Open carry proposal (HB 700) introduced in Texas

[chuck_in_texas]

All for it!
Not so much because I would OC, but it would remove the stress of always worrying about printing or flashing (no, get your mind out of the gutter)...

And every liberal probably thinks we OC our Peacemakers all the time here, anyway.

I'll vote for that. I wouldn't open carry myself, but from time to time I know that I've "printed" and worried a bit about whether anyone notices.

I did notice from the OPs text that it is STILL limited to "license holders".

[TXEric]

I'll vote for that. I wouldn't open carry myself, but from time to time I know that I've "printed" and worried a bit about whether anyone notices.

I did notice from the OPs text that it is STILL limited to "license holders".

There just doesn't seem to be ANY way I can bend over to pick something up in the store without showing an obvious print. Even with a 709.
I'd just like to not have to worry about that...

[Marinevietvet]

If anyone wants to follow the progress of this bill you can go here: Texas Legislature Online - Bill Lookup

[Wino]

Last Tuesday at lunch had my 740 OWB Mini-Scabbard 3:30 position under long tail shirt and reached into right front pocket to get rid of change for tip - not sure why, but turned a bit and lady at table across from me had eyes wide open - looked down and my holster bottom with muzzle was exposed - dropped $3 in quarters on table and got the heck out of Dodge. LOL As with others, have no desire to open carry but would feel better knowing incidental exposure isn't going to get me into trouble with the law - dont care about the anti's - just the law.

[Old_Sp5]

I read with interest the comments of members who seem to fear "printing" and someone being able to determine you are carrying a handgun. However, why the concern for printing other than possibly talking to a police officer, who may be called ?? In all the yeasr since CHL laws were passed in Texas, I never received one call regarding someone carrying a handgun who turned out to have a CHL. I have carried a handgun for over 35 years and never have had anyone call the police or noticed I was carrying a handgun. I don't carry small handguns either...all are full size service weapons.

Texas Government Code Section 411.171(3): "Concealed handgun" means a handgun, the presence of which is not openly discernible to the ordinary observation of a reasonable person."

I believe police officers will overlook the "suspected" handgun under the shirt and the actual observance of seeing the gun if the shirt is pulled-up. Common sense dictates much of what happens on the street. Has anyone every been approached by an LEO after being reported by someone "seeing" your handgun ??

[TexasAviator]

I am all for it. I would like it better if there was no licensing criteria at all. But its a step in the right direction.

[dogchild]

I sure could save a lot of Money & Time looking for the perfect holster, and could start buying my pants in my waist size!
Wonder if you could wear 2 guns when you open carry

[TexasAviator]

Wonder if you could wear 2 guns when you open carry

That reminded me of the scene from Tombstone (the one with Val Kilmer as Doc Holiday)

Billy Clanton: Why, it's the drunk piano player. You're so drunk, you can't hit nothin'. In fact, you're probably seeing double (he draws a knife)
Doc Holiday: (draws a second gun) I have two guns, one for each of ya.

(for the antis who might read this, its a movie, ok! )

[Marinevietvet]

I sure could save a lot of Money & Time looking for the perfect holster, and could start buying my pants in my waist size!
Wonder if you could wear 2 guns when you open carry

I don't see why not. There is no limit how many you can carry concealed so perhaps that will apply to open carry if and when this becomes law.

[enfoprefect]

I think the last November change to open carry in Oklahoma was to eliminate the potential problem of accidentally exposing a concealed gun. I'm a little surprised that we are ahead of Texas on that. I have yet to see anyone carrying open except in gun stores and ranges.