I preferred it better in West Virginia when it was open carry. I just wore my Beretta on my side and it was perfectly legal everywhere except state and federal property.
I went evrywhere in it and never once was asked to leave a store or shop. Now I see Walmart has a sign saying concealed carry handguns are allowed but please keep them concealed. They never said anything on my weekly trips before CCW passed.
Many advocates say CCW deters crime. I think open, visible carry prevents people from becoming a victim. Criminals may be less likely to mess with someone because the firearm is visible. I stopped a loud mouth and three of his friends from starting a fight with another patron in an all night restaurant by unsnapping my thumbstrap on my Beretta 92. Didn't have to say a word. Didn't even give adirty look.
They just stopped being arrogant bad asses and one of them said something like " come on man let's get out of here." If I had been carrying concealed I would have had to draw and therefore brandish my weapon to get the same effect and then law enforcement gets me for brandishing.
Just my preference I guess.