TexasCHLforum.com

ScubaSigGuy wrote:

Keith B wrote:

ScubaSigGuy wrote:What kind of security guards (at strip malls) are authorized to carry rifles?

Legally I don't think it's an issue, but I am curious if it was allowed by his company. I would think that a licensed guard would only be qualified to carry a pistol.

Where is TXI?

From http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/psb/testin ... eview.aspx

'Commissioned Security Officers may carry a firearm when directed to by their employer when they are in the performance of their duties, in a distinctive uniform and with their firearm in plain view.' It doesn't specify what type of firearm.

EDIT: It was on the seat beside him, so it would be in plain view per the law (even though it was dark.) And if he was licensed, that is the reason you get a commision as a security officer so you can be armed.

Just to be clear, I don't see any problem with it. I just found it out of the norm. I am curious if he was carrying a pistol as well. Instictively you would think that he would draw a pistol instead of a rifle.

All other things being equal, I'd prefer a rifle over a pistol in a firefight any day. A rifle round does devastating damage in comparison to a handgun round, and you're much more likely to stop someone with a COM rifle shot than a handgun shot in the same place. The velocities at work in rifle rounds do immense amounts of damage with the shock waves they create inside the body. Rather than simply tear holes through someone, they tend to rupture cellular membranes, liquefying the tissue around them and creating a huge wound cavity. It is common to hear of someone surviving a head wound from a pistol, but it very rare that someone comes away alive from a rifle round to the head.