Friday, May 17, 2013

Michigan Firearm FAQ: Is It Too Dangerous To Open Carry A Handgun?

Ask The Michigan Firearms Instructor
Q: I've often heard the argument that open carry should be discouraged because someone with ill intent is more likely to notice and snatch an openly-carried firearm than a concealed one. How often does this actually happen, and what can be done to limit the risk? Thanks.

A: It depends on what you believe and feel comfortable adapting into your lifestyle. One side believes that a person may attempt to take your gun if it is openly carried. The other side believes that the gun serves as a deterrent to bad guys and that if it is ever needed it can be accessed far quicker than it could if it was concealed.

In any case, I would suggest that anyone carrying a gun would take a handgun retention class, always be aware of their surroundings, and carry their firearm in a Level 3 retention holster.

As for stats, I don't have any accessible. I suspect that persons openly carrying firearms are attacked in far less numbers than strict conceal carry proponents would suggest. Personally, I carry in both modes, depending on the circumstances.

Further, in Michigan, there are statutorily defined gun-free places where you can only carry openly, if you have a CPL. In short, you will have to make the best decision for you.

Carrying openly or concealed is not a "right or wrong" proposition; it is a personal preference.

Disclaimer
You are strongly encouraged to not only conduct your own independent research but to also consult with a competent and qualified attorney before acting upon any information in this article. Laws covering self-defense, lethal force, firearms, and the Michigan Concealed Pistol License and their enforcement are always subject to change due to laws being amended, politics conducted in the Prosecutor's Office, and election results at all levels of government. Ignorance of the law, legally speaking, is not a valid excuse for running afoul of it. The penalties and fines imposed upon violators of firearms related offenses are stiff and severe.

About The Author
Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school - Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit.

Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, UPI, NRAnews, Guns Digest, Tactical-Life, The Truth About Guns, The Politics Daily, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, The Detroit Examiner, WJLB, WGPR, and the UrbanShooterPodcast.

For more info about free shooting lessons for women and Michigan CCW Classes, please contact:

Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit
Web: http://www.detroitccw.com.
Email: info@detroitccw.com
Phone: 313.733.74

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