Seeing the thread about Chipotle "banning" guns reminded me that it was MDA's campaign against them back in May that finally tipped me over the edge to actually open carry. I have been carrying a weapon since 2009 and I initially thought that carrying a weapon to defend myself was my business and mine alone. Moms Demand Action proved to me that no matter how nice I play by concealing, I will never be left alone until Bloomberg and his minions have succeeded in completely banning guns from public life. So, while I now conceal my weapon because of winter weather, I will probably be open carrying in summer from now on.
My reasons to open carry are:
1. Deterrent effect
2. Comfort
3. Draw speed
4. 2nd Amendment Educational Opportunity
5. Pride in my ability as a private citizen to carry a weapon.
The first three things will probably matter more in an actual self-defense scenario. The final two things are probably what come into play the most in my daily open carry activities.
So, this brings me to the point of the poll. How long have you been open carrying? You can put down your reasons if you wish but I am more curious as to how long people have been open carrying. In my opinion, the interest in all things gun-related took off after President Obama was elected. I believe the open carry movement received two major boosts: the antigun rhetoric post-Sandy Hook and this summer's campaign by Moms Demand Action. For me, summer of 2014 was when I started and I had no problems whatsoever from my handgun being so visible.
My reasons to open carry are:
1. Deterrent effect
2. Comfort
3. Draw speed
4. 2nd Amendment Educational Opportunity
5. Pride in my ability as a private citizen to carry a weapon.
The first three things will probably matter more in an actual self-defense scenario. The final two things are probably what come into play the most in my daily open carry activities.
So, this brings me to the point of the poll. How long have you been open carrying? You can put down your reasons if you wish but I am more curious as to how long people have been open carrying. In my opinion, the interest in all things gun-related took off after President Obama was elected. I believe the open carry movement received two major boosts: the antigun rhetoric post-Sandy Hook and this summer's campaign by Moms Demand Action. For me, summer of 2014 was when I started and I had no problems whatsoever from my handgun being so visible.
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