Originally Posted by Evongelo

I'm not yet 21, which is what you need to be in Arizona to conceal carry. I can, however, open carry. I'm 21 in a few months but if I can I would like to arm myself before then. So I want to know what you think is the best open carry pistol. I want it to be a 9mm. So use that as your starting point.

What is the open carry to be used for? snakes, self defense, shooting cactus. Will the open carry be exposed to dusty desert like conditions.

Self defense only. I do not intend to take this gun anywhere outside urban areas on a regular basis. Might I take it hiking or camping in the desert, maybe, but it's primary use will be as a self defense weapon kept in a holster. I do live in the Sonoran though, but I also live in the city which keeps dust down.

If you intend to open carry you may want to consider learning handgun retention techniques... and be prepared to draw a LOT of attention to yourself. I'm all for open carry rights, but as a police officer I know first hand that people will call the police to check you out... so be prepared for that.

Originally Posted by Evongelo

Self defense only. I do not intend to take this gun anywhere outside urban areas on a regular basis. Might I take it hiking or camping in the desert, maybe, but it's primary use will be as a self defense weapon kept in a holster. I do live in the Sonoran though, but I also live in the city which keeps dust down.

One option to think about would be to buy an open carry that you would later possibly convert to conceal carry or just buy another gun.
Be very careful open carrying in the city, any city. Being 21 years old with an exposed open carry will invite trouble, you will be exposed to possible confrontations from private individuals, hostile possibly and law enforcement.You need to practice situation avoidance.
You should be trained and educated for what comes your way, and it will come. My opinion would be to conceal carry in the city, and never expose that you are carrying, do not even tell your friends.

Originally Posted by TAPnRACK

If you intend to open carry you may want to consider learning handgun retention techniques... and be prepared to draw a LOT of attention to yourself. I'm all for open carry rights, but as a police officer I know first hand that people will call the police to check you out... so be prepared for that.

hello Tapnrack didn't see your post must have been typing at the same time,lol, sorry for any redundancy

No problem, lol.

If Open Carry was a good idea there would be no need for concealed carry. Good points have been made in this thread though.

IMO the best weapon for open carry is the weapon with which you are most proficient. I would recommend you become most proficient with one weapon and switch to CC with THAT weapon when you are able.

There is no BEST firearm for open, or concealed carry. There is only the best firearm for you.

Thanks for the advice, I know I may invite suspicion. I know how to fire a gun too, though I don't claim to be any crack shot; and I also know gun safety. I will of course practice a lot. This will be my first hand gun, any I've fired before were my fathers or friends. I'm on my own now though and I need to start building my own collection. I want to have a weapon for every situation, if possible. I FULLY intend to conceal carry but that is 8 months away before it's legal. I don't want to go any longer than I have to before I start to carry, which is why I will open carry for now. So what do you think is the best gun for this perpose? Since I fully intend to conceal carry once I can, should I just go with a pistol best suited for this task? If so, tell me what you like.
FYI, ive been considering a CZ Duty.

I love the cz line of pistols, but if I were you I would also look into glocks, or the xdm line of pistols from Springfield armory, both of which are excellent guns, come in all shapes and sizes to accommodate the (great) idea of being both an open and conceal carry (once you reach the appropriate age). Keep in mind xd's will come with a holster that is great for open carry. No matter what, be smart, be safe.

Can't go wrong with CZ's. But for open carry, you might as well get the biggest most badass gun you can afford because you won't have to conceal it, and they're more intimidating.

I like my Ruger speed six in 9mm................

At the risk of sounding dismissive, the best handgun for this purpose is what best works for you. Issues such as size, weight, shape, and the proper holster for this use come into play not to mention how well you can shoot and deploy your sidearm.

A gold Desert Eagle, it will scare the shit out of everybody! Just kidding.. If I was to OC I'd probably have M&P9 S&W or HK45C/USPC by H&K. Maybe a Beretta 92 or Sig P226.. Or 1911 but having 1 in the chamber isn't safe I hear lol

to open carry is a BIG decision and not one to take lightly. increasing you situational awareness is paramount along with knowing how to deal with an attempted gun grab. those are things that are best learned first hand. consult with some local trainers on those things.

that all being said, i would suggest getting at minimum a good level 2 retention holster. when i OC i use a Blackhawk CQC Serpa level 2 holster on a paddle mount. using the paddle mount vs belt loop gives it a lot of stability and firmness for all day carry. and the retention system, unlike a thumbreak holster, is not as easy to bypass. it is not impossible but a lot of regular folks don't know the "secret". they also make a level 3 retention system too if that is a route you wish to take.

another retention holster option is the Safariland system. while i have no experience with it, there are those who swear by it. but please stay away from a passive retention system like Fobus sells. Fobus holsters are not bad but they have a place, and it's NOT with OC. just remember, positive retention in your holster is your second line of defense against losing your firearm. situational awareness is first.

now here's on odd tidbit for you when considering an OC firearm. the more low key it is, the less "looks" you will get. i draw a lot less attention when i OC a plain black Glock than when i carry a two-tone Sig. maybe the black Glock with a black t-shirt behind it is camouflaged or something and the stainless slide on the Sig says bling.

Originally Posted by TAPnRACK

If you intend to open carry you may want to consider learning handgun retention techniques... and be prepared to draw a LOT of attention to yourself. I'm all for open carry rights, but as a police officer I know first hand that people will call the police to check you out... so be prepared for that.

+1 to that.

Open carry will most likely cause you some grief. You sound like you're itching to carry, just because you can.......not because you need to.

And yes......there is a difference.

You are focusing more on the hardware instead of your software. If you don't understand that statement, please leave your gun at home until you figure it out. You sound like a kid that is begging for a responsibility that he isn't at all ready for. If this post offends you, that means it is accurate. Please seek education and training and the gun culture will be more than happy to have you join it's ranks. Stick around and do many searches and much more reading. Lots of good knowledge and experience on this forum. Good luck.