Why YSK: Even if you don’t own a gun, there is a chance you can encounter one at the home of a friend or family member. These are the four core rules of gun safety, but the same can be used with airsoft/paintball guns, nerf or even chemical spray bottles!
First, treat every firearm as if it were loaded. Even if it was clear the last time you saw it. If looking at a gun with someone else and they assure you it’s not loaded, you can respectfully ask them to clear it in front of you before you handle it yourself.
Never point a gun at anything you are not willing to destroy. Pretend there is a lazer beam coming from the barrel. Don’t let that “beam” point at anyone. That is known as “flagging”. In nearly all cases keeping the barrel pointing down between your feet is a good move.
Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire. This includes the whole trigger guard area. Most people keep their finger on the frame well above the trigger guard, pointing their finger in the same direction as the barrel. This is known as “trigger discipline”.
Finally be sure of your target and what’s behind it. Bullets can still travel a long way even after they pass through a target. If you are target shooting make sure there is a solid backstop. If in a real life situation you must positively ID the threat, no shooting at shadows or noises.
Honest question: Why is open carry forbidden, but concealed carry can be okay in certain contexts? The idea of being coy about whether or not one has a gun seems more alarming than somebody unquestionably having a gun that everyone can see. Not brandishing it, but rather just being honest and open with everyone about the idea that you’re carrying a gun seems less upsetting to me than the unanswered question of who might possibly have a hidden gun on them if they had that special kind of feeling when they woke up this morning.
For the vast majority of people that conceal carry a gun, the goal is still to be peaceful and avoid trouble. They want to live life as they normally would just with that extra training and capability. Some do it for personal reasons (stalkers, violent exes and so on) or because their area is generally sketchy. Sometimes it’s just a preference. You usually don’t hear about them because on average they are responsible.
Open carry has a place, like on hikes in the woods for example. But people who open carry in public areas like restaurants are trying to make a statement. To everyone around them the vibe is “don’t mess with me…or else”. It draws tons of attention. People may take photos or alert security/police. And any bad actor knows exactly who to surprise and take out first. That’s why it is generally deemed as a bad idea and counterproductive
Knowing that concealed guns are out there keeps the bad guys guessing, open carry scares normal people are makes it easier for the bad guys to get the drop on lawful carriers
A visible weapon generates discomfort. Unless on a police agent, nobody likes to see a gun here. It’s a threat. Hence the default for concealed carry.