Open Carry Clarification
Chris goes into detail about the benefits, misconceptions, and practical ramifications of open carry.
I’d add that open carry isn’t for everyone. Most folks I know work in environments where, even if there’s not a sign posted, there is a written policy against employees going armed. In some places, management is so frightened of the idea of a person going through an extensive background check and receiving training carrying a scary gun recklessly that it becomes a bad idea to even let on that one knows how to work the tools with which to defend one’s family death dealing killing machines. For these folks, open carry is a bad move because one may happen to run into a co-worker or boss while outside the job. People who are afraid of guns may be irrational, but they’re not stupid. Whether you choose to carry a gun at work against policy or not, your anti-gun coworkers may be more likely to cause problems for you on the job because of your lifestyle outside the office.
I’m fortunate to work at a place where my coworkers are aware and appreciate that I’m armed. Though I don’t open carry at work, I don’t worry about the patrons of our establishment (read: congregation) spotting me with a gun if I choose to do so outside of work.
My experiences open carrying here in Jackson have been very positive. Those who are observant enough to notice and bold/nosy enough to approach me about it are usually very receptive and reasonable when I explain the legal framework around carrying a handgun in Tennessee, openly or concealed. I’ve offered on the spot to take more than one person to the range.
Provided one is knowledgeable about the topic and level-headed, open carry is a great way to make folks aware that any law-abiding citizen can have the peace of mind of being armed, and that those who choose to do so are not the psychopaths that the media makes them out to be, but rather reasonable, responsible folks who want to do the right thing for themselves and their families.