“Open carry” of firearms — which is allowed in Ohio, the site of the Republican National Convention — is a great deterrent to crime.
Why would criminals attack an open carrier who can clearly defend himself when there are other victims around? Some argue that if you open carry, you are a target, that you give up your tactical advantage and will be shot first. There is such a miniscule chance of that scenario, it’s implausible, to say the least.
What cannot be tracked is how many times an openly carried firearm has deterred crime. Criminals do not report every time they choose not to commit a crime because of open carry, and no statistics can reflect this defensive tool.
Then there’s the issue of drawing your weapon. We hope you never have to, but if you do, could you quickly and easily un-holster your weapon and be in a good position to fire? Seconds count! Open carry offers a distinct advantage over concealed (which is most likely why police officers open carry). It allows for a quick and smooth draw.
Another pro to open carry is that it does not require a license in Ohio and many other states. While you are going through the process of getting a concealed handgun license, you could be open carrying in the meantime.
Open vs. concealed carry is an emotional debate and a public battleground between Second Amendment supporters and gun control advocates. While concealed is a great way to carry, there are benefits to open carrying.
Overall, concealed or open, we support carrying if you are in the vicinity of the Republican National Convention.
People set on causing carnage will have weapons, and it would be remiss to take away law-abiding citizens’ means to defend themselves against a potentially violent criminal element. All we ask is that you educate yourself on the self-defense laws in Ohio and remember the four rules of firearm safety.
Brett Pucillo is president of Ohio Carry Inc.
