texas open carry

[TexasRedneck]

I was really hoping this wouldn't bolt down this rabbit-hole again.....

Guys - can everyone take a step back, please? Can the rhetoric for a few, take a breath, and think about this....

Look at my sig line. That's me - NRA member, TSRA member, Harley rider.....and veteran. No blazin'-eyed OC fanatic - but rather someone who's also worn a badge (albeit many years ago) who, after long thought, has come to the conclusion that there really IS a legitimate "reason" for OC - someone's right to do so. When I'm out on a hot summer day and pull in to grab a cold soda or a bite to eat, I can't remove my jacket for fear of exposing my weapon. It's hard to wear something heavy enough to properly cover it during the summer - and if I've been out on a jobsite on a South Texas ranch (where I simply carry on the hip) and run into town to grab something - or am done and headed home - there have been times when I've honestly forgotten I had the gun on and danged near stepped out of the truck.....in most instances, John Law is pretty pragmatic about stuff like that, and I'd likely just get one of "those looks" an' a friendly reminder - but why? I'm a lawful person, and frankly why should I have to hide something?

I want to engage this on a personal level - no rhetoric, no name-calling on either side - but rather, a simple discussion. That's why I finally decided to speak up again - but to be honest, both sides can make it hard to do so. Sad part is, that as long as we can be kept divided, those that would deny us any gun rights they can will win. Rather than say "I don't think we should", remember that in the late 80's/early 90's, a LOT of gun owners didn't think concealed carry was a good idea, either. Funny thing is, at that time I knew the legalities, and had carried for many years - and could easily have continued to do so under the old laws - but neither with the convenience NOR the ready access for my FELLOW GUN OWNERS to enjoy the same freedoms.

Used to be, it was "do as you will, and if you screw up you'll answer to the courts!" Nowadays, it seems like we're so eager to worry about our own self interests, we'll deny others the ability to more fully exercise their rights......

Again - NONE of the above is aimed at any one person - or group - but rather, an honest attempt to get folks to sit back and THINK ABOUT IT, and maybe discuss things. Rather than discuss them from a basis of what we might "lose", though, let's talk about how it COULD be introduced successfully, and implemented in such a way as to enhance ALL our rights even further.

[74novaman]

let's talk about how it COULD be introduced successfully, and implemented in such a way as to enhance ALL our rights even further.

Sounds good to me. A big aspect people have mentioned (myself included) that hasn't been approached is education. How should we go about informing people that open carry is legal and causes no problems in many other states?

Oleg Volk has some great pictures regarding gun rights. Some sort of witty one liner with a responsible looking, well dressed open carrier would be nice.

Like "Many states allow CHL holders to carry open or concealed. Why not Texas?".

Combined with new media stuff (facebook, twitter etc) might at least get people thinking about the idea.

[txyaloo]

Just a note for interest. A member made mention of the post office and just going to UPS to send packages. The Fedex that I need to use in Arlington on Osler is now posted with a compliant 30.06 sign. I posted this infornation on the 30.06 site. Watch out for FedEx. UPS may follow suit.

I just noticed this at a Fedex center today. Sucks for them that 30.06 doesn't apply to machine guns.

[HerbM]

I was really hoping this wouldn't bolt down this rabbit-hole again.....

Guys - can everyone take a step back, please? Can the rhetoric for a few, take a breath, and think about this....

Look at my sig line. That's me - NRA member, TSRA member, Harley rider.....and veteran. No blazin'-eyed OC fanatic - but rather someone who's also worn a badge (albeit many years ago) who, after long thought, has come to the conclusion that there really IS a legitimate "reason" for OC - someone's right to do so. ....
....
.

+101

[Wienerdogtroy]

Good guys walking around with holstered handguns are a different story than gangbangers walking around with a "fotay" shoved in their hoodie.

So how does one determine the “good guys” from the “bad guys”? Dress code? I’m not so thrilled about the idea of unlicensed open carry. I see it as a big problem waiting to happen.


Jusster

Chaps, spurs, and worn ten gallon cowboy hat!

[Hoosier Daddy]

So how does one determine the “good guys” from the “bad guys”?

The same way we do now.

[speedsix]

...same like a good carpenter from a bad one...how he uses the tool...

[mamabearCali]

Generally the criminal elements of society that would not be trustworthy with a weapon don't want anyone to know they have it till they do. Additionally OC even in a OC state tends to attract at least a bit more LEO attention. If it one thing those cockroaches of society don't like it is the light of extra attention by LEO's. Generally around here (where OC is both legal and observable) you don't worry too much about the guns you see. They would not carry them out in the open if a simple name check is going to return felon, or warrants.