I don't live in the us, but in my opinion the discussion about open carrying a firearm is simply ridiculous. Come on. Do american people still live in the wild wild west in some states? Everytime I read something like this it makes me feel like you're still sitting on horses chasing each other into the sunset.

This is my take on it:

Even if it were possible to ban or outlaw guns in the United States (it isn't) I don't believe that it would make things better. Because what you have then is a populace without firearms, a police force that do have guns but take time to respond, and the criminals that will still have guns because there will always be a source, legal or not. The big problem that I see is that a lot of guns in crimes aren't legal to begin with.

 

My opinion, cynical as it is, is that nothing will have changed, and in fact crime may get worse, and more serious.

 

EDIT:

Also, while it may seem annoying to others on here to see "non-Americans" spouting off about gun control, and anti-gun and what-have-you, you have to keep in mind that in other places, that is the norm. They don't have rampant firearms like we do here. The situation is different; the culture is different.

Likewise, the culture here is used to having firearms. It is so deeply set that it would be impossible to try to change now.

Edited January 30, 201412 yr by gnat326

I completely support it, and do it often. 

This is my take on it:

Even if it were possible to ban or outlaw guns in the United States (it isn't) I don't believe that it would make things better. Because what you have then is a populace without firearms, a police force that do have guns but take time to respond, and the criminals that will still have guns because there will always be a source, legal or not. The big problem that I see is that a lot of guns in crimes aren't legal to begin with.

 

My opinion, cynical as it is, is that nothing will have changed, and in fact crime may get worse, and more serious.

 

EDIT:

Also, while it may seem annoying to others on here to see "non-Americans" spouting off about gun control, and anti-gun and what-have-you, you have to keep in mind that in other places, that is the norm. They don't have rampant firearms like we do here. The situation is different; the culture is different.

Likewise, the culture here is used to having firearms. It is so deeply set that it would be impossible to try to change now.

Right on!!!! I'm with you.    

I don't live in the us, but in my opinion the discussion about open carrying a firearm is simply ridiculous. Come on. Do american people still live in the wild wild west in some states? Everytime I read something like this it makes me feel like you're still sitting on horses chasing each other into the sunset.

 

Depending on where you live the police can be pretty shitty. Alot of the time a good citizen with a gun is the only thing stopping your from dieing. You can't put your faith into a department that takes 40 mins to respond four blocks from their station, that's why I carry.

Depending on where you live the police can be pretty shitty. Alot of the time a good citizen with a gun is the only thing stopping your from dieing. You can't put your faith into a department that takes 40 mins to respond four blocks from their station, that's why I carry.

 

Extremely good point, some people just don't understand how intimidating a gun being pointed at a criminal is and will often times make the person stop what they are doing.

 

Also I would like to through out there if you carry a gun I think you should train yourself with it and to get to know the firearm before carrying it around. Just to make sure you know what you are doing.(my opinion)

Extremely good point, some people just don't understand how intimidating a gun being pointed at a criminal is and will often times make the person stop what they are doing.

 

Also I would like to through out there if you carry a gun I think you should train yourself with it and to get to know the firearm before carrying it around. Just to make sure you know what you are doing.(my opinion)

 

I agree, anytime I recieve a new firearm (whether it be a longgun or a handgun) I always go out either to a shooting range or my hunting land and shot it for a while to make sure I can handle it. I've never carried a handgun that I have not shot multiple times already.

mmmmm Well This is my take on this entire subject.

 

Disarming people and stopping gun sales will only work for the people that Obey the law. No matter what a criminal will always get his/her hands on a gun. and what happens when the criminal is only armed? i think everyone here can get the picture for example. They should be gun restrictions which i think is already in effect. in big cities no one should be allowed to cary only cause of the large police force.. like New york. every corner there is a cop. or at least 5 blocks...:) but for little towns that have only 4 to 5 cops for the town like some parts in PA. Yea you should have the right to carry and protect yourself as long you pass the background and medical test with of course good training...

 

in overall. Guns is good and bad.....

 

Guns can save lives and can End lives its all depends on how you use it! for example i heard a story about a man Ex Army getting a Blade and killing 1 to 2 injured officers somewhere in the UK cause the police isn;t Armed. If the cops was Armed those officer could have been alive..... But then a mounted unit did respond killing the man after 30 mins later....here is the link to the event

 

http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2013/may/22/police-respond-serious-incident-woolwich

 

 another story

 

http://www.cbsatlanta.com/story/24364275/officer-involved-shooting-in-gwinnett-county

 

 

So yea ..... Remember This don't effect criminals only the people that will listen.....

 

my overall answer : i support open carry weapons as long proper training ,Background check , and Able to give a good reason to carry.....

 

My answer is only based on little towns should carry that have less then 5 to 10 cops patroling.

 

mmmmm Well This is my take on this entire subject.

 

Disarming people and stopping gun sales will only work for the people that Obey the law. No matter what a criminal will always get his/her hands on a gun. and what happens when the criminal is only armed? i think everyone here can get the picture for example. They should be gun restrictions which i think is already in effect. in big cities no one should be allowed to cary only cause of the large police force.. like New york. every corner there is a cop. or at least 5 blocks...:) but for little towns that have only 4 to 5 cops for the town like some parts in PA. Yea you should have the right to carry and protect yourself as long you pass the background and medical test with of course good training...

 

in overall. Guns is good and bad.....

 

Guns can save lives and can End lives its all depends on how you use it! for example i heard a story about a man Ex Army getting a Blade and killing 1 to 2 injured officers somewhere in the UK cause the police isn;t Armed. If the cops was Armed those officer could have been alive..... But then a mounted unit did respond killing the man after 30 mins later....here is the link to the event

 

http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2013/may/22/police-respond-serious-incident-woolwich

 

 another story

 

http://www.cbsatlanta.com/story/24364275/officer-involved-shooting-in-gwinnett-county

 

 

So yea ..... Remember This don't effect criminals only the people that will listen.....

 

my overall answer : i support open carry weapons as long proper training ,Background check , and Able to give a good reason to carry.....

 

My answer is only based on little towns should carry that have less then 5 to 10 cops patroling.

 

What about big cities like Charlotte, LA, Chicago, Pittsburg, NYC, New Orleans, Dallas, Phoenix, etc.? Crime happens there and some times the police might be having a busy day or you forget your phone, or your runing away and not worrying about calling the police because you can't. Anyone and everyone (except felons) should be allowed to carry anywhere, because crime happens everywhere. I understand your comment and thinking that small towns and things should be place where people shoould only carry guns but reality is crime is everywhere and you never know when it will strike. Its better to be perpared than to be left helpless (every thing eles i'm with you, I understand what you're saying.)

What about big cities like Charlotte, LA, Chicago, Pittsburg, NYC, New Orleans, Dallas, Phoenix, etc.? Crime happens there and some times the police might be having a busy day or you forget your phone, or your runing away and not worrying about calling the police because you can't. Anyone and everyone (except felons) should be allowed to carry anywhere, because crime happens everywhere. I understand your comment and thinking that small towns and things should be place where people shoould only carry guns but reality is crime is everywhere and you never know when it will strike. Its better to be perpared than to be left helpless (every thing eles i'm with you, I understand what you're saying.)

 

 Very true but the issue is, While in a big city and you have many people walking around . Well crowds... You pulling your weapon would cause panic. People will see some man with a weapon and start to run. and 2 if a officer do get to the seen you might be shot without any warning...... Thats why in big cities officer try there best not to use any weapons but rather a taser.... having a weapon is great for protection but Judgement plays a big factor... Drawing a weapon and shooting when a crowd is near isn't smart. what if you hit someone that is just running or walking by and have no idea... Things happens. for example in new york 2 years ago a man got fired from his job in the empire state building and Decide to shoot up the place.. the cops didnt open fire untill the man came outside.... when the man come outside they tried to plead with him to put the weapon down . guess what he fired forcing the NYPD to shoot.. 2 people was killed because of cross fire... Shooting a gun in the city will cause panic which will get someone killed or hurt. Thats the reason why i said open carry in the city not a good idea... Only the cops should. and if its really that bad then they need more cops on the streets. I do get your point tho..

 

 

 

Not to relate to a game. But if you Roleplay playing lcpdfr in single player and acting as a real cop.. If you see a suspect open fire in the city and they are alot of people do you shoot him dead no matter what or wait for a clear shot.... And if you notice once you shoot everyone including cars start to go crazy trying to run for there lives. When i patrol i try my best to keep the peace for example when a pursuit is happening and its getting crazy i request a chopper and let the chopper follow him while i take my time.. if possible P.I.T  when i see no cars or peds around................................  So yea Gun in the city cause panic which will be bad for you and the officers ... here a video oh what i mean

 

 

this man is shooting randomly..  But right now its pretty dead just cars thank god..

 

 

 

BTW if you are a store owner anywhere you should have the right to have a gun for protection. no matter where..

Edited January 30, 201412 yr by new york swat

 Very true but the issue is, While in a big city and you have many people walking around . Well crowds... You pulling your weapon would cause panic. People will see some man with a weapon and start to run. and 2 if a officer do get to the seen you might be shot without any warning...... Thats why in big cities officer try there best not to use any weapons but rather a taser.... having a weapon is great for protection but Judgement plays a big factor... Drawing a weapon and shooting when a crowd is near isn't smart. what if you hit someone that is just running or walking by and have no idea... Things happens. for example in new york 2 years ago a man got fired from his job in the empire state building and Decide to shoot up the place.. the cops didnt open fire untill the man came outside.... when the man come outside they tried to plead with him to put the weapon down . guess what he fired forcing the NYPD to shoot.. 2 people was killed because of cross fire... Shooting a gun in the city will cause panic which will get someone killed or hurt. Thats the reason why i said open carry in the city not a good idea... Only the cops should. and if its really that bad then they need more cops on the streets. I do get your point tho..

 

 

 

Not to relate to a game. But if you Roleplay playing lcpdfr in single player and acting as a real cop.. If you see a suspect open fire in the city and they are alot of people do you shoot him dead no matter what or wait for a clear shot.... And if you notice once you shoot everyone including cars start to go crazy trying to run for there lives. When i patrol i try my best to keep the peace for example when a pursuit is happening and its getting crazy i request a chopper and let the chopper follow him while i take my time.. if possible P.I.T  when i see no cars or peds around................................  So yea Gun in the city cause panic which will be bad for you and the officers ... here a video oh what i mean

 

 

this man is shooting randomly..  But right now its pretty dead just cars thank god..

 

 

 

BTW if you are a store owner anywhere you should have the right to have a gun for protection. no matter where..

 

And just think if someone driving by had a gun the whole situation would have been taken care of. (if he was killing / hurting people, everyone who saw the good samaritan with a gun shoting back to wound or kill the man shooting at cars would think he was a hero)

 

I'm saying people who pass a mental test and maybe a little training should care guns. (I would feel safer if people would start to carry guns, because that video only points out that a ramdom man (NOT OPEN CARRYING, just shooting) can happen ant where and everywhere and no one knows when. Like I said before I rather be perpared than to be held at gunpoint with no gun.

 

just my opinion

I have no issue with open carry or MOST who do. The ones I have an issue with are the people who flip out whenever a cop walks up to them to ensure that the law is being followed. My thought is if you want to carry good for you, I plan on carrying concealed sooner or later, BUT be prepared for what may happen. Felons can't own firearms, and I don't think it's unreasonable for a LEO to confirm that you aren't one if you choose to OC. 

I was going to try to stay out of this topic, but this is too rich:

You might want to look up what "projection" actually means. It refers to when a person tries to deny their own "unacceptable" feelings by ascribing them to others. It's not projection to say "This makes me feel insecure, so we should ban it". Projection would be if someone who is trying to repress their insecurities imagines others as weak and insecure in order to suppress their own feelings.

I hope you understand why, given your post, you don't want to be bringing up projection.

Also: Do I understand you to be saying that *everyone* should carry, and that you're doing something wrong if you choose *not* to? Because if so, that is one of the worst messages you could *possibly* send about firearms carry. Rule number zero of firearm safety: If you don't feel comfortable with a gun for any reason whatsoever, don't use one. Saying that everyone should carry is simply *wrong* - not everyone wishes to have a firearm, for a variety of reasons, and anyone who tells someone that their reason for not wanting a gun is invalid needs to relearn firearms safety from scratch.

 

No, I assure you, I said what I meant.

 

People who are afraid of guns, afraid of people having and or carrying guns, or who are against the aforementioned things, project their own insecurities onto every person.

 

Let me explain.

 

A person thinks guns are bad, people with guns are bad, and that no one should ever be allowed to carry a gun. This is because they think, if handed a gun, they would start shooting people, so they ascribe that feeling of insanity to every other person.

 

That, by definition, is projection.

 

To say that we should ban guns because some people are insane lunatics is the very logic of those insane lunatics, which again, is some unstable person who thinks I shouldn't carry a gun because he thinks if he had one, he would kill people.

 

Madness.

 

 

Also: Yes, I think everyone should carry. I would like that very much, however, I understand that not everyone will, and that's fine.

 

Although, I can't think of a reason why you wouldn't want to.

Edited January 31, 201412 yr by TheMoneyMan

I open carry, I have since I was 19. I've never had an issue with anyone.

 

It doesn't make me a target, as much as you think it might, I assure you, it does not. If anything, the opposite is true.

 

I do not do it out of necessity, I do it out of convinience and comfort. The only time I ever "conceal" is when I wear a coat.

 

I am a strong advocate of open carry, but I don't really give a damn how you carry, as long as you carry.

 

 

 

 

Okay, first of all, it IS NOT the duty of a police officer to provide for my protection and safety.

 

Second of all, if I need to defend my life RIGHT NOW, I DO NOT have ANY time to wait for police response. Even three minutes is too long.

 

What you just stated was pure nonsense.

 

Should we take away motor vehicles from everyone because a few "crazed lunatics" killed some people with a car?

 

Quit projecting your insecurities, and quit punishing the whole for the mistakes of the few.

 

I would feel safer in my job if everyone carried guns.

 

Cars and guns are two different things, and you can't compare them. What are guns for? They are literally purpose built to kill people. What are cars for? They are built to transport people.

 

As well, if it isn't the duty of a police officer to provide safety and protection, what the hell are they used for? Giving out traffic tickets? (I guess even managing traffic is caring for peoples safety, so they shouldn't even do that according to your logic).

 

No, I assure you, I said what I meant.

People who are afraid of guns, afraid of people having and or carrying guns, or who are against the aforementioned things, project their own insecurities onto every person.

Let me explain.

A person thinks guns are bad, people with guns are bad, and that no one should ever be allowed to carry a gun. This is because they think, if handed a gun, they would start shooting people, so they ascribe that feeling of insanity to every other person.

That, by definition, is projection.

To say that we should ban guns because some people are insane lunatics is the very logic of those insane lunatics, which again, is some unstable person who thinks I shouldn't carry a gun because he thinks if he had one, he would kill people.

Madness.

Also: Yes, I think everyone should carry. I would like that very much, however, I understand that not everyone will, and that's fine.

Although, I can't think of a reason why you wouldn't want to.

Lastly, I don't think that "guns are bad, people with guns are bad, and that no one should ever be allowed to carry a gun". I myself enjoy guns and have fired a few while on vacation to different parts of the world. I really enjoy guns and I absolutely love going to a range and firing them off. Guns are awesome pieces of technology, but I don't think everybody should have them and carry them down the street. Its the simple fact that if you have less guns in a country, you will have less crimes involving guns. That is an absolutely indisputable fact, and if you wanna look for yourself compare gun crimes in the US to gun crimes in the UK.

 

My view against guns isn't due to my "insecurities" but rather to the fact that having guns available to everybody will increase the number of crimes that use those guns.

Edited February 2, 201412 yr by Bojan

Open carry is stupid, the only people that should be able to open carry are people that need it for there job (Such as Police, Military ect..) 

 

If I saw some random guy open carrying I would become uneasy and I would be watching him and if he put his hand by my gun I might jump to a conclusion. An officer I know almost shot someone because of open carry, he stopped the person because they had a number of 911 calls saying a man with a gun is running down the road. So anyways the cop starts walking up to him and the guy with out thinking goes to a resting position and puts his hand on his gun. (just you know to rest your arm on and what not) The officer saw him put his hand on his gun he pulled his and started giving him orders. Turns out to be a misunderstanding but that almost caused the guy to be shot.

 

I don't mind conceded carry because out of sight out of mind.(for the most part)

I don't live in the us, but in my opinion the discussion about open carrying a firearm is simply ridiculous. Come on. Do american people still live in the wild wild west in some states? Everytime I read something like this it makes me feel like you're still sitting on horses chasing each other into the sunset.

 

The reason we don't allow guns to be banned is simply, look back in history. What was the first thing any corrupted government did? Revoked the guns from the people. Nazi Germany did it, Soviet Russia did it ect...

I don't mind concealed carry, but I agree with Darkangel. The issue with open carry is that it can add an intimidation factor. It also blurs the line between "brandishing a weapon" and just carrying it; this can cut both ways: innocent actions can look incredibly intimidating, while it's harder to draw the legal line to prevent people from ACTUALLY intimidating someone.

If someone needs a firearm for their job (police, military, security, etc.), and especially is wearing some sort of uniform associated with that job (so I can instantly see that yes, they're at work), it makes it less intimidating. I'm much less likely to be worried about a uniformed security guard with a weapon than a person in street clothes with a gun strapped to them - the first is clearly carrying it for work, the second probably for whatever reason WANTS people to see that they're armed. I get nervous around someone who wants to show off a gun.

Open carry is worse for self-defense; it makes you the first target for a shooter, and makes your gun a potential theft target. Police, security, and military carry openly because they're expected to carry, so concealment offers no benefits and slowed draw times matter more. Hunters are again obviously armed, and their motive for carrying openly is more "I have a big gun and am using it for hunting; concealing is less comfortable, and is stupid for me, because animals don't care if a gun is concealed". But if someone who isn't obviously armed wants everyone to know they're armed, I'm automatically sort of nervous around them.

I don't mind concealed carry, but I agree with Darkangel. The issue with open carry is that it can add an intimidation factor. It also blurs the line between "brandishing a weapon" and just carrying it; this can cut both ways: innocent actions can look incredibly intimidating, while it's harder to draw the legal line to prevent people from ACTUALLY intimidating someone.

If someone needs a firearm for their job (police, military, security, etc.), and especially is wearing some sort of uniform associated with that job (so I can instantly see that yes, they're at work), it makes it less intimidating. I'm much less likely to be worried about a uniformed security guard with a weapon than a person in street clothes with a gun strapped to them - the first is clearly carrying it for work, the second probably for whatever reason WANTS people to see that they're armed. I get nervous around someone who wants to show off a gun.

Open carry is worse for self-defense; it makes you the first target for a shooter, and makes your gun a potential theft target. Police, security, and military carry openly because they're expected to carry, so concealment offers no benefits and slowed draw times matter more. Hunters are again obviously armed, and their motive for carrying openly is more "I have a big gun and am using it for hunting; concealing is less comfortable, and is stupid for me, because animals don't care if a gun is concealed". But if someone who isn't obviously armed wants everyone to know they're armed, I'm automatically sort of nervous around them.

 

Just think what bout store owners, and bankers and other jobs that have a high robbery factor and known for be a "high target" for violent crimes. they should carry guns shouldn't they. Not all banks have security but they do have tellers and a manager. If they can carry guns because the is a CHANCE of be harmed (robbery, assault, etc) than almost everybody else has a chance of be robed or harmed therefore anybody who is trained should be allowed to carry.

 

Also I have seen OFF DUTY police officers and other types of law enforcement officers that carry their guns. You never know if one of them people walking through a store might just be a cop. And no one should feel "uneasy" when they see a person walking around a gun (at least I don't) if they keep it on their hip and are not shooting or something, I see them as a extra level of security.

 

(just my opinion)

 

Off-duty officers carry guns CONCEALED. I have no issues with concealed firearms. I have an issue with openly carried firearms. Open carry is worse for self-defense than concealed carry, so someone carrying openly is generally someone who wants to show off their gun. That's near the bottom of my list of people I want to have guns - someone who's concerned about the "cool factor" of carry or who isn't willing to endure the discomfort of a concealed weapon is less likely to have the right attitude towards firearms. If someone's carrying for work-related reasons and is *expected to be carrying*, concealed carry offers no benefit - this applies to, e.g., gun store employees. Bank tellers shouldn't be armed openly, because that ruins the effectiveness of their weapons - openly displayed firearms lose any element of surprise, and a robber could just shoot any teller going for an openly displayed gun. (also, I highly doubt bank tellers are *ever* armed by the store, because it would send insurance through the roof - a teller is supposed to comply with the demands of a robber and give them the money while calling the cops, because there's no sense risking the teller's life over the insured money in the bank).

Off-duty officers carry guns CONCEALED. I have no issues with concealed firearms. I have an issue with openly carried firearms. Open carry is worse for self-defense than concealed carry, so someone carrying openly is generally someone who wants to show off their gun. That's near the bottom of my list of people I want to have guns - someone who's concerned about the "cool factor" of carry or who isn't willing to endure the discomfort of a concealed weapon is less likely to have the right attitude towards firearms. If someone's carrying for work-related reasons and is *expected to be carrying*, concealed carry offers no benefit - this applies to, e.g., gun store employees. Bank tellers shouldn't be armed openly, because that ruins the effectiveness of their weapons - openly displayed firearms lose any element of surprise, and a robber could just shoot any teller going for an openly displayed gun. (also, I highly doubt bank tellers are *ever* armed by the store, because it would send insurance through the roof - a teller is supposed to comply with the demands of a robber and give them the money while calling the cops, because there's no sense risking the teller's life over the insured money in the bank).

 

Your forgeting about the main factor that I stated for carrying openly. I strongly believe in personal protection but I'm not old enough for a concealed carry license. However I am old enough for open carry. Yes, I agree that concealed is a better option but that's not available for me yet.

If you can't tell by my name and avatar, I work at Brink's.

 

I am a messenger, I carry large amounts of cash in and out of several places daily. I would feel much more comfortable seeing people who are armed in my stops.

 

I've come across two open carriers so far, one at a bank, and one at a WalMart, and I've thanked both of them. People with their hands in their pockets make me much more uncomfortable than an openly carried handgun.

 

I carry openly because:

 

-It's more comfortable. I carried concealed for over a year. I had to wear bigger clothes and dress differently to accomodate my gun. I carried a SIG Sauer P226, and a small gun was out of the question. I won't sacrifice firepower for convinience.

 

-It's easier. I can draw faster, and instead of using my off hand to lift my shirt, I can use it to fight off an attacker, grab my flashlight, or whatever I may need it for. My gun won't get snagged on my clothing. 

 

-It's visible. You may see this as a disadvantage, but I assure you, it is not. Your element of surprise argument is silly, because for that tactic to work, you must be attacked. Being attacked is a disadvantage. If you feel nervous about an openly carried gun, I urge you to think about that. What about the 10-15 in the same area that you can't see? Those are fine, but because you can see mine, I'm a threat? Right. If I'm a criminal, the very first thing I want to do is draw attention to myself.

 

-Because I can. No explaination needed.

 

I tried carrying concealed. Not for me. An off duty cop tried to change my mind, and I politely told him that I didn't need his opinion on how I should carry.