That viewpoint does not represent everyone on this forum.Vol Texan wrote:...One recurring theme around here of CHL carriers is that while we talk openly on here about our guns, we don't invite trouble. We don't advertise that we carry, so we can maintain the element of surprise. That's why we carry concealed handguns.
Imagine you're in a bank open carrying and in walks a robber. Who does he target as his first victim to be subdued and disarmed (or worse)? Yes, the one with the gun. Now, if he walks in and cannot tell who is or is not carrying, at least we have a bit more of a fighting chance if things go south.
I conceal my handgun because it is the law and I make a serious effort to comply with the law (I'll admit to occasional speeding
).However, I have lived in other states where I open carried regularly (including going into the bank). The whole "robber shoots the open carrier first" meme, while not impossible is also not typical. There are just as many instances where open carrying deterred the criminal. When we are talking criminals, the real world is all over the map and either viewpoint can select various anecdotes without proving the probabilities.
Back to the subject at hand, when I get home from work everyday, I take my dress shirt off leaving my white t-shirt on, which effectively leaves me open carrying around the house with my IWB-holstered handgun. I'll go outside in the front or back yard for whatever reason without ever worrying about my handgun being unconcealed.
I'll also note that in years of open carrying IWB, where just my grip was exposed above the belt, 99.9% of people never noticed -- including many police officers. People are truly self-absorbed and unobservant.