Immediately after paying, his head dives into his smartphone like his neck is a wet noodle. I watch him as he exits, and he remains like this all the way until he gets into his new Chevy Colorado. The man is almost is struck by two vehicles on his way through the parking lot, with him completely oblivious to the world around him. Bad gun, bad holster, bad outfit, bad mindset. Classic. I’ve seen guys like him dozens of times and it’s always something painfully similar to this.
*****
While I'm not anal about keeping my handgun completely concealed, especially around Lafayette, I generally keep it covered with a loose button down shirt and a slide holster.
That set-up worked well enough that I carried a handgun in California for 30 years with no issues.
I support the right to open carry, but consider it a tactical error for the well-known reasons that you make yourself a 'shoot me first' target, and that someone might attempt a grab. I have some retention training and a retention level 2 holster (mainly for gaming), but still do not want to ever struggle for control of my own firearm. The third reason I prefer concealment is that the retention level 1 holsters that are usually used concealed offer the fastest and simplest deployment.
ReplyDeleteEd
Every time I see someone open carrying, all I can think is he'll be the first target....giving the concealed carry folks time to unholster and respond. He has the right, to be sure, but it's not a sound tactic.
DeleteSame here; been wearing Hawaiian shirts since I inherited some from my Grandpa, so it's just summer wear that happens to cover well.
ReplyDeleteI like my Bass Pro shirts with the enormous pockets too.
CC
I frequently find myself standing behind somebody at a fast food place who is oblivious to what is going on around them while they study the menu board. They have their gun on their hip in one of those cheap nylon holsters that barely keep the pistol from falling out, and all I can think of is how easy it would be to grab their gun. Most of the time I think I could pull it off like a successful pick pocket where they wouldn't even notice the gun grab.
ReplyDeleteI would, and stand there holding it, offering it back to them with the friendly suggestion they might want a different carry method.
DeleteOr they don't notice and you get a new pistol withour a paper trail leading back to you!
And one day you'll get shot for fucking with another man's gun. Deservedly so, I might add.
DeleteAgreed Ken. I would consider someone making a play for my sidearm (concealed, retention holster), to be a deadly threat and would respond accordingly.
DeleteYou grab, you're slab.
DeleteI don't know about that. If I wanted to commit suicide I'd prefer three whores , a gallon or two of tequila, and all the snow I could carry.
DeleteWhile I don't worry so much about "printing", I do make sure my shirt is pulled down to cover my pistol. The only time I've open carried is when walking on my own property or when out walking in the woods, (Bears or rabid animals).
ReplyDeleteHow to spot a CC person? Anyone wearing a long vest.
ReplyDeleteEspecially in California. It must be a requirement there that immediately after getting your permit, you have to go out and buy a photographer's vest to wear over your shirt when it's 105 outside.
DeleteLOL! Or fanny pack!
DeleteI find a belly band holster under a some kind of pull over shirt works well, I used to back it up with an ankle holster but between my back, my knee, and old age spread anything happening would be long over before I got to it these days.
ReplyDeleteIn my humble opinion for the most part open carry is an "ego booster" and bad idea. It's a potential dangerous one at that. It only takes a split second for someone to snatch the weapon while you're standing in a line at the store and not focused.
ReplyDeleteI have CC'd for a LONG time now, and have yet to buy a "long vest" to do so. I used as a "back-up" to my primary CC, a .380 in an ankle holster (easier to cover a "flat" one than a round one ) on the thought that if I found myself on my butt, it would be an easier, faster draw than some other options- like going for my primary, for example ) . Yes, I did practice getting it in hand from butt on ground, and it is a more than viable secondary , for those so inclined.
ReplyDeleteAll good comments, but train with your weapon and carry everywhere (concealed).
ReplyDeleteYou can have a show-off like that carrying one, while looking like he has them sticking out all over the place. Then you have the quiet pro who can be carrying 4-5 without drawing any attention.
ReplyDeleteI have an XDS. Nice weapon, but it is not sold as an IQ enhancement. Smart phones make most people dumb.
ReplyDeleteI also have and XD. Wonder why the hate. It's a good gun.
DeleteI agree about the lack of situational awareness (it seems he lets his gear and clothing "do his talking" but his mind just isn't in it), but what's wrong with the Springfield XDS? I have a Springfield XDM 9mm, but don't know much about the XDS. Anyone?
ReplyDeleteI have both, in .40. For cc, the xds is a big improvement. I only open carry when overlanding in the mountains, and carry the xdm.
DeleteCarhart makes great short sleeve button down shirts. I leave the bottom button unbuttoned. Some folks sew a small metal weight at the bottom sweep hem to facilitate quicker decloaking to gain more controlled access to weapon.
ReplyDeleteI believe it best to have a sidearm covered by some natural looking "flap" of clothing when in public spaces. The idea here is to blend into your surroundings like a chameleon, not drawing attention to yourself.
Open carry may be for some, and certain situations and environs. And since I can't be an invisible man at will, I'll strive to look ordinary and unthreatening.
Ohio Guy
Little bit of metal and plaid makes sense. I'll adopt that. A chameleon attitude is a great disguise.
DeleteI find that a plaid (or other pattern) shirt doesn't print as much.
ReplyDeleteI never wore patterned shirts until I started carrying in the summertime.
I am opposed to anything that tells someone else how they MUST carry. cops have abused the laws, either way. "open carry only" but you put on a jacket. off to jail with you. "concealed carry only" and your shirt rides up and someone else can see it. off to jail with you.
ReplyDeleteKen, whatever happened to your acquaintance who had all the tactical gear, the short bus and was prepared to train others in his ways? I forget his name, but at one time you would write amusing stuff about him
ReplyDeleteSam Kerodin.
DeleteHe's a little man in a small town in Idaho. We shut him down for good.
Thanks Ken.
DeleteYour tales about him used to make laugh out loud.
A rare thing for someone of my advanced years.
I send my best wishes, from across the Pond to Lisa and yourself.
Your posts are always appreciated. An insight to the real American people and not the filtered MSM pap.
God Bless America.