April's Contest Winner

[Bman505]

I am sorry everyone for the delay getting the winner anounced. This was a tough contest to judge. We got the help from the great guys over at High Noon to help us pick the winner. Please take the time to thank them for donating a holster for the contest winner and helping us pick the winner. Enough said, the winner of April's contest is.....

******Coyote_Slayer******

Here is the entry that Coyote_Slayer sent in.

Open Carry vs Concealed Carry

I believe there are two schools of thought regarding “Open Carry” vs. “Concealed Carry”. I exercise both privileges and the occasion usually dictates which method I pursue.

Let’s start with carrying a sidearm, regardless of method used. The ability to carry a firearm for protection is a right afforded me by the State of New Mexico, the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Secondly, I have an obligation to protect the well-being and safety of myself and family. Last but not least, I purposely avoid most forms of danger in my everyday travels. However, logic dictates that there are ever present dangers lurking in the shadows and I may one day be challenged to face my worst fears. In that event, I need to assure the deck is stacked in my favor.


Open Carry invites communications with individuals that are “curiously” interested in firearms. When the opportunity arises, I get to explain to “the curious” individual, the reason for carrying a sidearm and introduce them to our Second Amendment freedom. Many people don’t realize that the law grants an individual, the legal right to protect one-self and family. I provide them information and sources such as the internet, library, etc… to further educate themselves . Open Carry, unfortunately, personifies the irrational concept that people whom carry guns are dubious or odd though quite contrary. Some people may avoid you at all cost because you are carrying a sidearm openly. Most children that confront you ask you if you are a policeman. They act surprised when you answer them honestly. When asked “why then, do you carry a gun”, I calmly explain to them that I have a responsibility to take care of me and my family”. Most children let it go at that. But many adults follow-up with questions that ask “why not call the local authorities”? My answer is “by all means, I do just that” then I further explain that while I’m awaiting law enforcement to arrive, I must assure my safety and those around me.

I also find that carrying a handgun openly has the ability to diffuse an incident before it could begin. Most criminals will choose against committing a crime if they know that another person [carrying a sidearm] has the ability to change the outcome of their wrong-doing. Even criminals have a desire to live. This debate is similar to “having” or “not-having” a laser on your carry firearm. When a criminal sees that “red-dot” on their chest [confirming potential death], they elect to flee without a shot fired.

With Open Carry, I have quicker access to my sidearm should I need it. Also, comfort is a major advantage when utilizing Open Carry. Some individuals feel Concealed Carry is cumbersome and they choose not to carry due to discomfort. I hear this frequently. Some thinks it is bulky and awkward. If the option to Open Carry means you’ll carry, then by all means Open Carry. We are all different and what works for me may not work for you.


“Concealed Carry” is my preferred method of carry. Concealed Carry has many advantages . Not having a sidearm in plain view gives the appearance you are an average Joe and nobody is the wiser. Furthermore, the fact that Concealed Carry exists, by its very nature, can be a deterrent for criminals. One can conclude that the less sure a criminal is of their intended target and the outcome of their crime, the more likely their instinct for survival will kick in. Many will consider wisely not to engage in the activity.

Proponents will argue their preference for Concealed Carry. They believe it offers “the element of surprise”. Most Concealed Carry permit holders might agree with the validity of that statement. I believe a series of events must take place before the element of surprise can be utilized. In the unfortunate event a criminal puts a gun to your head and wants your money, what element of surprise can be offered? We all know you can’t out-draw an already drawn weapon. Some will argue that spatial awareness should have been maintained to prevent such an event. I like to think so too, but in reality, we are not blessed with limitless attentiveness and we must realistically expect to have our awareness challenged every now and again. Yes, concealed carry does offer the benefit of “surprise”, but not 100% of the time. It’s one of many tools in the tool chest and the situation dictates its success rate. For that reason, the “element of surprise” methodology ranks low on my list of reasons for carrying concealed.

I like to carry concealed because I have achieved the level of training and education legally deemed necessary in order to do so. Because I choose to engage the rules granted me under law, does not imply I have a “Commando Complex”. I have earned this right, be it through Government Regulation, and a “Right not exercised is a Right lost”. I am a realist and know that crime is an everyday part of life. Should crime strike near, I choose to be “active” rather than passive. Self preservation ranks highest amongst reasons for carrying concealed.

Once again, thank you all for your participation in this contest. I will post all the entries as soon as I can. Enjoy your new Holster from High Noon Coyote and great job!

[AussieRogue]

Congrats Coyote_Slayer on winning the contest

[Descreet38]

Congrats and I must say - nice post.

[nmstang]

Congrats on the win. Very well said!

[357 S&W]

great post

[Bman505]

Here are the rest of the contest entries. There are some great ones in here.


Open Carry VS Concealed Carry



Whether we like it or not, society has been hammered with bad press about guns and gun violence. With all the school shootings and coverage of the Ft. Hood shooting, the press is putting fear in people. I do not watch television but I listen to the radio in the mornings and it is a rare day that the national news does not mention some kind of shooting. Very rarely do you hear of the stories where a gun owner or permit holder uses their gun to stop a crime or save a life. I truly believe that the press is responsible for this trend.

I have been a hunter all of my life and I have owned guns since I was in high school. I was not exposed to handguns nor their purpose, by anyone in my life. I was not opposed to them but I had no use for them. When I would come in contact with someone who was carrying open, I would feel a little uneasy, mainly because of my lack of knowledge, and I believe that there are a lot of people out there that feel the same way. I would be more likely to avoid those people who carried openly, just to remove the possibility of an accident. Again this was due to a lack of knowledge. It is because of this that I feel that concealed is the best way to carry in this society where fear is induced by the media and the best way to counteract this fear is to properly introduce people to the handling and use of a firearm especially by a trusted friend.

I think that both open and concealed carry have their time and place and I personally do both. I carry open mainly when I am in the woods and carrying my weapon for possible defense against a Mountain Lion or an angry Bear. In this setting quick access to the weapon is critical and usually I am carrying a backpack and wearing layered clothing to protect against the elements. It is just not practical to carry concealed in this circumstance.

I got my first handgun about 2 years ago and I didn’t even buy ammo for it for a year. I had no idea what the laws were and I thought you had you had to show ID to purchase ammo and that would put you on some sort of list. I talked to a few people and inquired about carrying my pistol while bowhunting and started to get some good information. I was then told that I would need a concealed carry permit to carry a gun in my backpack or under a coat. I checked into the permit and was referred to Riclin. Boy did that change my life! I took the concealed carry class and got my permit. I have attended the class twice and have put around 10 classes together for Riclin. I have also taken every other handgun class that they offer at least once.

I now own a lot of handguns and carry concealed all day, everyday. I feel that carrying concealed allows me to interact with society without causing any undue anxiety. I am a business owner and I have over a hundred customers a day that come into my business and the vast majority of them have no idea that I have a handgun on me. I have a stack of brochures about the concealed carry classes on the counter and when I notice someone pick one up I take that opportunity to ask them if they would be interested in taking the class. After I talk to them for a few minutes I can get a feel for where they stand on guns and help to answer any questions and I try to ease any fears they have. I was once told by a very wise man that if your goal is to feed the pigeons in the park do not run wildly into the park throwing bread everywhere and shouting at the pigeons, “I want to feed you.” Instead, sit quietly on the bench and slowly toss out bread crumbs. Before long you will have every pigeon in the park at your feet and they will follow you everywhere you go!

In conclusion, both open and concealed carry have their place and time and everyone’s opinion on when and where will be different. The most important thing is to carry, become proficient with your chosen weapon and be prepared to use it if the necessity arises.
NMSTANG


OPEN CARRY VS. CONCEALED CARRY

Revision 1.24

Written By: Garry E. Harvey
Contributing Editors: OpenCarry.org Members


The purpose of this essay is to examine the two competing points of view within the handgun carry community and consider each one for its merits, both good and bad, from a common sense and logical point of view.

INTRODUCTION

"AN ARMED SOCIETY IS A POLITE SOCIETY"

Weapons and firearms in particular have been personified by many in recent decades as being evil and able to impart that evil into anyone who chooses to wield the weapon. In the anti-gun community, the only ones who appear to be immune from the gun's evil are those acting under the authority of government. It has been engrained into the minds of millions that ordinary citizens cannot and should not be trusted with the ability to use firearms for protection much less carry them into the public. Anyone who advocates such action is labeled evil, dangerous, or a vigilante. This line of thinking appears to be slowing eroding away as evidenced by the fall of the once prominent and powerful anti-gun lobby. The number of people choosing to carry a weapon for self protection has been growing steadily since the first laws were enacted. The cry of anarchy and blood running in the streets by the anti-gun lobby has proven false. As this has become more and more apparent, no thinks to the main stream media, the average citizen is beginning to change their minds over the issue. Criminals in an armed society know that their actions may garner them instant peril of death should they choose the wrong victim. That old saying still proves to be as true as it ever was, "An armed society is a polite society."
Carrying a pistol has been a part of my daily routine for going on four years. During that time I've taken almost every opportunity to speak with people from each end of the spectrum regarding the issue. Before I ever received my permit I remember part of a conversation I had with a party advocate for the Al Gore campaign in early 2000. Among the issues I posed to her during our conversation was that of Mr. Gore's support of gun control measures. She scoffed at me and snobbishly remarked that we didn't live in the Wild West. At the time I was not as well versed in the issue as I am now and really had no response although with her status I would have had more luck convincing a fence post otherwise. Over the next seven years I made it a point to broach the topic every chance I had with whomever I thought might have an interesting opinion on the matter. I researched the writing of the founding fathers and their predecessors with fervor. I studied the history of gun-control in America from the civil war forward, the rise of anti-gun organizations and those pro-gun organizations who rose in opposition to defend the Constitution. Having made my decision as to which side I was on I was surprised at the sometimes hateful opposition to carrying a firearm openly by members of the pro-gun rights community. It is for this reason I have undertaken to write this for everyone within that community. Before I delve into specifics let me state firstly that how one chooses to carry their weapon is their own choice and should not be subjected to harassment from others who disagree with that choice. My purpose is not to hold one method above the other but rather detail the benefits of both and leave it to the reader to decide for his or herself which they prefer.


CONCEALED CARRY

THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE

The most prominent reason given by proponents of carrying concealed is the element of surprise. There are many hypothetical situations which have been posed to prove this point but they all boil down to the CRIMINAL not being aware of the ARMED CITIZEN as anymore of a threat than the UNARMED CITIZEN. The result is that the ARMED CITIZEN may reserve the option to use deadly force until the situation is favorable or not, should the threat cease.
What are the negatives associated with this logic and why is it not perfect in all situations? Well, one must first assume they will not be the sole primary target but rather a third party or in a group setting. The element of surprise is quickly rendered null once you are at knife or gunpoint with nothing to distract your attacker. Assuming the attacker becomes distracted sufficiently enough to attempt a weapon draw the victim must consider the risk and added time needed to draw from a concealed location. If all factors are not in the victim’s favor then the attacker is likely to win as his weapon was already in the ready position.
Another reason given for favoring concealed carry is the fear or perceived risk of the weapon being taken by the CRIMINAL. In one of two versions the CRIMINAL takes the weapon after it has been drawn from the holster and pointed at him. This is commonly shown in movies where the CRIMINAL takes the gun as the ARMED CITIZEN is too afraid to shoot. Unless the attacker is suicidal or the firearm is incapable of firing for some reason, expect to see this situation stay in the movies. The second of the two concerns the CRIMINAL successfully taking the weapon from the holster before the ARMED CITIZEN can react. This has happened to police officers and so it could happen to the ARMED CITIZEN as well but consider this following difference. In all but a minority of cases, the CRIMINAL took the officer's weapon once being confronted by the officer or while being placed under arrest. The act was one of desperation as the reward of escape outweighed the risk of taking the weapon from the officer. Assuming the weapon is properly holstered in a professional manner, the ARMED CITIZEN would only pose a threat to the CRIMINAL within a self-defense situation; the risk to the CRIMINAL would be overwhelming in attempting to steal the weapon as this act would trigger the self defense reaction from the ARMED CITIZEN.
Another less logical reason for not carrying openly is that one does not want to appear to be "looking for trouble." This line of thought seems to have evolved from the anti-gun accusation that everyone who carries a weapon is looking for a fight. The illogical hypothetical given for example tends to go as follows. The CRIMINAL sees the ARMED CITIZEN carrying a weapon and for no logical reason chooses to confront the ARMED CITIZEN and instigate a fight which inevitably ends with the CRIMINAL winning. Upon close scrutiny the reason and the hypothetical posed do not match up. First, why would the CRIMINAL want to fight an armed opponent for no reason? The CRIMINAL would have to lack any kind of judgment, have no fear of death and believe he is the fastest shooter on earth, not to mention invincible to bullets. Finally, how exactly is the ARMED CITIZEN the one "looking for trouble" when the CRIMINAL prompted the confrontation? Was it not the CRIMINAL "looking for trouble" by targeting the ARMED CITIZEN and pushing him into a self defense situation? This line of thinking is similar to accusing a rape victim of wanting to be raped because she was supposedly dressed provocatively.
Although there are other reasons I've been given for carrying concealed, the ones discussed have been some of the most prevalent; of the three only two hold some historical basis for concern but the last one falls apart upon a logical evaluation. The real reason for concealment has less to do with a tactical advantage, I think, and more to do with a social advantage. If the ARMED CITIZEN thinks he would be better served in a temporary social environment to have his weapon concealed then by all means do so. An example might be that you're shopping at a local mall owned and operated by big city politically correct hacks that are obviously anti-gun. If you know they'll ask you to leave their property should they become aware of you exercising your rights, it would be understandable to conceal it from their view; that is if you have to shop there. Maybe you're going to church and you don't want to draw attention from the preacher and his sermon. Bottom line, you should conceal when you think it is reasonable and serves a nobler purpose, not because someone pressured you.


THE CASE FOR OPEN CARRY

BEWARE OF DOG/GUN

A sign, be it text, picture, or symbol, is something visual which communicates a clear message to the observer. The observer can choose to disregard the sign but nonetheless they are forced to consider the message before proceeding. Examples of signs conveying an important message would be "BEWARE OF DOG", "NO SMOKING", "EMERGENCY EXIT", or the more ominous "DEADLY FORCE AUTHORIZED". Each sign aids the observer in any potential decision making. Of course, the observer may choose to ignore the warning but this choice will be made based on whether the potential reward outweighs the risk.
The case for open carry is simple. I would submit that in much the same way that a sign works, when the ARMED CITIZEN carries his weapon in the open it communicates a clear message to any observer. To an observer who has no intention of causing harm or using illegal force the sign should be meaningless. However, when the CRIMINAL observes this same sign he must reconsider whether the potential reward outweighs the risk. Where the risk was simply being caught or having to physically overpower the UNARMED CITIZEN it now suddenly rises to potentially enduring great pain and death when confronting the ARMED CITIZEN. Do insane or even desperate CRIMINALS exist who would disregard such an obvious sign and follow through with an attack? As with any possibility the answer is YES but even though they exist their actions do not support the opposing view that open carry should be avoided. They can still be potentially stopped by the ARMED CITIZEN once he becomes aware of the CRIMINALS intent to present a lethal threat.
With regard to the element of surprise discussed earlier, open carry actually supersedes the need for surprise. If carrying openly causes the CRIMINAL to avoid you and those around you as his victims then the need for surprise is negated. Your display of an ability to employ deadly force has avoided the confrontation before it even began, avoided the threat to your life and having to actually use your weapon. As the CRIMINAL moves on to easier prey you will likely never be aware it even happened.


CONCLUSION

THE REAL PROBLEM WITH OPEN CARRY

What is the real reason some shy from open carry? I believe it to be fear; the anxiety of having to confront someone hostile to their choice to carry a weapon for personal defense. As a pro-carry activist I welcome it but I can understand where a large section of armed citizens do not. Are there times when it is expedient to conceal your sidearm, definitely! Should you feel ashamed to carry it openly, NO! Hundreds of thousands of people have fought state after state to pass legislation to restore that right which was once only granted at the behest of local law enforcement.
Anti-gun hacks claim to have a right to "feel safe." This non-existent right has been twisted from the right to "be secure in one's person and effects" a right I exercise whenever I carry my weapon. The anti-gun crowd has the twisted perception that the weapon and not the criminal is the threat. They will and have called the police to harass the ARMED CITIZEN; I advise you show your permit and carry on. They may card you as many times as they wish as I long as you know you are legal nothing they do should stop you from carrying openly.
We, the pro-carry citizens, have to stop criticizing each other. We have to stop playing footsy with the politically correct crowd and stick together. Public opinion can be swayed in our favor if we as law abiding citizens can show through open carry that we are safe, caring individuals whose only want is to be able to defend our family and ourselves from needless victimization. Ben Franklin said it best when he explained that "the very fame of our strength and readiness would be a means of discouraging our enemies; for tis a wise and true saying that one sword often keeps the other in the scabbard. The way to secure peace is to be prepared for war. Those who are on the guard and appear ready to receive their adversaries are in much less danger of attack than the secure, the supine, and the negligent."
Submitted by Jizzle

.I just don't feel good about carrying open.

There are so many people and organizations outside the gun world that just don't want us to carry or even own guns. They will go to great lengths to make us look like the BG.

OC gives these people and organizations the open door to tell lies, not just to others but to the police. There are people who just don't like guns and people from these organizations that have gone as far as to call the police and tell them that you threatened them or you were brandishing your gun. They have even tried to get you to say or do something that could be seen as aggressive and lead by-standers to believe you might use your gun.

The less they see, the less they can say or do.

Then the real BG comes along. He see's you have a gun. He might try to take it away from you or worse yet take you out first.

If you carry concealed, you keep the edge that may be needed to save yourself and/or innocent folks in the area or at least gives you a chance to escape from a bad situation.

So, I think I will continue to CARRY CONCEALED. CALVIN

You’re sitting at the lunch counter in your local diner enjoying your BLT completely unaware of the drug crazed armed robber that has just walked in the entrance behind you. He’s just looking for some money for his next fix and won’t hesitate to eliminate anything or anyone that might stop him from obtaining his goal. As he approaches the register at the end of the lunch counter he spots your 45 strapped to your hip in plain sight. “BANG”, you’re no longer a threat to him. Or, you walk into your local theater for the Saturday matinee with your new 1911 proudly strapped to you hip when a young mother with her 5 year old daughter spots your gun. She goes to the manager and reports that there is a “man with a gun” in the lobby. The manager, not being familiar with the laws, calls the police. The dispatcher, also not familiar with the law, dispatches two officers to the theater. The officers, who, unfortunately, are also unfamiliar with the open carry laws, escort you out of the theater, take possession of your new gun, search you and otherwise completely embarrass you while you only wanted to enjoy an afternoon at the movies. Or, you’ve just finished shopping at your local mall and returned to your car. Its dark out and you’re having some trouble getting your key into the lock. An unarmed carjacker approached from behind, grabs your 45 that was so easily accessible strapped to your hip, points it at you and demands your keys.

The first scenario got you killed. The second, which actually happened by the way, just embarrassed and inconvenienced you and the third scenario cost you your car. NONE of the situations would have happened if you’d had your gun properly concealed. There’s an old saying “What they don’t know won’t hurt them” and that certainly would have held true with the young mother at the theater. However, in the other two scenarios “what they don’t know won’t hurt ME” would probably be more appropriate.
by donkey

I am NOT a fan of open carry and here's some reasons why:

I'm a private, stay under the radar type of guy, and the LAST thing I want to do is draw attention to myself. Open carry in civilian clothes invites looks. Some may stare with fear, most will give you a curios glance, but they WILL look.

I HATE being hassled. Carrying a visible weapon is an open invitation to being hassled after some anti-gun ignoramus (AGI) freaks out and goes into a state of panic. You may think you're exercising you right to open carry, but the AGI thinks you are some nut case intent on mass murder. They call the law or store manager and here comes GUARANTEED HASSLE.

No store manager wants to deal with complaining AGIs or a law enforcement officer (LEO). They may find it easier to hang a NO FIREARMS on the door. That infringes on MY right to protect myself.

Although open carry may be legal, it just adds fuel the fire for the the AGIs. They start yelling louder, more anti-gun legislation gets introduced, then MY right to carry concealed may be nixed

Open carry is a WASTE OF LEO's time. Cops are duty bound to investigate some AGI calling in a "Man with a gun and he's fixing to shoot up the place." Sorting out the complaint (possibly while you are cuffed) is a waste of EVERYONE'S time.

Open carry may deter some bad guy from mugging you, but it could also be a sign on your back that says "SHOOT ME FIRST BEFORE YOU STEAL MY PURSE OR WALLET."

On three separate occasions I've been pumping gas or loading groceries in the car and had a panhandler surprise me from behind. I always check out parking lots before getting in or out of the car but I never saw these guys, they seemed to appear out of nowhere. They could easily have grabbed my gun from behind if I had been open carrying.

It may be legal but unless you are on the ranch, out in the boonies, hunting, or working at a gun store, leave your John Wayne ego at home and conceal you weapon!
Have a concealed day

204coyote

Thank you all for your participation in April's contest. There are some great posts to review and share.

Bman