I moved back to Texas from Arizona, they have open carry there. I have a carry permit in Arizona because I prefer to carry concealed. The reason I like open carry is I think it is a big deterrent, you would not carjack someone if you thought the chances of them having a gun is pretty good, correct ? I know a lot of people think if you carry open you become a target for the bad guys because you are a threat to the BG,it is possible but think of this. In Arizona where there is open carry, I saw very few people actually carrying on the hip,most just were not real concerned about total concealment. Remember, bad guys do not care about the law,open,comcealed, they do not care, they are going to do what they want.Another reason I like open carry is I believe an armed society is a safer society. Believe it or not, Texas is a very hard palce to get a concealed carry permit, the crazy red tape, the ridiculous long wait times, there are a lot of people who do not want to jump through the hoops to get a permit and these are good people who can qualify for a permit, just like me or you. Another example, I had my Texas carry permit in Texas for years, I moved to Arizona in 2004, I had to surrender my Texas CHL, per Texas law because I moved out of state. I obtained my Arizona Permit and have it currently. I moved back to Texas in 2008 and had to re-apply for my Texas CHL, go through all the hoops even though I have a current Arizona carry permit, a state that Texas reciprocates with, go figure. I just renewed my Arizona permit( now non-resident), I send in 43.00 and I am good for another 5 years. Here in Texas you have to go through the whole process again minus a few hours of classroom for a renewal, it does not make sense. If you have had any issues with the law( that would affect CHL status), they will come and see you. So yes, I am for open carry, I wish every capable and law obeying citizen would strap on a gun, I would bet crime would go down.
