Michigan is an open carry state but the biggest thing that kept me from doing it often was the fact that once you are in your vehicle its considered concealed. That means that every time I got in and out of my truck I had to load and unload my gun and lock it away in a case. Now that I have my CCW and can carry it any way that I want as well as in my truck too.

 

Found this, not sure if its what your talking about.

https://www.f150forum.com/f2/center-...n-mount-58139/

 

I'm not a cop btw.

I do believe that if you're willing to show your weapon it should be only once you have exhausted all non leathal options and you're prepared to use deadly force. Other then that, nobody should know about it or see it.

You saying that someone wouldn't rob a convinience store because you are a deterrent? It's a possibility I'll give you that. There's also a just as likely chance that you're also the first target/victim as well since not all bad guys are smart enough to scope out every detail before attempting armed robbery (like noticing a pistol on your belt while you're getting some snacks for example). That alone (to me) would be reason enough to not open carry.

To each their own though, if you've managed to get allong just fine open carrying this long then I'm glad it works for you

 

Some states allow Concealed Carry but NOT open Carry. Hows that

In some states if you have a CCW, and you "Print" (your side-arm is revealed) you can actually be arrested for it. Hows that !!!

Luckily VA is both Open Carry and Concealed Carry.

One of the most important things you learn during CCW training is how to deal with Officer/Citizen situations.

In VA, your CCW is recorded on your driving record so they know it before they even walk up to your car. You just keep your hands on the wheel, inform them you are carrying when they walk up, and they usually appreciate that. Do what they say and it's not a problem, as long as the Officer stays within bounds. One of the trickiest situations is if the Officer asks to see your Gun, but that's a complex discussion best left for another forum.

 

Ah, yes. Good ol' Kalifornistan

 

It's called brandishing here in Texas, and yes...it is illegal.

 

Of all things Texas Law that really amazes the hell out of me.

In VA, if you have a CCW and your shirt pulls up or something, it may freak someone out but it's not illegal because of open carry.

VA had some excellent laws passed in 2012 protecting Law Abiding Gun Owners. All but one Republican Bill was passed. Not one single Democratic Bill (all restrictive, of course) even came close.

This year could be very interesting though. Not sure what's on the docket yet.

One thing we don't have in VA yet is a Castle Doctrine. It didn't get passed last year, and even the NRA said it was a good thing overall that it didn't. Apparently VA uses Case Law, and VA's Case Law supposedly provides better protection than most Castle Doctrines.

I'd still rather see a strong Castle Doctrine, Fight or Flight protection and Good Samaritan Bills passed though. Having it in writing is better than some anti-gun DA's interpretation of a case law. Even if you are found innocent, it can cost you everything you ever worked for to stay out of jail, and that just ain't right.

 

Printing is not illegal but brandishing is.Two different animals.

Just like your shirt accidentally rising up over your handgun when bending over or the wind blowing your shirt exposing it is not illegal.

 

It isn't brandishing if it's an accident (reach up high, bend at the waist...), if it's on purpose and you are trying to scare some one then that is brandishing.

 

I like the accessibility, but would be concerned that it would be visible when I opened my door.