TexasCHLforum.com

I support it. It is my opinion that it is as elitists for a CHL holder to not support unlicensed open carry by the law abiding as it is for a LEO to not support licensed concealed carry. I was on the fence about it until I researched other states that allow this. The "doom and gloom" is as false there as it was in Texas with CHL. The concerns of being disarmed by a criminal are unsupported by the experiences in these states. And yes, retention holsters are used and the people of these states encourage each other to use them. I have no concern about CHL law being tightened or that an otherwise law abiding citizen will misuse their firearm anymore than I am that trained CHL holders or LEOs will misuse or mishandle their firearm. We do not learn responsibility at that one day class. We don't learn real safe handling or how not to shoot an innocent while defending ourselves. Law abiding people are responsible and learn how to handle a firearm without a class or license or any government intervention what so ever. Will accidents happen, yes. They do now with car carry, LEOs, CHLs and every group that handles firearms.

I am discouraged by any person, who claims to believe in and support the Second Amendment rights of Americans, not supporting any and all recovery of our intended rights. That includes all our rights but especially one we have fought so hard to recover. CHL is a privilege and not a right. Unlicensed carry is a right and the state should be forced to return that right to us. Concealed carry can be argued as necessary to license to control entry into places we all agree no armed person should be. However, open carry should have no licensing by the state at all. The weapon is not hidden and is not a threat to be purposely or accidentally carried into a restricted place. We have laws that cover unlicensed concealed carry and that would not be affected. Nor would CHL laws no more than they are with car carry. Make it separate and open to all who are law abiding. If a felon carries openly or concealed they should be jailed for it as the law requires.

Would I OC, yes. Sometimes, I would. Especially when it is hot and I am not in a crowd. Most of Texas is rural and I hope you who are in the cities remember that. I live in a town with less than 1500 people and a county that could hardly fill a large neighborhood of the DFW area. If your in a heavily populated area, don't do it or get extra training on retention. Here, my worst threat is not offending the sensibilities of people I have known for years. Texas is a large place and diverse. Texans are responsible enough to properly open carry handguns the same way they are with their long guns or CHL or car carry. I do not support restrictions on the "what if" of those who have less faith in Americans than our own founding fathers. Do we, as a people, want to try to ensure safety from accidents and ignorance or do we want to be free?

This is my opinion and I did not intend to offend anyone who believes otherwise.