Excellent commentary and I wholeheartedly agree. Another factor to consider for open carry is that you can potentially be disarmed by someone who is looking to turn the tables on you. Your firearm is visible, you've already announced the tools you have visually, and most people who open carry don't use retention holsters like an officer would. It's an unnecessary risk.
Places I would open carry: hunting, deep woods hiking (if legal in your state), and around the farm/ranch. They aren't necessarily public spaces in the traditional sense of high human traffic, but I see them as acceptable uses for open carry.
Exactly, Ben—I’m right there with you. Open carry in high-traffic public spaces just paints a target on your back, especially without proper retention gear or situational awareness training. It’s a risk that outweighs any perceived deterrent.
I also can’t count how many times I’ve seen open carry folks using cheap, poorly made holsters—sometimes not even secured to a proper belt, just flopping off their waistband. In those situations, not only is quick and safe access impossible if they actually need the firearm, but they’re practically advertising their own incompetence. While I absolutely support their right to carry, I despise the lack of seriousness. Even someone with zero firearms training can spot how irresponsible that looks—and unfortunately, it reflects on all of us who carry responsibly.
I really appreciate your breakdown of where open carry makes sense—hunting, hiking, farm life—places where practicality, not posturing, drives the decision. It’s all about context, discipline, and respecting both the right and the responsibility that comes with it. Appreciate you adding that perspective!
I've seen the crappy gear rodeo as well lol Flimsy belts, cracked holsters, or holsters so loose a sneeze will send your firearm to the floor. There are a lot of really good options out there for belts and holsters so there's very little room for excuse in getting something of quality. Practice and training seem to be missing as well. Practicing your draw with a new holster, running with it to check retention, positional comfort, etc. with an unloaded firearm. All before you even hit the street with it.
Haha, “crappy gear rodeo” is the perfect way to describe it! You’re spot on—there’s really no excuse these days with so many affordable, high-quality options for belts and holsters.
And yes, the lack of practice and training is just as frustrating.
The idea that someone would strap on a gun without ever testing their draw, checking retention, or even doing a quick jog to see if their setup holds is mind-blowing.
It’s not just about having the right to carry—it’s about respecting that right by being competent and prepared. Appreciate you calling that out—more people need to hear it!
Excellent commentary and I wholeheartedly agree. Another factor to consider for open carry is that you can potentially be disarmed by someone who is looking to turn the tables on you. Your firearm is visible, you've already announced the tools you have visually, and most people who open carry don't use retention holsters like an officer would. It's an unnecessary risk.
Places I would open carry: hunting, deep woods hiking (if legal in your state), and around the farm/ranch. They aren't necessarily public spaces in the traditional sense of high human traffic, but I see them as acceptable uses for open carry.
Exactly, Ben—I’m right there with you. Open carry in high-traffic public spaces just paints a target on your back, especially without proper retention gear or situational awareness training. It’s a risk that outweighs any perceived deterrent.
I also can’t count how many times I’ve seen open carry folks using cheap, poorly made holsters—sometimes not even secured to a proper belt, just flopping off their waistband. In those situations, not only is quick and safe access impossible if they actually need the firearm, but they’re practically advertising their own incompetence. While I absolutely support their right to carry, I despise the lack of seriousness. Even someone with zero firearms training can spot how irresponsible that looks—and unfortunately, it reflects on all of us who carry responsibly.
I really appreciate your breakdown of where open carry makes sense—hunting, hiking, farm life—places where practicality, not posturing, drives the decision. It’s all about context, discipline, and respecting both the right and the responsibility that comes with it. Appreciate you adding that perspective!
I've seen the crappy gear rodeo as well lol Flimsy belts, cracked holsters, or holsters so loose a sneeze will send your firearm to the floor. There are a lot of really good options out there for belts and holsters so there's very little room for excuse in getting something of quality. Practice and training seem to be missing as well. Practicing your draw with a new holster, running with it to check retention, positional comfort, etc. with an unloaded firearm. All before you even hit the street with it.
Haha, “crappy gear rodeo” is the perfect way to describe it! You’re spot on—there’s really no excuse these days with so many affordable, high-quality options for belts and holsters.
And yes, the lack of practice and training is just as frustrating.
The idea that someone would strap on a gun without ever testing their draw, checking retention, or even doing a quick jog to see if their setup holds is mind-blowing.
It’s not just about having the right to carry—it’s about respecting that right by being competent and prepared. Appreciate you calling that out—more people need to hear it!
Freedom comes with responsibility. It's as simple as that.
Thank you for sharing this Bill! I’m always grateful when someone sees enough value in my writing to share it with their audience!