dragongoddess
member
Was wondering why we don't have open carry in Texas and if there is someone out there working to bring us open carry.
Open carry in Texas
- Thread starter dragongoddess
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aguyindallas
Member
Great question...
M2 Carbine
member
When we first got the CHL the reasons I heard against allowing open carry were,
don't want to scare anyone,
if the criminal knows you have a gun he may not commit the crime but then he just may shoot you first thing,
you lose the element of surprise
and a few others.
While I agree with those reasons I'd like to go back to years ago when seeing someone (even a kid) with a gun wasn't a big deal.
If we had open carry I'd probably carry a larger gun more often.
I don't think there's a push to get open carry.
don't want to scare anyone,
if the criminal knows you have a gun he may not commit the crime but then he just may shoot you first thing,
you lose the element of surprise
and a few others.
While I agree with those reasons I'd like to go back to years ago when seeing someone (even a kid) with a gun wasn't a big deal.
If we had open carry I'd probably carry a larger gun more often.
I don't think there's a push to get open carry.
There is a push for open carry in Texas, be part of it
There's a new association called the Texas Citizen's Defense League.
http://www.txcdl.org/index.html?1158230811622
I've just joined recently now that their site is getting to the point it's functional. I don't think there's much I can do, but changes must start somewhere.
There's a new association called the Texas Citizen's Defense League.
http://www.txcdl.org/index.html?1158230811622
I've just joined recently now that their site is getting to the point it's functional. I don't think there's much I can do, but changes must start somewhere.
Otherguy Overby
member
Tejas has some strange laws. BTW, carrying a Bowie knife is illegal there, too.
Fancy that!
Fancy that!
HKUSP45C
Member
I, for one, would love to see open carry in TX. I haven't had the opportunity to push for it though and know of no groups that are currently doing so.
If I could carry openly, I would, probably more often than not. The way I dress makes it a desirable mode.
I live in Harris county unfortunately and my elected/appointed officials don't _really_ think us peons should have guns, much less carry them, much less openly. In fact, our DA said after the passage of law clarifying possesion of a handgun in a vehicle while traveling that he would "still arrest and prosecute, regardless of the law" or words to that exact effect. Heck just try to get a CLEO sign off for NFA items here.
Texas, while seen as the last bastion of freedom by many and a place where handguns and rocket launchers are issued with your drivers license by some, has some truly bass-ackwards "weapon laws."
We still can't carry most melee weapons ie: ASP, brass knuckles, a knife which is double sided, push knife, club within reach of the driver of a car ... ect. Even if we CAN carry a handgun, legally. Now that's just silly IMHO.
If I had my druthers I'd add "During the commision of a crime" to that particular statute. They don't let me play "Benevolent Dictator of Texas" though.
If I could carry openly, I would, probably more often than not. The way I dress makes it a desirable mode.
I live in Harris county unfortunately and my elected/appointed officials don't _really_ think us peons should have guns, much less carry them, much less openly. In fact, our DA said after the passage of law clarifying possesion of a handgun in a vehicle while traveling that he would "still arrest and prosecute, regardless of the law" or words to that exact effect. Heck just try to get a CLEO sign off for NFA items here.
Texas, while seen as the last bastion of freedom by many and a place where handguns and rocket launchers are issued with your drivers license by some, has some truly bass-ackwards "weapon laws."
We still can't carry most melee weapons ie: ASP, brass knuckles, a knife which is double sided, push knife, club within reach of the driver of a car ... ect. Even if we CAN carry a handgun, legally. Now that's just silly IMHO.
If I had my druthers I'd add "During the commision of a crime" to that particular statute. They don't let me play "Benevolent Dictator of Texas" though.
www.TxCDL.org
YES!!! Please Join Us!
www.TxCDL.org
We are Active Supporters of the Political Initiative for Open Carry of Handguns in Texas.
Please email or PM our President (Gary Williams) or me if we can answer any questions...
Paul Koenig
Regional Director
Texas Citizens Defense League
YES!!! Please Join Us!
www.TxCDL.org
We are Active Supporters of the Political Initiative for Open Carry of Handguns in Texas.
Please email or PM our President (Gary Williams) or me if we can answer any questions...
Paul Koenig
Regional Director
Texas Citizens Defense League
HKUSP45C
Member
TC-TX said:
Just did!!
Josh Aston
Member
Just joined. I might not be in Texas currently, but my heart will always be there.
M2 Carbine
member
All right.
I'll tell my friends to.
BTW, offhand does anyone know what TSRA's stand is on open carry?
El Tejon
Member
dg, during Reconstruction carrying a pistol was prohibited as the newly freed slaves were carrying pistols and making life hard for the racist thugs attempting to keep them under their pointy elf boot heel.
In 1987 Florida reformed their carry laws. In 1994 Texas modeled their legislation after Florida. The statute in Florida required concealment. This is why you do not have open carry in Texas.
In 1987 Florida reformed their carry laws. In 1994 Texas modeled their legislation after Florida. The statute in Florida required concealment. This is why you do not have open carry in Texas.
PlayboyPenguin
member
One of those issues I am unsure of...
Open carry is one of those issues of which I am unsure. I can see both sides of the argument and both have a degree of merit. Historically most cities that have had open carry abandoned the practice in the gold rush days (according to a Discovery channel show I watched). It even sighted how guns were so valuable then that if you walked down the wrong alley with a nice firearm you might not make it out alive if someone else wanted that weapon. Luckily the average firearms is not a full years wages today like it was in those days so I doubt that would be as big an issue now.
I know it is not something I would ever want to do personally. I do not really see it being a big crime prevention method but who knows. I just don't like other people knowing what I am carrying or how I am carrying it. I also don't want to encourage anyone to just knife me in the back instead of giving me a chance to fight back, shoot me first, or just jump me in a way as to prevent me access to my weapon. I know these are all unlikely scenerios but why take the chance...we are all carrying incase of the unlikely event we would ever need a firearm anyway.
I guess, in the end, I have no real problem with someone open carrying if they are a licensed CCW holder but it is not something that would appeal to me. I still think people should receive training before being allowed to carry period so I stick with permit laws. But once you have shown you are a legal gun owner, responsible enough to go get the permit (which should be "shall issue" if you meet the legal requirements), and have taken the basic gun safety courses needed for a CCW permit go ahead and open carry if you feel some need to do so.
On a personal note, I always do question why guys would want to open carry. I always wonder if it is really about crime prevention or is it more a self confidence issue or a machismo issue.
Open carry is one of those issues of which I am unsure. I can see both sides of the argument and both have a degree of merit. Historically most cities that have had open carry abandoned the practice in the gold rush days (according to a Discovery channel show I watched). It even sighted how guns were so valuable then that if you walked down the wrong alley with a nice firearm you might not make it out alive if someone else wanted that weapon. Luckily the average firearms is not a full years wages today like it was in those days so I doubt that would be as big an issue now.
I know it is not something I would ever want to do personally. I do not really see it being a big crime prevention method but who knows. I just don't like other people knowing what I am carrying or how I am carrying it. I also don't want to encourage anyone to just knife me in the back instead of giving me a chance to fight back, shoot me first, or just jump me in a way as to prevent me access to my weapon. I know these are all unlikely scenerios but why take the chance...we are all carrying incase of the unlikely event we would ever need a firearm anyway.
I guess, in the end, I have no real problem with someone open carrying if they are a licensed CCW holder but it is not something that would appeal to me. I still think people should receive training before being allowed to carry period so I stick with permit laws. But once you have shown you are a legal gun owner, responsible enough to go get the permit (which should be "shall issue" if you meet the legal requirements), and have taken the basic gun safety courses needed for a CCW permit go ahead and open carry if you feel some need to do so.
On a personal note, I always do question why guys would want to open carry. I always wonder if it is really about crime prevention or is it more a self confidence issue or a machismo issue.
dragongoddess
member
Well I guess I'll ask the question since our forum will have the two candidates running for State Senate this Saturday.
Josh Aston
Member
It's a comfort issue. It is much easier to carry a gun when you don't have to worry about whether or not it's showing. Which brings up another point. What happens when you accidentally show your gun for a brief second (printing, wind blowing your cover garment, whatever)? Then in some states you can be charged. If open carry is legal and your concealed weapon happens to become unintentionally unconcealed, no big deal.
El Tejon
Member
Playboy, classes? What classes? 
Playboy, the problem is that in Tejas if you "print" or expose your pistol you may be subject to arrest. Regardless of the tacticality of open v. concealed, the dress requirement in Tejas (where it can get bloody hot!) is a legal and operational burden on gun owners and should be abolished.
Playboy, the problem is that in Tejas if you "print" or expose your pistol you may be subject to arrest. Regardless of the tacticality of open v. concealed, the dress requirement in Tejas (where it can get bloody hot!) is a legal and operational burden on gun owners and should be abolished.
Whether or not it's a good practice, I am indifferent to. I probably wouldn't indulge in the practice even if it were legal.
But the fact of the matter is, I have an inherent right to arm myself as does everyone else, and no one has any business proscribing in what manner. Our state laws are completely unnacceptable. One reform at a time is the only way we'll ever get anywhere.
Sry0fcr
Member
Agreed, if someone chooses to carry openly even if I don't I'm all for it.
rbernie
Contributing Member
As much as I can see the potential use for open carry...
Given the choice between pushing for legalizing open carry or trying to obtain additional legal protection from civil suits stemming from exercising my right of self-defense - I'll take the civil liability indemnification, thankyouverymuch.
Given the choice between pushing for legalizing open carry or trying to obtain additional legal protection from civil suits stemming from exercising my right of self-defense - I'll take the civil liability indemnification, thankyouverymuch.
aguyindallas
Member
If we had open carry, I would get me a flashy Springer 1911 and a nice BBQ rig!
Glock carried in Kydex, just aint as sexy, lol!
Glock carried in Kydex, just aint as sexy, lol!
PlayboyPenguin
member
I am not sure but I think open carry is legal in Oregon as long as you have a permit but I would not do it myself. I wonder if that prevents you from getting in trouble if your weapon becomes exposed by accident? If you can open carry if you choose you would think a gun showing for a second or two would be okay also.
RioShooter
Member
Just did. Did not know you existed until now.
Stauble
Member
hopefully if you folks in texas get somethin with open carry started, the legislature here in Florida will follow. or vice versa.
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