Rice is right that open carry is not a bright idea for anyone except on-duty LE, military, or security personnel. The casual open carrier is an invitation to gun theft. If your primary purpose in going somewhere is other than to provide armed security or law enforcement, then your mind is going to primarily on things other than security. As Pelletier's case illustrates, there's little difference between casual open carrying and forgot-I-was-carrying. Pelletier had been carrying concealed, and then took off his coat, and went into a store not aware that his gun was on display. If you're unaware (even momentarily, as you turn your attention to merchandise or a menu, etc.) that your gun is on display, and all the random people around you ARE aware that your gun is on display, you're asking for trouble. At least if you have it in the front of your person, you're going to notice if someone reaches for it, but open carry behind your back is just insane.
And you can back up your speculation with the studies that support this?
In my experience, those that actually practice open carry usually do so on their own premises and not generally paraded on the metropolitan streets.
I'll agree that it isn't a 'bright idea' for anyone and everyone to carry openly just because they can. It shouldn't be, but it can sometimes be misconstrued as hostility in those areas unaccustomed to seeing armed civilians.
But I'll openly challenge any assertion that open carry is equivalent to wearing a "mug me" sign. I won't believe that armed people are intentionally mugged or robbed more often than unarmed.
I think that depends on the carrier. Of course, carrying a firearm should never be casual.
For thirty years now I have found that being a reasonably fit 6'2" male who maintains, at least the appearance of, self-confidence in public has made me an unfavorable choice for any type of aggression. It also seems to inhibit acts of aggression against others in my presence. I don't think the addition of a sidearm to that profile would make me a more attractive target.
I would agree that carrying requires maintaining a high awareness of one's own conduct (as well as your surroundings) but that's probably a good idea for the un-armed as well. My biggest concern about theft comes when I have to leave my gun in the vehicle but, again, that's where awareness comes in. If there is any reason that someone might know I have a firearm I exercise due discretion about where I park or whether I leave the gun in the cab or store it more securely.
Your moniker is ironic.
Indeed. Why, anyone who wants to steal a gun for their own use need only ambush an armed/uniformed cop and take his.
But there does not seem to be much of an epidemic of such incidents- yet. Perhaps only some citizens are fully equal to others....