Laws are actually quite simple: In the state of Texas, any black powder weapon made before 1899, or any replica of such made before 1899, is not considered a firearm in the eyes of the law. If it's not considered a firearm, you aren't openly carrying a firearm. Iphilip964 wrote: I am unfamiliar with the law regarding open carrying black powder pistols made before 1900.
Or for that matter for failing to identify yourself when asked by LEO.
As for identifying yourself, you're only required to identify yourself if you're doing something that requires you to, ie driving, or carrying a CHL. If I'm walking down the street and an officer stops and asks for my name, I can choose to give it or not. SCOTUS has ruled that the simple act of stating your name fulfills the "Stop and identify" laws in the US, and you cannot be forced to do more unless the task you're doing requires something more (such as a DL for driving, and it's a traffic stop).
The onus is on the officers to prove a law was broken and not for the citizens to prove a law wasn't. Your idea that an officer should be able to arrest anyone for anything because they can't be assed to actually know the law and let the courts sort it out is scary.Right2Carry wrote: unless they are carrying documented proof that their black powder firearms were made before 1899 then I don't see how they are in the right. The officers can't be expected to make a determination on whether the firearms are genuine or fakes. The offenders will get their day in court to plead their case.