Open Carry Passed in Oklahoma

[Jlduke]

Our open carry law passed with a 33-10 vote and is waiting for the Governor's signature. The left is going pretty crazy right now over it. I wonder if there are any on this forum that would be against it?

 

[JJEH]

Good news...

 

[jdb3]

When I lived in Oklahoma in the 70's open carry was all that was allowed.

 

[OK Hog Shooter]

It's my understanding that open carry was allowed in state prior to 1971, when it was "outlawed". Let's hope the bill, as presented to Govenor Fallin, meets her approval and will be signed. As for open carry, I have a CCW permit and do not intend to carry openly. I just won't have to worry when my shirt rides up and exposes my EDC in the grocery store.

Hog

 

[Jlduke]

It's my understanding that open carry was allowed in state prior to 1971, when it was "outlawed". Let's hope the bill, as presented to Govenor Fallin, meets her approval and will be signed. As for open carry, I have a CCW permit and do not intend to carry openly. I just won't have to worry when my shirt rides up and exposes my EDC in the grocery store.

Hog

That's exactly my intention as well.

 

[OK Hog Shooter]

That's exactly my intention as well.

There has been some anti-open carry sentiments expressed by the press, editorials, and local TV interviews. IMHO, those that have their CCW permits and responsible gun owners will not open carry. Why in the world would I want to loose the element of "Oh poop... my victim has a gun?" surprise? I rest my case!

Hog

 

[ladder13]

Our open carry law passed with a 33-10 vote and is waiting for the Governor's signature. The left is going pretty crazy right now over it. I wonder if there are any on this forum that would be against it?

Good for you guys. How can the Gov say no to an overwhelming approval by the legislature?

 

[DGT]

I haven't read the proposed law but personally, I would feel like a dork carrying openly (JMHO). Also, as OK Hog Shooter said, why would you want to give up the element of surprise?

 

[Jlduke]

Whether we actually open carry or in isn't the point. Most people, like me, won't ever open carry. It's about regaining rights we never should have lost.

 

[zoom6zoom]

Why in the world would I want to loose the element of "Oh poop... my victim has a gun?" surprise?

I can tell you, as an open carrier, that I'd rather have him see me and decide to look for a softer target, than to force me to go on the defensive and have to draw on him.

There's a member on our open carry forum who's offered a reward to anyone who can provide documented evidence of a case where an OC'er was "shot first" because they were visibly carrying, but no one has ever come forward to collect.

 

[OK Hog Shooter]

I can tell you, as an open carrier, that I'd rather have him see me and decide to look for a softer target, than to force me to go on the defensive and have to draw on him.

We are each free to choose how we protect ourselves... I simply choose to carry concealed.

Hog

 

[enidpd804]

Whether we actually open carry or in isn't the point. Most people, like me, won't ever open carry. It's about regaining rights we never should have lost.

This^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[nipster]

It's my understanding that open carry was allowed in state prior to 1971, when it was "outlawed". Let's hope the bill, as presented to Govenor Fallin, meets her approval and will be signed. As for open carry, I have a CCW permit and do not intend to carry openly. I just won't have to worry when my shirt rides up and exposes my EDC in the grocery store.

They dont have open carry in my state (Florida), and personally I think it's unnecessary and can cause more problems than it's worth.

HOWEVER, in reference to the part of your message I underlined, the law in my state was changed recently so issues like "printing" or accidental brief flashing of your concealed firearm is no longer a crime. It's written into the statute that it's allowable if you have a concealed weapons permit as long as it's not purposely done.

I believe that is the best way to handle that issue. Open carry is not the solution. Especially if you ever have an encounter with law enforcement, most of them have the belief that they are the only ones who should have weapons.

 

[MK]

Would be handy if it passes.. I'm up there on a part time basis..
I have no need to carry open in public, but it would be handy in
that it would let me be legal when I venture slightly off my property.
I've been doing it anyway, as there is virtually no traffic on the secluded dirt road my place is on. No one lives on the road..
Out in the sticks..
But now, if I wander down the road with my pistol on my hip, as is
usually the case, if a sheriff, etc, came driving up for some obtuse
reason, I wouldn't be liable to go to jail, being slightly off my property
wearing the pistol.
They might cut me some slack being a property owner, but ya never
know..
I don't think I'd ever want to wear a weapon in public view..
I'm just sneaky that way.. But out in the sticks is a different story.
I'm always wearing one at the recreational living center.. :/
Mainly for mean critters I might stumble across.

 

[Jlduke]

They dont have open carry in my state (Florida), and personally I think it's unnecessary and can cause more problems than it's worth.

HOWEVER, in reference to the part of your message I underlined, the law in my state was changed recently so issues like "printing" or accidental brief flashing of your concealed firearm is no longer a crime. It's written into the statute that it's allowable if you have a concealed weapons permit as long as it's not purposely done.

I believe that is the best way to handle that issue. Open carry is not the solution. Especially if you ever have an encounter with law enforcement, most of them have the belief that they are the only ones who should have weapons.

I would be interested to hear how you think it can cause so many problems. It doesn't seem to be an issue in the 44 other states that allow open carry.

 

[OK Hog Shooter]

They dont have open carry in my state (Florida), and personally I think it's unnecessary and can cause more problems than it's worth.

HOWEVER, in reference to the part of your message I underlined, the law in my state was changed recently so issues like "printing" or accidental brief flashing of your concealed firearm is no longer a crime. It's written into the statute that it's allowable if you have a concealed weapons permit as long as it's not purposely done.

I believe that is the best way to handle that issue. Open carry is not the solution. Especially if you ever have an encounter with law enforcement, most of them have the belief that they are the only ones who should have weapons.

In reference to your underlined quote: Good for Florida.

In reference to your bolded quote: Just because Florida doesn't allow open carry doesn't dictate what Oklahoma may or may not do. Given your position that open carry is not the solution... I agree. However, your and my personal choices are the result of freedoms in this country that were given to us by our country's founders. How we each exercise those freedoms is a very personal choice.

By the way, my previous posts were simply meant to provide information. I don't think I was espousing either position, other than my personal choice.

I say pah-cahns... you may say pee-cans... it's up to each of us to make choices every day.

Blessings,
Hog

 

[OK Hog Shooter]

I would be interested to hear how you think it can cause so many problems. It doesn't seem to be an issue in the 44 other states that allow open carry.

What Jlduke said! I have spoken with almost everyone I know who has a CCW permit. Not ONE of them intends to open carry. I personally believe the idea of Oklahoma reverting to the Wild West, with a bunch of gun totin Cowboys and Indians walking board walks along dirt streets ain't gonna happen. IMHO, this change in state law is welcome, but all the hoopla surrounding it is much ado over nothing. Like I posted earlier, Oklahoma had it before 1971. As far as I know... it wasn't an issue then.

I know there is a lot of emotion surrounding this issue, especially in light of current events in the U.S. and abroad. These are difficult times, to say the least. As a law abiding citizen I will comply with whatever is legal... just as long as someone doesn't tell me how to drive!

Blessings,
Hog

 

[DGT]

By way of clarification, when I said above that I would feel like a dork carrying openly, I did not mean to give the impression that I am against the right. Anytime our rights to own, use or carry are affirmed by law, it is in my opinion a positive thing.

 

[Jlduke]

I would in invite you guys to follow the link in my original post to the blog I wrote about this issue where I talk a little about the arguments against open carry.

 

[fcusn1]

I currently live in Virginia where open carry is legal. I have my CCW and most often I conceal my weapon. However when I find myself on the wrong side of town on one of my wife's little adventures I opt for the open carry method. It is not so I look cool or like a cowboy, but to make any attacker think twice about his decision to make me a target.

Not even a month ago I was put in a situation where I was targeted by a group of less intelligent individuals who thought it a good idea to attempt to attack me. When I looked at the situation I had decided that if I was to get attacked by a group of 7 people the best course of action would be lethal to protect my wife, daughter and myself. One of the people in the group noticed my handy dandy firearm and decided that I was not the best potential victim for this group to pursue.

That being said both open and concealed carry have there place and time. I am not going to walk into a nice mall and say "look at me, the cowboy" however, I am not going to walk into a gas station on the wrong side of town and say "look at me, the victim"