There is a brandishing law. The definition can be manipulated. But in general, considering an altercation, if one displays the weapon not in self defense, but to intimidate, that is brandishing. Removal from holster or from vehicle.
Personally, I prefer open carry. If you are obviously a unarmed target, a criminal prefers that. There is a NOPD I know, he is the range instructor, qualifies all NOPD....everytime we get together discussion continues. He's pro concealed, but one must obtain license for such, Lousiana is open carry, no license required. He's older, prefers "element of surprise". But my argument to him is, if you look to be unarmed you make yourself out as easy target. If you are obviously armed, bad guys cross the street and do not attempt. No where does the Constitution call in registration in the 2nd Amendment. Just being armed is not intimidating. An armed society is a polite society.
Exactly right. I've heard all the arguments about what BGs will theoretically do when they see an open carried sidearm. I've also seen what they really do, which is usually to suddenly remember that they have urgent business elsewhere.
BTW Alabama is also a license free open carry state, and always has been.