This has been a hot button issue lately since Rob Pincus touched off a firestorm with the following statements:
OK, Back to Rob... I think his comments (which he has drawn a bunch of flack for) were probably taken the wrong way by most everyone who read them. I don't think he is anti 2nd Amendment activism. He obviously thinks that brash, in-your-face, antagonistic open carry for the sake of creating a pissing contest sets back our cause. He is also obviously of the belief that concealed carry is a better tactical option in urban areas. The way I read his comments, I think he was primarily trying to convey that you should make your carry decisions based on what is best for your personal protection and not based on the desire to make political statements.
To that end, I think it is a valid point. When the rubber hits the road, concealed carry/open carry is ultimately about self defense. I do think open carry is indeed a powerful statement, but I also feel that its best to make decisions about personal defense on what you believe provides you with the best chances for survival.
Does that mean that you have to give up on making pro-gun political statements? Of course not. Thats what all those t-shirts and bumper stickers are for (heh!). Does it mean that you should not open carry? Of course not... but perhaps you would be best served defensively to limiting open carry to just the times when you are going somewhere to actively attempt to make a political statement. I dont know... thats something you have to figure out for yourself.
There are countless times in all of our everyday lives where open carry can be used to further our cause... but, it can (and should) be done without being an ass-hat that ends up on the evening news for having an AK strapped on at the local street fair. And thats what is so sad about the divide over open carry within our ranks. If it weren't for the ass-hats that open carry then there would not be an issue. If it weren't for those jackasses who go out there looking to piss people off then there wouldn't be the people on our side who get that uneasy feeling when someone talks about using open carry to send a message. I dont think there is any doubt that the ass-hats out there need to be reined in.
I personally am in the camp that believes that open carry gives up the element of surprise, so I probably would stick to concealed carry even if given the option. Now, thats just my humble opinion, and your mileage may vary. I certainly will never demonize someone who decides open carry is the right choice for them. Its obviously something that everyone must figure out for themselves and for their own unique situation. Open carry has its uses (for personal defense as well as furthering our agenda), but I am of the belief that it also has its limitations. My opinion is that if you are just heading out the door for a night on the town then your decision on how (and what) you are going to carry should be based on need, not want.
He went on to say...
And...
The right to OC, IMO, should NOT be exercised because it isn't the BEST way to avoid confrontation as long as possible and have the benefit of surprise when you do. Regardless of the logic of the responses, they are REAL and have to [be] factored into the choices that we make. It isn't logical that people try to hurt one another and steal their stuff either, BUT....
I believe strongly that our RIghts to keep and bear arms are imperiled by people who carry openly without reasons beyond political statement...... The good news is that I teach Tactics, not Politics. :-)Now, I will preface my opinion on this matter by saying that I do not live in a state that allows open carry so at this point in time I dont even have the option to do it. I have given the subject much thought, however, and its one my shooting buddies and I discuss pretty regularly... but for me the subject is merely academic.
OK, Back to Rob... I think his comments (which he has drawn a bunch of flack for) were probably taken the wrong way by most everyone who read them. I don't think he is anti 2nd Amendment activism. He obviously thinks that brash, in-your-face, antagonistic open carry for the sake of creating a pissing contest sets back our cause. He is also obviously of the belief that concealed carry is a better tactical option in urban areas. The way I read his comments, I think he was primarily trying to convey that you should make your carry decisions based on what is best for your personal protection and not based on the desire to make political statements.
To that end, I think it is a valid point. When the rubber hits the road, concealed carry/open carry is ultimately about self defense. I do think open carry is indeed a powerful statement, but I also feel that its best to make decisions about personal defense on what you believe provides you with the best chances for survival.
Does that mean that you have to give up on making pro-gun political statements? Of course not. Thats what all those t-shirts and bumper stickers are for (heh!). Does it mean that you should not open carry? Of course not... but perhaps you would be best served defensively to limiting open carry to just the times when you are going somewhere to actively attempt to make a political statement. I dont know... thats something you have to figure out for yourself.
There are countless times in all of our everyday lives where open carry can be used to further our cause... but, it can (and should) be done without being an ass-hat that ends up on the evening news for having an AK strapped on at the local street fair. And thats what is so sad about the divide over open carry within our ranks. If it weren't for the ass-hats that open carry then there would not be an issue. If it weren't for those jackasses who go out there looking to piss people off then there wouldn't be the people on our side who get that uneasy feeling when someone talks about using open carry to send a message. I dont think there is any doubt that the ass-hats out there need to be reined in.
I personally am in the camp that believes that open carry gives up the element of surprise, so I probably would stick to concealed carry even if given the option. Now, thats just my humble opinion, and your mileage may vary. I certainly will never demonize someone who decides open carry is the right choice for them. Its obviously something that everyone must figure out for themselves and for their own unique situation. Open carry has its uses (for personal defense as well as furthering our agenda), but I am of the belief that it also has its limitations. My opinion is that if you are just heading out the door for a night on the town then your decision on how (and what) you are going to carry should be based on need, not want.
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