I agree!It would appear to have a lot more cons than pros.
+1I have a strong belief why I think others want it so much, but since I don't really know and don't want to offend, I'll just keep it to myself.
Which constitution guarantees us a right to open carry a handgun?
I'm too lazy to read through it again.
Life, liberty, and the presuit of happiness, (whatever turn your crank.)
the right of the people to keep and bear arms( JMHO)
i don't see it necessary to open carry but i also think you should be able to carry if you want
You have the right to open carry. If you feel the need, load up the old scattergun or rifle, and take a stroll. Much more effective than a handgun anyway.
Texas Penal Code
TITLE 9. OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER AND DECENCY
CHAPTER 42. DISORDERLY CONDUCT AND RELATED OFFENSES
Sec. 42.01. DISORDERLY CONDUCT. (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly:
(8) displays a firearm or other deadly weapon in a public place in a manner calculated to alarm;
The problem with sec. 42.01 is that there are enough whiny people who would be quite upset at the mere sight of a gun carried by other than a LEO. A shrewd lawyer could argue that into "knowingly" along these lines:
"Are you aware that many people find guns distasteful and frightening?"
"Yes"
"Then by open-carrying your pistol, you were aware that some people would be upset by the mere sight of your evil, black assault weapon of mass destruction?"
"Um, yeah, sure"
"GUILTY, YOUR HONOR!"
In my opinion, however, you can choose not to be upset - you can control your emotions. Others' inability to do so at the sight of my old possum-popper is their problem, not mine. I'm in favor of open-carry laws, for the mere fact that an additional choice is open to me when I go out armed.
This has been discussed to death. That is not a risk now. Unless you INTENTIONALLY fail to conceal, it is just not an issue.This discussion is starting to sound just like the comments made regarding concealed carry in Texas.
Why do you need it? Well, no one "needs" it until he needs it.
What are the benefits? It has the same benefits as concealed carry plus a few added ones.
- Like not having to risk arrest and loss of your carry "privileges" because your handgun prints and someone freaked out when they realized you were carrying a weapon.
Placing your weapon on the seat of your car is dumb. Any slight manuever will send it flying, where it will do you NO good.- The ability to remove your weapon and lay it on the seat of your vehicle in plain sight with easy access, not to mention a more comfortable location than in your pocket or pressing into your back.
Another Myth. I carry a full sized 1911 in Texas summers without wearing "bulky clothing.Not having to wear bulky clothing in hot weather to conceal your handgun.
On that we agree. It is more difficult to draw from concealed carry; especially with no training.Not having to dig through your outer clothing if it became necessary to brandish your weapon.
There is zero evidence to support that. In fact, some argue that it makes you more of a target as BGs know aheaed of time you need to ne taken out. I don't know that I agree with that either, but there is certainly to deterrent effect that has been proven.As a deterrent to anyone considering accosting you or those you are accompanying.
Bigger than a full sized .45? Like a cannon?Ability to carry a larger and more effective weapon and not have the size determined by your attire or the ability to conceal it.
This has been discussed to death. That is not a risk now. Unless you INTENTIONALLY fail to conceal, it is just not an issue.
That's your opinion, I disagree.- Placing your weapon on the seat of your car is dumb. Any slight manuever will send it flying, where it will do you NO good.
Again, that's your personal opinion and your carry position preference. Not everyone is like you. And I might add, drawing from a seated position is extremely difficult, especially if one is left handed and carrying in the nine o'clock position.- I didn't realize the only two carry locations were pocket and small of the back. I have been carrying comnfortably for years at three o'clock. I never knew I could not do that.
I can't imagine wearing a full sized 1911 at three o'clock with a shirt tucked in so you must dress different than I do at all times.- Another Myth. I carry a full sized 1911 in Texas summers without wearing "bulky clothing.
It's difficult to draw from concealed carry regardless of how much training you have gone through, especially under real life stress conditions.- On that we agree. It is more difficult to draw from concealed carry; especially with no training.
It's an obvious conclusion. No one has proven that the death penalty is a deterrent either, yet there are those who still claim it deters at least one person.- There is zero evidence to support that. In fact, some argue that it makes you more of a target as BGs know aheaed of time you need to ne taken out. I don't know that I agree with that either, but there is certainly to deterrent effect that has been proven.
Was that second attempt at ridicule meant to be similar to the comment insinuating that those who want to carry openly are just boisterous rednecks. Whatever valid arguments you presented prior to engaging in ridicule are lost when you go there.- Bigger than a full sized .45? Like a cannon?
Well, I haven't read the petition so I can't comment there, but your rebuttal was all opinion and conjecture.- Those are all the same arguments the past petition had, and just are not real arguments. If you want open carry, argue for it based on fact. Not opinion and conjecture.
Yes there are and it appears you are not comfortable with someone openly carrying a weapon. Typically, for someone already carrying openly, it simply means they object to others doing it because they are losing what makes them special. Did you have the same concerns prior to the licensing of individuals to carry concealed? Something tells me you did.- There are plenty of justifiable reasons to argue.
If open carry was such a problem, why are there only six states in the U.S which ban it.
As I understand the 'facts', the six states which currently ban open carry of handguns are: Texas, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New York and Florida.
Maybe the 44 others just don't have the 'facts', huh?
Mercot just helped his oppositions points. FYI, a gun laying on the seat really can move, slide, fall off. I'm not sure many people would consider tossing it on the seat a good way to have it readily available.
I never claimed otherwise and never recommended SOB carry, so I don't know why you brought it up.SOB is regarded as one of the worse ways to carry, with very few, if any real justified applications; except in Hollywood.
And no doubt your t-shirt is oversized and hanging outside your shorts. (ie "bulky") That's not my attire and I should not have to change my lifestyle to please others.I also carry a full size framed 1911 year round including shorts and t-shirts. I did it just this morning running out to a couple of stores to pick a few things up. I'm more of a 3:30 to 4 o'clock carrier, but it's comfortable and well concealed.
If the wording in the state law includes the description of the offense as "intentional", then that is up for interpretation. Meaning of course, the personal opinion of the LEO first and foremost, followed by the opinion of the court system. All very expensive.As far as printing, your scenario is for the most part unrealistic but it doesn't matter. Do you know Texas Laws regarding "printing"? LEO's rarely have the luxury of doing their job based on their personal opinion.
True, if we were discussing walking or riding a bicycle, however what would you consider the easiest and fastest method of drawing a weapon, regardless of your training; from concealment or from open carry?Drawing a concealed handgun isn't easy. Neither is walking, until you've learned how and practiced. Neither is riding a bike, until you've learned how and practiced. Same goes for drawing a concealed handgun.
Well, I saw only personal opinions expressed, much like the response I'm replying to. Perhaps you can point me to the facts he stated? My comments here have nothing to do with personalities. I'm expressing my opinion regarding the open carrying of handguns and the objections others have against it. To me, having to carry concealed makes me feel like a thief in the dark, having to hide all the time.txinvestgator for the most part just stated facts but you've turned a lot of it around to try and defend your opinions. And a lot of what you've said is questionable, but that too is just my opinion of course.
Again, my comments are not directed to personalities, only issues. [edit: Unless others take it there]BTW, you're new and obviously haven't noticed how much tx and a couple others have offered the forum by way of good factual information and try hard to make people use their head a think, based on law, not on opinion. And never once has he expressed any opposition to civilians carrying.
Well, I could come to the same conclusion you came to about your own comments. None of what I said warranted such a response from you where I felt it necessary to defend my actions.Everyone has opinions and we don't have to agree with each other but it's easy to get caught up in a battle that goes no where. It seems you are looking for a battle.