I don't get the open carry thing unless one is in the wilderness. I totally understand & agree with CC. Why would anyone want to advertise they are armed? Maybe I'm missing something.
Keeping in mind that laws vary by locale , and that laws change ....There are areas you cannot carry concealed without a permit or license to do so.
IF the locale you are in allows concealed carry. AND you meet the requirements to carry concealed. You can research your area , what is required . And how long it will take you. Then consider someone wanting to be armed in the meantime. (Meaning open carry is your only legal option in certain places if concealed is not legal. Or if you do not qualify for concealed.)
An example here is a hunter asking the D.N.R. if he could cover his handgun (with no license , formerly called a permit before this state became a shall issue state for those legal citizens who jump through the right hoops and pay money in addition to mandated training. And at the time the state did not issue permits to "average citizens) in rain or snow. And the answer being that would be a violation of law.
Hunters today don't need a license. Depending on what they are doing. But if they visit a gas station on the way to hunting or a range , what are the laws governing handgun possession?
In addition , there are zones you cannot carry concealed even with a license , but can open carry. Unfortunately demonstrating such has increased conflict of perception. Despite the legality.
The mishmash of laws across the country are a patchwork quilt of regulations. With regulations at the Federal level as well to add.
Which law prevails , Federal or state?
When traveling , what states law is in effect , that in which a citizen was issued a permit or licence ? Or the location/state that citizen is in?
Is passing through a state armed different than being a resident of that state? What should a citizen do if finding out the state they are passing through does not allow what the state they left or are approaching allows/ has for laws?
Far more than open carry is involved.
If it's uncomfortable for non gun folks to see an open carry...Try carrying (concealed or not) while slaloming the changing regulations by day and region.
Citizens carrying legally often know well the law and potential civil legal contests involved. Let alone should a gun be touched or heaven forbid used in public...