The Problem with Open Carry
“Excuse me, young man—can I ask you something?”
That’s how it started. Jimmy G. had just finished running errands when he noticed a young man walking into the store with a visible sidearm in a Kydex holster. The man wasn’t doing anything wrong, but his open carry immediately stood out.
As they left the store at the same time, Jimmy struck up a conversation. He wasn’t trying to argue—he genuinely wanted to understand why someone would choose to carry openly. The man’s answer was vague and generic: the world’s a dangerous place.
Jimmy agreed with the sentiment but saw a deeper issue. Carrying a firearm isn’t just about being armed—it’s about being smart with how you carry.
Open Carry Makes You a Target
In Jimmy’s view, open carry strips away your tactical advantage. It puts everyone around you on alert—store staff, law enforcement, and anyone who might feel threatened by the sight of a gun, even if you're completely within your rights.
But more than that, it turns you into a priority target. Jimmy explained this to the young man: if someone were scoping out a location to do harm and spotted him openly carrying, he wouldn’t deter the shooter—he’d be the first person they take out.
The young man responded with something noble but naive: he said he’d rather be the one who dies than let others be harmed.
Jimmy’s reply was blunt but honest: being first doesn’t stop the attack—it just means you're the first casualty. After you're down, the shooter moves on to everyone else. You don’t get to be the hero. You don’t get a chance to react. You’re just gone.
That moment underscored Jimmy’s whole point: survival and preparedness aren’t about symbolism. They’re about strategy.
Visibility Equals Vulnerability
Even a good holster doesn’t solve the problem. If it lacks a retention system, someone can snatch your weapon in seconds. Jimmy immediately recognized the young man’s setup as non-retention—and pointed out how quickly someone could take the gun and be gone before he could even react.
There are plenty of real-world examples where this exact scenario plays out. Open carry makes your firearm visible and accessible to everyone around you—including those with bad intentions.
Carry Every Day—But Carry Smart
Jimmy carries every time he leaves the house. That day, he had his Para Ordnance 1911 in a shoulder holster and a knife at the ready—but no one knew it. That’s how he prefers it.
His position is simple: if open carry is your only legal option, fine—do it responsibly. But if you can legally carry concealed, it’s the smarter move. It reduces friction, keeps you in control, and gives you the element of surprise if things ever go south.
You’re not carrying to make a statement. You’re carrying to protect yourself and others. And that protection is far more effective when no one sees it coming.
Want More from Jimmy G?
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Disclaimer:
This blog reflects my personal opinions and experiences and is not legal advice. Always follow your local, state, and federal laws regarding firearms. Get trained. Stay informed. Be responsible. And above all, shoot safe—know your limits, your gear, and your surroundings.
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From military police to intelligence operations, Jimmy G’s decades of service shaped his expertise in firearms and concealed carry.