Will Texas Finally Pass an Open Carry Law for Concealed Carry Licensees

[the ringo kid]

Several months ago here in Corpus, there was an open carry rally attended to by some 400 people. The three local ""news"" channels, showed that there was only a "large" group of about 12-15. These people came from all walks of life, there were several ethnicities involved-all age groups, both sexes.

They did their rally on Ocean Drive--had several police in attendance--the Police Chief was there-no troubles of any kind. Im not sure how long the rally was? but there were some 400 folks in it. Weeks after that, they had a huge rally at the Alamo in San Antonio. The worst thing that happened there-was when Alex Jones (mOrOn) flapped his gums off detaining the Police Chief-HE alone--made the rally look stupid. There were less than 10 anti-gunners there. They sold--Lemon Aid, Kool Aid-Water and didn't garner much attention. Nobody got hurt-died accidentally fired a few shots--nada. Like I said, the worst thing about that rally--is Alex Jones showing up and being his normal stupid self.

 

[Calaveras Slim]

I'm not selling anything so you have nothing to buy. This open carry nonsense has made our work much harder as we now have to defend what we have today. So instead of working to expand our rights we have to defend what we have today.

LadyT, I have read some of your comments and, by now, you can guess I don't generally agree with you. No big deal as we have opinions which oft times conflict. I respect your right to agree or disagree with what's said.

My questions are what part of Texas are you located? It sounds like your a politician or close to one and I have an itchy feeling that, for some reason, I shouldn't trust you.

If I'm wrong, please accept my apology. There is an old saying something about a duck.

Just a nagging feeling....

 

[Calaveras Slim]

Several months ago here in Corpus, there was an open carry rally attended to by some 400 people. The three local ""news"" channels, showed that there was only a "large" group of about 12-15. These people came from all walks of life, there were several ethnicities involved-all age groups, both sexes.

They did their rally on Ocean Drive--had several police in attendance--the Police Chief was there-no troubles of any kind. Im not sure how long the rally was? but there were some 400 folks in it. Weeks after that, they had a huge rally at the Alamo in San Antonio. The worst thing that happened there-was when Alex Jones (mOrOn) flapped his gums off detaining the Police Chief-HE alone--made the rally look stupid. There were less than 10 anti-gunners there. They sold--Lemon Aid, Kool Aid-Water and didn't garner much attention. Nobody got hurt-died accidentally fired a few shots--nada. Like I said, the worst thing about that rally--is Alex Jones showing up and being his normal stupid self.

Been there, dun that, got the t-shirt

 

[keith44spl]

I truly don't know what the fuss is all about..........

Now you see it, Now ya don't!




What's the big deal, same man, with the same values.


.

* No Texas statutes were violated in the capturing of these images...
Location was across the Red River in one of the forty something free states.

.

 

[hatt]

I truly don't know what the fuss is all about..........

Now you see it, Now ya don't!




What's the big deal, same man, with the same values.



.

And I thought I liked to antagonize the anti-gun-gun-folks. Bravo.

 

[keith44spl]

Hatt,

There's a few fanatical folks on each side of every issue.....

I'm just one of many, 'Holding the Line' on the middle ground.





It's not for myself that I am concerned....

It's for my children, their children and every American child
for generations to come........That they might be freed from this kind of oppression,
of all of the legislation that stifles their inalienable God given rights.

.

 

[hatt]

Who are the fanatics on the OC side of things? The guys carrying long guns into restaurants they were invited into were simply following the law. Following the law is the definition of a regular ol guy. People attacking folks for following the law and staging peaceful protests are the fanatics.

 

[keith44spl]

Who are the fanatics on the OC side of things? The guys carrying long guns into restaurants they were invited into were simply following the law. Following the law is the definition of a regular ol guy. People attacking folks for following the law and staging peaceful protests are the fanatics.

Well since you ask, the way I see it from here,

I believe those OCT folks to be exercising their rights in a lawful manner.
As with any group or cause, there are a few that we would rather not have represent us as a whole.

In light of resent events of gun violence around the country where long guns were the instrument of said violence...

I can see where it could makes folks that are not 'firearms people' uneasy at first sight.

But, when presented in a non-threating manner, I see no harm in it.

I personally would not carry a long gun into a eatery, but I don't mind if others do...As long as they behave themselves.

This week, I'm back in the Bluegrass where open carry is lawful for all citizens (no felons) above the age of 18 years...Permission from the gov't is not necessary.

Jest yesterday, saw a young man carrying what look every bit like a M21 Glock with his family at a family eatery,
No one panicked, No one raised a stink about it...No one minded.

Some may have felt better knowing someone was armed, if the need were to arise.


*
On the other side of the issue,

Some folks have the idea that they know what's best for the rest of society,
an seek to shove it down our throats by any means possible,
fear mongering, demeaning overtures and openly criticizing those that would peaceable assemble...



So in a nut shell,

As Roseanna Roseannadanna would say, "It's always Sumthing!"


.

 

[hatt]

I can see where it could makes folks that are not 'firearms people' uneasy at first sight.

That's a big benefit of open carry. If people are scared of the unfamiliar, make it familiar.

The people carrying the long guns most likely wouldn't be carrying long guns if it were legal to open carry handguns. They may not even open carry handguns if there wasn't a stink about the whole thing. One of the anti-OC talking points is that where OC is legal people don't OC. "So we don't need OC here and have all the OCers running around everywhere scaring the soccer moms."

 

[the ringo kid]

Been there, dun that, got the t-shirt

Speaking of T's. Im looking for a good image of both Charlton Heston holding a rifle-as well as a great one with Robert Taylor in: Ambush. Those will make a silent statement. ) Hopefully what I want will be found before cold weather arrives.

 

[the ringo kid]

Now THIS, is what I like to call the ultimate in lawful open carry:

And finally:

Id like to find a color version of this image:

But back on topic. I see no problem with folks carrying firearms in public. I grew up with it as a natural thing and I would love to see things return that way.

 

[keith44spl]

That's a big benefit of open carry. If people are scared of the unfamiliar, make it familiar.

The people carrying the long guns most likely wouldn't be carrying long guns if it were legal to open carry handguns. They may not even open carry handguns if there wasn't a stink about the whole thing. One of the anti-OC talking points is that where OC is legal people don't OC. "So we don't need OC here and have all the OCers running around everywhere scaring the soccer moms."

That's the thing, I find it here in the Commonwealth....As an over-all, it is not un-common to see someone wearing a side arm, be it a off duty leo sans badge (not all wear a badge on their belt), or anyone of another profession.

It's a familiar sight, if there have been incidents of anyone get twisted outta shape over the sight of a sidearm,
I have never witnessed it or even hear tell of it.

Of course, I'll say it is far more common to see someone with a holstered handgun out on the rural route.

Just men and women, plain hard workin honest folks going about their business un-hindered by any gov't over reach.


Edited for one more thing....

We all know, or should know criminals and villains don't wear their guns out in the open....

I attended a training host by the U.S. Attorney's Office and the ATF on that very subject.

It was like a 'How to Spot the Hidden or Concealed Firearm(s)' on different subjects or suspects.
.

 

[hatt]

The citizen fear is way overblown by the anti-gun-gun folks for sure. We don't see any OC around here since it's illegal in FL. A few months ago I did see a guy on a motorcycle with a Glock on his hip. He didn't look anything like a cop. And no badge. I remember thinking "look at that guy" and went on about my business.

 

[Dvan34]

I kind of think of it like my doctors visit last week. He now has an unarmed, uniformed guard in the waiting room. If I wanted to do something illegal, he wouldn't deter me more than anyone else. If he were armed, however, I'd think twice. Of course, I know there are many ways to look at open versus concealed carry. I believe the main thing was said above, let's support everyone's right to carry as they feel comfortable.[/QUOTE]

He's probably there as a 'monitor' to advise you if someone assaults you.

 

[Watchdog]

On June 13, 2015, Texas Governor Greg Abbot signed Texas HB 910 into law, making Texas the 45th state to recognize the right to openly carry a modern handgun.

Appropriately enough, the governor signed the bill at Red's Indoor Range, a gun store and shooting range in Pflugerville, Texas.

On signing the bill into law, the governor is quoted as saying, "There is nothing more important in democracy than the voice of the people stepping up and saying 'We expect the Constitution of the United States of America to be our guiding doctrine.'"

The law became effective on January 1, 2016.

Forum members interested in reading more about open carry in Texas may do so by clicking here.