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As "an ambassador for open carry" (for those that don't get the reference, review prior threads when I was advocating for TSRA on OpenCarry.org and to a lesser extent trying to explain the views expressed on OCDO here) you might think that I'll be open carrying at the earliest possible opportunity. That's not my intention and never was.

I said that OC was something that should be legal to give carriers options because our liberties shouldn't be restricted by the Legislature. Law abiding citizens ought to be able to decide for themselves given the situation.

What makes sense for me is to continue to carry concealed in the urban and suburban environments where I commonly find myself. There will probably be exceptions to the rule and I'll share those here as warranted.

Like many here, I'll be watching to see how OCers comport themselves and how they are received by our neighbors. I trust that most will be great representatives of liberty and LTCers. I also expect some press coverage (including some negative) early in the year but I predict it to quickly fade as OC is rarely a cause for concern and thus newsworthy.

THANK YOU to TSRA, Charles, and everyone who contributed to this great expansion of freedom. From reports during the legislative session, it was quite an effort. We all owe them a debt of gratitude and an obligation to exercise our new flexibility responsibly.

To those that are going to OC from moment 1, I support your ability to do so although it isn't the course for me. I do agree that exposing the population to "good guy" gun carriers has a salutary effect. Respectfully, I encourage everyone to be themselves and go about their life rather than engage in brash activism. I believe that TSRA and the Legislature passed OC in spite of the OCT antics not because of them.

If/when I open carry I will use my Springfield XD40 in a Serpa retention holster. As for LEOs asking for CHL/LTC, I will have no problem with this as long as it is done respectfully. Like Charles, I believe this is probably a violation of our rights and that will be adjudicated. Until then I want to be understanding that this is very new and time for adjustment is natural. If police are treating OCers as "felony stops" (hands up/on the ground, disarmed, cuffed) that is entirely different.

Blessings to all in this season,

SA-TX