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Sunday, June 14, 2015

Open Carry: Could vs Should

Recently Texas signed into law an open carry bill  https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/13/abbott-signs-open-carry-bill/. Joining many states that allow open carry of a firearm. The issue of open carry illustrates the key training concept of  Could vs Should. Or simply just because you can do something doesn't mean you should always do it. Responsible gun owners should seek to be critical thinkers in all phases and situations of carry. First as a firearms trainer and a Second Amendment supporter do I think the right to open carry should be abrogated? Absolutely not! The right to carry a firearm whether openly or concealed should not be infringed on by the government. Rights are not bestowed on us by government but are ours by virtue of our existence. The right to self defense is not up to any government entity. That being said what is the advantage to open carry?

Many open carry supporters claim they are exercising their rights and a right not executed is lost. I see the point however most of the open carry displays I have seen in the news and locally are done merely for shock value. Do you think this gentleman garnered any sympathy for the second amendment?

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-law-allows-man-to-carry-loaded-assault-rifle-through-atlanta-airport-im-not-scaring-anybody-20150604-story.html

I see no advantage to open carry other than to give a potential attacker a target upon which to fixate. Those individuals that claim the presence of a firearm will deter attackers are deluding themselves. Many criminals will target you specifically to take your firearm and potentially use it against you. How many of the open carry activists practice their weapons retention skills? I would venture to say not many.

Additionally news coverage of open carry is generally negative. Lets face it a scary black rifle slung acrossed someones back at Taco Bell makes people nervous. As someone that carries concealed a person openly carrying would then become an object of interest to me as well as a potential threat. Open carry is not helping the cause of the Second Amendment anymore than graphic pictures of fetuses helps the anti-abortion movement.

Open carry is a right that should be exercised under appropriate circumstances and in an appropriate context. Just because you could doesn't mean you should.

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