nick88fan

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.

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.

The main reason for open carry (atleast for me) is that you must be 21 to purchase a concealed carry license but only 17 to open carry (in my state, every state is different regarding the open carry age). For me it's all about protection. I'd much rather be the first target but be armed rather than be the last target but left defensles. If your responsible while carrying, it doesnt cause any issues. It also discourages crime alot more often than you think, most criminals are discouraged when they see someone with a firearm.

Thank you just what i'v been trying to say all day.

What you just said makes no since. So you are saying that all people who carry a gun in public is looking to kill or hurt someone? If I had a gun and someone was to start shooting I MIGHT be able to stop it BEFOR someone get killed or hurt, all you could do is hide, run and call the police. People need to look at the benefits of carrying a gun and STOP living in a fantasy world where everyone is nice and safe. I see people down here carrying gun and I don't see them shooting and hurting people. I hate to say this but your logic is not making since, think, lets say every good person had a gun there might be a chance that crime just might not happen because a robber would be scared about getting shot.   
 

As a licensed Security Officer in the state of California... (Sad I know) I am allowed to open carry while on duty, or while heading to a range as long as I have my permits and credentials.  I love the idea of open and concealed carry. An armed society is a polite society.

c13: What about hunters out hunting? If you're carrying a rifle, you'd *better* be doing so openly (at least, if you want to have any freedom of movement at all). At what point between street and woods do you tranistion to "open carry is OK"?

Thanks, cancer truly is horrible. It's always nice to see someone winning the fight.

Thanks, cancer truly is horrible. It's always nice to see someone winning the fight.

George Strait all the way!

Whats the point of your post???? You are really starting to get under my skin! You ALWAYS have something to say! 

Great pictures. You can also go to http://www.policecararchives.org/ and http://policecarwebsite.net/ for picutres of almost every department across the US.