Author Topic: TEXAS CW (Read 2741 times)

williamlayton · « **on:** February 02, 2009, 12:59:07 PM »

A bill has been drawn and presented too allow CCW holders the right to carry open.
I am unsure, at this point, how it has been recieved.
Blessings

Savage · « **Reply #1 on:** February 03, 2009, 03:34:38 AM »

We have such a bill pending in my state as well. I contacted my representatives to ask them to support the bill. Still, I kinda have mixed feelings about it. While I feel everyone has a right to bear arms in their defense, I fear open carry if practiced in an irresponsible manner will be detrimental to concealed carry in the long term. I'm thinking that some voters, who may currently have no problem with concealed weapons, or kinda on the fence, might be put off by irresponsible open carry. I'm having a hard time describing "Irresponsible" but I think we all know what I mean. There are times and places where open carry would be appropriate, and others when it would be unwise or even dangerous. Looking forward to others views on this, pro or con.
Savage

rockbilly · « **Reply #2 on:** February 03, 2009, 06:38:26 AM »

William, I don’t think it will pass. It would not be a problem here in West Texas, but it may cause unrest in some of the larger cities.

I had a discussion last weekend with a law enforcement officer who also teaches the CC classes here. His perception is there are too many anti-gun citizens in Houston, Dallas, Ft Worth, Austin for the bill to gain any momentum. He said he is not personally concerned with someone wearing a firearm open, but thinks it will cause fear and unrest among many of our fine citizens, even some who support concealed carry.

I kinda agree with his thoughts on this.

Mohawk · « **Reply #3 on:** February 03, 2009, 12:59:23 PM »

It was never an issue in Nevada. It was common to go shopping and have many folks openly armed. Anyone could list scenario after scenario of why it should not be allowed, as well as just as many why it should be allowed. I don't think teenagers should drive a 2,000lb motor vehicle at 16 years old, a lot more damaging than a handgun, but it is accepted and legal.

williamlayton · « **Reply #4 on:** February 03, 2009, 10:20:13 PM »

Here are my thoughts and they echo RB's friend too a degree.
It would not bother me too have open carry, at all.
I would like the law too be a little less stringent on the thought of printing or revealing.
I would like too be able too dress naturally and carry while wearing a jacket or windbreaker without a LEO or the public going crazy if it shows/prints/or is accidentally revealed.
In other words just act naturally without concern.
I don't particularly want too wear revealed and probably would not.

I, also don't think it will happen.
Blessings

VARMONTER · « **Reply #5 on:** February 08, 2009, 03:19:48 PM »

I agree.I think the states that have no printing laws are ludicrous and so hard to follow.
I Think folks should be allowed to open carry if they choose.But I think i would cc.If only for the element of surprise and for lack of desire for any confrontations with irate anti's. Not that they scare me any.. just
wouldn't want it to be on a daily or weekly basis....I like to be left alone

We can carry open or concealed here.I have never seen anyone carry open except in the woods or on hiking trails.I don't really see a need for it except to make a 2nd amendment point.

Oldshooter · « **Reply #6 on:** February 08, 2009, 03:33:26 PM »

Quote from: rockbilly on February 03, 2009, 06:38:26 AM

William, I don’t think it will pass. It would not be a problem here in West Texas, but it may cause unrest in some of the larger cities.

I had a discussion last weekend with a law enforcement officer who also teaches the CC classes here. His perception is there are too many anti-gun citizens in Houston, Dallas, Ft Worth, Austin for the bill to gain any momentum. He said he is not personally concerned with someone wearing a firearm open, but thinks it will cause fear and unrest among many of our fine citizens, even some who support concealed carry.

I kinda agree with his thoughts on this.

+1 here, dont think it will happen and not sure it should

kix · « **Reply #7 on:** February 09, 2009, 03:00:37 AM »

I live in Texas and would carry open if not for one main reason; I'm afraid I would spend a lot of time talking to law enforcement, showing my license and probably freaking out people at the grocery store. Wait, that is more than one reason so I will always carry concealed even if it was made legal. Kix

williamlayton · « **Reply #8 on:** February 09, 2009, 09:48:53 AM »

Again, The only reason for open carry is the less than desirable printing issue.
Act naturally and if it shows or prints, no big deal.
Blessings

T/Chmr · « **Reply #9 on:** February 09, 2009, 10:32:45 AM »

I agree...I probably wouldn't open carry, I like the "surprise factor". However, anything that could help with any printing issues, or the inadvertent display would be great.

Westbound · « **Reply #10 on:** February 18, 2009, 07:21:08 AM »

I signed the petition for open carry in Texas. I wouldn't strap on my full rig with my SAA even if it was legal, but one of the things that has kept me from getting my CHL is the issue with printing. I generally wear a long sleeve shirt and Wranglers. It has to be frigid before I wear a jacket. It's possible, but very difficult to conceal anything but the smallest of .22 derringers with the way I dress. If I could carry a small frame auto without concern that someone might see the print in my back pocket or in an "inside the pants" holster, then I would have a CHL and carry a lot more often. As it stands, the gun stays on the nightstand or in a vehicle. At least in the meantime we have the Castle Law.

Mohawk · « **Reply #11 on:** February 20, 2009, 06:12:10 AM »

Just curious. As citizens should not we be supporting any legislation defending the 2nd amendment, even at state level? If you are opposed to open carry, cool. But indicating support for gun rights means a lot.......

Oldshooter · « **Reply #12 on:** February 20, 2009, 01:40:37 PM »

Quote from: Mohawk on February 20, 2009, 06:12:10 AM

Just curious. As citizens should not we be supporting any legislation defending the 2nd amendment, even at state level? If you are opposed to open carry, cool. But indicating support for gun rights means a lot.......

Ill support it, with a vote for sure if I have the chance. and with the petition already if for no reason than the 2nd amendment. However I am Scared that some "cowboy/s" will do something stupid and set us back with the "anti crowd" And if it passes i will still carry concealed unless it becomes against the law of course!

Mohawk · « **Reply #13 on:** February 20, 2009, 05:56:29 PM »

Like I said before, living in Nevada, an open carry state, it was pretty normal to see people armed. People didn't get alarmed even on the Vegas strip.

jhm · « **Reply #14 on:** February 22, 2009, 04:59:49 AM »

This PRINTING issue in Tx. How big a problem is it? Are their several CCWs being lost on a weekly, monthly, yearly basis that it is a problem? If so you would think the biased NEWS media would be all over it!! Jim

williamlayton · « **Reply #15 on:** February 22, 2009, 08:46:34 AM »

jhm
It is not so much a problem as it is a nusiance. Technically, no one can observe you and detect the presence of a weapon. technically, they can report you. technically, there are legal implications which can be brought. Technically, a police person can bring charges.
I have never heard of this happening and I take great care to avoid any complications. I have, on occasion, felt as though I printed and it was, at least to me, disturbing.
I just don't need the frustration of zero tolerance if I run upon someone bent on creating a situation or LEO who wants too act like Wyatt Earp.
I have carried illegaly for many years without any problems and legally for the last 10 years with no problem, however; I am always very cautious and would prefer to not have too be.
That is, again, not to say I would wear open but would prefer to just to be able to wear naturally or act naturally.
Blessings

Oldshooter · « **Reply #16 on:** February 22, 2009, 01:00:09 PM »

Well said William

Westbound · « **Reply #17 on:** February 28, 2009, 10:10:52 AM »

A bill has been drafted in Texas to allow CHL holders to carry openly. It does not have a sponsor currently.
If you are in Texas, call your state legislators to ask them about sponsoring the bill, or at least voting for it if it gains a sponsor.

rockbilly · « **Reply #18 on:** February 28, 2009, 12:10:04 PM »

Westbound, for the same reasons William cited I called ask my legislator to vote against any bill that promoted open carry. As I said earlier, it may go over OK here in West Texas where I live, but I think it would freak the folks in Austin out. By getting their attention (freaking them out) we are subject to find additional support to eliminate our right to carry concealed. As my old Grand Dad use to say, "it is best to just let a sleeping dog alone!"

As for your situation with carry, I carry a model 60 S&W or a Makorov P-64 in the right front pocket of my Wranglers and most people never notice. When I go to something larger, a Sig 220 or that sized I carry in a in-side-the-pants holster and cover with a jacket or even a t-shirt, I have been all over Texas and several other states carring in that manner and never had a problem, you have to really look to even notice. Course if you are one of them guys that wears your jeans so tight you can't breath, then it may be a problem.

Bottom line, be careful what you wish for, it may cost all of us the right to carry.

kitchawan kid · « **Reply #19 on:** February 28, 2009, 12:26:59 PM »

Well said, in Connecticut if the gun,or holster shows you lose your permit.

Westbound · « **Reply #20 on:** March 01, 2009, 05:54:42 AM »

Rockbilly, well stated. You do bring up a good point about the "sleeping dog". We as gun owners know that open carry won't result in high noon shootouts and roving gun battles, but the folks of the liberal persuation in Austin, Houston, and Dallas expect and fear just that.
The printing is the only reason i support this measure. I've got a little KelTec P11 that I just picked up and I'm figuring out how to conceal it. I just don't want to get in trouble by an over-zealous LEO looking to nail someone on any violation he can find.

On a lighter note (pun intended), my wranglers currently fit like they should, but too many more 3 egg, 4 sausage all fried up in lard breakfasts and I might have a hard to concealing a weapon

Van/TX · « **Reply #21 on:** March 02, 2009, 02:20:19 PM »

In my opinion it's dumb to allow CCW license holders to carry openly. What on earth is the point? Why not just let all law abiding citizens carry openly? Gosh the LEO's would be going crazy!! They'd have to check everyone they saw to see if they were law abiding or have a dumb license. It would be total chaos.

Why do law abiding citizens have to pay the state to get a CCW license in the first place. Never understood that. And what benefit of having the CCW license do you get if you actually have to pull the thing out in public view. Zero, I would think.

Just another ploy to get money and information (to give big brother) from those citizens who don't break laws rather than focusing on the law breakers.

I like Williams idea of carrying illegally. It seems to be the safest thing to do for a law abiding citizen. Less laws you are likey to break. IMO

...Van

Dee · « **Reply #22 on:** March 02, 2009, 02:31:44 PM »

There seems to be much fear and nashing of teeth on this open carry issue. Search me why. Arizona permits concealed carry with a permit, AND open carry without a permit, and HAS FOR YEARS. IT WORKS VERY WELL. In open carry you must merely make sure that the weapon can be seen from three sides. It AIN'T COMPLICATED, and IT AIN'T NUTHIN NEW.

Van/TX · « **Reply #23 on:** March 02, 2009, 02:39:55 PM »

Quote from: Dee on March 02, 2009, 02:31:44 PM

In open carry you must merely make sure that the weapon can be seen from three sides.EW.

You got me on that one. Please explain

...Van

torpedoman · « **Reply #24 on:** March 02, 2009, 02:49:14 PM »

I thought open carry was covered by the second admendment and concealed needed a permit.

45-70.gov · « **Reply #25 on:** March 02, 2009, 03:04:24 PM »

i would vote freedom first

but its not an issue here

how can any one suggest that a person MUST HIDE his gun

NEXT YOU WILL WANT MAGAZINE RESTRICTIONS.....no one NEEDS over a 10 shot clip

i was pulled over a few times

most of my jeans have a woren picture of a model 640 smith on them

i noticed the cops clance at it
but nothing was said

was let go with a warning........over the traffic mistake

Dee · « **Reply #26 on:** March 02, 2009, 04:29:03 PM »

Quote from: Van/TX on March 02, 2009, 02:39:55 PM

Quote from: Dee on March 02, 2009, 02:31:44 PM
In open carry you must merely make sure that the weapon can be seen from three sides.EW.

You got me on that one. Please explain ...Van

If you are wearing a pistol on your hip, and I am standing in front of you, or behind you, or am standing on the side the pistol is on, that is three sides the pistol can be seen from. Check with Arizona L.E. for more details. It is not complicated.

Mohawk · « **Reply #27 on:** March 02, 2009, 05:41:25 PM »

Quote from: Dee on March 02, 2009, 04:29:03 PM

Quote from: Van/TX on March 02, 2009, 02:39:55 PM
Quote from: Dee on March 02, 2009, 02:31:44 PM
In open carry you must merely make sure that the weapon can be seen from three sides.EW.

You got me on that one. Please explain ...Van

If you are wearing a pistol on your hip, and I am standing in front of you, or behind you, or am standing on the side the pistol is on, that is three sides the pistol can be seen from. Check with Arizona L.E. for more details. It is not complicated.

Exact same rule for Nevada. And it works well there, too. Thanks, Dee, for reminding me.

Brett · « **Reply #28 on:** March 03, 2009, 03:15:06 PM »

Here in NC if you are legally allowed to own a handgun you are allowed to open carry, no special licence or permits required. There may be local ordinances which prohibit open carry in some cities or townships I'm not sure on that. However, you must have a CCW permit to carry concealed.

That said I took the required course and got the permit and choose to carry concealed because I don't wish to attract any unwanted attention from the law or BGs. Besides, carrying concealed and having the course under my belt may count for something in a court of law if I ever had to use a gun in self defense.

williamlayton · « **Reply #29 on:** March 03, 2009, 10:39:50 PM »

Brett, what are the definitions of concealed in NC?
Blessings