Open Carry Advocates: Shooting Themselves in the Foot

Pajamas MEdia ^ | April 29 | Bob Owens

[AJKauf]

Open carry advocates, as a gun rights subgroup, are the continuing negligent political discharge of the shooting community. Their disastrous nationwide campaign to normalize the open carrying of firearms alienates Americans from coast to coast, even among those who champion the concealed carry of weapons.

You only need to look at examples of the media incompetence of these groups in the past year to understand how this theoretically pro-gun movement has managed to cause the public to recoil in horror and actually set the movement back on its heels. It is enough to make you wonder if the group isn’t the operation that “Crash the Tea Party” wanted to be, executed by the otherwise inept anti-gun harpies.

Other than small-scale displays primarily consumed by the local news, the open carry movement is known to most people for precisely two awkward public displays: an August 17, 2009, protest in Phoenix and one this past Sunday on the Potomac’s Virginia shores....

[Dan Nunn]

Two big positives with Open Carry:

1. Open Carry actively protects you, with no intervention from yourself. Concealed carry is useful only once you draw your weapon. Criminals go for the low-hanging fruit, and anyone who feels as though they will “become a target” needs their head examined, and anyone who feels that someone will steal their gun needs a better holster.

2. Open Carry spreads the message to everyday folks that gun owners are peaceful, law abiding citizens. Stats like “4% of the population have CCW licenses/permits” mean nothing to the people on the fence. Actually seeing a gun and seeing someone responsible go about their daily business without shooting up the place does wonders.

[Dan Nunn]

Pinging fellow Open Carrier!

[RedMonqey]

I think I understand the point this guy is trying to make. This is no longer the America where a boy could carry a .22 down the side of the road to go plinking and not raise an eyebrow.

This America has been “suburbanized” and conditioned (Think housewives and grey flannel suits)to be afraid of anyone armed, with the exception of police.

They probably don't own a gun nor know anyone who does. In their America, only criminals and rednecks are packing.

It's a visual viewpoint not necessary a political one.

I don't agree but alot do...

[Sherman Logan]

It’s interesting that few of the comments have addressed the writer’s actual point, which is that the demonstrations have been detrimental to the gun rights movement. This seems to me self-evident.

It is entirely possible for an action to be legal and constitutional and still be politically disastrous.

I support the right of the open carry guys to do what they do. I just wish they wouldn’t do it.

[Dan Nunn]

As a practical matter, the primary reason I can think of is that it makes them the first target of any criminal. rexrs says it best, “They turn a blind eye to the tactical advantage of surprise when carrying concealed and prefer the public political statement of attention seeking gadflys.” You are simply in a much better situation if potential criminals don’t know who is armed, and just as importantly, society at large is under more protection (at least theoretically) when felons don’t know who may have concealed guns.

Truly the rantings of a madman. Even if his statement that I made bold is correct, "society" is safer, I prefer knowing that "I" am safer. The criminal may still go about his crime. He will just move on right past me while looking for a victim.

[Dan Nunn]

This is no longer the America where a boy could carry a .22 down the side of the road to go plinking and not raise an eyebrow.

Which is why we aim to gain some of that back.

[stuartcr]

I agree. May as well hold a big sign up saying...hey, look at me. My wife and our friends would feel very uncomfortable if I were to carry openly when we went out. I have no desire to upset my friends just because I can. If concealed carry without a permit were allowed, that’s different.

[Spok]

I like to visit a place where the criminals are so faint of heart. Having once worn both a badge and a gun, there was no shortage of individuals who considered it an invitation and a challenge to try and shove both up my butt. In my neighborhood, strength and resolve had to be proved constantly, and was never presumed. A hardened criminal is not deterred by the law, the cops, the threat of jail or death, or the sight of a gun.

[stuartcr]

I’m with you.

[Pessimist]

So this guys sites a couple AP hit pieces in evidence of his claim?

Wow.

Guess that trumps the consitution any old day of the week.

[Dan Nunn]

It’s interesting that few of the comments have addressed the writer’s actual point, which is that the demonstrations have been detrimental to the gun rights movement. This seems to me self-evident.

Let's see. The last couple years, we've gained Constitutional Carry in AZ, Firearms Freedom in 7 states, Shall Issue in Iowa, and CCW in national parks, not to mention recent Castle Doctrine laws in states. Oh, right - and Heller vs. DC.

So... detrimental to the gun rights movement how?

[ColdWater]

I don’t understand the idea behind brandishing firearms in public.

They are carrying the firearms, not brandishing them.

[BB62]

I don’t understand the idea behind people who use the word “brandishing” when describing an act that is clearly NOT brandishing.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brandish

For further enlightenment, visit www.opencarry.org

[Pessimist]

I think the issue there is that guns are being treated as something to hide in polite company. Something to be ashamed of. Something to be afraid of.

And any cop shop that would make a patrolman conceal must be in some Worker’s Paradise.

[Dan Nunn]

My wife and our friends would feel very uncomfortable if I were to carry openly when we went out.

That's fine, that's why we have also fought for concealed carry.

However, I hope I do get noticed when I openly carry. I hope I teach people that civilians can own firearms legally and responsibly, without incident. I hope I teach criminals to move on to the next victim, that I won't be an easy target.

If you want to blend in with society, you're right, open carry is not for you.

[Pessimist]

Well put! I agree with you on both counts!

[Sherman Logan]

I don’t recall any open-carry demonstrations previous to the last few months. If you’re aware of any going back several years, please enlighten me.

The advances in gun rights are part of a very long term trend, and one that I’m concerned the open-carry people may damage.

My concern is that these demonstrations tie in perfectly with the portrayal of the Tea Party people as violent kooks. There’s obviously a lot of overlap between the two groups, although they’re certainly not identical.

My point is that it isn’t a good idea to give your enemies extra ammunition, even if it’s your legal and constitutional right to do so. I can guarantee you that a large majority of Americans view this behavior as scary and radical. I don’t agree, but the majority wins in this case.

[ColdWater]

anyone who feels that someone will steal their gun needs a better holster.

What holster do you recommend?

[Pessimist]

“This seems to me self-evident”

How so? It seems to me gun rights are one of the only bright spots for conservatives these days.

So where’s the backlash you claim?

[Dan Nunn]

What holster do you recommend?

Blackhawk Serpa. Has a button-release mechanism preventing the gun from being removed without pressing (and is easily removed when pressing, unlike my Fobus - the whole paddle would come out with my gun).