Texas needs to catch up.

[mustangman]

We need to look at the big picture. This in not about an "outsider" being inconvenienced, its about moving forward on our Second Amendment rights. Fact is we are 1 of only 6 remaining states NOT to have some form of open carry. In todays world, if your're not moving forward on gun rights, your moving backwards. The gun grabbers arent sitting still, they're doing everthing they can to restrict those rights with their opinions of whats right, and best and how much for each of us. Any restriction is a win for them. Of course Texas shouldnt do it just to catch up with other states, it should do it because its the right thing to do. Give all law abiding citizens their Constitutional right to carry any way they please, and leave it up to the individual to make that decision. Here's a link to an informative site if anyone is interested.

Open Carry | OpenCarry.org

 

[RobzGuns]

Actually... A TX State senate committee was supposed to be discussing recommendations on removing barriers in Texas to the exercise of our 2A rights. The recommendations include open carry legislation, which they're expecting to be file in 2015.

 

[GKC]

I'm a Texan. We don't need to catch up to anybody, Mr. Elm Creek Smith. Most Texans prefer concealed carry and we are quite happy with the law the way it is.

Maybe most, but not all.

I would very much like for Texas to have open carry...as long as it didn't compromise concealed carry as it seems to have in some states (which really makes no sense.) I don't know that I would carry openly, but I'd like to make that decision myself, and not have someone make it for me. Mainly, though, I'd rather an accidental glimpse of my CCW not to be an issue.

 

[Kensterfly]

An accidental exposure, printing, etc is no longer an issue with the new laws that went into effect January 1. As long as you are not brandishing (intentionally displaying in a threatening manner) it's no problem any more.

 

[smokindog]

as I understand things, step 1 is to revise the concealed carry law to allow permit holders open carry. Step 2 will be open carry. The rationale is that step 1 is a change to the current law and step 2 is a change to the State Constitution.

Actually... A TX State senate committee was supposed to be discussing recommendations on removing barriers in Texas to the exercise of our 2A rights. The recommendations include open carry legislation, which they're expecting to be file in 2015.

 

[MSgt G]

I hate open carry, unless it is a peace officer with a badge displayed. Open carry in our state does not require the background check and safety class, with range, that our concealed carry permits do. Open carry scares the hell out of citizens. If they allow it they should change the concealed carry permit, to a carry permit, and require the same things a concealed carry permit now requires to carry openly. I see no reason why a citizen needs to carry a firearm openly, except on their own property.

And anti gunners see no reason why a citizen needs to carry a firearm. Again, why can't we all just support our right to carry, period. Then you choose what is right for you. BTW, my open carrying has never scared anyone. The majority never even notice. Maybe because not many criminals carry openly, but concealed?

 

[MSgt G]

I don't know that I would carry openly, but I'd like to make that decision myself, and not have someone make it for me.

What a great post! YES, you decide what's best for you and then support other's right to carry in the manner that's right for them!

 

[MSgt G]

We need to look at the big picture. This in not about an "outsider" being inconvenienced, its about moving forward on our Second Amendment rights. Fact is we are 1 of only 6 remaining states NOT to have some form of open carry. In todays world, if your're not moving forward on gun rights, your moving backwards. The gun grabbers arent sitting still, they're doing everthing they can to restrict those rights with their opinions of whats right, and best and how much for each of us. Any restriction is a win for them. Of course Texas shouldnt do it just to catch up with other states, it should do it because its the right thing to do. Give all law abiding citizens their Constitutional right to carry any way they please, and leave it up to the individual to make that decision. Here's a link to an informative site if anyone is interested.

Open Carry | OpenCarry.org

Another great post! YES, let's not help the anti gunners restrict our rights! That's what we do when we say, " you shouldn't carry that way; you should carry the way I like." We sometimes cut our own throats.

 

[elm_creek_smith]

So, in effect, it's all on you because you didn't want to be inconvenienced.

That's right, but you forgot the word unnecessarily as in "...unnecessarily inconvenienced."

Don't blame Texas, or any other state. We may have some catching up to do regarding ease of getting our permits, etc, but I think most of us would not support an open carry law,...

I don't blame Texas; I blame the people who sit around smugly proclaiming that their way is best and that "...most of..." them "...would not support an open carry law." Our gun rights are in peril because people are satisfied with the way things are, even if the way things are is not consistent with the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America.

...especially just for the convenience of outsiders.

How very parochial of you. I suppose you're going to claim that the convenience of other Texans who may disagree with you is unimportant as well.

So, sue us.

Nope. I'm not a Liberal Democrat.

ECS

 

[elm_creek_smith]

This in not about an "outsider" being inconvenienced, its about moving forward on our Second Amendment rights.

Exactly. If inconveniencing an "outsider" is all right, then we would have no business protesting the restrictive, rights-denying gun laws in states like New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Rhode Island, or California. We should keep our mouths shut because "...most of..." their residents wouldn't support changing those laws.

In the meantime, if I come across a state or municipality that is infringing on my 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms, I'm going to call it out. In Oklahoma, we fought to get licensed concealed carry; we fought to get open carry added to our handgun licenses; we fought to get unlicensed carry in vehicles; and we continue to fight to get Constitutional carry. We give full faith and credit to handgun licenses issued by other states, even when they don't honor ours, and we honor Constitutional carry for the residents of those states that have it.

ECS

 

[M3Stuart]

I live here and would point out that I have seen plainclothes LEO 'open carry'. Not sure if they have their badges visible or not. But I guarantee you in certain cities around here they do it. I could point you to some restaurants behind a local police station that, around lunchtime - you can't miss it. I have no idea if it is state or department/city rules.

 

[Smitty357]

Out of sight = Out of mind.

I'd rather them conceal carry. At least then they wont be bothered by some tard calling the police because "He's got a gun!!!!!!".

The criminals are already concealing. Its better the good guys are concealing. So this way they arent giving away their position to the bad guys.

 

[Old TexMex]

Had to go to Texas for a funeral yesterday. My J-frame was adequately concealed as long as I wore my jacket. (It was a graveside service, and it was in the 50's and windy.) My leather jacket was too heavy and hot once we got to the restaurant. Had to move stuff around to stay concealed. Texas needs open carry.

ECS

Your premise is incorrect. Brandishing is illegal, unintentional exposure is not illegal.
Texas doesn't need to catch up, people need to catch up with Texas law when they're here.

 

[YogiBear]

Aloha,

To the OP
You're Welcome to come to Hawaii
Just leave your guns at home.
Hawaii Does NOT HONOR any CCW from Any where.
You should be Thankful for what you have and that Texas will let you carry concealed at all.

None of the Chiefs of Police in Hawaii issues any CCW.
Altho Hawaii is a MAY issue state, in reality, it is a NO ISSUE state.
Hopefully, because of what happened in the 9th Circuit Court recently things will change,
but not in the near future.

 

[Old TexMex]

Oh yeah, let's jest let the anointed ones open carry....

I've been in Law Enforcement on and off for forty years and I have found 'We are all citizens'.

This lit'l thing of 'Us' and 'them' is just plain ol BS.

Every man ought to be able to cover the ground he stands on, at his own discretion.

I carry open and concealed carry, sometimes at the same time.


One's profession Does Not make one superior in stature to any other man.
To think this....Is just an elitist attitude at it worse, and a purty conceded one at best.


That is all.


.

AMEN.
Once again, I concur with my friend Dave, 'cause it's common sense he's talkin'.
.
.
.

NOW, on a much less serious note:

What we can learn from this thread is that when we start a rant, at least base it on existing law, instead of a misunderstanding of the law.
Drawing and brandishing from open carry is the same as drawing and brandishing from concealed...so what's the real beef?
(A) College rivalry
or
(B) Oklahoma (just last year) passed a law to allow open carry?

Being a native of Baja Oklahoma, I appreciate O.K.s guidance for our backward little ol' province that y'all liberated from Mexico.
We bow to your independent nature, and hope to see y'all in Tulsa.

 

[KSDeputy]

My post on open carry really stirred up a hornets nest. I added some information to it that explains the unique situation we now have in our state, which I hope will clarify it. Thank you.

 

[CoMF]

My post on open carry really stirred up a hornets nest. I added some information to it that explains the unique situation we now have in our state, which I hope will clarify it. Thank you.

Sir,

I'm not trying to diminish your 30 years of LE experience, but you do realize that your edited statement implies that open carriers are no different than criminals, right?

The only time I open carry is when I'm riding my bicycle out in the country. I do not care if well mannered, law abiding people are openly carrying in public with a proper retention holster. I do not feel threatened by them.

It's arguable that open carriers of the "in your face" variety pose a public nuisance, but I could not in good conscience equate ALL open carriers with the criminal element simply because of a minority of "bad apples."

 

[JohnSW]

In urban/suburban areas, open carry is for attention seeking wimps. Look at me! I must be a Real Man because I have a gun!

 

[shawn mccarver]

Had to go to Texas for a funeral yesterday. My J-frame was adequately concealed as long as I wore my jacket. (It was a graveside service, and it was in the 50's and windy.) My leather jacket was too heavy and hot once we got to the restaurant. Had to move stuff around to stay concealed. Texas needs open carry.

ECS

Sorry, but that J frame should have been in a pocket holster from the get-go, and if it had been, no coat would have been required in the first place.

 

[5BeansintheWheel]

In urban/suburban areas, open carry is for attention seeking wimps. Look at me! I must be a Real Man because I have a gun!

Is there a scientific study that backs this up, or is this your opinion?




Patrick