Not the only post in this thread stating the same thing quoted above so I am not picking on Badge Bunny who wrote it just commenting on the concepts behind it.
That said:
What the hell is wrong with those of you who think those who will choose to open carry are trying to prove they are Billy Bad Ass. Geez.
OC=Comfort
OC=Quicker Presentation if necessary
OC=A way to normalize the presence of firearms in our society thru desensification
I'm sure there are other reasons but those are my top three.
The tacticians can argue all they want that OC equals giving up the element of surprise and I'll argue right back that predators are hunting for prey not other predators.
The bliss ninny apologists can argue all they want that OC will scare the sheep and it is only polite to cover up. And I'll argue right back that I am not responsible for their neurosis or their phobias - they are. I will not be inconvenienced for them.
The politicians can cry out "there'll be blood in the streets" all they want and I'll shout back where is it? Show me!
And on and on and on...
Those of us who choose to open carry (assuming the government gives us permission - to do something that is a natural right) won't be doing it to prove we are Billy Bad Asses and it's down right insulting to be told that; especially by fellow firearms enthusiasts and freedom lovers that ought to know better.
For your top three:
1) I find handguns comforting not comfortable. Dress around your gear and I don't see comfort as an issue but I certainly accept that others may disagree.
2) Speed of presentation is subordinate to speed of decision making in personal protection situations and speed of decision making will be rendered less effective by giving away the fact that one is armed.
3) I find this the most persuasive argument of the three but don't believe it will occur as too many in society are terrified at the sight of a firearm.
As far as suspects hunting for prey not predators, to paraphrase the great Col. Cooper said, you are no more armed for owning a pistol than you are a musician because you own a violin.
A lot of police officers get disarmed on an annual basis and they are most certainly known to be armed.
YOU make yourself a predator; Your pistol does not.
Michael Brown