I'm gonna start open carrying tomorrow, any recommendations?

[yeahbuck36]

I've been carrying now for two years (yeah, yeah I'm only 23), and I've decided that I'd like to dive headfirst into open carrying. Just looking for any advice anybody may have, places to avoid, and good practices. This weekend will basically be a test run for me, right now I'm not entirely sure I like the idea of open carrying (I don't like people knowing that I have a weapon). Do I also wear a mag pouch? What if someone makes a stupid comment (I don't wanna be a smartass and give gun owners a bad image)? You guys get the idea, learn me something new!

[jthrelf]

Simply don't make stupid comments. Be prepared to educate people with a friendly conversation. Be prepared for a potential negative encounter. Know PA laws back to front. Have a good holster with active retention. Look presentable in your dress/appearance.

Mag pouch is up to you, I usually just throw my spare in my pocket when CC'ing.

[Manxdriver]

Simply don't make stupid comments. Be prepared to educate people with a friendly conversation. Be prepared for a potential negative encounter. Know PA laws back to front. Have a good holster with active retention. Look presentable in your dress/appearance.

Mag pouch is up to you, I usually just throw my spare in my pocket when CC'ing.

All good advice, except, a couple of times I have had a 'fail to feed' jam due to pocket debris(lint mostly, but I chew toothpicks and sometimes put pieces in my pocket, those really jam a mag). Just something to be cognizant of. Good luck!

[Statkowski]

You're in Centre County, in Western Pennsylvania, in Port Matilda no less. Nobody's going to notice, much less care, unless you get some commuting weenie from State College who's afraid of guns.

[American1776]

You mentioned that you're not sure yet about OC; maybe you should wait until you are sure.

Once you are sure, here are the tips I can offer:
1) get a quality belt and holster with at least active retention. You need to retain the weapon in case a nut case grabs.
2) get educated, and train, for weapon retention.
3. Know the laws.
4) be a good ambassador for the gun community. Always take the high road.
5) you'll soon realize that most people either don't notice or don't care.

[ett]

If by "stupid comment" you mean an anti-gun person making a wise-ass comment. Just ignore them.
Otherwise try to educate them.

It's wise to bring along some type of recording device for insurance.

I take an evening walk for exercise nearly every day.
And I've been recording every walk with a Veho MUVI-PRO Micro Digital Camcorder. And sometimes additional video with my cell phone.

In the two years I've been doing this. I've only had two encounters with police. Both of which can be described as positive.
So although the likely hood ever getting in trouble for open carrying is small.
I do have two years worth of video establishing a trouble free pattern.

While I don't record every moment while carrying outside my evening walks.
I do have that micro camcorder and cell phone at hand.

[Jhaydeno]

Wear a black shirt, no one will notice. It will be as Uneventful as yesterday...

[PA86]

(I don't like people knowing that I have a weapon).

So you are open carrying... why?

[ungawa]

If you carry a 1911 or a big wheelgun, make sure you carry some condoms.

[Storm88000]

Hahah what!