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Keith B wrote:One thing to remember is even before 1871 there were towns that did not allow you to open or concealed carry. When you came into town you had to turn in your guns at the designated location (sheriff's office, livery stable, stage office, etc.) and then pick them up again when you left town.

I had read somewhere or perhaps heard it, that many of those towns that banned the carrying of firearms only banned strangers/outsiders from doing so? Towns people and those viewed as being responsible were not affected. (Law Enforcement could and did profile quite extensively back then). Although I also believe that the carrying of pistols was not as wide spread as modern T.V. portrays it, most folks, especially family types had rifles, couldn't afford too much. Many towns that banned carry also allowed individuals to carry during certain holidays, such as the 4th of July or 19th of January. Again can't prove it, just what I was told and have read. I do know that my friend in Lampasas did metal detecting during one of their road repairs and found multiple lead bullets from the 1800's. When Gatesville repaired their Courthouse and took down lady justice from the top, it had multiple bullet holes in it. Probably folks didn't view firearms as evil tools of the devil as they are today. Many on this forum can probably relate to what, especially rural Texas, was even like in the 1970s.