I would like to know your thoughts on open carry? Pros and Con? What about element off surprise and tactics?
Do a search and you’ll find quite a bit of information.
It has always been my personal opinion that OC is a bad idea (I don’t have a problem with it, it’s just not for me). Unless the individual that is committing a crime is completely oblivious to their surroundings, chances are you are going to be the one that gets shot first, as you pose as their largest threat.
CC is the way to go if you want surprise.
I would like to not have to worry about having my permit revoked, being fined, or being criminally prosecuted because I printed, my shirt blew open in the wind, or I reached for something on a top shelf at the supermarket.
I’ve heard people say this before. If you are CC’ing and you unknowingly expose your weapon, what legal issues would you face? I live in a state with legal OC without a permit and have heard people say the same. Seems odd that you can legally carry open or concealed, but if you conceal and accidentally expose it’s illegal or something.
Can anyone with more knowledge clarify?
Supposedly this open carry thing here in FL is going to pass. I’m really excited about it as it would make carrying concealed easier. It would be nice to not have to worry about printing etc… I’m also really excited about it as I would be able to OC when I’m hiking.
Agreed. I don’t plan on open carrying, but I support the movement.I
100% behind this Gun-shine State policy.
I like the idea of being able to dress more to the temp/humidity/activity and still keep a firearm on your person. It is tough to wear light clothing and keep a compact or full size 100% concealed. At this time, if your firearm isn’t 100% concealed, you’re potentially creating a stir. With open carry, you’re not getting in trouble for seasonal adjustments or creating a fuss due to accidental exposure. With that said, I completely agree with the poster about no one knowing you’re carrying except you. IMHO, the element of surprise is critical and I don’t want to advertise my defensive capabilities in any way.
Things are looking good. Both the House and Senate versions have made it out of their first committees and have to pass two more, at that point the overwhelmingly conservative body of both houses will likely pass it and Governor Scott has already said he will sign this into law.
However, we have encountered a lot of resistance. A retail trade group and the state association of sheriffs have voiced opposition and swayed the committees to already strip language allowing carry on college campuses. The battle is far from won.
Regarding open carry in general- I think the biggest benefit is being able to carry a midsize or fullsize handgun under a t-shirt without worrying if the shirt rides up on accident. Also, in Florida we must currently carry cocnealed even while driving. I drive all over the state and approach 30,000 miles a year for work-related travel. Even with a VM-II and proper belt I find it uncomfortable to carry my Glock 20 or 21 during a 6 hour road trip and the gun is hard to access if I did need it. It would be nice to carry OWB or in a shoulder holster during long road trips, and then switch to IWB when I exit the vehicle.
Although I must say I am tempted to buy a 6" Python in royal blue for certain occassions to open carry, like when I’m with friends at a BBQ and we all carry. I would love the freedom to do that even if I just do it once in my life.
I don’t see myself open carrying everywhere I go just for shits and giggles. Like others have said, I think it makes me a primary target both for bad guys and the police. In any confrontation the element of surprise can’t be overstated. But who knows, my positions on issues have changed before and maybe I will end up finding some merit in regular OC. However, I highly doubt it.
I can’t speak for your state but I can speak for FL. in FL there are two different levels of offenses related to displaying a firearm that should be concealed. The minor of the two is improper public display of a firearm. People do get arrested for this, although typically the situation isn’t so innocent. For example- a guy got in an argument over a parking space on Miami Beach and lifted his shirt to show off his Glock .40 (yes, it really was a Glock .40) and he had a CWP. The people he displayed the gun to fled and police were unable to make contact. Because the true victims weren’t present the defendant was arrested for improper exhibition rather than brandishing. Brandishing is harsher than improper display / exhibition, as it involves a malicious intent to induce fear. I understand that these examples relate more to true criminal action but a cop arriving on scene often confuses the law and if someone says they fear the sight of a gun the cops will often arrest for improper exhibition. In FL concealed means concealed, no exceptions for inadvertant mistakes. This law will change that for the better.
That makes sense. I knew a guy who CC’ed, worked downtown and wore a suit coat which he sometimes leaves unbuttoned in the summer. He walks near the courthouse often and once the wind flipped open his jacket and a LEO stopped him and gave him a friendly warning saying that if it is intended to be concealed, it has to remain concealed otherwise he could get in trouble. I’d assume it would be an issue of improper display or something. But on the other hand, had he been carrying OC, it would have been all good. Maybe it is just a strange loophole. Never actually heard of anyone in that type of situation actually getting in trouble.
im hoping to carry my 5in 1911 in an OWB with just a shirt over it. instead of a mouse gun crammed IWB. not having to care about wind, or that barrel hanging out :D:D
This is what I’m talking about… I have no problems in the least concealing my P30 in the winter but over the summer when I’m wearing shorts and a t shirt an IWB holster is a must. This would simplify things a bit.
OC passing would definately push me over the edge and I would buy my self one of the new colt railed 1911’s in stainless and put some nice grips on it for special occasions.
My fellow Floridians, are you aware of how this bill has been amended? Training, level 2 holsters, having to wear your i.d. near the weapon? Unless i read wrong this bill is being F`ed over. The open-carry .org site has all the intel on this bill and i hope everyone gets the word out on this.
You’re partially right. The senate committee introduced those amendments because a RINO made a deal with the sheriff’s union in which the union would agree to support the bill if those ridiculous requirements were incorporated. Even though the amendment was passed the sheriff’s union decided to still oppose the bill. As a result the language was stripped from the current version.
Long story short, those changes were abolished.
Thank you for the clarification, i hope the final bill benefits us all.
Another unforeseen cost of Government regulation… 
There has been other threads about this subject, but I am of the opinion, that this is a bad idea, unless under special emergency circumstances, like a natural disaster or major terrorist incident and only for those who don’t have a CCW. Now if FL comes up with a state law that mandates every house hold or law biding citizen will own or shall carry a fire arm concealed, then that’s another story.
Im not sure on the specifics of the law. Will it be regulated for people prohibited to owning a firearm? How would the cops know whos not allowed to be holding one? Is there an age limit? I guess I should do my research but if this law is past it will make me paranoid as anything.
I haven’t read the entire bill line for line but my understanding is that it applies to people currently licensed under FS 790.06…i.e. people with a concealed weapon or firearm license.
I would recommend you take a step back from your paranoia and engagement in emotional lines of thought as there are several states in this country that do not prohibit open carry, unlicensed open carry, unlicensed concealed carry, etc. Blood is not running in the streets as a result.