Why Open Carry Matters
The response to WalMart and Kroger asking people not to open carry in their stores has produced some disturbing responses from more than a few legal gun owners that, in short, amount to “Who cares?” Here’s why all of us should care:
OPEN CARRY WITHOUT A CPL:
- Open carry allows 18-20 year old adults to engage in self defense outside the home.
- Open carry allows those financially unable to pay the $200-$300 cost of obtaining a CPL to engage in self defense outside the home.
- Open carry allows those who don’t meet the long list of disqualifiers for a CPL to engage in self defense outside the home.
- Open carry doesn’t require permission from the state in the form of a license to engage in self defense outside the home.
OPEN CARRY WITH A CPL:
- Open carry is simply a more comfortable form of carry for some people, especially those using an OWB holster, those carrying a larger handgun or long gun, and during the warmer months.
- Open carry may provide a tactical advantage for some people due to body types or physical limitations allowing for a faster draw.
- Michigan’s convoluted firearms laws allow open carry in some places where concealed carry is banned.
- Open carry has a social element that concealed carry lacks encouraging conversations and education about legal gun ownership.
This list is not meant to be exhaustive. I won’t get into the First Amendment impact of open carry in defending the Second Amendment as I know how controversial that is. I also recognize the deterrent effect of open carry is as statistically suspect as the claim that open carry makes one a target.
In short, MCRGO supports responsible legal carry whether it’s open or concealed, semi-auto or revolver, steel or plastic, pistol or long gun. Article I § 6 doesn’t distinguish between carry methods or firearms types and neither should we. Gun bans hurt us all collectively even if they don’t impact us personally.
-Brady Schickinger, Executive Director, MCRGO