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Would Open Carry of Handguns Make You Feel Safer?
The Federalist Papers ^ | JUNE 4, 2013 | BY STEVE STRAUB

Posted on 06/05/2013 11:46:33 AM PDT by Sopater

A few days ago we asked if you would feel safe going into a business that had a sign that read “Guns are welcome on premises, please keep all weapons holstered unless need arises. In such a case judicious marksmanship is appreciated.”

1,524 of you replied and the comments below are representative of what most of you had to say about this issue:

About 5% of you said they would not feel safe going into a business like that, the comments below are representative of what that group had to say. There are only a few samples because most were about the same.

All in all I was amazed that 95% of you would feel safe given all of the anti-gun media focus. It tells me that the anti-gun crowd is losing as far as the American people are concerned.

What do you think? Please comment below…


TOPICS: Constitution/Conservatism; Culture/Society
KEYWORDS: 2a; banglist; guncontrol; opencarry; secondamendment; selfdefense
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To: Sopater

Lived in Israel 10 years. Quickly got used to seeing people with machine guns on city busses and in movie theators and malls...

Quickly got so I felt a lot better seeing them there than not.


21 posted on 06/05/2013 11:59:17 AM PDT by American in Israel (A wise man's heart directs him to the right, but the foolish mans heart directs him toward the left.)
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To: SnakeDoctor

when he reaches you reach too. Criminals always try to hide. I like open because open the criminal reaches am on ‘em.


22 posted on 06/05/2013 11:59:57 AM PDT by no-to-illegals (Scrutinize our government and Secure the Blessing of Freedom and Justice)
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To: Sopater

I guess every resident from 1492 to about 1900 quaked in their boots then because we were armed....


23 posted on 06/05/2013 12:00:01 PM PDT by Resolute Conservative
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To: Sopater

I mostly open carry when I’m visiting Arizona. For me, it’s more comfortable getting in and out of a car wearing an OWB holster. If I need to cover it up for some reason, I pull my XL-size t-shirt over it. It prints badly, but works well enough for temporary concealment. For real concealment, I’ll pocket carry a smaller gun or go AIWB (appendix, inside-the-waistband holster carry).

However, I have never had a problem while open carrying in AZ (Phoenix, Sedona, Prescott) and most people don’t even bat an eye.

I really appreciate having the choice to open or conceal carry at my discretion (in AZ that is).


24 posted on 06/05/2013 12:00:26 PM PDT by barefoot_hiker
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To: Sopater

I have no problem with open carry by citizens.

It is a visible deterrent to crime, the same as a badge and gun carried by LEO’s.

Unfortunately, Law Enforcement cannot be everywhere to prevent crime and clearly their focus these day is on revenue and after action reports.

Open and armed citizenry would curtail crime as each armed citizen becomes a 1st responder, on scene long before LEO, Fire Dept or Ambulance.

An openly armed citizen could and would prevent violent crime. Either total prevention or mitigation against further violence.

They would also be able to render 1st aid or provide a more secure environment for others to give aid.

Further, they could hold offenders for LEO’s, who could then investigate and build a case for prosecution.

No, I got no problem with open carry and really do believe we would be a safer society.


25 posted on 06/05/2013 12:03:58 PM PDT by Vendome (Don't take life so seriously, you won't live through it anyway)
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To: no-to-illegals

You lost me. You prefer open carry because you can see the criminal pull, and pull at the same time? Why would a criminal who “always tries to hide” open carry in the first place? Because its the law?

And, if I’m open carrying, they can watch for me to pull. If I’m not, they won’t even know to look.

SnakeDoc


26 posted on 06/05/2013 12:05:04 PM PDT by SnakeDoctor ("I've shot people I like more for less." -- Raylan Givens)
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To: Vendome

Also makes the criminals guess as who is who ... LE or not.


27 posted on 06/05/2013 12:05:18 PM PDT by no-to-illegals (Scrutinize our government and Secure the Blessing of Freedom and Justice)
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To: Sopater

I own a business and have this sign in my window. If you’re scared knowing there might be weapons in my store, I don’t want your business.


28 posted on 06/05/2013 12:06:45 PM PDT by okie_10
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To: Sopater

I eat at home in the presence of firearms all the time.

It isn’t like they are going to get a mind of their own.


29 posted on 06/05/2013 12:08:06 PM PDT by donmeaker (Blunderbuss: A short weapon, ... now superceded in civilized countries by more advanced weaponry.)
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To: Sopater

Abso frickin’ TIVELY !!!


30 posted on 06/05/2013 12:13:01 PM PDT by knarf (I say things that are true ... I can't prove it, but they're true)
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To: Sopater

Works for me. We CC everywhere now. The only place besides home that I feel totally safe is Pro Bass becuase at least half of the folks in there are CC. If it was open carry even better.


31 posted on 06/05/2013 12:14:22 PM PDT by Georgia Girl 2 (The only purpose of a pistol is to fight your way back to the rifle you should never have dropped.)
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To: Sopater

There are more people in my area carrying openly recently(VA Beach). At first it made me stop and look because it was so unusual to see strangers walking around with holstered guns. I was a little uncomfortable until I was out walking one day near dark and saw a neighbor walk past with his gun and then I realized it actually made me feel safer knowing their were armed citizens around when I was probably at my most vulnerable. That the kids are safer etc. It just took some getting used to.


32 posted on 06/05/2013 12:14:50 PM PDT by formosa
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To: Sybeck1

July 1 same date they make brewing Beer at home legal!


33 posted on 06/05/2013 12:15:03 PM PDT by Red_Devil 232 (VietVet - USMC All Ready On The Right? All Ready On The Left? All Ready On The Firing Line!)
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To: Sopater

Abso frickin’ TIVELY !!!


34 posted on 06/05/2013 12:15:06 PM PDT by knarf (I say things that are true ... I can't prove it, but they're true)
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To: Sopater

The only thing about open carry that troubles me is the fact that a potential perp could spy the weapon and grab it from the carrier.

I’d prefer concealed carry....for that and other obvious reasons.


35 posted on 06/05/2013 12:15:07 PM PDT by Da Coyote
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To: Sopater

Not only would I feel safe, it would create a whole new fashion industry: “Does this holster go with my dress?” “Which goes better? The .38 Smith, or the Ruger LCP?”

Of course, it create entire new hazards for men: “Does this gun make my butt look fat?”


36 posted on 06/05/2013 12:18:18 PM PDT by Little Ray (How did I end up in this hand-basket, and why is it gettingthe so hot?)
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To: Sopater

Being armed is just another form of insurance. I carry vehicle insurance, health insurance, dental, audio, visual insurance, homeowners insurance, RV, boat and ATV insurance and an umbrella liability, all in case of the unforeseen. I carry a firearm for the same practical reason.


37 posted on 06/05/2013 12:20:50 PM PDT by Alaska Wolf (I)
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To: Sopater

Local Mall

School kids in town.

Walking downtown.

Catching the bus downtown.

Hanging at the beach

38 posted on 06/05/2013 12:21:33 PM PDT by American in Israel (A wise man's heart directs him to the right, but the foolish mans heart directs him toward the left.)
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To: American in Israel

yep, Thank You!


39 posted on 06/05/2013 12:26:28 PM PDT by no-to-illegals (Scrutinize our government and Secure the Blessing of Freedom and Justice)
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To: Sopater

Come to the wonderful Commonwealth of Virginia where open carry is legal everywhere except: schools, federal buildings (including USPS), courthouses and liberal businesses...........

don’t know of one open carry incident in the state ever - except maybe one guy who carried his AR-15 into a Walmart and scared everyone to death.......


40 posted on 06/05/2013 12:26:48 PM PDT by Arlis (.)
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