TexasCHLforum.com

LucasMcCain wrote: ↑Mon Sep 09, 2019 12:02 pm

Oldgringo wrote: ↑Sun Sep 08, 2019 1:05 pm OC serves what purpose?

I've been open carrying for three years. In that time, I have had dozens of positive conversations with people in public places about the importance of gun rights. I have been able to recommend firearms, ranges, holsters, and educate people on the process for getting their license. I have cleared up misconceptions and changed minds. I have had a friendly conversation in a crowded Chipotle with a black couple about the importance of the 2nd Amendment, showing a restaurant full of people that gun carrying conservative white men are not, in fact, all a bunch of racist rednecks. I have helped a muslim middle-eastern woman learn how to get her license and give her advice on how to shop for a gun. This was, again, in front of dozens of people. I have answered the questions of children on why I carry a gun. I have had the opportunity to encourage those that conceal carry to do so more regularly. I have made a point to speaking to police officers while open carrying and thanking them for what they do, to foster good will and a positive impression of private citizens that carry.

I have spent three years being a force for good. I have spent three years showing people that those that carry guns can be decent, friendly, pleasant folks, just going about their lives. I have spent three years influencing hundreds of people in an increasingly liberal area of Texas. I have spent three years normalizing the sight of armed citizens in the businesses I frequent. None of these interactions could have happened had I been carrying concealed. That's the purpose open carry serves.

What have you done?

cirus wrote: ↑Sun Sep 08, 2019 2:36 pm

srothstein wrote: ↑Sun Sep 08, 2019 2:28 pm

Oldgringo wrote: ↑Sun Sep 08, 2019 1:05 pm OC serves what purpose?

It serves the purpose of allowing me to leave my vest off for a few minutes while making a quick trip. I always carry OWB on my right hip due to too many years of experience reaching there for my firearm. For work and school, where I am not allowed to OC, I wear a vest to cover my weapon. OC allows me to not grab my vest when I run to the store or go to lunch.

It also allows everyone who carries concealed to not worry about if the wind blows their jacket open or if they are printing. I know the law allowed that by requiring an intentional display to be illegal, but we all know of people who were stopped or hassled because of an unintentional display. This problem was solved by allowing OC.