Reply #34: Common Argument

[Treo]

1. You are designated target #1 if actual 'bad guys' appear and begin shooting.

I hear this one a lot, I haven't seen any evidence though there was actually a recent case where a robber tried to rob a store and an OCr W/ a Colt's SAA took him out. The BG apparently didn't realize the guy was armed until he started shooting.

2. You are now a spokesman for firearm owners everywhere, because your behavior will be held to a higher level of scrutiny than joe schmoe on the street. Try not to be a dick. If you are, you will be held up as an example why legal open carry should be stripped away via new law or initiative.

100% true

3. You are now exposed to the same grappling dangers uniformed police officers face. Meaning, someone pretending to be nice and friendly can get within grabbing distance of your firearm without any hostile pretense. You might have to walk by that person. That person might be next to you in line. Again, you have surrendered initiative. Many uniformed police officers are killed with their own service weapons for this reason.

Meh. maybe, maybe not I tend to be hyper vigilant anyway and I freak a little if ANYone I don't know gets W/ 3-4 feet. I'm not discounting the risk but at the times I OC I deem that the benefits outweigh the risks.