Concealed or Open

By Paul Rackley (RSS)

November 17, 2010

In the comments section of my last blog, I was asked if I had to carry concealed when hunting. Well, the answer is no. In a lot of states, you can carry open when hunting, and in Virginia, where I currently live, open carry is completely legal.


However, the only way I would carry a handgun openly is if it was required by law. Now, I’m all for the right to carry a gun anyway a person wants—open or concealed—but I want my gun hidden from view at all times.


First and foremost, I don’t want someone seeing my Kimber, coming up behind me and taking it before I can react. I like to think that I would win that kind of struggle, but who knows and it only takes one mistake to get someone killed.


Second, I like the element of surprise. If I draw during a store robbery or other situation, it will be in the most inconspicuous way to give me an advantage, and only to defend someone’s life.


Third, I like that the few people who know I always carry, have no idea when I don’t. The people who know me just assume I’m carrying. Whether that’s an advantage of any kind, I don’t know, but I like it.


Which do you prefer? Open or concealed?


Tags:  blogs,  concealed carry,  concealed or open,  open carry,  paul rackley,  rackattack

Share |

Comments

ADD YOUR COMMENT

Enter your comments below, they will appear within 24 hours


Your Name


Your Email


Your Comment

14 Responses to Concealed or Open

Gary Emch wrote:
February 09, 2011

Concealed is the only way to go! What angers me are the idiots who purchase these big shiny badges that tell everyone they carry concealed. Its time to do what is best without trying to impress everyone. If you want to wear one of those badges then do yourself a favor and carry a squirt gun.

wayne wrote:
December 02, 2010

I live in nor-cal san francisco no less. can't carry here,but if i could it would be conceal,if nobody knows your one up on em.maybe buy 2nd house in nevada.

Dale wrote:
November 29, 2010

I open carry while hunting or working around the house but, concealled all other times.

Matt in NM wrote:
November 24, 2010

I prefer being let alone to make the choice myself. I live in an open carry state (NM) only three miles from a concealed only state (TX) and resent having to pay over $200 for my civil right to defend myself and family. Be a big issue if the state decided to require a "voting license" and required a hundred dollar course and another hundred bucks for a four year license.

Dale in OR wrote:
November 23, 2010

The only time I carry open is when I am handgun hunting.Always concealed any other time.

Jimmyjet wrote:
November 23, 2010

I desire neither attention nor becoming the target of some lowlife hold-up artist. Concealed: Offends no one. Open carry: Results in rattling nerves, (even of pro-gun folks). If you need attention, become a street mime. Your firearm should be no-ones business but your own.

John in IL wrote:
November 23, 2010

I don't have the option yet living in the only NO CARRY state in the union. When I do, I will carry concealed but would prefer the law to allow open carry so an inadvertant flash could not be harrassed as brandishing.

Derf in PA wrote:
November 23, 2010

I open carry almost all the time, have not had any problems with LE. Most of the comments made here for not open carrying rarely occur - I have NEVER read or heard of someone being disarmed or being shot first because of open carry. It may happen, but the incidents are rare. These two reasons are mostly used by anti-gunners and anti-open carriers. It just doesn't happen except for incidents with police officers. If you are situationally-aware, if you have had at least some training, and if you use a retention holster, you probably will not have any problems. Open and concealed should always be the choice of the person doing it, not some poll or article, because it will just denigrate into the age-old argument for and against open/concealed carry. It is a personal choice. I will conceal carry when I feel it is necessary (ex. - church, crowded area, state park, etc.), but otherwise it is open (ex. - grocery store, bank, restaurant, polling place(vote), Nat. Park, county park, etc.). Try it, at least!!!

Kyle in Waco wrote:
November 23, 2010

Open carry is fine for the law books, but concealed is best.

CB in SD wrote:
November 23, 2010

ALWAYS concealed, whether you are LE(and have the choice) or not! As was already stated, you don't want to be the focus of a person looking for trouble. Keep your advantage hidden until needed.

Anton Petrash wrote:
November 23, 2010

Hide it! By the way, I also believe that requiring law abiding citizens to have to get a permit to carry a concealed weapon is wrong-headed and once again, all about power, not safety! Criminals WILL carry concealed and WON'T care about any laws regarding such . . . because they're criminals!!!!

Andy wrote:
November 23, 2010

I carry concealed to keep from attracting attention. Living in NY state, If I were to have my weapon exposed, I am sure it would not be long before law enforcement would be questioning me. Talk about excess unwanted fuss.

Tom wrote:
November 19, 2010

I agree, I want my gun, if I pull it, to be a surprise. My Grandson told me once he couldn't believe I wasn't carrying. I asked him what made him think I wasn't. That's the reaction I want.

Jim wrote:
November 17, 2010

I also prefer concealed for many of the same reasons. Let's say a criminal has already checked out the area he/she is about to hit and notices a person carrying open. Who do you think will be his/her first target? Hide it and give yourself the tactical advantage.