The Open Carry Argument

[Jackson]

I agree with your opinion regarding the wisdom of carrying in appropriate, quality holsters. (That applies whether carrying openly or concealed.)

I carry concealed, typically in an OWB holster with concealment. But that holster is Level II retention. I'm around kids a lot - my own, my girls' homeschool group, church, etc. Sometimes very young kids. I'm more worried about accidents than I am about intentional/knowing theft attempts.

I would prefer to see more people carrying in good-quality holsters. But I also believe in freedom. I fully support all law-abiding people who choose to carry, regardless of how they choose to carry. If their choices incur risks, then those people, alone, bear those risks.

I didn't say we should ban open carry or dictate the means and methods. I just made some personal observations and shared an opinion on what I think is or isn't a prudent way to go about it.

 

[chipbennett]

My point wasn't that anecdotes are data. It was that the OP did not present data. Why do I need to support my opinion moreso than the OPs opinion?

I think the point is that, either way (concealed or open), documented targeting of carriers is statistical noise. It's difficult to cite statistics where the variance isn't statistically significant.

Did John Lott specifically study open carry vs concealed? Or just carrying in general? Can you point me to something more specific?

I'd have to look at his data again. I know he has some state breakdown. I don't remember if he directly/explicitly tracks by method of carry. In any case, he's probably the best source/starting point.

I didn't say we should ban open carry or dictate the means and methods. I just made some personal observations and shared an opinion on what I think is or isn't a prudent way to go about it.

That's fair. Just keep in mind that this is INGO, and some things are going to be inferred in certain ways. Comments/observations/opinions about method of carry are one of the primary examples.

 

[Talkinghalls]

I open carry while backpacking, conceal carry while in public.

 

[protias]

I open carry while backpacking, conceal carry while in public.

I see a drive by post...

Did you read the original post at all?

 

[2A_Tom]

I see you are both off line right now, but here is what I do when I suspect a that someone may not be here for the community.

1. Click on their name and you get a menu.
2. In the top right you will see "view forum posts" click on that.
3. Read the post blurbs and if interested click on read more.
4. See If they are posting a bunch of one liners or are asking questions, replying to posts to them and having discussions.
5. The member is doing a good job so far and there is great hope for what he can add here.

 

[Dan]

I’m fat and have a tiny butt so there’s really not a good way for me to carry. Period. Considering simply carrying a laser pointer and pretending to call in air support if things get dicey.

 

[JettaKnight]

I’m fat and have a tiny butt so there’s really not a good way for me to carry. Period. Considering simply carrying a laser pointer and pretending to call in air support if things get dicey.

I don't know - is this an argument for "no carry"?

 

[MCgrease08]

I’m fat and have a tiny butt so there’s really not a good way for me to carry. Period. Considering simply carrying a laser pointer and pretending to call in air support if things get dicey.

Shoulder holster.

 

[KJQ6945]

I’m fat and have a tiny butt so there’s really not a good way for me to carry. Period. Considering simply carrying a laser pointer and pretending to call in air support if things get dicey.

+10 for the new guy! Welcome Dan.

 

[chipbennett]

I’m fat and have a tiny butt so there’s really not a good way for me to carry. Period. Considering simply carrying a laser pointer and pretending to call in air support if things get dicey.

The right OWB holster might be your best friend.

Welcome to INGO!

 

[2A_Tom]

-10 for not reading the OP.

 

[Dan]

Thanks guys! Jokes aside OWB and IWB are difficult for me because the extra waistline weight drags my pants down. Currently in the lengthy process of cutting weight but for the time being ive had to rely on carrying in the sling pack I almost always have with me and occasionally even resorting to a cargo pocket on my pants. It sits high enough on the pant leg that I don’t have to bend or reach for it and my pistol fits perfectly inside it with very minimal printing. The grip is at the top on the pocket with the barrel facing the ground so I can quickly and quietly draw from a comfortable position and I don’t have to wrestle with awkward movement. Always open to any suggestions anyone has though too.

 

[chipbennett]

Thanks guys! Jokes aside OWB and IWB are difficult for me because the extra waistline weight drags my pants down. Currently in the lengthy process of cutting weight but for the time being ive had to rely on carrying in the sling pack I almost always have with me and occasionally even resorting to a cargo pocket on my pants. It sits high enough on the pant leg that I don’t have to bend or reach for it and my pistol fits perfectly inside it with very minimal printing. The grip is at the top on the pocket with the barrel facing the ground so I can quickly and quietly draw from a comfortable position and I don’t have to wrestle with awkward movement. Always open to any suggestions anyone has though too.

I would recommend looking into getting a high-quality belt; regardless of size, the proper belt makes all the difference.

If you have to, even consider suspenders.

My concern with pocket carry: do you keep it in a pocket holster? If so, that's probably a perfectly fine carry option. As someone who carries in Condition 0, my firearm is only ever either in a holster or in my hand. If you pocket carry without a holster, at least use Condition 1.

 

[jamil]

I would recommend looking into getting a high-quality belt; regardless of size, the proper belt makes all the difference.

If you have to, even consider suspenders.

My concern with pocket carry: do you keep it in a pocket holster? If so, that's probably a perfectly fine carry option. As someone who carries in Condition 0, my firearm is only ever either in a holster or in my hand. If you pocket carry without a holster, at least use Condition 1.

Yeah, this. I’m fat and my wife says I have no butt. An owb holster at about 4 o’clock works well for me. I most often pocket carry a 9mm Shield. But then that’s not OC.

 

[2A_Tom]

I am 40# overweight, no butt at all, I carry a full size 1911A1 GI Model OWB and two spare magazines OWB weak side on a Daltek Bio Belt.

Before the Daltek I used a 511dress belt that only lasted 2 years. The Daltek is now over 5 years old and only slightly less stiff than when new.

A good belt makes all the difference in the world.

 

[Dan]

I appreciate the advice, I’ll look into a better belt. Just running a nasty old Walmart belt into the ground currently. And I don’t carry it in a pocket holster because the one I have won’t fit very well in my pocket, actually makes drawing harder. And I only carry in condition 3 when I pocket carry. In other news, it’s nice to know I’m not the only guy here that suffers from tiny butt syndrome and the concealed carry challenges it presents.

 

[2A_Tom]

What is the point of Concealed Carry?

Please read the Original Post.

 

[Redhorse]

I would recommend looking into getting a high-quality belt; regardless of size, the proper belt makes all the difference.

If you have to, even consider suspenders.

My concern with pocket carry: do you keep it in a pocket holster? If so, that's probably a perfectly fine carry option. As someone who carries in Condition 0, my firearm is only ever either in a holster or in my hand. If you pocket carry without a holster, at least use Condition 1.

I use Perry suspenders to help carry my Redhawk. I could not suggest them enough if one ever carries a heavier firearm because they make all the difference.

 

[Lt Scott 14]

I have a battle with gaining and losing weight. My favorite belt is an Operator style nylon, heavy slider buckle, with velcro tail section. Some 511 models are like $60, but found this last one at Cabelas for around $25. Its 1.5 in wide, fits belt loops, and my holsters are semi rigid OWB.
My prefererence is Bianchi, Galco, or DeSantis. Picked up some Kydex Holsters for soon fall season and easy jacket covered. Its single thickness, not flimsy, but I like double thick ones, and of course cost more. Also, some holsters fit the 1.75 tightly, but also work on 1.5 in width.
I've seen some well made work belts(leather)at TSC Farm Stores, again, you get what you pay for. $30 seems a starting point, but way better made than WallyMart models.
Good luck. Good belt does make OWB very possible for most everybody.

 

[2A_Tom]

Would love for you to join us for the October M&S. We haven't seen you since a Shoop's M&E a couple of years ago.

[h=1]NWI INGO October 2020 Meet & Shoot feeler.[/h]
This is the group from the one we just had.

[h=1]NWI INGO Meet & Shoot Saturday September 5[/h]

Poll: NWI INGO October 2020 Meet & Shoot feeler.