Poll: Do you support open-carry in Texas?

[Charles L. Cotton]

I want to get an idea how support or opposition to open-carry breaks down here on TexasCHLforum. We have dozens of threads and hundreds of posts on the pro/con of open-carry and that's not the purpose of this thread. I'm just curious how TexasCHLforum members feel about open-carry. Based upon my discussions with gun owners overall, it is my opinion that support for any form of open-carry represents less than 50%. I'd like to see how this compares to our "family."

As Flint pointed out, this question applies to open-carry beginning in the 2011 Texas Legislative Session, or later. It does not apply to the 2009 Legislative Session.

Chas.

[Oldgringo]

I do not support the notion that every loonie in the state has a right to walk around with "a big iron on his/her hip" (ode to Marty Robbins). Ergo, I reckon I support the notion that some sort of prequalification process; e.g., the CHL licensing procedure be involved prior to Open Carry.

[Lumberjack98]

Timely poll and I like the options that you put.

I'm for open carry however I'm conflicted on whether it should be licensed or unlicensed. Ultimately I voted for licensed.

[flintknapper]

Charles, it might be well to "qualify" this poll by stating what you mean in terms of "time line". Much of what you and others have written here lately is in opposition to OC in the current political climate (I am in agreement on that point, at this time), but am FOR open carry in the future.

In your poll, do the questions refer to Open Carry at some future date, right now, or just in general. I think it is important to make that distinction, lest the poll be skewed.

Thanks,

Flint.

[Purplehood]

I took the poll to mean "in general".

I voted No. I wouldn't support it, nor would I oppose it.

[RedRaider]

I voted yes for licensed open carry, probably would never open carry but I guess it would be a nice option.

[Charles L. Cotton]

Charles, it might be well to "qualify" this poll by stating what you mean in terms of "time line". Much of what you and others have written here lately is in opposition to OC in the current political climate (I am in agreement on that point, at this time), but am FOR open carry in the future.

In your poll, do the questions refer to Open Carry at some future date, right now, or just in general. I think it is important to make that distinction, less the poll be skewed.

Thanks,

Flint.

This is a very good point. I'll edit my post.

Chas.

[jbirds1210]

While I have great respect for many people that do support this cause, I am not one of them. I really feel like open carry is a bad idea.

Jason

[OverEasy]

I voted the 3rd option, Licensed or unlicensed open carry.
".......................keep and BEAR arms, shall not be infringed."
I bought and read "The Founders' Second Amendment". The government is INFRINGING way too much on a 'God given' right.
We aren't talking about a 'government given' privilege.
Yes, I probably should have chosen the unlicensed option for my vote.
I would not open carry. I don't beleive I should have to have a license to carry concealed.
Legislation will not prevent bad behavior! I think bad behavior should be swiftly and surely punished.
We should not have people on the streets with a criminal record of more than 2 or 3 at most violations.
I'll stop now, OE

[PappaGun]

I voted no. I will carry concealed when I get my license for personal protection. I believe it would draw unwanted attention and I don't like to draw unnecessary attention.

[will381796]

I support either the licensed or unlicensed open carry. While I think that, as a right, OC or CC should not be open to government regulation or licensing (BGs will carry regardless of the law). I would be happy with either so long as the licensing is reasonable and similar to CC and does not provide any more of an unnecessary burden. Licensing would be problematic: are they going to assign those with an OC permit some type of badge to wear while they're carrying? Otherwise you'll get a LEO stopping every person open carrying and asking to see ID (which is a ridiculous idea).

I most likely would not open carry very often, but I would appreciate having the option. I think it's a bit hypocritical to be a supporter of concealed-carry and against open-carry. Any arguments made against open-carry can be refuted by looking at the facts from the states that have open-open carry.

[Purplehood]

I support either the licensed or unlicensed open carry. While I think that, as a right, OC or CC should not be open to government regulation or licensing (BGs will carry regardless of the law). I would be happy with either so long as the licensing is reasonable and similar to CC and does not provide any more of an unnecessary burden. Licensing would be problematic: are they going to assign those with an OC permit some type of badge to wear while they're carrying? Otherwise you'll get a LEO stopping every person open carrying and asking to see ID (which is a ridiculous idea).

I most likely would not open carry very often, but I would appreciate having the option. I think it's a bit hypocritical to be a supporter of concealed-carry and against open-carry. Any arguments made against open-carry can be refuted by looking at the facts from the states that have open-open carry.

I would have to say from what little I know, that those states that do allow open-carry don't really show a substantial number of folks actually doing it. Therefore it is hard for me to argue one way or the other.

I also agree with a previous post above that in reality the whole issue of guns should not even be a legal issue. As long as you don't use them in a manner that conflicts with laws against Murder, Rape, Robbery and the like, there should really be no regulation whatsoever.

[NcongruNt]

I'm having a hard time answering with any real determination. Because of this, I haven't voted in the poll.

There are a couple of reasons why.

Firstly, I think there are many other issues that need to be addressed before open carry, as I have stated on several previous occasions. Removing restricted places like sporting events and 51% venues and schools (particularly college campuses) are much more at the forefront of my mind. When the law changes its implication that we are incapable of conducting ourselves properly in these magical areas, the political environment would be much better suited to recognizing open carry. As it is, the law reinforces the belief that people who carry are inherently dangerous.

Secondly, OCDO's bull-headed recent push to force an open carry bill and its associated name-calling tantrum tactics has left me with little desire to support open carry legislation. They've alienated me from their cause. I've made several statements during the past few months that I support open carry as an idea, but my opinion on this has changed. I still support the idea of open carry, but not in any upcoming Texas legislation. There is simply too much risk to our existing carry rights and the gun owner community for me to want anything to do with it, at least for now.

An accurate answer to your poll would be this:

Overwhelming apathy, with slight trepidation regarding any new OC legislation that may be introduced to the Texas legislature in the near future.

In other words: Ideologically yes (licensed or not), Pragmatically no (at least not right now).

[EDIT] After re-reading my post, I've decided that this a pragmatic no means a no to the poll. I went ahead and voted.

[anygunanywhere]

I do not support the notion that every loonie in the state has a right to walk around with "a big iron on his/her hip" (ode to Marty Robbins). Ergo, I reckon I support the notion that some sort of prequalification process; e.g., the CHL licensing procedure be involved prior to Open Carry.

**sigh**

Anygunanywhere