Could the woman pictured be shot in the back and have her gun taken? Phoenix, AZ —There is a significant contingent of gun rights advocates that are enamored with the idea of openly carrying handguns in public places. Yes, I believe it’s a right but is it safe or advisable?  Let me begin by making it clear that such activity is constitutionally protected.   I have no desire for legislation prohibiting any form of bearing arms by the law abiding.    It’s a choice pure and simple.   The truth is that open carry is a horrible idea.   I’ve seen the fallout of open carry over and over for decades. The ignorant advocate that seeing an armed civilian is somehow   a deterrent to violence.   Nothing could be further from he truth. Let’s begin with reality and some cold hard facts. Until the 1980s when ballistic vests became the normal attire of cops more than half the officers killed where shot with their own guns. Better holsters and train...

Phoenix, AZ—Most of my blog visitors know my strong and unyielding opinion on our rights to keep and bear arms.  I have personally fought bad gun laws through civil actions in the courts.  I have lobbied for gun rights at the State Legislature for many years.     Open carry of firearms has its place.  On the range, while hunting, at various firearm related events.   That would also be a reality during serious civil unrest or worse.  Open carry is indeed a Constitutional right but that alone does not make it in anyway clever or socially acceptable.   The whole point of firearm concealment is to place robbers, rapists and killers at a serious tactical disadvantage.   Since self-defense is the goal why would anyone want to give a criminal the advantage and ability to overpower and disarm them by openly carrying?   Open carry does not belong at the local Starbucks, Chipotle , or in mixed company.   By mixed compa...