Open Carry Opinions

[S&WM&P40]

It's better to just have a retention device.

Whats your Definition of a retention device? As i use a custom made holster from UBG and it has no thumb break or other lock that holds it in. It just fits in like a glove and i can flip it up side down and jerk it up and down . That gun does not move.

[rrc1962]

Sounds like we'll have to agree to disagree. I still don't see that it makes a whole lot of actual difference one way or the other. "Better" when you're talking about holsters is more in the preference in the user.

I agree. My primary is also a PT92. I just bought a fobus for it which has passive retention. That's enough to keep it in place if it's tipped upside down. To draw the gun quickly, you really have to draw straight up. I suppose it's possible that someone could snatch it, but it's more likely that the gun would not come out of the holster clean, which buys you the time to defend the attack. If we're talking about a loose fitting universal nylon holster, the chances of a gun grab are much better.

Of course the down side to active retention is the chance that you won't be able to draw quick enough. I know it's all about muscle memory and practice, but there is still that chance.

[NavyLCDR]

I open carry about 95% of the time. Instances where I don't are like meeting a new girlfriend for the first time at the daycare that she owns. Just thought the whole situation added up to good reason to conceal - new girlfriend, didn't want kids there to make a deal about it. As soon as we left the daycare, I exposed myself and I must say things have taken a much positive turn ever since!

I open carry because:

#1 The "element of surprise" has historically been an offensive strategic advantage. Visible detterence has historically been a defensive strategic advantage. I would rather deter something from happening to me than defend myself against something in the process of happening.

#2 Public example and education that it is perfectly acceptable for an American citizen to possess the means to protect themselves.

#3 It's just easier. I don't have to make any wardrobe adjustments to fit any particular method of carry. I just carry. If a shirt is tucked in, it's open. If I get cold and throw a coat on, it's concealed. I just don't waste any time or effort on it.

[defender829]

Quoting Glockster20: On the back of the CC permit in AL. are six rules. First rule on the list;

"This pistol permit does not permit you to carry a gun openly"."

My pistol permit, issued in Washington County on 7/24/08 mentions only one rule: "Void if under the influence of alchhol or drugs." Does each county have their own cards? I know the county sherriffs can handle concealed carry however they like, but I undersood that open carry was unrestricted statewide. Is your sherriff overstepping legal bounds?

[NavyLCDR]

Quoting Glockster20: On the back of the CC permit in AL. are six rules. First rule on the list;

"This pistol permit does not permit you to carry a gun openly"."

My pistol permit, issued in Washington County on 7/24/08 mentions only one rule: "Void if under the influence of alchhol or drugs." Does each county have their own cards? I know the county sherriffs can handle concealed carry however they like, but I undersood that open carry was unrestricted statewide. Is your sherriff overstepping legal bounds?

Opencarry.org says that in Alabama no permit is required for open carry in public. Therefore, the statement "This pistol permit does not permit you to carry a gun openly" really is a true statement. It's not the CPL that permits it, it is a lack of prohibited state law that permits it. However, according to Opencarry.org, a permit is required for open carry in a vehicle, so therefore, the permit with the above statement would, aparantly, still make it illegal for the holder to open carry in a vehicle.

[Big Gay Al]

Quoting Glockster20: On the back of the CC permit in AL. are six rules. First rule on the list;

"This pistol permit does not permit you to carry a gun openly"."

My pistol permit, issued in Washington County on 7/24/08 mentions only one rule: "Void if under the influence of alchhol or drugs." Does each county have their own cards? I know the county sherriffs can handle concealed carry however they like, but I undersood that open carry was unrestricted statewide. Is your sherriff overstepping legal bounds?

Sounds to me like you need a statewide standard that every county has to abide by. Here in Michigan, CPLs are issued by county gun boards, but they all have to follow the same rules and regs. No putting on special rules that they prefer over some other county gun board.

[Glockster20]

Sounds to me like you need a statewide standard that every county has to abide by. Here in Michigan, CPLs are issued by county gun boards, but they all have to follow the same rules and regs. No putting on special rules that they prefer over some other county gun board.

The County Sheriff in AL has a lot of power... and as netentity pointed out in another thread, the laws here in AL are strange. The Sheriff of each county is responsible for issuing pistol permits and CAN set the boundaries on these permits to some degree. There are some standards that are statewide, i.e carrying in a courthouse, federal building, air terminal, etc... I believe most of the Sheriff's and Police Chiefs here in AL frown on open carry. I myself have never seen a civilian open carrying a firearm here. Every person in plain clothes that I have ever seen carrying openely, had a badge holder on their belt.

[Glockster20]

Quoting Glockster20: On the back of the CC permit in AL. are six rules. First rule on the list;

"This pistol permit does not permit you to carry a gun openly"."

My pistol permit, issued in Washington County on 7/24/08 mentions only one rule: "Void if under the influence of alchhol or drugs." Does each county have their own cards? I know the county sherriffs can handle concealed carry however they like, but I undersood that open carry was unrestricted statewide. Is your sherriff overstepping legal bounds?

That rule is on the back of the St. Clair County permit as well. I think through the Alabama Sheriff's Association that all Sheriff's agree with that particular rule.

[Madpegtod]

Of course the permit does not "permit" you to open carry. You do not need a permit to carry openly. That statement is merely there for intimidation. People are always asking where in the Alabama Code does it allow you to open carry? It isn't in the code. If there is no law written which specifically forbids something, then it is legal to do so. I had a permit in Henry County, AL for years. You have a lot more rights than you know.

[Glockster20]

Of course the permit does not "permit" you to open carry. You do not need a permit to carry openly. That statement is merely there for intimidation. People are always asking where in the Alabama Code does it allow you to open carry? It isn't in the code. If there is no law written which specifically forbids something, then it is legal to do so. I had a permit in Henry County, AL for years. You have a lot more rights than you know.

I meant the "void if under the influence of drugs and or alchohol" rule. Yes, I understand your statement about open carry and you are correct. I too believe it is there for intimidation purposes and from what I've seen here in AL, it is working.