Open Carry - Yes or No?

[Figaro]

The biggest lesson I heard to learn about conceal carry was “printing” – in other words, making certain that nobody could tell that I have a handgun concealed under my shirt
Who is for it and why....and conversely, who is against it and why?

[Winchester]

I've never ever seen a person packing a high capacity semi-auto rifle around town. Occasional pistol, but that's about it.

[Mr. Shaman]

[Tejada]

I'm not against it being legal if that's what you mean but I would never do it. I see open carrying as making yourself a target for anyone that plans violence and you just happen to be there at the wrong time. You could just appear to be another unarmed helpless bystander but instead you have forced a conflict by showing yourself to be armed.

[Philly]

People say they open carry as deterrence but it's bullshit. This issue is a good dividing line between those who actually want a gun for a real reason and the insecure small dick faction of gun owners.

[Stratego]

Open carry is like wearing your underwear on the outside. You think people perceive you as Superman, but you really just look like a weirdo.

[The Dharma Bum]

No reason to do it unless there is a rabid animal on the loose or something.

[spacemonkey]

I keep my little pocket popper in my pocket. No body knows, and nobody is scared.

[Southern Dad]

In the State of Georgia, we have a Georgia Carry License. It is up to the individual if he/she wants to carry open or concealed. I generally carry open. Why does a person carrying a sidearm scare anyone? When I notice a person carrying and they have the weapon tucked into their waistband or in a hoodie sweatshirt pocket, that gives me pause. Now, when I see someone carry a sidearm in a holster, that doesn't phase me.

[exploited]

Mandatory open carry is one of the few ways I'd support decreasing regulation of public carrying. I am just way more comfortable when I know who exactly is armed and with what. It's one of those things where when I'm in the US, I get all paranoid at the idea of some f**k moron (and there are lots of those no matter where you are) with the power to end my life concealed in his jacket. I find it much more reassuring to see it holstered and visible - with the added benefit that I can just avoid them like I would anyone crazy enough to feel compelled to arm themselves in our society.