The new accessory: weapons, openly carried

Crosscut ^ | 6/10/08

[XR7]

While Seattle worries about concealed weapons,
a new fad in the West is to pack and carry you pistol for all to see...

[XR7]

I don’t wish to make people uncomfortable around me.Sad indictment of our society that has accepted the disarmament of law-abiding citizens as "normal" and desired.
In the crime-infested hellholes of some of our once great cities, I'd feel great COMFORT having a law-abiding friend around with a large "peacemaker" strapped to his/her side.

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

Thank you for that source.

According to that site Texans can open carry a pre 1898
pistol or replica that does not use rim or center fire
shells.

I was looking for a reason to buy a LeMat replica 9 shot.

This nine shot .44 caliber revolver with a central single shot barrel of approximately .65 caliber gave the
Confederate serviceman a considerable edge over his
adversary.
The most awesome hand held firing weapon ever produced,
this revolver has been re-created by Navy Arms Company
for the collector, historian and shooter.
The Le Mat features all steel construction with a highly
polished blue finish.
Hammer and trigger are color case hardened.

The walnut stocks are hand checkered with an oil finish.
Bbl. length: 6 3/4”; O.A.L. 13 1/2”; Weight: 3 lbs. 7 oz.;
Rec. Ball Dia.: .451 R.B.

http://www.navyarms.com/html/le_mat_rev.html

[TheThirdRuffian]

Move to New Mexico, our open carry laws are absolute.

Waiting for Sante Fe to screw it up, as Californians are taking over our state.

[TheThirdRuffian]

“From what I understand, it is legal, your unalienable constitutional right, to openly carry a sidearm anywhere in the United States of America.”

I agree with you.

The courts, however, do not at this time.

[Future Snake Eater]

The message you send is: "Mess with me and SURPRISE - you will be blasted full of lead. Let 'em know up front. No surprises.

Or the perp goes after you first and you have no time to react.

[XR7]

Strap one on!

The categories are defined as follows:

Permissive Open Carry States - A state has passed full preemption of all firearms laws. They permit open carry to all non-prohibited citizens without permit or license. Also open carry is lawful on foot and in a motor vehicle.

Licensed Open Carry States - A state has passed full preemption of all firearms laws. They also permit open carry to all non-prohibited citizens once they have been issued a permit or license. Also open carry is lawful on foot and in a motor vehicle.

Anomalous Open Carry States - In these states, open carry is generally lawful, but the state may lack preemption or there may be other significant restrictions.

Non-Permissive Open Carry States - In these states, open carry is not lawful, or is only lawful under a limited set of circumstances, such as when hunting, or while traveling to/from hunting locations, or for lawful self-defense.

As the map shows, seven states and the District of Columbia fully prohibit the open carry of firearms. Additionally, there are eleven states which permit open carry without requiring the citizen to apply for any permit or license.

Disclaimer: While state law may not prohibit the open carry of loaded firearms, it is not uncommon for law enforcement to be unaware of this fact. Especially in states with highly restrictive laws regarding firearms ownership, open carry, even though legal, could result in serious negative consequences.

[c-b 1]

I open carry occasionally, I prefer the surprise effect if the need ever arises. The way I carry concealed is more comfortable than open carry.

[calex59]

Yup, Ruger used to make one, I think called a Speed Six. You have to use half-moon clips to hold the cartridges. I always thought that was squirrely but apparently it was popular at one time.

Not only did they make a 9 with half moon clips the original half moon clips were made for the .45 ACP to be loaded in a revolver. They are actually pretty easy to use and pre-date speed loaders for revolvers. Lots of Webly revolvers originally chambered for .455 were sold here in the US during the 50s and 60s chambered for .45 ACP with half moon clips.

[calex59]

In California if you live in a county with less than 100,000 people you can carry openly. Used to be you could carry anywhere. Also, if you are fishing, anywhere in CA, you can carry concealed without a CCW.

[XR7]

Or the perp goes after you first and you have no time to react.

Not too likely.
Very unlikely, in fact.
Perps tend to scope out the defenseless - or those that appear the most vulnerable.
When they see you are packing heat, they assume you know how to use it and will not want to risk being on the business end of a hot barrel.
Too much hassle.
Find an easy mark is the name of the game.
When law-abiding citizens openly carry, or when it is generally understood that every person carries, there is a lot less random one-on-one crime.

If a perp attacks you, don't think the surprise factor is such a great idea.
If you actually blow the perp away, you will have a major court battle on your hands in most jurisdictions.
Better not to even have him attack you in the first place.
If you are openly carrying, chances are greater he will not.

[AlaskaErik]

I plan on doing so as soon as the Galco holster I ordered back in April gets here. My criteria for open carry is Level II retention, something none of my CCW holsters meet. Summer temperatures in Alaska can get into the upper 60’s and even into the 70’s, so it's way too hot to carry CCW comfortably.

[MtnClimber]

Usually CCW except sometimes around the house. I think it is best not to give too much advance information to a potential attacker.

[DryFly]

Sure about the fishing exception?

[andy58-in-nh]

I have carried openly on occasion, but prefer to carry my weapons concealed. In warm weather, where light clothing is a necessity, I use a Walther PPK/S in .380 in an inside holster with Winchester Silvertip JHP’s - a light gun with a decent punch. Otherwise, I carry a Springfield XD-9, 16-round mag with +P hollow points and Crimson Trace laser sight.

[calex59]

Sure about the fishing exception?

Extremely sure. Just take a CCW class, or better yet google the laws for CA. It is absolutely true. To and from your car if you are fishing, concealed carry is perfectly legal without CCW in CA. Don't believe it, I couldn't care less, never the less, it is true.

[pabianice]

Just try it here in MA.

[pabianice]

This map is pure bullshit. Just try open carry in MA, RI, or CT. You’ll be slapped in jail so fast it will take a minute for your shadow to catch-up with you. You will then be broken by the courts, personally and financially.

[RKBA Democrat]

“How ‘bout it FReepers, any open packers out there?”

In Virginia, you can’t carry concealed in a restaurant that serves liquor. But you can carry openly. So in Virginia, open carry isn’t just a good idea, it’s the LAW!

Open carry really isn’t that big of a deal for those of you who are considering it. At first, you think you have a neon sign around your neck, but you soon realize that 2/3 of people don’t even notice and most of the remaining 1/3 don’t care or assume (incorrectly) that you’re a cop.

[RKBA Democrat]

“Not that I care, but why generate drama when I don’t need to?”

Never had much drama. For the most part, people don’t care. I think it’s wise to OC because of the immunization effect; it gets people used to being around guns in public places.

[RKBA Democrat]

“This map is pure bullshit. Just try open carry in MA, RI, or CT. You’ll be slapped in jail so fast it will take a minute for your shadow to catch-up with you. You will then be broken by the courts, personally and financially.”

I’ll give you the same challenge I used to give my fellow gunnies when OC was less practiced than it is now: cite actual cases.

OC is perfectly legal in some places that you wouldn’t expect it to be. The fact that local gunowners won’t exercise their rights in this regard notwithstanding.