[red-beard]

Rick touched on some of the reason for Open Carry.

Open carry is easier, especially in the summer time

Open carry allows quicker access to the firearm.

Concealled carry is not supposed to be SO concealed that no one will ever know. It is basic covering of the firearm, so that in general, people will no know. I spotted a Sky Marshal, who was carrying concealed, because of the way he was dressed. Most people wouldn't suspect him. But I know, from carrying, how to do the basic concealment.

Most people use some sort of IWB, Inside the Waist Band, holster, which clips to your clothing, and lets you put the gun in the holster. The butt usually above the waist band, requiring you to keep your shirt untucked. This is how I knew the sky Marshal was carrying.

Some of the newer holsters use clips which allow the shirt to be tucked-in, inside of a slot between the hoster and the clip. The belt covers the clips and the shirt is left a little bit out to cover the top of the clip.

I also use an OWB, Outside the Waist Band holster, aka a standard belt holster, with a long untucked shirt or jacket.

Some people wear sholder rigs, which also require a jacket worn all the time. There are holsterless "Belly Bands" like a big elastic band worn around your middle, with a place to hold the gun. I even have an undershirt which has a concealing compartment. And then there is the ankle holster and there is true "pocket carry".

All of these advantages and disadvantages which have to be weighed by each of us.