10 hours left until open carry in Texas!
- Thread starter JohnnyK
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Lycidas Janwor
Member
I was just in TX for Christmas (visiting family) and I conceal carried. So my point is, why OC when you can CC all the time? I like the ability to OC but I don't understand why someone would do it when you can CC and be (IMHO) more effective in stopping any potential threat. Anyhow, Happy New Year Texas!
Mainsail
Member
We all have opinions and set priorities based on those opinions. We all generally agree that violent crime isn't spontaneous, it occurs in stages:
Stage 1: Intent
Stage 2: Interview
Stage 3: Positioning
Stage 4: Attack
Stage 5: Reaction
Many of us hold that it is better to derail the chain-of-events at Stage 2 or 3 instead of waiting until Stage 4. Waiting until you are already being attacked before doing something seems, to some of us, a backwards way of effecting one's defense.
All of us (I hope) desire to never need to use our carry sidearm. Drawing a gun in self defense is lose-lose almost every time. You may be successful, but you still lose. Even if completely justified and with good witnesses to verify your side of the events (best case), you will not be just getting up and going to work like any other day after having shot someone in self defense. The ride has just begun. Criminal court, civil court, sleepless nights, etc, all are your future for months or years. Were you with your family when you shot that dirtbag? Even with a knife in his dead hand, your kids may not understand the nuances involved, but they will understand that you shot a guy dead, and blood, and flashing lights, and shouting, and handcuffs.....
I don't want to merely be successful in a violent crime, I think it would be better to avoid that entire process.
Note that when you are carrying concealed you appear EXACTLY the same as that unarmed guy walking around in public. We can argue what "might" happen, like a criminal targeting you for your sidearm, however if we examine what has happened historically (called evidence) we find that unarmed people (and the ones that look unarmed) are selected for Stage 2 every single day.
Not all agree! And that's OK. Those of us who carry openly will never (and never do) disparage those that conceal. Most of us do both anyway.
Zach S
Member
I see someone OCing about once a month here in western NC. Seems to get some looks, but no one ever seems really concerned.
Going from a 5" 1911 carried IWB to a G19 with a TLR1 carried OWB. I've got to the point where I really don't care how well it concealed because folks don't seem to notice or care.
I know of several occasions I've been made, but only one person has mentioned it, although indirectly ("Are you a cop?"). To make a long story short, she didn't seem concerned about it after I told her her I wasn't a LEO.
Some gun control groups have been pushing this through social media ever since they decided to focus on OC. They've rethought their approach since Ronald Ritchie got two people killed at a Wal-Mart in Ohio, but the push to report a MWAG is still there.
As mentioned earlier, Houston PD has an open carry Q&A that addresses malicious reports.
Hopefully there will at least be a few arrests for false reporting that make the headlines.
Going from a 5" 1911 carried IWB to a G19 with a TLR1 carried OWB. I've got to the point where I really don't care how well it concealed because folks don't seem to notice or care.
I know of several occasions I've been made, but only one person has mentioned it, although indirectly ("Are you a cop?"). To make a long story short, she didn't seem concerned about it after I told her her I wasn't a LEO.
Some gun control groups have been pushing this through social media ever since they decided to focus on OC. They've rethought their approach since Ronald Ritchie got two people killed at a Wal-Mart in Ohio, but the push to report a MWAG is still there.
As mentioned earlier, Houston PD has an open carry Q&A that addresses malicious reports.
Hopefully there will at least be a few arrests for false reporting that make the headlines.
Mainsail
Member
That's certainly an arguable point. I've watched more than a few surveillance videos of convenience store robberies and the robber(s) never once looked around to see who might be armed; even overlooking uniformed police officers in the store.
If you believe the "first one shot" is a credible threat despite all evidence to the contrary, then conceal; open carry is not for you.
What is the point of that photo?
Saw-Bones
Member
Well Said
About two years ago here in Mississippi open carry (OC) was clarified to remove the ridiculous interpretation of our State Constitutional right to OC.
I have never OCed, except for hunting in WMAs, but now in keeping with my New Year’s resolution to start a walking program I will OC for protection against dogs, both feral and domestic. It was always uncomfortable to CC while exercising and I’m looking forward to trying it out today when I take my constitutional/Constitutional stroll.
Bottom line: It’s nice to have the option.
About two years ago here in Mississippi open carry (OC) was clarified to remove the ridiculous interpretation of our State Constitutional right to OC.
I have never OCed, except for hunting in WMAs, but now in keeping with my New Year’s resolution to start a walking program I will OC for protection against dogs, both feral and domestic. It was always uncomfortable to CC while exercising and I’m looking forward to trying it out today when I take my constitutional/Constitutional stroll.
Bottom line: It’s nice to have the option.
X-Rap
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It's all about options IMO, the more the better.
With only 5 states forbidding it I think there is probably ample data for one to review if that is their bag but I choose more based on convenience than anything. Some states no doubt have some work to do on their regulations but when you see what has happened during recent presidential administrations that have been clearly anti or ambivalent at best in the case of Bush I & II just think what could be accomplished nationally with an overtly pro gun president.
With only 5 states forbidding it I think there is probably ample data for one to review if that is their bag but I choose more based on convenience than anything. Some states no doubt have some work to do on their regulations but when you see what has happened during recent presidential administrations that have been clearly anti or ambivalent at best in the case of Bush I & II just think what could be accomplished nationally with an overtly pro gun president.
clutch
Contributing Member
You mean all those people I saw dining and carrying openly in the diner at Lajitas back in '96 were breaking the law? 
barnbwt
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"I was just in TX for Christmas (visiting family) and I conceal carried. So my point is, why OC when you can CC all the time? I like the ability to OC but I don't understand why someone would do it when you can CC and be (IMHO) more effective in stopping any potential threat. Anyhow, Happy New Year Texas!"
Texas in Christmas =/= Texas in July
OC makes carry far, far, far more practical for most Texans, during most of the year, when heat & humidity make IWB rigs blister factories, and cover garments stick out like a sore thumb.
TCB
Texas in Christmas =/= Texas in July
OC makes carry far, far, far more practical for most Texans, during most of the year, when heat & humidity make IWB rigs blister factories, and cover garments stick out like a sore thumb.
TCB
Berger.Fan222
Member
If the only enduring result is that we know who the enemies of freedom are (no gun signs) then it is a win.
Berger.Fan222
Member
Great point. Open carry not only make more sense in the heat, it makes more sense if the primary threat is dogs or snakes or bears
If it was in TX, and they were openly carrying handguns, then they were breaking the law unless they were the owners of the diner, had permission from the owner of the diner to carry openly on his property, or were in law enforcement.
It hasn't been legal to open carry in TX since they passed the laws right after the civil war to keep the freed slaves from carrying guns in public. For many years the laws were selectively enforced until that became impossible.
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Sistema1927
Member
Well, OC has been legal in Texas for almost 18 hours, and we are not yet awash in the rivers of blood coming from the east of us.
wally
Member
Houston DA was on the news last night saying bogus calls about open carriers "threatening" people would be procecuted for filing a false police report. Seems a bit "proactive" and a good public position to take IMHO.
I have no plans to ever open carry, but I'll feel a lot better about carring a larger gun in hot weather.
JohnKSa
I was living in Houston in the 1990s and got my CHL in August 96. If I remember correctly the CHL law that was passed in 95 allowed OC. However, some people freaked out after seeing people openly carrying handguns in early 96 when the law first completely went into effect and then the Legislature outlawed OC until today.
I was living in Houston in the 1990s and got my CHL in August 96. If I remember correctly the CHL law that was passed in 95 allowed OC. However, some people freaked out after seeing people openly carrying handguns in early 96 when the law first completely went into effect and then the Legislature outlawed OC until today.
Saw-Bones
Member
Update
Well, I strapped on a Glock 27 in a Tagua holster (with push button lock retention in the event I’m attacked by more pack dogs than I have bullets for, requiring that I turn walking into running with my hands free) to fulfill day one of my New Year’s walking resolution. It definitely was more comfortable than CC.
No one batted an eye. That’s because everyone was indoors watching bowl games and imbibing potable spirits like I should have been doing!
Well, I strapped on a Glock 27 in a Tagua holster (with push button lock retention in the event I’m attacked by more pack dogs than I have bullets for, requiring that I turn walking into running with my hands free
) to fulfill day one of my New Year’s walking resolution. It definitely was more comfortable than CC.No one batted an eye. That’s because everyone was indoors watching bowl games and imbibing potable spirits like I should have been doing!
I don't believe that is correct.
Below is a link to the original text of the 1995 CHL bill. I can't find any reference to open carry except to note that the gun may not be "openly discernible" to be legal.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/74R/billtext/html/SB00060F.htm
As far as I know, handgun carry of any kind, open or concealed, was illegal in TX from the mid-1870s until 1995 when concealed carry was legalized with a permit. Open carry remained illegal until today.
clutch
Contributing Member
My bad. It was 1995, a few days before the Oklahoma bombing. Sorry.
Congrats on OC, Texas members!
There's been many a blistering hot July day in Illinois I wished I could open carry elsewhere. Cover garments are rather annoying when it's 100+ out.
As it is now, I can only do it in my own lawn. Not so bad I guess, since that's where all the hard work happens in my life anyway!
There's been many a blistering hot July day in Illinois I wished I could open carry elsewhere. Cover garments are rather annoying when it's 100+ out.
As it is now, I can only do it in my own lawn. Not so bad I guess, since that's where all the hard work happens in my life anyway!
Also a Texan.
What a great state.
As a CC, I will probably NOT open carry in most situations.
I believe that there is a proper time and a place for everything
If I am in the middle of a crowd, in downtown Dallas.......... IMHO, not where I am going to OC.
I will just throw a comment out there.
I chose long ago that I am not going to put my life on the line for $200 of McDonalds cash register money, if a meth head wants to steal........ Its just not worth it to me. If I or my family is at risk, its another story. BUT.... why should I care about that $200?
As a CCer, I can make that choice, when to pull.
If I OC, and Mr Meth head is robbing McDonalds, it MIGHT put me into a fight that I DONT CHOOSE to be in
To me........ Covert is almost always better. If I am in a rural setting..... maybe I go for it, but dont see the need in Frisco Texas.
Good luck and be safe....
230RN
2A was "political" when it was first adopted.
I'd hate to have an ambitious anti-gun DA hold this against me, but I figure if someone's got a gun and is robbing a store, he is ipso-facto using deadly force at the outset... putting me in fear of and actual danger of life or severe bodily injury.
And might not want any "good witnesses" left around.
This is not to say I'd pull and blaze away, but McDonald's "$200" or $2000 is not part of that equation, and I might seek a safe opportunity to eliminate that threat to my own life and limb.
Again, Mr. DA, I ain't no gunslinger and I ain't beatin' my frail little chest, and I ain't particularly bloodthirsty, but I'd sure think about solving the real equation involved.
This business of "give them what they want and they'll go away" is a false philosophy and a lousy bet for the stakes involved. After all, it's not the odds that are important, it's the stakes.
Terry
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gamestalker
member
"I believe Kansas may be a bit ahead of all of us now. They can "Conceal carry" without a permit!"
Well hate to bust your bubble E Rex, but Arizona has been a "constitutional carry" state since 2010.
We went constitutional carry in July of 2010, so we actually have 5 years on Kansas. No matter though, the fact that a bunch of states are coming around only improves the chances of establishing a positive trend in the U.S..
As far as trends go though, Virgina has announced they will no longer accept carry permits from some 25 states, because they think our carry laws are lax. Hmm, Texas is not on that naughty list. And a bunch of those states that are recognized in Virginia, have agreed to play the same naughty list game, thus siding with Virginia.
GS
Well hate to bust your bubble E Rex, but Arizona has been a "constitutional carry" state since 2010.
We went constitutional carry in July of 2010, so we actually have 5 years on Kansas. No matter though, the fact that a bunch of states are coming around only improves the chances of establishing a positive trend in the U.S..
As far as trends go though, Virgina has announced they will no longer accept carry permits from some 25 states, because they think our carry laws are lax. Hmm, Texas is not on that naughty list. And a bunch of those states that are recognized in Virginia, have agreed to play the same naughty list game, thus siding with Virginia.
GS
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