• As someone outside the US I can't comment first hand, but we have heavy gun control here and I am pro-gun control, so I'll have a go. I think there are two main objections. First that guns only exist for destructive purposes, it is an instrument designed to kill. When you openly carry a firearm you are making a statement of, 'fear me, I can kill you'. It's one reason law enforcement and military openly carry guns, to create a sense of potential deadly force. When everyone in society can openly carry a gun it creates a society of fear, that deadly force could be used at any time, and without warning or provocation, so there is a constant state of terrorism. The person carrying the gun may not feel the fear, (that gun may indeed give them a false sense of security), but society as a whole is worse off. Living in a state where you can die without cause at any time is not a positive society. Concealed carry at least takes some of that fear aside because the rationale for it is not constantly visible. Secondly you need to think about the connection between open carry and the use of firearms. Think of any item you can carry with you, cellphone, leatherman, whatever. If it is easily to hand you're more likely to use it, that's the whole point of convenience; more easily used. So when guns are easily to hand it is a natural reaction that there would be quicker recourse to using them. You might have a fender-bender with someone, and end up with punches being thrown, but if either or both of you have a gun it's far more likely to end up in a shooting. This includes the risk to bystanders; you may be a great shot, but there is no guarantee you will only hit your target and the bullet will stop there. Think about your cellphone for a minute. If you wanted to go to a movie and you had your phone you'd probably go online and see what was on when. If you didn't have it your actions would be different, maybe just going to the theater, checking listings, waiting until you get to use a computer to check. So the sheer act of having something makes you more likely to use it. That's why Coke is for sale everywhere; even if you don't really want it, you're going to find it for sale, so on balance you're more likely to end up buying it. Personally I won't visit the USA at the moment, it's far too dangerous compared to other tourism options, and I certainly would not visit a state that had open carry of firearms. You must remember, other than countries with current hot wars you're the only country that treats guns as a personal choice. America is the one out of step with the rest of the world on this issue. Try googling articles on the effect of 'stand your ground' laws and how that made killings go up. I hope you're open minded enough to have read and considered this. I wish you no ill, it's your country and your choice, it's just one that is baffling to the rest of the world.