Fear indeed. I went to college in a very... provincial small city. Riding my bicycle around, I was regularly harassed by insecure assholes in pickup trucks, and run off the road twice. The one time I managed to get a license plate, the police claimed that without witnesses, they couldn't do anything. ACAB.

I added my 1911 to the strap of my messenger bag, at the top of my left shoulder, where the stainless frame would be plainly visible. I was suddenly given plenty of space on the road and even got occasional compliments when waiting at stoplights. It's disgusting that I would be a target for bullying without my pistol, but suddenly I was an okay guy with my penis extension where douchebag drivers could see it.

So yeah, I'm living proof that non-military open carry is only for scaredy cats.

Loved the comparison to an expensive handbag. These people just want to look fierce and make other people feel in danger.

I have a friend who open carries everywhere as well. We do not live in a dangerous area at all and he carries this thing to the grocery store.

I call it his "big boy gun" because it makes him feel like he's a big boy now, like a kid who wears his "big boy" pants with no diapers.

I really hope this was at a competition. If this guy dresses up like this just to go out, he's got to have a horrible personality.

How ironic would it be if this guy was killed in a knife fight.

What happened to his SCAR-L? Did he forget it in the bathroom?

One of the things that really angers me about supposed second amendment supporters is their quiet acceptance of laws infringing on my right to bear any arm that is not a gun. In most states where it is legal to carry guns around, there are way more restrictions on carrying things like knives, swords, polearms, etc.

It's not really an actual problem more than it is a fashion statement, which is against the ideals of people trying to use it as a legitimate self defense tool if all else fails.

Most people want to live a normal life. Go to places with family and friends etc. Having a gun is a personal choice, and those that choose to carry usually feel that if they have the capability to carry legally and safely to do so just in case no other help can get to you in time. Similar to wearing a seatbelt without expecting an accident to occur. And if it's not for you it's okay we understand.

Open carry has a place. On police officers, in wilderness areas where predators are common, and on range days. But at a restaurant or store is NOT one of those places you should open carry even if you can legally.

It brings all the attention to you and your gun and usually gives off a negative first impression. Any "bad guy" will simply target you first and by surprise. Or take your gun's value as a sign of how much expendable income you have. And it brings about unwanted interactions as seen in the comic, but if you are open carrying maybe you are probably looking for that reaction and in that case it's not purely self defense it's attention seeking.

I carry a concealed gun when I can, I respect responsible gun owners but open carry people are not responsible in my eyes. They make us all look bad imo.

Have you ever heard of the expression "When you have a hammer, every problem looks like a nail"?