Pros and Cons of Open Carry?

[drjoker]

I posted this in the wrong sub-forum. I re-posted this in the open carry sub-forum. Please respond to this post there. Thanks. (apologies)

I have only open carried a couple of times coming back from the range and not wanting to leave my gun in the car where it can be stolen. However, I have not open carried it as a normal means of gun carry. What are the tactical (not political) pros and cons of open carry? The following are some of my opinions. What are some of yours?

Pros;
Fast to Draw
May Deter Criminals

Cons;
Easily Stolen and Used Against you if not using a retention holster
Slower to draw if using a retention holster
Lose tactical element of surprise
May cause criminals to deal with you first
May cause anti-gun nut cases to file a false police report stating that you're threatening someone, causing a militarized police response ending in your death a la Eric Scott.

Did I miss anything? I am thinking about open carrying but I am seriously reconsidering it. I mean, even cops don't open carry if they're not in uniform, such as detectives and off-duty cops. It is pointless to conceal carry while in uniform because everyone knows that cops are armed with guns.

[WildBill]

Double post http://www.texaschlforum.com/viewtopic. ... 29&t=85030