Open carry is better IMHO because it allows a level III retention holster. The Safariland 6360 (and others too) was actually designed with decades of experience from officer involved shootings in mind. They learned directly from officers, deputies and federal agents all over N.A., a few other places and even the EU pitched in. Not many concealed holsters have active retention. Some can allow a weapon light but some CC holsters don't. Granted, some do but they are far too few. If the suspect gets the drop on you? You better have a lightning fast draw. Otherwise they are going to get your gun right out of the friction only holster. Now you've got problems on top of problems.
OC allows a full size handgun + a weapon light. Assuming mags are also deregulated? Most full size handguns are running 13 rounds plus. Full size barrel is better for terminal ballistics. Yes is there is ammunition that WILL expand reliably out of a compact or even a subcompact but after spending some time on lucky gunner looking at their results? Not many rounds performed very well out of a subcompact. HST was one of the few that passed the test.
There is also a much lower risk (READ: yes there is ALWAYS a risk) of having an N.D. with a holster that has a proper spacer (distance between the actual holster and your body) with it. Less chance of it getting caught on the clothing (assuming everything is tucked in properly, proper care is taken, etc.) and having a problem snagging on something either drawing when your life is in dire peril or when it's time to reholster the weapon. It's easier to retain the firearm when the holster it's in is actually helping you to retain it. That's why the 6360 is well designed. You actually can't release the weapon if you pull up first (i.e. in a struggle). The ALS part of the system locks on the trigger guard. If you pull up before releasing the latch? It creates a friction point and seizes up the mechanism (that was intentional by the designers) to stop the suspect from getting the gun out. Yes, they can pull the hood down (the first of the 2 mechanisms) but its harder to get the latch released (the 2nd mechanism) to get it out when someone is pulling up on the gun. The hood guard actually counters any attempt to grab the hood lock from the front.
A lot of CC holsters have clips which attach to the belt. These need to be replaced frequently or at least checked for wear and tear. Messing around with a shirt is the LAST thing you want to do when someone has a knife to your throat and they got you by the shirt. No chance to get to it which defeats the point of carrying anything in the first place.
If it's done properly? OC isn't a problem. As long as you're dressed properly, personable, polite, etc. and not being a CoD ninja about it. Regardless of CC or OC? You still gotta pay attention to everything going on around you. Keep that head on a swivel.
