I CANNOT believe you can't open carry in texas
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Deaf Smith
Member
Here is the skinny on open carry in Texas.
Back in the dark days after the War of Nothern Agression (also known as the Civil War), the Yankie carpetbaggers (also know as administrators of the reconstruction era government) decided that no one was to carry handguns, since their firepower was so much greater than the muzzle loaders the Yankie police had. Thus one could only carry if they were 'traveling'. Since the term 'traveling' was not defined it allowed the carper... I mean administrators to charge the person with a violation of the law.
That law has been on the books so long it's just mighty hard to get rid of. Notice Vermont, Arizona, New Mexico, Alaska, and I dunno what other states allow open carry. Even Louisana allows carrying the gun in the glove compartment of ones car! Even Florida allows one to carry a sap, or large knife, or club, instead of just a handgun (as per CHL rules here in Texas.) What is even more strange is I can carry a AK-47, with LOTS of loaded mags in my car, sans CHL, and it's ok-dokie, but heaven forbid I pack a handgun or a bayonet that goes to that AK!
Yes we Texan's do have our own set of weird laws. And the laws on packing heat are weird in many ways (but gloriously better than New York!)
Back in the dark days after the War of Nothern Agression (also known as the Civil War), the Yankie carpetbaggers (also know as administrators of the reconstruction era government) decided that no one was to carry handguns, since their firepower was so much greater than the muzzle loaders the Yankie police had. Thus one could only carry if they were 'traveling'. Since the term 'traveling' was not defined it allowed the carper... I mean administrators to charge the person with a violation of the law.
That law has been on the books so long it's just mighty hard to get rid of. Notice Vermont, Arizona, New Mexico, Alaska, and I dunno what other states allow open carry. Even Louisana allows carrying the gun in the glove compartment of ones car! Even Florida allows one to carry a sap, or large knife, or club, instead of just a handgun (as per CHL rules here in Texas.) What is even more strange is I can carry a AK-47, with LOTS of loaded mags in my car, sans CHL, and it's ok-dokie, but heaven forbid I pack a handgun or a bayonet that goes to that AK!
Yes we Texan's do have our own set of weird laws. And the laws on packing heat are weird in many ways (but gloriously better than New York!)
cloudcroft
Member
Vern,
I agree wth you, that's a common ignorant statement about OCing, but CypherNinja just needs to wise up.
I hope he's on the way to "enlightenment" now after reading this thread.
-- John D.
I agree wth you, that's a common ignorant statement about OCing, but CypherNinja just needs to wise up.
I hope he's on the way to "enlightenment" now after reading this thread.
-- John D.
Desertscout
Member
Someone said above that Texas was one of the most gun-friendly states? BS! TX has some of the most restrictive laws around. Not as bad as CT, MA and quite a few others but certainly way worse than NM, AZ, CO, UT. WY, MT, NV, IN and others.
There is not a shred of evidence or a case in the U.S. that anyone has ever been able to come up with that any credence whatsoever to the ASSumption that open-carry makes you a target. Out here in the west, there are thousands of us that carry openly everyday and I'm one of them. Why do I carry openly? Here's why...
There are a select few states that allow it's citizens to carry their weapons out in the open without asking permission from there government but there is a FEWER select few citizens that choose to exercise that right for fear of hurting someone's feelings.
There are quite a few establishments nowadays that choose to post signs that prohibit the carry of firearms, openly or concealed, within their walls. This is another of the many things that gives me deep and lasting indigestion. If you don't want to be robbed or have a disgruntled employee take out his frustration on your patrons, why do you create such a "hazard-free environment" for those that might perpetrate such a crime? Do you seriously think that a guy intent on robbing your store, or worse, is going to walk up to your door, see your "No Guns" sign and say, "Darn!, I sooooooo wanted to rob this place but the sign says I can't bring my gun in so I guess I'll just have to go somewhere else."? No, by posting that sign, you have pretty much assured the criminal that there is little, if any, chance that he will be confronted. When trained, credible, responsible citizens carry their weapons in your store and give you their business, you should be grateful that, at least for the time that they are present, your business is protected. At least from violent crime. Most of us will not shoot someone for stealing money as it is replaceable and probably insured. However, I have never met a legitimate gun-toter that would not intervene if someone were to threaten innocents or start shooting.
I think that many post those signs because of fear of the image that some of the patrons might get, not for liability reasons.
It is my opinion that if those who do carry regularly WOULD carry openly more often, it would help to desensitize those whom some people are afraid they are going to offend. Well, it offends ME when someone is offended by my carrying (which is RARELY an issue here in NM). I have my rights just like they have theirs. They have the right to get up and go eat somewhere else if they happen to come into a restaurant where I am eating. They have the right to run home screaming if they see me walking down the street and I am armed. I, on the other hand, have the right to do anything that they can do and their being there doesn't affect me one way or the other. The reason that gun rights are in the shape that they are in is because we gunowners continuously pander to "them" and try to compromise to a point that is OK with "them". We walk around and hide what we do or give certain rights away to retain others. That's not freedom to me.
I don't "flaunt" it as some have said. I think that if one is going to carry openly that they should dress neatly and wear your gear professionally and conservatively. I don't think that it's appropriate to wear a 7.5" Super Blackhawk downtown in cheap nylon Wal-Mart holster. Yes, occasionally when I come in from hunting or something and I'm carrying a .44, I may stop to get a Coke or gas or something but I'm not gonna take my gun off just because someone else may not approve of it but what I wear daily is a Glock 23 in a Blade Tech belt holster with my shirt tail tucked in. I dress neatly and there is nothing threatening about my appearance (unless you feel threatened by someone that 6"4", 250 pounds and wearing a gun ). Once in a while, I get a question or two but I have yet to experience the fear and panic that some claim is going to happen.
Occassionally, someone tells me how much that they value the 2nd amendment. Well, so do I...as it was written. Not as they would have me to accept it. Having said all that, I do believe that there are a very few places where it may not be appropriate to wear openly like church or some business meetings or picking the kids up at the Boys and Girls Club. In those few places, I do carry but it is concealed. If it's an impromptu occasion, I simply untuck my shirt and let it cover the gun. If it's planned, like church, I wear a Glock 27 in a Blade Tech IWB and a jacket or vest.
I don't "flaunt" it, make a big deal out of it or handle it in any manner when in public and I have NEVER had any problem.
I WILL NOT CRAWL AROUND AND EXERCISE MY GOD-GIVEN RIGHTS ONLY WHEN IT IS ACCEPTABLE WITH SOMEONE ELSE OR WHERE THEY CANNOT SEE!
There are those who will not stand up for a passing flag unless a few people around them do. Well I am the one around them that is first to stand. I could care less what everyone around me does. I have a man to face every day in the mirror and someone else to face when I leave this world. I plan to be able to walk uprightly before Him and say that I have done the best I could to uphold and exercise the rights and freedoms that I was blessed with at my birth.
"All those in favor of losing their rights, please do nothing!"
There is not a shred of evidence or a case in the U.S. that anyone has ever been able to come up with that any credence whatsoever to the ASSumption that open-carry makes you a target. Out here in the west, there are thousands of us that carry openly everyday and I'm one of them. Why do I carry openly? Here's why...
There are a select few states that allow it's citizens to carry their weapons out in the open without asking permission from there government but there is a FEWER select few citizens that choose to exercise that right for fear of hurting someone's feelings.
There are quite a few establishments nowadays that choose to post signs that prohibit the carry of firearms, openly or concealed, within their walls. This is another of the many things that gives me deep and lasting indigestion. If you don't want to be robbed or have a disgruntled employee take out his frustration on your patrons, why do you create such a "hazard-free environment" for those that might perpetrate such a crime? Do you seriously think that a guy intent on robbing your store, or worse, is going to walk up to your door, see your "No Guns" sign and say, "Darn!, I sooooooo wanted to rob this place but the sign says I can't bring my gun in so I guess I'll just have to go somewhere else."? No, by posting that sign, you have pretty much assured the criminal that there is little, if any, chance that he will be confronted. When trained, credible, responsible citizens carry their weapons in your store and give you their business, you should be grateful that, at least for the time that they are present, your business is protected. At least from violent crime. Most of us will not shoot someone for stealing money as it is replaceable and probably insured. However, I have never met a legitimate gun-toter that would not intervene if someone were to threaten innocents or start shooting.
I think that many post those signs because of fear of the image that some of the patrons might get, not for liability reasons.
It is my opinion that if those who do carry regularly WOULD carry openly more often, it would help to desensitize those whom some people are afraid they are going to offend. Well, it offends ME when someone is offended by my carrying (which is RARELY an issue here in NM). I have my rights just like they have theirs. They have the right to get up and go eat somewhere else if they happen to come into a restaurant where I am eating. They have the right to run home screaming if they see me walking down the street and I am armed. I, on the other hand, have the right to do anything that they can do and their being there doesn't affect me one way or the other. The reason that gun rights are in the shape that they are in is because we gunowners continuously pander to "them" and try to compromise to a point that is OK with "them". We walk around and hide what we do or give certain rights away to retain others. That's not freedom to me.
I don't "flaunt" it as some have said. I think that if one is going to carry openly that they should dress neatly and wear your gear professionally and conservatively. I don't think that it's appropriate to wear a 7.5" Super Blackhawk downtown in cheap nylon Wal-Mart holster. Yes, occasionally when I come in from hunting or something and I'm carrying a .44, I may stop to get a Coke or gas or something but I'm not gonna take my gun off just because someone else may not approve of it but what I wear daily is a Glock 23 in a Blade Tech belt holster with my shirt tail tucked in. I dress neatly and there is nothing threatening about my appearance (unless you feel threatened by someone that 6"4", 250 pounds and wearing a gun ). Once in a while, I get a question or two but I have yet to experience the fear and panic that some claim is going to happen.
Occassionally, someone tells me how much that they value the 2nd amendment. Well, so do I...as it was written. Not as they would have me to accept it. Having said all that, I do believe that there are a very few places where it may not be appropriate to wear openly like church or some business meetings or picking the kids up at the Boys and Girls Club. In those few places, I do carry but it is concealed. If it's an impromptu occasion, I simply untuck my shirt and let it cover the gun. If it's planned, like church, I wear a Glock 27 in a Blade Tech IWB and a jacket or vest.
I don't "flaunt" it, make a big deal out of it or handle it in any manner when in public and I have NEVER had any problem.
I WILL NOT CRAWL AROUND AND EXERCISE MY GOD-GIVEN RIGHTS ONLY WHEN IT IS ACCEPTABLE WITH SOMEONE ELSE OR WHERE THEY CANNOT SEE!
There are those who will not stand up for a passing flag unless a few people around them do. Well I am the one around them that is first to stand. I could care less what everyone around me does. I have a man to face every day in the mirror and someone else to face when I leave this world. I plan to be able to walk uprightly before Him and say that I have done the best I could to uphold and exercise the rights and freedoms that I was blessed with at my birth.
"All those in favor of losing their rights, please do nothing!"
cloudcroft
Member
Desertscout,
Like lots of motorcycle owners here in El Paso, I like to ride up to Las Cruces on old HWY 28 sometimes. Heading out on Country Club Rd., as soon as I cross the NM state line after crossing the Rio Grande, I put on my OC gun and continue up to Las Cruces.
Of course, when I return, it has to go back into the saddlebag.
-- John D.
P.S. I read your post above but I'm still not clear on EXACTLY how you feel about this issue...
Like lots of motorcycle owners here in El Paso, I like to ride up to Las Cruces on old HWY 28 sometimes. Heading out on Country Club Rd., as soon as I cross the NM state line after crossing the Rio Grande, I put on my OC gun and continue up to Las Cruces.
Of course, when I return, it has to go back into the saddlebag.
-- John D.
P.S. I read your post above but I'm still not clear on EXACTLY how you feel about this issue...
Desertscout
Member
Feels good, doesn't it?
cloudcroft
Member
Yes...freedom does that to you.
-- John D.
-- John D.
I hate anti-gun states and stupid gun control laws, but I like this law. I personally don't want to know exactly which "law-abiding citizens" are toting guns right behind me when I'm in line at the grocery store. Sorry, but it would make me nervous if i was aware of some gothic punk behind me that was carrying a loaded .45 on his waist. Police and security personnel are one thing, but I agree with the statement about how all the open carry people are just making themselves targets.
People just need to conceal them and not let it be known that they are packing in public. They are self-defense tools, NOT intimidation tools. Just my 2 cents..
People just need to conceal them and not let it be known that they are packing in public. They are self-defense tools, NOT intimidation tools. Just my 2 cents..
chris in va
Member
Ok, I read everyone's post and have an answer why OC is a good thing.
If your shirt rides up in the wind or you print while reaching down for your dropped napkin at the local coffee shop, no problem. You're fine per the law.
That's it.
Personally I don't care much for OC although I do it for entertainment value occasionally. Most of the time I'm pretty meek and don't like confrontation. Just the other day I had a blisninny tell me she "doesn't approve" while standing in line at a gas station.
Now if you enjoy comments behind your back and the rare 'man with a gun' call to 911, by all means go for it.
BTW I can't wait for VA lawmakers to get rid of the OC requirement at ABC establishments.
If your shirt rides up in the wind or you print while reaching down for your dropped napkin at the local coffee shop, no problem. You're fine per the law.
That's it.
Personally I don't care much for OC although I do it for entertainment value occasionally. Most of the time I'm pretty meek and don't like confrontation. Just the other day I had a blisninny tell me she "doesn't approve" while standing in line at a gas station.
Now if you enjoy comments behind your back and the rare 'man with a gun' call to 911, by all means go for it.
BTW I can't wait for VA lawmakers to get rid of the OC requirement at ABC establishments.
Sylvilagus Aquaticus
Member
"And a huge prison system."
And an express lane on death row.
I don't feel 'overly restriced' by TxCHL laws, and I've had my CHL for 7 years now. Given the option of 'open carry', I'd be open-carrying a FAL. Of course, we can do such a thing here now, provided we're not carrying it in a 'reckless or negligent manner'.
One thing to consider is that although our legislature meets only every 18 months, no man's life, liberty or property is safe when they are in session.
I do prefer my 'stealthier option' of carrying concealed.
Regards,
Rabbit.
And an express lane on death row.
I don't feel 'overly restriced' by TxCHL laws, and I've had my CHL for 7 years now. Given the option of 'open carry', I'd be open-carrying a FAL. Of course, we can do such a thing here now, provided we're not carrying it in a 'reckless or negligent manner'.
One thing to consider is that although our legislature meets only every 18 months, no man's life, liberty or property is safe when they are in session.
I do prefer my 'stealthier option' of carrying concealed.
Regards,
Rabbit.
KenpoProfessor
Member
CPShooter, I'm not exactly sure why you're responding like a gun grabber, you sound like the Brady Bunch with your, "I don't think so" and "Police and security people" attitude. Who cares if a Goth punk has a .45 strapped on, it's his right to do so and yours to go somewhere else if you don't like the clientele. People with your attitude about guns is why the gun is so targeted by our legislators.
I live in an open carry state, and I encourage everyone I meet to do so because it's our right to do so. A right not used is a right taken away, and I should know coming from such a restrictive state. I now enjoy my rights as they were meant to be and I open carry everytiime I go out, even though I should have a CCW in about a week. I could care less who I scare with a gun, and the more people that open carry, the more accepted it will become so they aren't scared.
Have a great open carry Kenpo day
Clyde
I live in an open carry state, and I encourage everyone I meet to do so because it's our right to do so. A right not used is a right taken away, and I should know coming from such a restrictive state. I now enjoy my rights as they were meant to be and I open carry everytiime I go out, even though I should have a CCW in about a week. I could care less who I scare with a gun, and the more people that open carry, the more accepted it will become so they aren't scared.
Have a great open carry Kenpo day
Clyde
CPshooter said:
Antigun citizen: I like the laws that ban firearms. It would make me nervous thinking that some gothic punk behind me was carrying a LOADED .45 on his waist. I think that someone who would want to carry a gun are just making themselves a target, because the badguy will just take it away from you and use it against you.
People just need to call 911 and not carry a gun. Guns are used to kill people, anyone who wanted to carry is obviously just compensating for something else, or is trying to be "intimidating" and thinks they are Rambo. I am sorry, but I don't want my family caught in the crossfire.
These laws sure make me "feel" safe!
Golly, see any parallels there?
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LoadedDrum
Member
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If I was fortunate enough to move to a state with open carry I would celebrate by walking around with G19 loaded with a G18 mag at least once.
Double Naught Spy
Sus Venator
I am at a loss for this. What is particular about Texas that you think it would be a state allowing open carry?
DougW
Member
I am amused at the number of comments about Texas Laws from those that don't live here!
One of the biggest problems is that tiny blue zit in the middle of an otherwise red state. That blue spot is Travis county, home of our capitol, Austin. Travis county is the one that brought us Ronnie Earl (DA, which is a good description of this fine piece of work of an individual). Getting a CHL law passed in this state was a long road to begin with. The legislature passed the necessary legislation twice when we had Ma Richards (Dem) as Governor, only to have the law vetoed. It tool a Republican Governor (George W. Bush, for those that don't know) to get the law signed finally.
There have been changes in the law over the past years the that have clarified the enforcement issues. Open Carry is being worked on, and so are the removal of ALL restrictions currently on the books concerning where a CHL holder can legally carry (this INCLUDES public schools and state government buildings). Is it perfect, no. Show me a state this size that is.
One of the biggest problems is that tiny blue zit in the middle of an otherwise red state. That blue spot is Travis county, home of our capitol, Austin. Travis county is the one that brought us Ronnie Earl (DA, which is a good description of this fine piece of work of an individual). Getting a CHL law passed in this state was a long road to begin with. The legislature passed the necessary legislation twice when we had Ma Richards (Dem) as Governor, only to have the law vetoed. It tool a Republican Governor (George W. Bush, for those that don't know) to get the law signed finally.
There have been changes in the law over the past years the that have clarified the enforcement issues. Open Carry is being worked on, and so are the removal of ALL restrictions currently on the books concerning where a CHL holder can legally carry (this INCLUDES public schools and state government buildings). Is it perfect, no. Show me a state this size that is.
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Johnny Guest
Moderator In Memoriam
A lively discussion topic - -
- - But opened up in the wrong forum. The topic does not relate solely to Handguns: Autoloaders, but to mode of carry laws for ANY type handguns.
Moved to Legal and Political.
Johnny
- - But opened up in the wrong forum. The topic does not relate solely to Handguns: Autoloaders, but to mode of carry laws for ANY type handguns.
Moved to Legal and Political.
Johnny
Zundfolge
Member
That may or may not be true, but it has nothing to do with why the law in Texas prohibits open carry.
Its more about liberals in Austin being afraid of guns than anything else.
I still chuckle when people figure out that the notion that Texas is some super gun-friendly state is just a myth
Elza
Member
Yes and no. Texas is very gun-friendly in some ways but not in others. It is something of a patchwork. It drives me nuts and I’ve lived here for 23 years! But to me it is an absolute paradise. I escaped from the PRK when I moved here. Virtually anything is an improvement over the PRK!
TallPine
Member
You miss the point, which is that in a lot of states folks may carry a sidearm openly without asking the government for permission to exercise a "right"
LittleLebowski
member
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We should start a "PRK Survivors" thread. I'm in VA now and loving CCW and open carry.
Elza
Member
Maybe we can get it in the form of a ‘sticky’ thread.
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