Reply #27: No thanks.

[gorfle]

We discussed carrying firearms quite a bit when I took martial arts in college. The general opinion was that you never pull a weapon (any weapon) until you actually intend to use it. You do not pull a weapon to send a message, or "as a warning", or in bravado, or any other reason except to actually use it. The primary reasons are numerous. First of all, brandishing a weapon is illegal. (This is not to say that simply open carrying a firearm is brandishing, it is not). But pulling (or openly displaying) a firearm instantly shows your cards. Potential bad guys now know that you are armed, and can alter their plans of attack accordingly. There is also the potential for idiots to play "tough guy" and do and/or say things to escalate the situation just to see if you are serious. They may escalate the situation by saying things like, "I ain't afraid of no gun!" or "You ain't gonna shoot me!" while assuming a more aggressive stance.

There is also, of course, the possibility that potential bad guys will see that you are armed and give up their plans to assault you out of fear. This is the only up-side to open carry. Personally I do not think that sole up-side is worth the down-sides of showing your cards as I outlined above.

Ultimately, open carry draws attention. If I carried, I'd rather go with anonymity and surprise.