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Message
Conceal Carry or Open Carry Questions
Posted on 12/15/25 at 9:07 am
Posted on 12/15/25 at 9:07 am
With all of the craziness going on I am considering carrying. Arkansas is an open carry state. I have several options from a S&W M&P 9MM Shield, a Taurus 92 9MM and a SAR 9MM.
1) Do I want a laser sight on it?
2) What is considered concealed (under a coat or shirt)?
3) Where could I get a concealed carry permit for several states?
4) Should I carry concealed or open carry)
4) What type of holster for concealed carry and where to carry on my body (hip/back/etc)?
1) Do I want a laser sight on it?
2) What is considered concealed (under a coat or shirt)?
3) Where could I get a concealed carry permit for several states?
4) Should I carry concealed or open carry)
4) What type of holster for concealed carry and where to carry on my body (hip/back/etc)?
14
Posted on 12/15/25 at 9:11 am to RetiredSaintsLsuFan
open carry out in public is a bad idea regardless of what the law in your state is. Carry concealed and be safe
Posted on 12/15/25 at 9:20 am to RetiredSaintsLsuFan
Only time I open carry is on private property while hunting or working on it.
You will need to take a concealed handgun class to get a permit if you want to carry concealed in multiple states. Just make sure the state you travel to reciprocates with the state you have it in.
Louisiana is fricking stupid and they wouldn’t take my North Carolina permit. Wanted me to retake the class and charge an extra $100 for not being a resident for more than 10 years.
You will need to take a concealed handgun class to get a permit if you want to carry concealed in multiple states. Just make sure the state you travel to reciprocates with the state you have it in.
Louisiana is fricking stupid and they wouldn’t take my North Carolina permit. Wanted me to retake the class and charge an extra $100 for not being a resident for more than 10 years.
Posted on 12/15/25 at 9:20 am to RetiredSaintsLsuFan
quote:
4) Should I carry concealed or open carry
Concealed. Open carry is a terrible idea for countless reasons. Unless you're out in the woods or a law enforcement officer, concealed carry or don't carry.
quote:
What type of holster for concealed carry and where to carry on my body (hip/back/etc)
Just accept that you're going to end up with a cabinet full of holsters you don't like and go from there. It's going to depend a lot on your body type, how you typically dress, etc. First thing to do is a get a good belt 1.5" or heavier belt that is designed for carrying a gun (kore, beltman, etc). Start with a good outside waistband pancake holster if you can wear an untucked shirt. It doesn't require all new pants and is still useful as an open carry / regular use holster if you give up on the concealed thing. Expand from there as you see fit.
Posted on 12/15/25 at 9:23 am to RetiredSaintsLsuFan
1- No Laser. They are worthless
2-yes
3- Arkansas reciprocates with many states Arkansas
4- Personal Choice, but I would never open carry
5- again, personal choice. All depends on what you carry and what's most comfortable for you. I carry Appendix IWB
2-yes
3- Arkansas reciprocates with many states Arkansas
4- Personal Choice, but I would never open carry
5- again, personal choice. All depends on what you carry and what's most comfortable for you. I carry Appendix IWB
Posted on 12/15/25 at 9:30 am to RetiredSaintsLsuFan
Concealed is exactly that. In a covered boot, pocket, hat, waist band, purse, wrapped in a newspaper etc.
Open carry you lose the element of surprise and open yourself up to be the first one shot. also, gun retention is something you need to look at if you if you do open carry. Lastly, looks like a douchenozzle…thats a joke. If you do OC just understand the risks. Same with CC
Most likely your arkansas ccp has reciprocity. The state can answer that here LINK
Open carry you lose the element of surprise and open yourself up to be the first one shot. also, gun retention is something you need to look at if you if you do open carry. Lastly, looks like a douchenozzle…thats a joke. If you do OC just understand the risks. Same with CC
Most likely your arkansas ccp has reciprocity. The state can answer that here LINK
This post was edited on 12/15/25 at 9:35 am
Posted on 12/15/25 at 9:39 am to RetiredSaintsLsuFan
Everybody else so far has provided good info. Concealed is the way to go for sure.
However, if you have a need to be armed (someone is threatening your life, natural disaster situation, etc.) I’ve always believed the legal option to open carry is a good thing to have. It is much more complicated though. You need to have a holster that has great retention, similar to what a police officer has to prevent someone from snatching it. Also, your level of situational awareness needs to be extremely high. You should always be aware of your surroundings but we get complacent. Getting complacent while open carrying is a good way to get killed. You need to “spot danger before it spots you.”
However, if you have a need to be armed (someone is threatening your life, natural disaster situation, etc.) I’ve always believed the legal option to open carry is a good thing to have. It is much more complicated though. You need to have a holster that has great retention, similar to what a police officer has to prevent someone from snatching it. Also, your level of situational awareness needs to be extremely high. You should always be aware of your surroundings but we get complacent. Getting complacent while open carrying is a good way to get killed. You need to “spot danger before it spots you.”
Posted on 12/15/25 at 9:54 am to Theduckhunter
quote:
’ve always believed the legal option to open carry is a good thing to have.
Of course it is.
The biggest issue with it is one that's been pointed out - you look like a douche. It's disrespectful to the community around you. The reality is that most people are uncomfortable around guns and toting one around openly is generally going to make a lot of people uncomfortable and draw attention to you. Just don't do it. There's places that it is acceptable and out and about in public is not one of them. The tactical considerations are all very valid as well but odds are they won't matter. The social considerations are 100% certain to be an issue.
Either apply the money and effort to properly conceal or don't carry at all.
Posted on 12/15/25 at 10:00 am to Tic44
quote:
1- No Laser. They are worthless
LEO expert on CNN said yesterday only SWAT and Tier 1 guys use lasers on their guns. It’s a sign of advanced training. He was responding to a report that the Brown university shooter had a laser.
Posted on 12/15/25 at 10:06 am to RetiredSaintsLsuFan
Conceal carry for sure. You will be noticed and a target. Either by people who will judge, stores that will ask you leave, or worst case a bad guy going after you first, or just trying to take advantage and steal a firearm.
Not a fan of laser sights, and would suggest anyone who carries practices regularly with iron sights. But I do personally utilize a red-dot sight. It takes some practice in it's own right, but once you learn it, it's about as simple as having a laser. Put the dot on the target and shoot.
I live in a constitutional conceal carry state but still hold my license. There are many businesses that will have signs that state no unlicensed carry. And most convenient stores around me do not allow open carry. It may be legal in the state, but until you are carrying and look for the signs, you realize how many private businesses prohibit, at least without a license. It also gives you the reciprocal states (not sure who Arkansas is reciprocal with, but imagine it's a lot of the normal gun friendly states).
At minimum the class offers a good sit down to talk about scenarios and make you really think about what you are responsible for, etc. as a person who carries.
I'll say it again, practice, practice, practice. It blows my mind in the few classes I've taken for my permit how many people can barely keep their shots on the silhouette.
Not a fan of laser sights, and would suggest anyone who carries practices regularly with iron sights. But I do personally utilize a red-dot sight. It takes some practice in it's own right, but once you learn it, it's about as simple as having a laser. Put the dot on the target and shoot.
I live in a constitutional conceal carry state but still hold my license. There are many businesses that will have signs that state no unlicensed carry. And most convenient stores around me do not allow open carry. It may be legal in the state, but until you are carrying and look for the signs, you realize how many private businesses prohibit, at least without a license. It also gives you the reciprocal states (not sure who Arkansas is reciprocal with, but imagine it's a lot of the normal gun friendly states).
At minimum the class offers a good sit down to talk about scenarios and make you really think about what you are responsible for, etc. as a person who carries.
I'll say it again, practice, practice, practice. It blows my mind in the few classes I've taken for my permit how many people can barely keep their shots on the silhouette.
Posted on 12/15/25 at 10:13 am to RetiredSaintsLsuFan
1. No Laser sight.... too much time to acquire the target.
2. Concealed would be any carry form designed to hide the weapon from sight.
3. Arkansas has a pretty straight forward process for concealed carry. I can put you in touch with a guy if you are in the El Dorado/Camden/Magnolia area but there are plenty of folks around.
4.CONCEALED... open will create more problems than you realize....
5. Check out Alien gear. I use the Photon and it has multiple options for IWB and OWB carry depending on your comfort.
I carry IWB for my job and that's what I've gotten used to... not for everyone but it's what I prefer.
2. Concealed would be any carry form designed to hide the weapon from sight.
3. Arkansas has a pretty straight forward process for concealed carry. I can put you in touch with a guy if you are in the El Dorado/Camden/Magnolia area but there are plenty of folks around.
4.CONCEALED... open will create more problems than you realize....
5. Check out Alien gear. I use the Photon and it has multiple options for IWB and OWB carry depending on your comfort.
I carry IWB for my job and that's what I've gotten used to... not for everyone but it's what I prefer.
Posted on 12/15/25 at 10:18 am to DownshiftAndFloorIt
While I agree with you, and looking like a douche might be the “biggest issue” 99% of the time, but I don’t think someone who’s life is in danger should be hesitant to carry because they don’t want to look like a douche.
Again, and I don’t think it applies to the OP, but I only advocate for open carry if it’s absolutely necessary. I.E. someone has threatened your life.
Constitutional carry is great because you aren’t limited to open carry, but I still think everyone would benefit from sitting down with a good CHP instructor to learn things like why open carry is a bad idea.
Again, and I don’t think it applies to the OP, but I only advocate for open carry if it’s absolutely necessary. I.E. someone has threatened your life.
Constitutional carry is great because you aren’t limited to open carry, but I still think everyone would benefit from sitting down with a good CHP instructor to learn things like why open carry is a bad idea.
Posted on 12/15/25 at 10:25 am to Theduckhunter
Saw a video last week of a guy in a convenience store open carrying.
Guy walked up behind the guy and snatched the gun out of the holster. The owner then chased the thief out of the store and proceeded to get shot by his own gun..
Guy walked up behind the guy and snatched the gun out of the holster. The owner then chased the thief out of the store and proceeded to get shot by his own gun..
Posted on 12/15/25 at 10:29 am to bbvdd
IIRC that guy didn’t even have it in a holster at all, it was in his back pocket. Either way, perfect example of why it’s a pretty bad idea.
Posted on 12/15/25 at 11:47 am to Tic44
“No Laser.They are worthless”
I have a Glock 17 and 43.I have Crimson Trace Laserguards (green) on both of them.
I am not a particularly good shot with a pistol but with the lasers I am a much better shot.
I carry the 17 on my tractor and golf cart riding around my property to shot armadillos and beavers in the bayou.
I have a laser on my .22 to shoot armadillos in my yard,fun as hell.Hold it at my waist,put the laser on him
I have a Glock 17 and 43.I have Crimson Trace Laserguards (green) on both of them.
I am not a particularly good shot with a pistol but with the lasers I am a much better shot.
I carry the 17 on my tractor and golf cart riding around my property to shot armadillos and beavers in the bayou.
I have a laser on my .22 to shoot armadillos in my yard,fun as hell.Hold it at my waist,put the laser on him
Posted on 12/15/25 at 11:52 am to ElDawgHawg
I have a few more questions. I will most likely use my S&W 9mm Shield. It has a laser sight, but I could use the iron sights also. The laser sight is at the front of the trigger bracket.
1) What do y'all do when you are sitting/driving your vehicle? Do you take the handgun/holster out? This seems like the most uncomfortable.
2) Would you take a one on one or a group class?
3) What is the distance for the live firing? I have access to a outdoor range I could practice on whenever it warms up some.
1) What do y'all do when you are sitting/driving your vehicle? Do you take the handgun/holster out? This seems like the most uncomfortable.
2) Would you take a one on one or a group class?
3) What is the distance for the live firing? I have access to a outdoor range I could practice on whenever it warms up some.
Posted on 12/15/25 at 11:52 am to Tic44
“No Laser.They are worthless”
I have a Glock 17 and 43.I have Crimson Trace Laserguards (green) on both of them.
I am not a particularly good shot with a pistol but with the lasers I am a much better shot.
I carry the 17 on my tractor and golf cart riding around my property to shot armadillos and beavers in the bayou.Seldom miss.
I have a laser on my .22 to shoot armadillos in my yard,fun as hell.Hold it at my waist,put the laser on him and pull the trigger.
Reading the statistics on LEO and their miss rate in gunfights,I feel more confident having a laser on my pistols.
I have a Glock 17 and 43.I have Crimson Trace Laserguards (green) on both of them.
I am not a particularly good shot with a pistol but with the lasers I am a much better shot.
I carry the 17 on my tractor and golf cart riding around my property to shot armadillos and beavers in the bayou.Seldom miss.
I have a laser on my .22 to shoot armadillos in my yard,fun as hell.Hold it at my waist,put the laser on him and pull the trigger.
Reading the statistics on LEO and their miss rate in gunfights,I feel more confident having a laser on my pistols.
Posted on 12/15/25 at 11:57 am to RetiredSaintsLsuFan
quote:
What is the distance for the live firing? I have access to a outdoor range I could practice on whenever it warms up some.
35% 3-5 yards
35% 7 yards
20% 10-12 yards
10% 15+
Posted on 12/15/25 at 11:57 am to RetiredSaintsLsuFan
quote:
What do y'all do when you are sitting/driving your vehicle? Do you take the handgun/holster out? This seems like the most uncomfortable.
If I'm going for a little bit of a drive I take mine out. I know plenty of people that don't though. My setup is also easy for me to just slip back on my belt while looking at the door of my truck when I step out.
quote:
Would you take a one on one or a group class?
Group is fine
quote:
What is the distance for the live firing? I have access to a outdoor range I could practice on whenever it warms up some
Pretty sure the statistic is inside 7 yards (?) Someone else could confirm that
Posted on 12/15/25 at 12:01 pm to RetiredSaintsLsuFan
quote:
What do y'all do when you are sitting/driving your vehicle?
Nothing unless it's a very long ride. If your stuff is set up correctly, it should be comfortable regardless of what you're doing.
quote:
) Would you take a one on one or a group class?
I did a group class. It was fine.
quote:
3) What is the distance for the live firing?
Extremely close. I think the furthest target is 10 yards.
People have trouble comfortably carrying because their belts suck or their pants are too small. Usually, the belt is the problem. Can't say it enough - get a good gun belt before you do anything else. Even if you end up not carrying, you'll probably find that you like a gun belt far more than a flimsy belt. I wear mine almost 100% of the time whether I am carrying or not. The only time I don't is when I have to wear dress pants with small belt loops that won't fit a gun belt.
This post was edited on 12/15/25 at 12:05 pm
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