Why exactly does Texas not have open carry?

[rp_photo]

Given the state's otherwise pro-gun climate and the fact that many more anti states allow open carry (at least in theory), it makes no sense at all that Texas forbids it.

I'm sure there are many ongoing discussions about this, so my apologies for any duplication.

[Robert*PPS]

When I first started paying more attention to 2A stuff, I wondered the same thing. Through this forum, I have learned that the topic of open carry, which seemed cut and dried to me at first, is very complicated. You have CHL'ers worried about the unintended consequences of such a law ( I now being one of those), you have some "pro" folks using questionable tactics, and you have some folks who don't care one way or the other. That's just a few of the complications from the more gun friendly side of the populace. The "Anti" side has their usual objections as well, so suffice it to say that the political climate for open carry if pretty stormy!

[rp_photo]

Perhaps Texas is just more honest in that open carry in many states where it's legal in theory but rarely practical in reality, such as in California.

[smokejensen]

Given the state's otherwise pro-gun climate and the fact that many more anti states allow open carry (at least in theory), it makes no sense at all that Texas forbids it.

I'm sure there are many ongoing discussions about this, so my apologies for any duplication.

One word. Fear.

[jmra]

OC is not legal in Texas because the people pushing the hardest for it are a bunch of idiots who don't know how to behave properly in public. They believe in an in your face approach that has proven in the past to be counter productive to their stated goals.
Get these people to crawl back under their rocks and OC just might have a chance.

[WildBill]

The thread is going to get locked if it continues in this direction.

Most of the people on this forum are pro-2A. Other wise they would not be here.

IMO, most of the people who rant about open carry are not willing to accept the political and legislative realities that are required to change a law.

[WildBill]

OC is not legal in Texas because the people pushing the hardest for it are a bunch of idiots who don't know how to behave properly in public. They believe in an in your face approach that has proven in the past to be counter productive to their stated goals.
Get these people to crawl back under their rocks and OC just might have a chance.

Stated slightly differently than my response, but IMO true.

[rp_photo]

OC is not legal in Texas because the people pushing the hardest for it are a bunch of idiots who don't know how to behave properly in public. They believe in an in your face approach that has proven in the past to be counter productive to their stated goals.
Get these people to crawl back under their rocks and OC just might have a chance.

Stated slightly differently than my response, but IMO true.

I also agree with him if he's referring to the "Starbucks appreciation" types who create public spectacle and frighten those we're trying to win over.

[rotor]

The OPs question was not answered but there were a lot of comments about the OC supporters. I too don't know why open carry is not legal in Texas and blaming the "vocal" people pushing OC to me does not seem the answer. Perhaps we respond this way because we consider ourselves superior or elite as having CHL. I really don't know why we don't have OC, I personally would not OC but it wouldn't bother me.

[Oldgringo]

It goes back to the 1870's when the white folk feared the newly freed black folk would get guns and get even.....or so I've been told.

[WildBill]

The OPs question was not answered but there were a lot of comments about the OC supporters. I too don't know why open carry is not legal in Texas and blaming the "vocal" people pushing OC to me does not seem the answer. Perhaps we respond this way because we consider ourselves superior or elite as having CHL. I really don't know why we don't have OC, I personally would not OC but it wouldn't bother me.

Yes, it has been answered. There are many historical reasons that can not be undone.

I don't consider myself elite or superior. I consider myself to be fortunate to live in a state where I can carry a concealed handgun.

[MeMelYup]

It goes back to right after the civil war. The carpet baggers had no other way to control the people of Texas.

[The Annoyed Man]

Why doesn't Texas have open carry today? Two words: Joe Strauss.

[jmra]

The OPs question was not answered but there were a lot of comments about the OC supporters. I too don't know why open carry is not legal in Texas and blaming the "vocal" people pushing OC to me does not seem the answer. Perhaps we respond this way because we consider ourselves superior or elite as having CHL. I really don't know why we don't have OC, I personally would not OC but it wouldn't bother me.

Yes, it has been answered. There are many historical reasons that can not be undone.

I don't consider myself elite or superior. I consider myself to be fortunate to live in a state where I can carry a concealed handgun.

[Texgun]

I believe Alan Korwin addresses this issue in his book. http://www.gunlaws.com/TGOG_Contents.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;