Reply #4: Yeah I was real leary of open carry also

[Hoopla Phil]

As far as open carry to "solve" the pick-a-boo problem. I don't really buy into it. I think that is just a red herring. If you want to discuss the merits of open carry it needs to be done as a separate issue. As a separate issue I've done some research on it and warmed to the idea.

Many states do allow for open carry and it has not lead to any problems that I know of. The biggest problems I've read about have been wrongful arrest by police that did not know the law. I do still have a problem with blanket open carry. I'd rather see it licensed like CHLs are. If you get the training and show competent shooting skills then you should be allowed to carry - open or concealed it should be your choice.

I personally carry most of the time using a "fanny pack". It so blatantly screams "GUN" it might as well be open carry. I do this mostly for the convenience of it. I can quickly access my weapon if I should ever need to - the kind of pack I use is special made for concealed carry with a special holster in it and a quick pull tear away string. And I can also easily disarm without handling the firearm. This is particularly useful if, or when you ever get pulled over by the police. I also discovered the usefulness of this the first time I needed to "use" a public restroom while using the fanny pack. It is very easy and safe to simply hang the whole pack on the coat hanger in the stall and never have to handle the weapon.

Anyhow, I rambled on long enough. If you are interested in researching open carry you may wish to try the OpenCarry dot org and (I think) Virgina carry dot something.