2016 was an interesting year for guns. As the elections got closer, more and more Americans went out and purchased guns. In January 2016 alone, FBI statistics show that around 2.5 million background checks were run for gun sales. And that was just for one month.

Choosing between concealed carry vs. open carry is a deeply personal decision, shaped by legal, tactical, and social considerations. While open carry can signal deterrence and assert your Second Amendment rights and public carry freedoms, it also comes with real-world implications you should weigh carefully.

What Are the Legal Considerations of Open Carry?

State-by-state open carry laws vary widely. Some states allow permit-less open carry; others require a concealed carry permit or prohibit it altogether. Before strapping on a holster, research your jurisdiction and local ordinances—especially in urban areas or near schools and government buildings. Always verify signage laws and understand whether businesses can restrict entry to armed individuals.

What Are the Tactical Disadvantages of Open Carry?

From a practical defense standpoint, tactical disadvantages of open carry include losing the element of surprise. In a confrontation, you may become the first target or risk a gun grab. Concealment offers strategic ambiguity—open carry removes that advantage, especially in crowded or transitional environments like gas stations or shopping centers.

How Does Open Carry Affect Public Perception?

Public perception and social reactions to open carry can vary dramatically. In some communities, it signals preparedness and confidence. In others, it may provoke fear or prompt a call to law enforcement. Be ready for mixed reactions, and know how to de-escalate interactions respectfully.

Ultimately, open carry isn't just about legality—it's about visibility, responsibility, and reading the room. Make your choice with intent, not impulse.

Ease of Use

One of the common issues first time carriers face is how easy a holster is to live with. Concealed carriers have a multitude of options, with everything from ankle holsters to tacti-cool appendix rigs. The issue though, is that concealment takes priority over comfort because in many states it illegal to reveal your weapon. In these cases, open carry isn't even allowed except in specific uses, such as hunting.

Outside the waistband carry can definitely be more comfortable and make it easier to access your firearm, but concealability must be taken into account in states that don't allow open carry. For those that do, well, it's obvious that OWB is probably the best way to go in terms of ease of use.

However, if you take into account the number of times you might get the police called on you despite being within your legal rights (if you're legally able to openly carry where you are), then that may be a strike against open for ease of use. As an example, a friend of mine once had the police called on him twice in one day while out with his family because he was legally open carrying, so in that case it added quite a bit of hassle to his day.

When it comes down to it, if you have the legal right to openly carry a firearm, that choice is yours. There are pros and cons for both open and concealed carry, but regardless of which option you choose, knowing your rights and the laws concerning carrying a firearm should be an important part of your decision. Along with firearms training, every citizen should understand the impact that carrying a firearm can have on their ability to defend themselves, their loved ones and their property.