness to open carry. a reason it's Good to open carry some times is the community gets to know and trust you and it educates people about our rights in the second amendment, it's the right to bear arms meaning have out in the open on you, just like the protests in Richmond you have over 60,000 AR-15's and they where not conceal carrying AR -15's, so open carry is being American and what this country is about, you don't have to open carry all the time but you need that show to the American public that you are proud of your open carry rights and want to educate people and show them your a decent American and private citizen, or off duty cop, military. many concealed carriers have open carry days once in a while and walk around handing out constitution pamphlets, even winning over far left democrats who see you in the community and know that mostvopen carriers are decent folks, not the wild west shoot out types they though we would've if many of us open carry in one place. Given situational awareness is the same the open carrier will be faster on the draw but concealed carrier not farvbehind and will survive as well, it's all about mind set, your training, your wisdom about where you go and what you do, so I think open carriers get bashed to much, we dont don't bash concealed carriers and hope they understand many of us know how to open carry and have our reasons. If we took 100 people and divided them up into concealed carriers and open carriers the determining factor of winning a self defense situation wouldnt be just how we carry, it would be our situational awareness, our training and how we use that mind set in a gun fight and many more variables, each situation will be different but in no way would it be 50 open carry dead and 50 concealed carry alive, it's isn't like that since so many more variables of the gun fight advantage or disadvantage must be considered
I am a dem and I firmly believe in carring and believe it is a responsibility rather than just a right. I do feel concealed is best and feel open is just a macho thing. I wish the dems would get off the gun control thing. It is seriously hurting thier vote count. I used to vote red but I hate the facist they have become. My dad fought against Hitler and so should we.
Open carry doesn't mean macho in the same way displaying our American flag out in the open isnt being macho, its american, we have open carry organizations in the united states' and most of you miss represent us and don't have facts to go with the claims, open carry is the right to bear arms, meaning carry out in the open, we don't hide a American flag nor should those who choose to open carry be mocked and miss represented@@rayditzenberger9517
If open carry is trying to be macho, explain how you know we are trying to be cool, and who specificully do you accuse ?@@rayditzenberger9517
When stationed in Alaska and out on the tundra (taking pictures or just going for a mucky walk), we carried heavy revolvers in case of bear; those were not readily concealable. So I would say when in isolated and potentially dangerous wild parts of nature with a sidearm that will probably never be seen by anyone who isn't walking with you.
The situation you're taking about is another exception to my question. Nice comment.
The only time I open carry then I am working back end of the farm . I have seen some tracks of a good sized cat maybe a bobcat there are suppose to be no mountain lion in Indiana but I'm only 40 miles south of Michigan so area could sneak down.
As one open carrier said, “I’m not a ninja. By concealing you have to attempt to ambush your ambusher in order to use your weapon, and that is just something I’m not interested in doing.” I will never claim that openly carrying a firearm will deter all criminals. The world is not that simple. I am of the opinion that open carry is one tool in a vast arsenal that can help reduce your chance of being selected as a potential target.
*There’s also the caveate that folks seem to forget; if you’re open carrying, then that guy over there is too, and that gal back yonder as well. A potental predetor is not just attacking me, he’s potentially taking on a crowd of armed citizens. Most bad guys will walk away from that.
I don't want the bad guy to know I have a gun until he hears the bang
😊
As a former LEO I would have to say all your points are valid. Most of all the guy that runs around with the $10 holster and has no grasp of the concept of retention. I'm glad I live in a state that allows concealed carry with a permit. The big issue is some form of training to me. A four hour class is not too much to ask.
the only difference between concealed carry and open carry is with open carry you're showing people around you that you have a gun. To me there's no upside to that.
If there's no upside there's only a downside.
Last one for now, Sheriff. Looking forward to your replies, sir.
Ease of carry
Another advantage of open carry is that it is extremely comfortable. You can carry a full-sized gun easier than carrying it concealed. A concealable handgun is often a compromise in size and caliber. So many people today carry small, low round capacity pistols (even tiny .380 ACPs) because it is easy and they can throw one in their pocket almost as an afterthought. To them carrying a concealed medium or full-sized pistol or revolver is harder and uncomfortable. They don’t want to dress around it. Many don’t even carry extra magazines or speed loaders. Not only does a larger gun have a higher round capacity as in the case of semi-auto pistols, but it is also easier to shoot and is more controllable. You’re going to be more accurate both on initial and follow-up shots should you ever have to use it.
Hello Sheriff Oller,
I am a big fat Dad. I am a resident of the commonwealth of Kentucky. Folks sadly miss the point that you have to be aware of your surroundings. I pocket carry a Glock 26 full time. While its not ideal for all situations more often than not you can anticipate when a problem might arise. That being said. I try not to put myself or more importantly my family harm's way.
My wife and I do the Farmers Market 3 days a week here in our small Ozarks city . . 3 years ago we had some issues with some tweakers and dealers sharing the common spaces on the city square. They were dealing right out in the open. The local cops didn't seem to care but the Sherriff's Deputies did. They advised several of the men who did the Farmers Market to open carry while at the market . . . within a week or two the Tweakers and Dealers moved somewhere else. Oh, and we all carry large amounts (several hundreds +) of cash at the market. Several of the men at the Market continue to open carry while there.
I need some direction on what and how to carry. Most adds I see are for people who dress like they are juveniles. Baggy shirts and shorts. I'm not a young man, my shirt is not form fitted, I wear jeans with a belt and my shirt is tucked in. Sometimes I wear a shirt over my T shirt. I've been trying to make a choice, but I have not been able to.
Take a look at the crossbreed supertuck holsters. I carried a G19 for a long time comfortably with one of those. Especially the horse hide model, really was comfortable. Now that I am in warmer climates and wear shorts without a belt more often I changed pistols and carrying methods.
I conceal carry all the time now! But when I walk the back road or walk in the woods, I always open carry. But I have NO problem with someone open carrying around me. If more people open carried, I think we would be safer and more polite!!!
Both types of carry, open or concealed carry, bring about their own set of pros and cons.
As a native Texan who has employed both methods, I find that open carry is more comfortable, brings much quicker deployment times and precludes the need for cover garments. It’s usually quite warm here! I’ve never experienced any display of “public scrutiny” as you suggested. In fact, most people are so engrossed in their cell phones that they don’t even notice I have a firearm.
Regarding being the first target of the bad guy intent on committing a crime…
Where is the actual real world data that supports that notion?
I think the deterrent factor could play a larger role in prevention of said bad guys deciding to carry out their plan when they know there are armed civilians on scene than it is credited for.
Naturally, a quality retention holster is a must when open carry is to be utilized.
I agree that concealed carry is the prudent option. I’m a retired 75 year old Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant and confident in my ability to deploy and use my firearm should the need arise. However, I don’t want to create the situation that would cause some young bad dude to decide he can take my open carry weapon from some old guy. I don’t want to be that target! I agree totally with all your reasons for discrete concealed carry.
I carry with a light covering garment over it. I don't want attention from anyone. I carry open on the homestead.
Completely agree. I got my first CCW in 1983. Why show the other players at the table your hand? That includes the nervous. I am compelled to inform law enforcement that I'm carrying if meaningful contact occurs where I live.
I used to carry open because 1 it’s more comfortable and you don’t have to sweat to death in 90’s or triple digits. 2 i always thought open carry would make people think twice about bothering you. Second one of course turns out to not always be true. If you carry open a good gun retention holster is necessary. Either that or Maybe appendix carry where it’s harder to steal… I hate appendix Cary for sitting down. If you carry open you have to be completely aware of those around you at all times. Not fun but a good idea anyways. I don’t carry open unless I’m at home but complete concealment is a problem in hot temperatures.
In my opinion most people that open carry don't have a clue what could happen. I enjoy your videos Sir. Keep putting them up.
I agree with you. It's not just the law enforcement person who discharges a firearm, that is scrutinized under the law. Cameras are everywhere, and if some sidewalk journalist records what you do, don't be surprised that an action that results in the discharge of a firearm, may make the civilian look as bad if not worse than a law enforcement officer.
A civilian discharge of a firearm, especially if it results in injury or death, is likely to be investigated. Incarceration might be the next steps afterwards and whether you carry concealed or open, may not work out well.
Unless the circumstances are completely cut and dry, and no innocents were harmed, there could be some very expensive litigation that follows. If someone open carries, their judgement is likely to be called into question by people that may not share the enthusiasm of the gun owner.
People that own guns, use them routinely in recreation and practice, may not be fully aware of how many people, and potential jurors don't agree on carrying an open firearm, and sometimes they don't support the right to carry at all.
Every right has a flip side. That side B is responsibility. You can insist on rights, but beware of your responsibility, especially as it may be viewed by other people.
Comfort and ease of access. Main 2 reasons I can think of. IMO, if you do carry open use a secure holster. Not some $10 Amazon job. Use one with a higher lever of security instead of just a pouch to put the firearm in.
Comfort is a valid reason. I'll concede to that, but with training, ease of access is not a valid issue.
Surprise surprise surprise. Give your self that element. Be proficient at concealed carry. And you will be JUST as PREPARED. Just another thought. The sheriff was SPOT ON.
I would open carry but my wife doesn't like it. Lol but My state has concealed carry that goes in effect July 4, she has no problem with that. I can't wait till the 4th.
I agree Sheriff. For all the reasons you stated, and i don’t want to be the first target of the bad guys.
Precisely...on every point, especially when folks get offended. Those who get offended by the logic of not open carrying do so out of an emotional, not intellectual, response. I went through two attempted gun-grabs by suspects as a cop. I would spare anyone that ordeal with the simple advice the Sheriff has given. I'll keep my advantage that comes with being the unknown "Grayman".
The most frequent reason I hear is that they do not agree with the requirement to obtain a license to Cary .
Once out of curiosity I choose to open carry in my local walmart just to read peoples reaction .... I saw NO significant fear or unrest as I went thru the store tho in sporting goods the clerk had a couple of questions that were sensible and not aggressive. I figured if any would show objection it would be someplace big like wallyworld ... but no ... nothing .... got that out of the way and back to concealed carry.
Doesn’t bother me if someone else open carries. The only time I don’t worry if my pistol is showing is when I’m on my land. In public I always carry concealed.
Good points. If the country falls into anarchy, and you are moving around with a group of armed people you might want to open carry. This allows you to get the gun quickly.
After watching westerns for close to 70 years, I have noticed that the open carry cowboys won over 99% of the shoot outs against concealed carry card sharps and other assorted neir do wells. Lol
Sheriff, I couldn't agree with you more...I first became a police officer in Missouri in 1991, and mostly carried open carry on duty (except when I worked narcotics), and 99.9% of the time off duty was always concealed...and now that I am retired, always concealed in public...now stomping around in the Mark Twain, I open carry...but I am often puzzled why someone thinks carrying open carry at Walmart makes them safer...If I were a career criminal, I would always know where I could find a gun, on the side of someone that want's to show off that they are carrying and aren't truly ready for conflict....I would much rather everyone that can legally possess a firearm in public have it concealed....train with it, let their ego stay mellow, and be a good steward of the 2nd Amendment.
@BrianSmith-ql5nj until some gangster takes one of those 15 guns and starts shooting the place up........
So........ since there's ALWAYS a badder dude in the room that is willing to fight that fight, which of you and your 14 friends are willing to get blindsided and have your gun taken and used like that?
Your falling straight into the "because I can" camp without giving any logical reason for "why I should"........
Can does not equal should - never has, never will.
@@SheriffMattOller Hi Mr. Oller, if what you are saying about open carry were true, wouldn't criminals be disarming police officers? because after all uniformed police officers open carry everyday, at least where I live. Fortunately, I haven't seen any news stories of that happening. Which is a good thing.
@JustSomeguy-lm7he
Good question........
Unfortunately, it happens. It's attempted more than it's accomplished.
Most police officers:
1- have retention holsters issued, which 99% of open carry people I see don't
And
2 - undergo regular training for weapons retention, which the average person (open or CCW) do not.
3 - have other weapons available to try to stop such attacks that civilians do not.
There's a vast difference in training levels and equipment that we're taking about.
But - several times per year, police officers are disarmed.
If that bad guy had the opportunity to take your gun, which would be much easier, he'll likely get it. Why give them one?
@@SheriffMattOller Thanks for the feedback! appreciate it. I was completely unaware of that.
4 types of people who become cops.
1. Family Tradition.
2. They want to serve and protect their community.
3. They just need a job.
4. They want a legal means to harass, bully, beat, abuse, and m u r d e r people.
I have no problem with open-carry, however I'm not one who likes to advertise which is why I carry concealed.
Some may say open-carry acts as a deterrent, however I would rather have the element of surprise on my side...coupled with practicing "Cooper's Color Wheel".
“The deterrent value of open carryl
Carrying a concealed firearm suggests to a criminal that you are unarmed. Every study says that criminals will avoid an armed person or home when selecting a victim. I do not understand the advantage of appearing to be unarmed. As Ed Levine, founder of Virginia Open Carry, has stated, the probability of me being a victim of a violent crime is completely unchanged by the fact that I have a gun hidden beneath my shirt. My goal is not to be a victim in the first place.
I don’t want to have to shoot someone. Few people will attack an open carrier. If you feel better concealing, that’s fine. If I can, I prefer to stop the threat before it turns into a physical reality. If you think that it’s better to stop a threat using your surprise tactics once you’re on your back getting your head smashed in, then that’s your decision.
Simply put, there is a deterrent value to openly carrying. Truthfully, many don’t notice but if a criminal does he will pick another victim. Statistics are hard to come by here, but there is much anecdotal evidence. One of the most famous cases that made the news was the Kennesaw, Georgia, Waffle House robbery that was avoided simply because there were armed citizens sitting in there eating. What is not so well known is that there are many police reports in which criminal suspects who were taken into custody stated that they saw people openly carrying firearms in a business and postponed their attack until they left.
Open carry on your own land, conceal in public. You can show authority on your own land in my opinion but out in public be the gray man
In FL open carry almost never allowed but I do see advantages. In hot weather you can have a larger and more capable gun at the ready. But the best part would be less worry about accidentally showing a concealed weapon. When concealed in a place where open carry isn’t allowed you always have to worry about printing and such even if most people won’t notice.
Absolutely agree with you! Why would you draw attention to yourself? For me, I like to “fly under the radar”. I go by the ABC’s, “Always Be Carrying” but, under the radar.
I always carry my handgun concealed! I've always felt that wearing my handgun openly though legal to do in Michigan, puts me at a tactical disadvantage. The bad guys know who they are but I don't until they do bad guy things so I don't want them to know I'm armed until I need or have an opportunity to use it. Just sayin...
Thank you Sheriff for an outstanding discussion. I personally conceal carry but am in no way offended when I see someone open carry. If my outer shirt blows back in the breeze I dont scramble in embarrassment either but again, concealed carry works best for me.
Thank you for including officers in this. Tells me you are fair minded.
Here are a few reasons why I think people may open carry. None of these am I endorsing but just what ive noticed.
First, to some people who really like guns it may be like the wife choosing jewelry. I can see this one personally. You spend good money on a nice firearm so you want to enjoy it.
Second part to this is maybe people also hope that promote a camaraderie and discussions etc..
Second possible reason, a century and a half ago, open carry was well accepted and you had regular Sheriffs posses. Maybe to some its just a matter of which hill to stand on to fight to regain ground to get back the mentality of the way things were. As I understand it there was a time when if the Sheriff recruited you to assist, it was a crime not to do so. Not sure if this true or not but have read it more than once.
I always try to keep in mind that the courts have ruled that protecting the citizens isnt a primary responsibility of law enforcement. You correctly stated the duties of law enforcement and you have my respect sir. That tells me the responsibility is that of the people.
Third possible reason is maybe its sort of a checks and balances type message for some people.
Fourth, maybe a way to meet a like minded date ha ha. Hey you never know. I am happily married to a wonderful woman but just trying to get in the head of the open carriers.
Fifth, comfort maybe? Summers in missouri get pretty hot.
Just a few possibilities.
Something to ponder though Sheriff, if you were open carrying in a room with 100 people you would probably be the first target as you have stated but what if the whole room was open carrying? My point is maybe some people are trying to normalize it to where we get to that point or close to it. I dont see it happening personally but oh well.
Again excellent conversation.
I carry everyday no matter if I’m just going outside to sit in the yard… but I never open carry.. I don’t have anything to prove and I don’t want anybody to know I have a gun… I think if something went down I’d be the first person the bad guy took out… I totally agree with you buddy…
Sheriff, agree with you for the same reasons you voice. If some bad guy sees your gun it should come as a surprise to them, when you have the tactical advantage. Not before. Cover yur weapn and don't wear anything that says, "Look at me, I have a gun!"
Sheriff Mat, I have been enjoying your channel since I found it a few weeks ago. I agree that open carry is not usually a good idea. The only time that I open carry is occasionally when I'm working on the farm.
open carried when I was younger, i carried a rather large gun that was heavy and hard to conceal. besides the quickness of access, i can't think of a reason. now i'm older and pocket carry because of the advancements of firearms with the smaller lighter options.
I agree sheriff I don't want someone to know until I have to
Personal opinion not because it’s a right or to show off . Grocery stores or Walmart conceal . I’m not sure why it matters at least have a retainment holster
Haha, I’m laughing at the thought of you reading some of these, but I’d agree totally.
To openly carry “opens” you up to being disarmed and who knows wth else.