In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen that the Second Amendment protects the right to carry a loaded handgun outside one’s home for personal protection. A welcome consequence of this decision was that states still operating under “May Issue” status as it pertained to firearm carry laws evolved to “Shall Issue,” removing their unreasonable “must prove need” provisions.
As of June 2024, 31 states allow for the open carrying of firearms. If you live in one of these states, you have the option of open carry or concealed carry. It is important to understand the pros and cons of each of these so that you can survive an unprovoked attack.
Concealed Carry
The definition of concealed carry varies from state to state. In general, it means to carry a firearm in such a manner that no part of it is visible to the public. In other words, the firearm must be completely hidden from view and in some states, this even includes seeing the imprint or outline of the gun. There are many options of retention holsters for concealed carry firearms for individuals who choose this method of self-defense.
The most common holsters designed for concealed carry are belly bands, appendix, inside the waistband, outside the waistband, and shoulder holsters. There are also ankle, small of the back, and pocket holsters, and even specialty devices like sports bra holsters and purses made for the quick access of a firearm.
Holsters designed for concealed carry often have a lower retention level, such as level 1, level 2, or level 3. Retention level refers to the types and number of “locks” that keep the holster in place. A holster should have enough retention to keep the firearm in place during strenuous activity. The more strenuous activity you do, the higher the retention level of your holster should have.
Pros
The are several advantages to concealed carry. First, this method gives you the element of surprise in an unprovoked attack, which can greatly improve your chances of defending yourself. Concealed carry also prevents drawing attention to yourself in public. Another advantage is the training classes that address concealed carry, like NRA’s Concealed Carry Workshop (CCW); Personal Protection Inside the Home (PPITH); and Personal Protection Outside the Home (PPOTH).
Cons
A disadvantage of concealed carry is that it can be difficult to perform a draw, depending on clothing, time of year, and your activity. Concealed carry also takes longer to access in the case of an unprovoked attack, and the firearm can hang up on outer garments of clothing. Additionally, the concealed carry of a firearm can make you appear as a weak target if an attacker assumes you are not able to defend yourself and gets the upper hand by catching you off-guard.
Open Carry
The definition of open carry also varies from state to state. Open carry means that part or all of the gun can be seen by anyone else in public. Depending on the state in which you live, open carry can range from any part of that firearm being seen, to accidental exposure, such as the wind blowing open your cover garment like an unbuttoned shirt or vest, to imprinting or seeing the outline of your gun.
The most common type of holster used in open carry states is the outside the waistband (OWB) belt holster. When carrying a firearm in an open carry position, it is important to have a higher retention level holster than in a concealed carry position. The reason is to prevent someone from gaining access to your firearm by removing it from your holster.
Holster retention level ranges from level 1 which is the easiest to access your gun to level 5, being the hardest to overcome. Holsters used for open carry should have at least a level 3 retention level. Open carry holsters should also have an automatic locking system when the firearm is placed in the device, as opposed to a manual locking system which takes more movement and possibly more time to secure the gun.
Pros
There are several advantages to open carry. Your exposed firearm sends a message to potential criminals that you are not an easy and soft target, and that you will fight back. Open carrying also allows you to access and draw your firearm quickly and unobstructed by outer garments.
Cons
The disadvantage of the open carry of a firearm is that you give up the element of surprise. Also, depending on where you live, it can be contrary to societal norms. This can lead to confrontations with anti-gun individuals in your community.
Open vs. Concealed Debate
If you live in a concealed-carry-only state, the debate is over—your only option is to conceal carry. If you live in a state where you can either open or concealed carry, then you have options. Depending on your lifestyle, what you are comfortable with, or what makes you feel safe, should dictate how you carry.
When I ask for opinions regarding open vs. concealed carry, I usually get the same “canned” answer from concealed carry proponents. They always state that they do not want to be the first one shot if a mass shooter comes through the door. When I point out that there has never been a case that I have heard of, where a mass shooter walks into a room and starts assessing its occupants before carrying out their rampage. A mass shooter just comes in shooting; therefore, their argument is baseless.
The decision to open carry or conceal carry is a very personal decision. It should not be based on misinformation, peer pressure, or perceived perceptions. It comes down to how you feel you can most defend yourself, family members, or others in your community.
Deterrence vs. Defense
Open carry vs. concealed carry can also be described as deterrence vs. defense. Is it more important that you deter a crime, or defend yourself against an attack? Both are valid points of view. It boils down to what makes you feel the safest.
In the real world, no matter who you are, if you are unarmed, you are a soft target. This is especially true if you are a woman. There is one thing that changes you from a soft target to a hard target, and that is a gun! It does not matter how small or strong you are, a firearm that can be seen makes you a hard target. This is deterrence. The open carry of a gun deters crime. This makes a criminal think twice about attacking you and makes them look for another, softer target.
The concealed carry of a firearm gives you the element of surprise, giving you the upper hand in a self-defense situation. The only problem is that a crime or an attack must commence before this element of surprise can be used. If you have taken the NRA’s CCW course and practice the fundamental steps to access, draw, and fire your gun from concealment, the element of surprise can greatly improve your chance of survival.
The decision to open carry or concealed carry is a very personal choice. Both are valid methods of being responsible for yourself and the safety of your loved ones. I promote open carry in my community, as I firmly believe in deterrence to avoid defense. It is better to deter a crime than be forced to defend yourself against a crime.
