IIT: natural selection put to the test.

That unpredictable reaction (usually one of "whoa dude, what are you thinking?") is among my main reasons for carrying concealed. I understand and accept that others want to (and in many locales it is perfectly legal and acceptable) to openly carry, it's just not something that I do often. I will and have open carried in situations where it is appropriate and makes sense (to me) such as on the range, hiking, fishing, and gun shows (some examples), but for the most part, my sidearm is (to me) a private matter and akin to my underwear (and what's in it). It's no one's concern, no one's business, and I choose who sees my underwear, its contents, or my firearm. The need to see them is determined by me and they are only coming out if there is a need for them to. The photo above is (to me) a good example, even if it is fictional. All of the people in the photo (except the woman on the left) are armed. Each is armed and carries in a manner that suits their character and their character's view/use of their sidearm. I am not alarmed by those who are visible, but if you were to ask me, the young man on the right with a revolver in a holster almost at his belt-buckle? He WANTS people to see that. He may even feel it is necessary that people see it and understand that he is armed. Why? I don't know. I look at his carry choice and I come to the conclusion that he has chosen a revolver because he feels less confident with an autoloader, he wears it in a manner that does not conceal it, nor does it offer him any tactical advantage. His method of carry is open for someone else to grab/obtain his sidearm (poor retainment) and it is not positioned in a manner that allows him to easily or quickly draw or present it for use. I come to the conclusion that his method of carry is more about his ego and insecurity and even some discomfort with carrying a weapon. The fact that he's almost made it a "look at my crotch" eye-magnet? Well, something is going on there. The people who have their sidearms in high-hip but open? They appear to give them impression that they will not hesitate to draw and are confident/capable if and when they do so. Those who you can't see? Well, because you can't see, you can't attempt to deduce anything about them. They blend, they don't draw attention to themselves or their abilities. They could be confident/competent, they could be just a mom/dad waiting to pick up their kids from school or someone at the mall. Whew, did I get long winded or what? Anyway. The sight of a firearm doesn't alarm or shock me. But if I do see one, then I am going to form opinions on and about that individual based on my assessment of their weapon and method of carry (as well as how they act and compose themselves). If I don't see a firearm, I have no data with which to form such opinions and I personally like being that sort of person in the eyes of others. I don't want/need the additional attention or scrutiny. Just let me be, let me get on with what I am doing, and you will never know, care or need to know whether or not I have a lethal weapon on my person. PS: the guy in the middle? Carries X2. Full sized Glock strongside IWB and a subcompact Glock in an ankle rig. Can YOU tell which side?