What exactly IS 'OC'???

[vt800c]

ok..I have 2 pistols. The first is a Ruger Single 6 revolver for .22 magnums. It's got a 6" barrel and so thats not one I'd carry very often. Mind you, it's REALLY fun at the range. Being a single-action you have to cock it each time, this deliberate act really makes one savor the act of shooting a firearm.... but I digress.
The other is a SNS, specificly a Jimenez ja22. I know it's small, but ammo is cheap and as long as I don't use bulk Wal-Mart ammo, it's pretty reliable. Being a VERY small handgun, it's not easy to find a holster that 'displays it properly'. (I also play with my kid's Phoenix HP-22...) So ANYway, here is my question:

What does Open Carry actually LOOK like? I KNOW you're supposed to be able to tell it's a gun, and it's not hidden from view, but when the gun is swollowed by the holster (which is NOT concealed) does that mean the gun IS concealed?

What I'd like to see is if someone could give sample photos of what is considered acceptable, and more importantly, what is NOT considered 'acceptable' and WHY it's considered 'bad'.

that might help alot of noobs like me. Thanks

[OakRidgeStars]

The gun is not concealed if it's in a holster. The definition of open carry is that the gun, with or without holster, is open to common observation.

[vt800c]

The gun is not concealed if it's in a holster. The definition of open carry is that the gun, with or without holster, is open to common observation.

But if all I can see of the actual firearm is the soleplate of the magazine, even if the enitre HOLSTER it's in is visible, I don'k know if that means the GUN is open to common observation. IANAL, but I don't want to have to hire one either...

[zephyp]

From the VA Code - read the last part in bold:

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504 ... d+18.2-308

18.2-308. Personal protection; carrying concealed weapons; when lawful to carry.

A. If any person carries about his person, hidden from common observation, (i) any pistol, revolver, or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind by action of an explosion of any combustible material; (ii) any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, machete, razor, slingshot, spring stick, metal knucks, or blackjack; (iii) any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as a nun chahka, nun chuck, nunchaku, shuriken, or fighting chain; (iv) any disc, of whatever configuration, having at least two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart; or (v) any weapon of like kind as those enumerated in this subsection, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. A second violation of this section or a conviction under this section subsequent to any conviction under any substantially similar ordinance of any county, city, or town shall be punishable as a Class 6 felony, and a third or subsequent such violation shall be punishable as a Class 5 felony. For the purpose of this section, a weapon shall be deemed to be hidden from common observation when it is observable but is of such deceptive appearance as to disguise the weapon's true nature.

[OakRidgeStars]

In my opinion, the least you should have exposed would be as shown in the picture above. That in no way means that you would get in trouble if you are showing less, but you have to keep in mind that a police officer might see it differently.

OC is not a contest to see what you can get away with, it's a responsibility that should be taken seriously. Why take a chance?.

[zephyp]

The gun is not concealed if it's in a holster. The definition of open carry is that the gun, with or without holster, is open to common observation.

Jay's pic is a great example of OC. You can see that he is carrying a pistol. The good thing about carrying like that is you can easily slip a jacket over it if you want to go concealed. Btw, I carry mine just a little farther back...almost over the rear pocket.

Now if he had on completely black clothes and a completely black gun a little farther down in his waist band someone might (maybe) be able to argue he was trying to conceal its true nature.

[herohog]

In Lousiana it is well defined as being "recognizable as a gun when viewed from 3 sides."
Front, Back, one side
OR
both sides and front or back

[vt800c]

OC is not a contest to see what you can get away with, it's a responsibility that should be taken seriously. Why take a chance?.

I agree 110%. It's not a question of what I can get away with, but one of ensuring I am exceedingthe minimum required. After all, if the minimum was not acceptable, it wouldn't be the minimum.

Thanks for the good responses.

[zephyp]

If your OC looks anything like Jay's pic you'll be fine. AND, I'm happy to see that .45 cocked and locked. I been wimpin out lately and carrying a Beretta 92, but only cause it carries more and I can toss it around when I drive if it suits me.

[allingeneral]

Here's how I carry when I must OC in an ABC establishment.

[zephyp]

Here's how I carry when I must OC in an ABC establishment.

Rick, a suggestion if I may. I'd consider moving your pistol back farther on your hip. Kinda like Jay's pic. If you ever have to draw like that from a concealed carry the BG is gonna know exactly what you're doing. A good example. Say a BG stops you face to face with a drawn gun and wants your wallet. No way are you gonna pull your pistol without him knowing. If you're carrying farther back, you can turn sideways a little bit (moving your pistol farther away) - hold out your left hand - "please mister. dont shoot me. here's my wallet" while you reach for your "wallet" with your right hand. Assuming he's right handed, as you draw and begin to bring up your gun use your left hand to push his to the side away from you...flick the safety before you get it up...you dont need to get it all the way up...level with your belt is fine for the first shot...then follow up with more if needed.

Just my $0.02. Btw, I learned from a master.

[allingeneral]

Here's how I carry when I must OC in an ABC establishment.

Rick, a suggestion if I may. I'd consider moving your pistol back farther on your hip. Kinda like Jay's pic. If you ever have to draw like that from a concealed carry the BG is gonna know exactly what you're doing. A good example. Say a BG stops you face to face with a drawn gun and wants your wallet. No way are you gonna pull your pistol without him knowing. If you're carrying farther back, you can turn sideways a little bit (moving your pistol farther away) - hold out your left hand - "please mister. dont shoot me. here's my wallet" while you reach for your "wallet" with your right hand. Assuming he's right handed, as you draw and begin to bring up your gun use your left hand to push his to the side away from you...flick the safety before you get it up...you dont need to get it all the way up...level with your belt is fine for the first shot...then follow up with more if needed.

Just my $0.02. Btw, I learned from a master.

Sounds like a plan. I'll check it out. Thanks DK.

[WRW]

Here's how I carry when I must OC in an ABC establishment.

Rick, a suggestion if I may. I'd consider moving your pistol back farther on your hip. Kinda like Jay's pic. If you ever have to draw like that from a concealed carry the BG is gonna know exactly what you're doing. A good example. Say a BG stops you face to face with a drawn gun and wants your wallet. No way are you gonna pull your pistol without him knowing. If you're carrying farther back, you can turn sideways a little bit (moving your pistol farther away) - hold out your left hand - "please mister. dont shoot me. here's my wallet" while you reach for your "wallet" with your right hand. Assuming he's right handed, as you draw and begin to bring up your gun use your left hand to push his to the side away from you...flick the safety before you get it up...you dont need to get it all the way up...level with your belt is fine for the first shot...then follow up with more if needed.

Just my $0.02. Btw, I learned from a master.

Sounds like a plan. I'll check it out. Thanks DK.

If it were a compact and in that position, I'd call it a cell phone and offer it up in a similar manner.

[zephyp]

Here's how I carry when I must OC in an ABC establishment.

Rick, a suggestion if I may. I'd consider moving your pistol back farther on your hip. Kinda like Jay's pic. If you ever have to draw like that from a concealed carry the BG is gonna know exactly what you're doing. A good example. Say a BG stops you face to face with a drawn gun and wants your wallet. No way are you gonna pull your pistol without him knowing. If you're carrying farther back, you can turn sideways a little bit (moving your pistol farther away) - hold out your left hand - "please mister. dont shoot me. here's my wallet" while you reach for your "wallet" with your right hand. Assuming he's right handed, as you draw and begin to bring up your gun use your left hand to push his to the side away from you...flick the safety before you get it up...you dont need to get it all the way up...level with your belt is fine for the first shot...then follow up with more if needed.

Just my $0.02. Btw, I learned from a master.

Sounds like a plan. I'll check it out. Thanks DK.

No sweat Rick. I was carrying like you until someone asked if they could show me a couple things. But, we each gotta go with what works...

[Username]

[zephyp]

[Username]

I'm sorry, but I really couldn't resist.

[OakRidgeStars]

That's from the new Victoria's Secret line of holsters

I guess the secret is out

[zephyp]

And it looks like one of those "push up" kind too...

[allingeneral]

She's carrying a Glock *and* a sling shot!