[Balota]

Oklahoma passed open carry (with a permit only) back in March. It went into effect Nov-1. I open carried the last two days, except into gun-free zones (zoo, a particular Dr. office, etc.)

My reasoning has always been that concealed makes more sense. Doesn't make sense to me to show the bad guy who his first target should be. But, some of the guys at my LGS suggested a different viewpoint. Except for pathological killers, most bad guys don't want a gun fight. They want to intimidate the storekeeper and get away quickly. They come in and look around first. If they see some folks open carrying, they find another store to rob.

Not sure which is right, but open carry felt a lot more comfortable physically. Any opinions?

On a related note, one of the ideas that seems reasonable is that the Oklahoma LEOs will have their hands full with "OMG, he's got a gun!" calls. If you're walking around Walmart open carry, someone may call a cop. By the time you leave the store, there may be a cop waiting outside for you. Since there's plenty of uninformed folks who think open carry means anybody (not just permit holders), the cops may choose to inquire about your license. (Strictly speaking they should not stop you without reasonable cause, but there you go...)

Seems easier for all concerned if you are wearing your license openly. I got one of those travel lanyards like folks use in airports. My carry license is in the window on the front of it. A cop who sees me walking out of Walmart probably won't bother me since I'm carrying properly and he can see I have a license.

 

[Balota]

Concealment has a lot of advantages. If the bad guy comes in the store and knows that no one is armed (say in Illinois for example) then he isn't worried about people shooting back. If he comes in and knows who is carrying (open), then he knows who to shoot first.

But, if both open and concealed carry are allowed, the bad guy does NOT know who is carrying, even if someone is open carry. Because someone else may be concealed. And he knows for sure that someone is armed. Most criminals aren't looking for a shootout. They're looking for an easy pay day. Chances are they will go elsewhere looking for that pay day.

I'd say having both open and concealed options available definitely affects my carry style. It gives me more options and some of them are a lot more comfortable and convenient.

I find open carry to be considerably more comfortable. Until I can find a concealed holster that works for me, I will carry open.

I tried fanny pack, but the weight hanging out front was messing up my lower back. I have an Old Fashioned Holster (similar to Crossbreed Supertuck) that is OK standing up, but sitting down can be very uncomfortable unless it's in just the right position. Plus it's going to take me a while to switch over my clothing to pants about 2 sizes over my normal. I have a belly band on order that I may try wearing around the belt line at 4 o'clock. The search continues...