TexasCHLforum.com

oljames3 wrote:

AggieDad15 wrote:Absolutely brilliant analysis and spot on - even the part about being attacked later or followed.
People need to remember that gang-bangers and other terrorists are cowards who will sucker-shoot you in the back without a thought. There would be no warning. CHL gives you the advantage in all situations. Stay under the radar folks.

Respectfully, AggieDad15, I disagree with your statement as it pertains to me and mine. No one method of carrying gives the advantage in all situations. Absolutes, such as "all" and "never", seldom enhance a serious discussion and can easily be misunderstood as dogmatic, offensive, and condescending.

You carry your way, and I'll carry mine. My preferred method is open carry and I will continue to do so as the situation allows. I'll also continue to conceal when the situation dictates. We can agree to disagree on method of carry. The fact hat we do carry is more important than the method of how we carry.

Charles L. Cotton wrote:While it is likely true that no evidence exists to support the statement that open-carry makes one a target, it is more likely true than the claim that open-carry reduces crime. There's absolutely no evidence of crime reduction, but that hasn't stopped OCT and others from making that false claim.

Open-carry is so rarely done in any states, that the lack of evidence is not the end of the inquiry. I think whether a person openly carrying a handgun will be a target will likely depend upon the location, the number of attackers and/or their mental state, and the apparent capability of the gun owner. If a hijacker goes into Wal-Mart and sees someone openly carrying a handgun, I doubt the gun owner will be targeted simply due to numbers, but that's no guarantee. However, if one is carrying openly in a IHOP when a 6-man hijack team hits, then the gun owner will either be summarily shot or disarmed. If one open-carries in a high crime area of town where every thug is armed and I could see the same thing happening.

One thing people need to consider is that firearms, especially handguns, are highly valued by violent criminals. The "big three" burglars want are guns, money and jewelry, in that order. Advertising you have this prized booty could well mean you are attacked or burglarized, if the thug follows you home. So even if you aren't attacked as soon as your handgun is seen, you may make yourself and your family a target at some later point in time.

It's a risk benefit analysis everyone must evaluate based upon their circumstances. I choose to stay incognito.

Chas.