What Is the Point of Open Carry?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Defining Open Carry
3. Accessibility: The Advantage of Speed
4. Physical Comfort and Weight Distribution
5. The Deterrence Factor
6. Open Carry in the Wilderness
7. Choosing the Right Gear for Open Carry
8. Step-by-Step: Selecting Your Open Carry Setup
9. Social Responsibility and Etiquette
10. Training for Open Carry
11. Conclusion
12. FAQ

Introduction

Standing on a remote trail in the backcountry with a heavy pack, you quickly realize that accessibility is everything. Whether you are navigating dense brush or scanning for predators, your gear needs to be reachable in a split second. This is where the debate over carry methods often begins. At BattlBox, we spend our time testing gear and discussing the best ways to stay prepared for both the wilderness and everyday life. If you want gear chosen with that same mindset, choose your BattlBox subscription. One of the most frequent questions we encounter is what is the point of open carry when concealed carry is an option. While some see it as a political statement, open carry serves several practical and tactical purposes for the outdoor enthusiast. This post covers the functional benefits of carrying a firearm openly, the importance of retention, and how to choose the right setup for your environment.

Quick Answer: The point of open carry is primarily to provide faster access to a firearm, increase physical comfort during long-term wear, and allow the use of larger, more effective handguns. It is particularly useful in outdoor settings where concealment is difficult due to gear like backpacks or heavy clothing.

Defining Open Carry

Open carry refers to the practice of wearing a firearm in plain view of the public. This is typically done with a holster on the belt, but it can also include chest rigs or thigh holsters. Unlike concealed carry, where the goal is to keep the firearm hidden under clothing, open carry makes the presence of the weapon obvious. If you want the plain-English version, what open carry means is the simplest way to frame it.

In the United States, the legality of open carry varies significantly from state to state. Some states allow it without a permit, while others require specific licensing or ban it entirely. Before you decide to carry openly, you must understand your local and state laws. Aside from the legal aspect, the "point" of open carry is rooted in efficiency and physical ergonomics.

Accessibility: The Advantage of Speed

The most significant tactical point of open carry is the speed of the draw. When a firearm is concealed, you must move a "cover garment" out of the way before you can even grip the weapon. This might be a shirt, a jacket, or even a vest. In a high-stress situation, this extra step takes time and adds a point of potential failure.

Eliminating the Cover Garment

When you carry openly, there is nothing between your hand and your firearm. This allows for a more consistent and faster draw stroke. For someone who practices their draw regularly, the difference might only be half a second. However, in a defensive encounter, half a second is an eternity. For a broader look at carry organization, How Do You Carry Your EDC? breaks down the same access problem from an everyday-carry angle.

Ease of Access with Other Gear

If you are wearing a waterproof backpack with a waist strap or a heavy winter parka, concealing a firearm becomes nearly impossible. The straps and bulk of the clothing interfere with the draw. Open carry allows you to position the firearm on the outside of your gear, ensuring it is always ready regardless of what else you are wearing.

Key Takeaway: Open carry removes mechanical barriers between your hand and your firearm, leading to a faster and more reliable draw in an emergency.

Physical Comfort and Weight Distribution

Concealed carry often requires you to shove a piece of steel and polymer inside your waistband (IWB). This can lead to rubbing, pinching, and general discomfort, especially if you are active. For outdoor enthusiasts who are hiking, climbing, or clearing brush, this discomfort can become a major distraction.

Full-Size Firearms

One of the practical points of open carry is the ability to carry a full-size handgun comfortably. Concealed carry often limits you to sub-compact or "micro" pistols that are easier to hide. These smaller guns generally have less ammunition capacity and more recoil. Open carry allows you to use a full-size frame, which provides a better grip, longer sight radius, and higher magazine capacity.

Proper Belt Support

Open carry holsters typically sit on the outside of the waistband (OWB). This allows for better weight distribution across a reinforced gun belt, and the same kind of rugged support shows up throughout the BattlGear collection.

The Deterrence Factor

A common argument for the point of open carry is its potential as a visual deterrent. The idea is that a visible firearm may discourage a would-be attacker from choosing you as a target. This is a complex topic with valid points on both sides, and it overlaps with the tradeoffs discussed in what you need to know about concealed carry.

The Pro-Deterrence View

Proponents argue that criminals look for "soft targets." A visible firearm signals that the person is prepared and capable of defending themselves. In some scenarios, the mere presence of a weapon can de-escalate a situation before it even begins.

The "Target First" Concern

Critics of open carry argue that it makes the carrier a "priority target." The theory is that if a criminal intends to commit a crime, they will first neutralize the person they know is armed. This is why situational awareness is even more critical when carrying openly. You must be aware of who is behind you and how they are reacting to your presence.

Myth: Open carry is a "magic shield" that prevents all confrontations. Fact: While it may deter some, it also requires a higher level of situational awareness and specialized gear to prevent someone from grabbing your firearm.

Open Carry in the Wilderness

The "point" of open carry changes significantly when you move from a city sidewalk to a mountain trail, which is why BattlBox's Camping collection is such a natural next stop. In the wilderness, your primary threats often change from two-legged to four-legged.

Defense Against Predators

When dealing with a charging bear or a mountain lion, you do not have time to fumble with a concealed holster. Speed is the only thing that matters. Many hikers and hunters prefer why chest rigs make sense in the backcountry for this reason. A chest rig keeps the firearm front and center, even when wearing a large pack with a heavy hip belt.

Protection from the Elements

Concealed firearms are often subjected to more sweat and body moisture, which can lead to corrosion over time. Open carry holsters, particularly those with a hood or flap, can protect the firearm from direct contact with the body while still allowing it to breathe. However, open carry also exposes the gun to rain, dust, and mud. This makes regular maintenance and a rust-prevention handgun case essential.

Choosing the Right Gear for Open Carry

If the point of open carry is accessibility and comfort, then the gear you choose must support those goals. You cannot simply use a cheap "one-size-fits-all" holster. Our curators at BattlBox often emphasize that your holster is just as important as the firearm itself, so subscribe to BattlBox if you want gear chosen with that same mindset.

Retention Levels Explained

When your firearm is visible, anyone can see it—including someone who might want to take it from you. This is why open carry without a holster is the wrong move.

• Level 1 Retention: Uses friction only. The holster is molded to the gun, and it stays in place until you pull it out. This is generally not recommended for open carry in public.
• Level 2 Retention: Features a mechanical lock, such as a thumb break or a button that must be pressed to release the firearm.
• Level 3 Retention: Includes multiple locking mechanisms. This is the standard for law enforcement officers who carry openly every day.

The Importance of a Gun Belt

You cannot hang a two-pound handgun on a standard dress belt. It will sag, pull your pants down, and make the draw inconsistent. A dedicated gun belt is reinforced with a stiff core to support the weight of the firearm and the holster.

Carry Positions for Open Carry

Step-by-Step: Selecting Your Open Carry Setup

If you have decided that open carry is right for your needs, follow these steps to build a safe and effective system.

Step 1: Verify Legality. Check your state and local ordinances. Some areas allow open carry but have "sensitive location" bans that apply even if you have a permit. If you want a state-level example, open-carry rules in Virginia show how the basics are usually explained.

Step 2: Choose a Retention Holster. Select a holster with at least Level 2 retention. Ensure the holster is made specifically for your make and model of firearm. It must completely cover the trigger guard. For a deeper look at fit and function, choosing the right holster is worth a read.

Step 3: Invest in a Rigid Belt. Find a belt specifically designed for carrying a firearm. It should be wide enough to fill the loops of your holster to prevent sliding.

Step 4: Practice Your Draw. Using an unloaded firearm, practice drawing from your retention holster. You need to build muscle memory for releasing the retention locks while establishing a master grip.

Step 5: Practice Situational Awareness. When carrying openly, you must be more aware of your surroundings. Practice "scanning" your environment and keeping people out of your personal space. If you want that mindset in a broader carry system, What Is an EDC Kit and Why Do You Need One? connects the dots.

Bottom line: A proper open carry setup requires a high-quality retention holster and a reinforced belt to ensure safety and accessibility.

Social Responsibility and Etiquette

While the point of open carry may be practical, there is a social aspect that cannot be ignored. In many parts of the country, seeing a firearm can cause alarm for people who are not familiar with them.

Being an Ambassador

If you choose to carry openly, you are an ambassador for the entire firearms community. Your behavior, appearance, and attitude will influence how others perceive gun owners. Being polite, following all laws, and avoiding confrontational behavior is essential. The same mindset that drives preparedness also shows up in BattlBox's Emergency / Disaster Preparedness collection.

When to Conceal

There are times when the "point" of open carry is outweighed by the need to be discreet. If you are entering a crowded event or a business where open carry is discouraged (even if legal), switching to a concealed carry method or leaving the firearm in a secure vehicle safe might be the better choice. Members of the BattlBox community often balance their carry methods based on the specific "mission" or environment they are entering, and a discreet carry planner fits that mindset.

Training for Open Carry

The point of open carry is to be prepared, but gear alone does not make you prepared. Training is the missing link. Carrying a firearm openly requires a different set of skills than concealed carry.

Weapon Retention Training

You should seek out training specifically focused on weapon retention. This teaches you how to prevent an attacker from grabbing your gun and how to fight back if they try. This is a physical skill that requires hands-on practice, and what is the best concealed carry holster? is a useful companion guide when you are comparing carry rigs.

Stress Inoculation

A fast draw in your living room is not the same as a fast draw when your heart is racing. Participate in competitive shooting or realistic training scenarios that put you under a time crunch. This helps ensure that the accessibility of your open carry setup actually pays off when it matters. The same kind of practical mindset is built into BattlBox's Bushcraft collection.

Conclusion

The point of open carry is to prioritize speed, accessibility, and physical comfort. For the outdoorsman, it is often a matter of necessity when heavy gear makes concealed carry impossible. For others, it is about the tactical advantage of a faster draw and the ability to carry a more effective, full-sized firearm. However, carrying openly comes with the added responsibility of using high-quality retention gear and maintaining a high level of situational awareness.

Key Takeaway: Open carry is a tool for specific environments and needs; it excels in the wilderness and high-activity scenarios where speed and comfort are paramount.

At BattlBox, we believe that being prepared is a lifestyle. Whether you are choosing the right holster for a backcountry trek or building a comprehensive emergency kit, the goal is to have the right gear and the skills to use it. We curate our missions to ensure you have access to professional-grade equipment that has been tested in the field, and our BattlGear collection is a great place to keep exploring. To start building your kit with gear chosen by experts, start building your kit.

FAQ

Is open carry better than concealed carry?

Neither is objectively "better" as both serve different purposes. Open carry offers faster access and more comfort for large firearms, while concealed carry provides the advantage of surprise and social discretion. The best choice depends on your specific environment, local laws, and personal comfort level. For a broader comparison, What You Need to Know About Concealed Carry is a helpful companion piece.

Does open carry deter crime?

There is no definitive statistical proof that open carry deter crimes in all scenarios, though many believe it acts as a visual deterrent for "soft target" crimes. Conversely, some argue it can make the carrier a primary target in a planned attack, which is why situational awareness is vital for those who carry openly. If you want the open-carry basics from another angle, what open carry means is a good place to start.

What is the best holster for open carry?

The best holster for open carry is one with at least Level 2 retention that is specifically molded for your firearm. It should be made from a durable material like Kydex or high-quality leather and must completely cover the trigger guard to prevent accidental discharges. If you want a closer look at retention and access, Can You Open Carry Without a Holster? covers the safety side of the equation.

Can I open carry while hiking?

In many states and National Forests, open carry while hiking is legal and often preferred for protection against wildlife. However, rules vary significantly between National Parks, State Parks, and private lands, so you must verify the specific regulations for the area where you plan to hike. If hiking is your main use case, the Camping collection is a useful place to keep building your kit.