Open Carry Incidents Examined, Myths Debunked
BY Herschel Smith
5 years ago
Three incidents confirmed incidents of open carriers robbed or attacked, only one fatality, and one thwarted attack. One of those victims was killed when he chased the now-armed robber down. Two of the open carry incidents can only be dubiously considered to be true cases of open carry. Six of the incidents, the majority, were confirmed to be concealed carry.
What did these events have in common? Most of these events took place during the hours of darkness. What appears to be common thread with those who were disarmed is carelessness, including:
- Repeated failures of situational awareness by letting the bad guys get too close.
- Failure to use a retention holster (including off-body carry).
- No will to fight back.
- No skills at retaining control of the weapon.
- Using the gun as a talisman rather than a serious tool.
The majority of these incidents show, or at least hint at, major failures in judgment and basic self-defense techniques. Human failure, not systemic failure. Three equivocal documented events in recent news don’t amount to a denunciation of open carry as dangerous. It’s like saying concealed carry, with its higher rate of incidents, should be discounted as well.
The assumption that an openly carried weapon constitutes an invitation for victimization is false in light of the isolated incidents. A few events do not constitute an abundance of evidence. Rather, abundant evidence is available that open carry is indeed a deterrent to crime while concealed carry lacks that deterrent factor.
With six incidents of weapon theft during concealed carry in this informative article. Frankly, there aren’t enough incidents to convince me that any of this is statistically significant, even though I think this is a good analysis (concerning the primary point of situational awareness).
Bob Owens (when he was alive) used to pan open carry on the basis that it was an invitation to weapon theft. I disagreed, and still disagree with his successors at Bearing Arms who also take his position.
And I will open carry whenever I think it’s appropriate and I wish to remain comfortable by avoiding the necessity for concealed carry.
|
|
On November 11, 2019 at 10:46 pm, ambiguousfrog said:
Are you giving up your element of surprise to counter an attacker’s element of surprise? Just asking. And when you open carry is it a deterrent or are you inviting the first to be assaulted? Again, just asking if these are misconceptions based on hearsay. You have the experience and you can educate me and others.
I’ve only ever concealed in Ga.
Thanks
On November 11, 2019 at 11:18 pm, Herschel Smith said:
Good questions. I’ve of course never had any problems, but there’s always a first time.
I’ve also addressed that before about being the first to get attention from someone intent on evil.
My view is that if I’m around women and children, I should be the first. Wanting to be second is something I wouldn’t be able to live with.
But that’s just my view.
On November 12, 2019 at 10:25 am, Name (required) said:
If you are carrying openly, the attackers know what they’re up against. If they attack anyway, they’re serious, and need to be taken seriously.
On November 12, 2019 at 10:40 am, Sanders said:
I agree with you.
What most folks seem to not realize is that the bad guys are mostly cowards. They will move on to a place where they think the people are unarmed (gun-free zones, anyone?) if they see someone is armed. If you get one that is not afraid of another armed man, you have bigger problems, anyway, because they are on a mission and don’t care about their own hide, let alone anyone else’s.
If open carry was a bad thing, cops would never do it.
If you carry at all, you have to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings and the people. If you carry openly, it is even more important. Plus, you need to be aware of how you are positioned relative to your environment so nobody can come up from behind and disarm you, if they are so inclined.
On November 12, 2019 at 11:37 am, Fred said:
The primary tool of crime is proper victim selection, as with predation of prey animals for food, the weak are the best target. You figure out the rest…
On November 12, 2019 at 11:40 am, revjen45 said:
Whether to CC or OC would depend on the context and environment. Carrying an ostentatious pistol in downtown Seattle might not be illegal, but it would not be helpful to going about whatever business you’re trying to conduct. East of the mountains it wouldn’t even be noticed, and if noticed it would be favorable. I have to go into the **EMERALD CITY** for medical treatment, and you can bet I go strapped. You won’t see it unless I need it, and I will go out of my way to avoid needing it.
It just comes down to common sense. I choose to CC.
On November 13, 2019 at 3:19 pm, Jack Crabb said:
I really dislike seeing Bob Owens referred to in anything. He ended up being nothing but a copsucking statist. I have no reason to believe his website has gotten any better.