I can certainly see the flawed logic in believing that open carry will deter all crime. I should have made it clear that I didn't bother to read this (or any of the other "articles") posted by the OP, because I've read them all before. I should have tailored my response to better explain that my only point in posting in any of these open carry threads, is to point out that saying that "open carry makes you a target," is stupid.

If some dudes want to rob a couple walking down the street, but there is a bar half a block down with a big bouncer standing outside, those dudes aren't going to go after the buff bouncer first, then rob the couple. They are just going to rob the couple and run.

The grocery store example is still weak, because you are talking about unarmed people, who would be required to close the gap and come into physical contact with the guy. An armed citizen is not as likely to be in that situation.

I guess my main hang up is that people use some movie example of a team of 10 ex-military guys doing an organized hit on a bank while you are open carrying in the lobby. Those guys may think to neutralize you, but you wouldn't stand much more of a chance if you were carrying concealed either; unless you didn't draw the gun at all. Even though NOT drawing would be likely, and the smart thing to do, it's the same as not having a gun at all.

I conceal carry instead of open carry, but you'll never catch me telling someone that they shouldn't open carry, because there is no reason to tell anyone that.