Almost 4 months into open carry here in Texas and I've yet to see a single person actually open carrying. Friends report the same.

I have seen 2 new postings of the new 30.07 sign prohibiting open carry. One at Panera Bread restaurant. The other at Candlewood Suites motel, both in Arlington, in between Dallas and Fort Worth.

Ho hum.

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USAF, 69-92
Vietnam, 72-73

Same thing here in KS. We have constitutional carry, I have not seen anyone carrying openly. UPDATE: I finally saw a fellow open carrying at a local pawn shop I frequent. We had a nice 20 minute conversation, but I never asked him why he carried openly. If the rest are like this guy, we will have no problem with it. He was safety oriented, and owned a number of firearms.

I open carry here in Texas, everyday since 1 January. I have seen 3 others. Granted, I am right next to Fort Hood and that may have some significance.

I see it in Washington from time to time, although I'm never specifically looking for it.

I mostly carry indifferently (no concern for printing or inadvertent exposure) or transitionally (concealed to and from, then take jacket off inside).

Hopefully it'll cAtch on. I see it here frequently in ohio but then again it isn't new here

It's been legal my state for several years but it was not a common sight until very recently. As time goes by it will probably become a more common where you are too.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

I'm in NH which has been open carry for a long time. Bill passed here recently for Constitutional carry too, but governor will likely veto, again. Anyway, very rarely do I ever see anyone open carrying. Almost never. When I do, it's in 'The Sticks'. Folks in the urban communities just draw too much attention to themselves by doing so. The 'uninformed' inevitably cry-wolf, the police are notified, and it's just a big hassle all the way around. Better off carrying concealed if you have the permit.

Here's an interesting aside on the subject. While I never see anyone open carrying, not yet, anyway, I do see the 30.07 sign from time to time. However, the aside I am about to note is even more interesting.

First, I am aware of an office of a medical laboratory company that is inside a medical building in Dallas with both a 30.06 and a 30.07 sign. The building itself has no sign. Thus, the two signs apply solely to the laboratory company.

Second, even more interesting, there is a county building here that had a 30.06 sign on its main entrance for years. That sign is now gone. However, in front of one small, upstairs, internal room that is used for hearings, in the nature of a courtroom for want of a better explanation, there now exists a 30.06 and a 30.07 sign. The application thereof is, therefore, limited solely to that one small hearing room.

On the first, main floor, in the lobby, there is an armed police officer. I asked her what she would do if someone entered the building carrying a handgun openly. Her reply? "Nothing."

Someone in the county decided to limit handguns to the hearing room only. Weirdest thing I ever saw in this context.

FYI:

Post your TX Open Carry experiences here!!

Ken

Saw my first at a barber shop yesterday. I think he left his jacket in the car and no one really seemed to notice or care... just as it should be.

I live south of DFW Airport and have seen 3 or 4 open carry not including myself. I have open carried several times and have had zero negative experiences..... none.
It is not have you seen them, it is, that we can if we choose. Give it time it will happen more and more as time goes by.

Not "weird". That county is complying with the Texas law. Governmental bodies can not ban licensed carry, open or concealed, except in very limited circumstances and a court room is one of the exceptions. Walker County has the prohibition signs at the court house door which in my opinion is not in compliance as there are a number of offices in the building that are not "court rooms" or hearing rooms.

On a trip to Austin about 6 weeks ago I saw two people open carrying-one in Home Depot and one outside a restaurant waiting to get in. My wife didn't notice either one. But I am tuned to be aware and like most folks she isn't.

I've seen a few of the 30.07 signs pop up in the DFW area but no 30.06 to go with. That's good.

No open carries spotted.

Bowzette is right. The courtroom, not the building, is what counts.

The Erath County courthouse is in compliance.

No signs at outer entrance. You can carry open or concealed in the offices there. But, there are 30.06 and 30.07 signs (no guns, open or concealed) outside the entrance to the courtroom itself, along with a metal detector, etc., and a guard when court is in session.

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USAF, 69-92
Vietnam, 72-73

I believe the State Attorney General issued a letter regarding dual use buildings that they may not restrict concealed carry
in areas of the building not actually used for things like court
where it is restricted by state law, and if a city violates that
policy they can be fined by the State. I saw that in a post
somewhere, don't remember where.

Today, I finally saw someone openly carrying a pistol in Texas (other than at a gun show). It has been legal now for over 5 months. He was shopping for ammo at Academy just like I was.

No one said anything to him. It was a non-event.

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6/23/2022

Finally saw my first one on Fri. I was on the treadmill in my gym and in he walks. An old Vietnam vet like myself. M&P9c.

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USAF, 69-92
Vietnam, 72-73

We've had open carry here in WV all of my life, I guess. And I'm no spring chicken. I wouldn't have to take my shoes off to count all the times I've seen folks actually open carrying, excluding police officers and security gaurds, and the like. We have "shall issue" concealed carry, and now we have "constitutional carry", as well. I think that pretty much anyone who wants to can carry a firearm, and we have had as far as I know, zero problems. Most folks like to conceal, I think so that they don't advertise that they are carrying...gives you the upper hand. Pretty much the way it should be. I carry everyday, and don't really think much about it, I put my revolver in one pocket and my wallet in another, and my keys and change and a pocketknife in another. Just the way I get dressed everyday.

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

Like many folks out there I perfer to remain concealed however I have been OC'ing more & more over the past 5 months and each time I feel a little bit more comfortable with the idea... I've OC'd at the Academy. waited in line with women & kids behind me... Nobody cared... I OC'd at wing stop & the staff & other customers said nothing... I've OC'd at our local CVS & Walgreen's store. I've been approached once by a older man at the Academy who congradulated me on exercising my 2A rights & recently I had a kid asked me if I was a "cop". (of course I said "no") I walked insidew my local subway & ate inside during the lunch rush... No second glances or stares... I even walked in my local cricket store to pay a bill.... Nada...

Our local Rudy's BBQ during the lunch rush consists of mostly LEO's & office workers, many with exposed sidearms. It's not uncommon to see a LE or plainclothes with a holstered sidearm at our grocery stores or fueling up. sometimes I get the impression that many people here just assume that a OC'er is a LEO & not think much about it...

I've only seen one other person besides myself open carrying. We were on opposite sides of the same gas pump at a Buc-ee's on the way to Galveston. He and I had a nice chat...brothers in arms, so to speak. Turns out he had just come from across the freeway because the kid behind the counter at the other place asked him to leave...although the store was NOT posted in any way. He simply left his merchandise on the counter and walked out...pretty much what I'd have done if it had been me. I've seen a few 30.07 signs and only one or two 30.06 signs. In the summer, I generally wear a t-shirt with an open button down shirt over it, so depending on if there is a breeze or not, I may be open or I may be concealed. The one time I've been fully open was at the station where I normally buy gas. Nothing was said, but the guy behind the counter got real quiet when he saw my gun. I guess it's just gonna take time for some folks to get used to it.

I'd say most folks, and a long time before they're used to it. It's never going to be popular, not even in the gun community.

I live 70-75 miles NW of Houston. While I most always CC, I usually see two or three people OC'n every week. Couple of times I've been in BBQ places where it looked like the local gun club was having a get-together. Asked both times, no planned event; just everyone showing off their favorite handguns.

To say that implies that Texans have some sort of gun phobia not suffered in any of the other states. If the freakshow we know as Seattle is used to it, why would it take Texas "a long time"?

Are you speculating based on some discomfort you have personally, or is there something else you can cite that provides the basis for this belief?

I like the idea of having open carry, but personally, I'd prefer not to do it on a regular basis. I'm 6'6", 280#. I already draw enough attention just walking into a room. If trouble starts, I'd rather not do anything to guarantee I'm number one on the shooter's target list.

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Get off my lawn!

Well, open carry has been illegal for over 100+ years and the dirtbags in the local (and national) news media have done nothing to allay the fears of those not used to being around firearms. It's only been reinstated for 6 months now, so it may take a bit of time. Also, we have a whole lot of people who aren't actually from Texas living here. They didn't necessarily grow up around firearms.

Back in the mid-1990s, when concealed carry first was passed here, the same hysteria and and fears were in play. Once people realized the truth that despite what the news *@$%!* said, there wasn't going the be gunfights and blood in the streets, it became a non-starter.

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Get off my lawn!

I OC more and more, that said, the only flak I get for doing so is from my wife.... she will just have to get over it. I have not had anyone say anything to me about it and have not experienced any undue scrutiny by doing so. Was at the local 7-11 a day ago... bought gas, Copenhagen, beer and Lotto tickets.... in walked 2 cops.... nothing, did not give me a second look. John, the clerk, made small talk while checking me out, held the door open for a couple of young women....... a bunch of to do about nothing. Texas will be just fine with the whole idea.

This is pretty much how I dress 95% of the time also. Jeans or shorts but always that unbuttoned shirt over a tee shirt. It's just on occasion (really depends on whre I'm going) that I'll OC... Went I met my wife at the cricket store her eyes got real big when she saw me Oc'ing my M&P shield. She asked me what is it I'm trying to prove & I told her that I had no idea of what she's talking about before proceeding to the Subway for lunch.... I told her its the law, I'm licensed and that was the end of it... Nobody else seemed to have an issue with it...

I saw two middle age fellows open carrying at the Taco Casa in Gainsville today.

Looks like folks in North Texas are adjusting jest fine to living free...

I don't know about the circus around the metro-plex or Austin.



.

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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

In light of the recent shootings and the politicians using it as yet another excuse to beat us over the head with gun control, gun control, gun control, and then portraying us all as bible thumping religious bigots with nothing better to do than go around shooting up the place, I can see where some people might get nervous about seeing someone carrying a gun. Another example of a couple of rotten apples ruining it for everyone else.

I didn't observe anyone getting nervous at all......

Just one more weeded out and on the list

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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

I think you're spending too much time listening to the media. The shooter in Orlando wasn't shouting the 2nd Amendment during his rampage, he was shouting something else; no matter what the so-called leaders in D.C and the press reports, everyone knows that. The attacks on the 2nd are to be expected only because he used a gun; if he had used a bomb (which they often do) the pundits and politicians would be discussing the real issue, instead of the diversion. It's unfortunate that you are following the diversion when you should know better.

The less secure Americans feel, the more guns they buy, and the harder it is to pass meaningless gun laws. Open carry isn't your enemy, and calling fellow firearms enthusiasts "rotten apples" does far more harm to your rights than you understand.

Good point!

Whoa, hold on there. Time out. That's not what I meant at all. I agree with you. Of course I'm not calling my fellow gun enthusiasts rotten apples. I'm as big of a supporter of the 2nd amendment and open carry as there is. I simply meant I'm getting tired of the fact that every time someone gets a gun and shoots up a place in the name of something or someone, the politicians use it as another opportunity to denounce the 2nd amendment and roll out their idiotic gun control agenda. It's sad to me that there are so many who DON'T understand the real issue and who DO fall into the trap and follow the diversion. I am happy to report that I am not one of them.

It's my opinion and I'd be delighted to be wrong. Personally, I think that most of the time the only person aware of the openly carried gun is the gun carrier - oh, and us, because we're aware - most folks don't notice the guns that are openly carried because they're just unaware.

But it is my personal opinion that most folks don't like it when they see it, in Seattle or Texas or anywhere else. I'm happy to be wrong on this subject and I admit it's a personal opinion that I have about the non-gun carrying community at large.

I agree that most folks do not notice someone wearing a holstered sidearm....

I don't believe a recordable number of those that do notice the carrying of
a holstered sidearm are measurably upset.

Also, having open and concealed carried a sidearm for over four decades,
I have not witnessed one riot or negative occurrence from said carry.

I base my opinion on some sixty year of being in the company of
armed men and an observer of mankind in general.

I don't discount others opinions....except when they are bias in nature or
just plain wrong from the lack of personal experience and or knowledge,
that would otherwise allow a degree of creditable to their opinions.




But, that jest me. Coming to ya live from the Red River in North Texas


.

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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

Apologies then. It read differently than you meant it; my bad.

I don't crave the attention that OC generates. There are other reasons as well, and I carry every day, but feel that my gun should be a secret that only I am aware.
Almost a good manners thing.

I have been carrying a side arm for a long time now, concealed for the majority of the time. During all those years I have noticed most everyone I have seen are too wrapped up in their own affairs to pay any heed others as they go about their business. I carry as I see fit... I do not carry to draw attention to myself, show off... or for any other reason than ... I can. Freedom is a strange concept to some and I feel our freedoms are being challenged at every turn, that said, I will exercise my freedom as much as I can. I believe if the liberal faction has it's way those freedoms are in jeopardy. I do not care what other people think or say... if enough of the OC crowd step out and prove they are honorable, sane and stable people then the more we are seen in that light the less John Q Public will have issue with the open display of a side arm. Fear is an ugly thing, however, it can be overcome.

This picture was posted on a website with this accompanying question;

"If you were in a public place, would you feel comfortable with him sitting ten (10) feet away from your children?"

This is the thoughtful response from one of the readers;

"I would gently explain to my children that while it is his absolute right to do it, I do not approve.

Then I will let them know, in no uncertain terms, that if I ever catch THEM wearing brown slacks, blue socks and black shoes, IN PUBLIC, I will slap the stupid out of them."



Texas Mom

No apologies necessary. I probably could have explained it better the first time. Just wanted you to know that we are on the same page.

Getting back to the original topic, I see both sides of the discussion about OC vs CC. There are great arguments for both sides. For me personally, I like OC, but although legally I can, it doesn't mean I always do. In fact, most of the time I don't, for a number of reasons. Mainly, I don't want to make myself a target (in any form). As of yet, no one has said anything to me so I assume people either don't see my gun or they don't care (remember, my form of CC is an unbuttoned shirt over a t-shirt so I could be OC if there is a breeze). If I were confronted about it, there's no point in getting into a big discussion about 2nd amendment rights because that probably means nothing to that person anyway. I would, however, kindly explain that while I do respect their right to their opinion, I am lawfully licensed to carry a firearm and do so for the protection of myself and/or my family.

I see no sense in carrying openly unless you work a ranch or are in the woods or similar. Why advertise that you are armed?

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

The police stopping to chat with you about lawful activity = LEGAL
You discussing a lawful activity with the police = OPTIONAL
The police demanding you stop to talk with them about lawful activity = ILLEGAL

There is no conflict. You do not give up your right to bear arms just because the state gives you the privilege of concealed carry.

Brother, you need to KNOW what the law says, not myths and rumors, but know factually what those carry laws say as well as the rules for a Terry stop. "I sure hope I'm not breaking any laws" is not what I would say when strapping on a deadly weapon. It's serious business, we need to act like it is.

This is a pretty long thread; how many unpleasant confrontations have you read here? After a decade of open carry and after walking away from officers who "just want to check [my] CPL to make sure it hasn't expired" I'm still waiting for a confrontation from any citizen so concerned. I've only had total strangers thank me for carrying (no idea why) or offer support. One person didn't appreciate it (but no confrontation) and one wanted to debate whether anyone other than police should own guns.

Of course, but they still have to obey the law when they do so. The law says they cannot detain you without reasonable articulable suspicion that you are involved in a crime. If OC is lawful, there is not reasonable articulable suspicion and thus they cannot demand you discuss it, show ID, show CPL, etc.

Because in Texas it is now state law. You can carry concealed or open.


As American's we enjoy the freedom of choice. You choose to keep it hidden whereas others may choose to carry open. Down in this part of Texas where I live no one seems to have an issue with it except the other nervous CHL's...Not even LEO's, the chief of police or even the DA down here have an issue with it...


I believe that if we are knowledgable & friendly when dealing with the general public & LEO's then the gun becomes "friendly". If more of us open carry then over time the public will get accustomed to it & associate "it" with knowledgeable & responsible people, which we are....

In Texas, it's not being "confrontational". It's state law. Open carry is not illegal and if one choose's to OC, you're not doing anything wrong....

The backseat of a cruiser for lawful activity would be a take-home of about $10K or more in an out-of-court settlement. If you were arrested that figure could easily double. If it wasn't the first time that agency violated your civil rights (2nd and 4th) then six figures are not unreasonable.

This isn't speculation either. One of our OCers bought new his & hers motorcycles with his settlement money, and others have taken home decent money. One OCer I know very well took home $10K for about 20 minutes of police harassment, of which he kept two-thirds (lawyer took the case for one-third settlement so no out of pocket for the OCer). BTW, these were all in or around the big cities like Seattle and Tacoma.

Yeah, hurt me.

I jest really like threads like these....

Everyone get a chance to show just what their made of.

And a great time is had by all.

Please carry on....OC or CC don't matter one whit...Just carry on.



.

I don't know how in the cat hair I miss this lit'l precious pearl of wisdom.

Made my LOL for the day. What a special load of HM

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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

It's state law here too, but you can't help but find people who get real nervous about it and decide to call the police just becuase they can. That's why most don't open carry.

My reason I don't is purely because I'd rather nobody know what I am doing. No one needs to know if I carry or not.

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Still carrying my S&W 642

I'm not for or against open carry and people can do what they want within the laws of their state/local.

I'm just saying that open carry is personally NOT my speed and I can't justify it for myself.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"