Should Texas Embrace Open Carry? OR All Carry

[stevie_d_64]

There are a few other states that have gotten this all figured out...

I have always been in favor of having the option to carry concealed or openly...How that is worked out legislatively is to be determined...

I had thought that someday this issue would be introduced, and at the least offered up as a "red herring" to get us something that really needed to be passed, passed...

Other stated like Vermont and Alaska seem to be doing ok with their system, or lack thereof...

And as far as retention, I had posed the question that if there are any statistics of "weapon grabs" (failures, sucesses, attempts) by anyone other than the carrier of that weapon, that substantiate concerns about the risk of losing control of the weapon, and having that used against you...I absolutely know that there is data available when it concerns Law Enforcement incidences, but civilian stats are what I have been looking for every now and then...Haven't seen any...And I believe that data is pertinant to introduce into any serious discussion on this matter...

I cannot pick an option in this poll because there is not a bubble I feel works for what I and a few others I know here that works...

In any event these are always very good discussions, and a good topic to kick around every now and then...

[TX Rancher]

Boy, this could sure turn into a can of worms!

Open carry for CHL only…of course that sounds nice to me since I already have my CHL and it effectively increases my option of how I carry, and what I carry. I don’t think I would carry openly much, but not because the BG will see, beat the snot out of me, and take my weapon, rather I wouldn’t open carry (OC) to avoid attracting attention from the general population.

But there would be situations where it would be nice to have. Take for instance car travel. With concealed carry I leave my cover garment on while driving. This slows presentation…I would prefer to take the cover off when I get in the car, and put it on when I get out. But that would leave the weapon in sight during travel, when I get in, and when I get out. OC would alleviate that situation.

Another situation is when I’m working cattle. When I need to cross the county road to get to the field on the other side, I have to stop my horse, put on the cover, cross the road, take off the cover, and then go work the cattle. It’s a small pain, but still a pain. The same is true for going to the mailbox (except for the horse in most cases). I’m sure if you think about it you would have some situations where OC would be preferred.

As others have said, I don’t want to lose reciprocity with other states, so I want to keep my CHL, but should some level of training be required to open carry (OC)? The 2A purist would say no, “…the right of the People to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.� and training/regulating is a form of infringement. Personally, I feel some infringement for the protection of society is good . But the problem is where do you draw the line? I’m comfortable with the present CHL requirements . Now before you start beating me severely about the head and shoulders, I don’t feel the current requirements are robust, especially in the qualification area, but it seems to be a happy medium between the extremes for me. In many cases, class will be the first time a citizen is ever exposed to Texas criminal law and I think exposure to the code is critical in today’s society if you are going to carry.

[phddan]

Definately for open carry.
And for there still to be a background check, way to many lunitics and thugs to allow just anybody to carry.
Also still need a class because nowadays it isn't as ingrained in the youth that weapons are very serious business. Most youths don't grow up with any type of gun knowlegde/background.
Would I open carry all the time? No. Situations such as crowded areas in Austin, (any bigger city), would be prudent to cc.

Dan

[gregthehand]

I would like it but I would feel wierd walking around at first! When I got my CHL I had to change my whole matter of dress to accomodate my carrying. I think many "sheeple" might be alarmed by seeing some guy just putting around in Wal-Mart with a pistol on his side. I can also see this possibly leading to many more establishments noticing we have CHL laws and therefore posting 30.06 signs. Right now I think the system is fine, but I would like to see open carry, and I would probably do so if given the option. Just not all the time though.

[txinvestigator]

Doesn't matter. Texas will never allow it.

[cloudcroft]

Well, I hope you're wrong but whether Texas does or not, I'll be moving to NM...a much more gun-friendly state.

WTH has happened to Texas?

-- John D.

[DaveT]

The folks who make and sell leather gun goods must be the ones pushing open carry laws..... they would make a fortune because all the yuppies would want matching belts, holsters, mag carriers.......

Seriously, keep things just the way they are, maybe relax the laws about where licensed and trained CHL holders can carry.

I don't know if I would ba all that opposed to open carry, or if I ever would carry that way. But.... it might help us out in those circumstances where our weapons are exposed by accident.

[Tote 9]

I like it the way it is.

[lrb111]

I guess I am just a radical, but I am a firm believer in the Second Amendment. I strongly support repeal of Chapter 46 of the Penal Code altogether.

Criminals will carry anyway and honest law abiding people are no threat.

......and there was a chorus of "Amen!!" from the back bench........

exactly.

[anygunanywhere]

Allowing all Texans to carry is a bad idea in my opinion. Simply not enough people know their weapons as it is. Enabling anyone to carry invites the villiage idiot to carry his 92FS cocked and locked Mexican carry. In a way, I kinda like the way it is, but I'm open for change.

Flame is not on, just commenting.

What part of the second amendment specifically states that a carry permit is required?

I do not seem to recall any portion of the CHL class or statute that would prevent someone from "mexican carrying their 92FS cocked and locked" if they so desire.

Legislation never cured stupidity, and the constitution doesn't protect us from stupidity either, or else a lot of people would not be allowed to vote.

The fact that our permit gains us carry in other states would be moot if ALL states followed the Constitution and BOR literally.

Remember, you have a PERMIT that allows you to exercise a RIGHT.

[onerifle]

I like the Alaska model. No permit required if not prohibited by Federal law, with the option of the current CHL program in order to mantain reciprocity with other states.


Unfortunately, I also agree with txinvestigator.

[jimlongley]

Vermont style carry for Texas - it works in Vermont.

[bauerdj]

Keep the backround check as applies to felony, drug use, etc for concealed carry. Eliminate tax and student loan requirements. Now I am not in favor of either tax defaulters or student loan deadbeats, but what does that have to do with carrying a handgun?

Allow open carry by all who pass NIC check.

Dave B.

[Tote 9]

I open carry whenever I'm in AZ or NM. (I'm there now for some personal business) and I enjoy the choice to do so.

.

I know nothing about the laws in N.M. , Arizona or Alaska.
Do these States allow open carry without a permit? If so
do you see many people carrying? Have they had many
shootings or promblems with open carry? I wonder what
their crime rate is. It's hard for me to imagine people toteing
guns like they did in the old days.

[KBCraig]

I open carry whenever I'm in AZ or NM. (I'm there now for some personal business) and I enjoy the choice to do so.

.

I know nothing about the laws in N.M. , Arizona or Alaska.
Do these States allow open carry without a permit?

Take a look here:

http://opencarry.org/

AZ, NM, and AK (among others) are all "gold star" states: open carry either on foot or in vehicles without a license, and full preemption.

Kevin