You guys are lucky to be able to open carry.

I don't live in Texas and was surprised a couple of years ago when I heard you couldn't open carry in texas.

But you guys are lucky to be able to open carry next month.

At least now when I speak with others about open carry and they always bring up Texas as a place where they say people open carry, big misconception I know, it won't be that wrong anymore, and I won't have to tell them you can't do it in Texas.

But here is how I feel about open carrying after I have done it in Nevada. I found the novelty of being able to do it wears off quickly. You may walk around a few times in Walmart (this always seemed to be the place people first did it in public in Las Vegas, everyone jokes about it on the lasvegasshooters forum) but you will realize it isn't worth the hassle of attention from both the public and the workers. I'm not saying all will feel like this, and especially the more die hard open carriers, but just saying.

What I found open carry is best for is not worrying about having to be concealed all the time. I don't know if printing was illegal in Texas, but being able to just keep the gun on you and not worry about your jacket or zippered sweat shirt opening and showing the gun is not a problem.

It also makes it really nice when going out to shoot, just walk the guns to the car holstered, walk off into the desert to shoot without any issues.

Las Vegas hardly had anyone open carrying so it was rare to see it. Maybe if lots more people do it in Texas it won't be so unusual. I would probably have done it more if more people have done it.

But you guys deserve this because Texas is supposed to be the most gun friendly place on the planet, and even the country, full of cowboys you know, and it was crazy you guys were not allowed to open carry.

Appreciate the kind words! It's not exactly what we were wishing for but there's always the next legislative session to gain more steps in the right direction.

I try and get to Vegas as much as possible. NV is a first class OC state and I OC'd pretty much everywhere except in the casinos. I didn't see anyone else OC'ing either but I know people do. We just need more folks to do it and it will encourage even more.

We're excited to see how things go down in TX following Jan 1st. I know for a fact that some folks here are keen to get going (I posted about two in both the NV forum and also the newly started TX experience thread). It will be interesting to see if the novelty does wear off for some people. The fact is there are many many people in existing OC states that do not even know they can legally OC already. So until they see someone do it for themselves, they'll likely never research it or ask about it. However, it's been pretty big news here in TX lately so I'm sure there's quite a few CHL/LTC holders wanting to try it. Bottom line is, the more we do it, the more other people will be encouraged to do it.

Well, I've been OC'ing in Las Vegas for 23 years, so it's not just for the novelty. It's extremely comfortable. It's also never caused me a hassle with a LEO; and only one time last year was I finally denied service at an establishment (bar) and he was admonished because he was going against his corporate policy (PT's).

Yes, it was rare, and is still relatively uncommon to see an OC'er, but it's happening more and more frequently, and the fact remains that only OC advertises for more carrying.

I hope it really takes off in Texas, but I have a feeling that after 150 years of anti-gun culture, Texas has a lot of growing up to do to get back to its claimed roots, and hold on to its pretense of freedom. I see a lot of your businesses thinking it will be normal that people shouldn't carry. Unfortunately, your carriers will have to pay attention to legal signage instead of defaulting to normal freedom.

I had no problems in ten years of OC when I lived in VA. Frankly, the vast majority of the time it seemed as if nobody noticed. I think that other than the anticipated issues with some LE and the stated intent of those who will call in their "concern" everytime they see someone OC'ing....it may become barely noticeable. On the other hand, if there are some well publicized arrests that are followed by lawsuits to address perceived or real harassment...it may fill some news cycles. Either way with just over two weeks to go, can't wait!

Glockster said:

I had no problems in ten years of OC when I lived in VA. Frankly, the vast majority of the time it seemed as if nobody noticed. I think that other than the anticipated issues with some LE and the stated intent of those who will call in their "concern" everytime they see someone OC'ing....it may become barely noticeable. On the other hand, if there are some well publicized arrests that are followed by lawsuits to address perceived or real harassment...it may fill some news cycles. Either way with just over two weeks to go, can't wait!

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It's been long overdue!! My ex-wife's family is Houston based. I know for a fact that my two ex-brothers-in-law will be OC straight away...so you won't be alone!

Las Vegas shooter said:

...But you guys are lucky to be able to open carry next month...

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From what I've read, it seems like Chief Acevedo in Austin is less than pleased. <sniff>

I know how I'd handle that situation, but it seems that TX has plenty of activists up to the challenge!

Allowing this open carry of guns will result in blood running in the streets. It's a fact. You will need hip-boots.

BB62 said:

From what I've read, it seems like Chief Acevedo in Austin is less than pleased. <sniff>

I know how I'd handle that situation, but it seems that TX has plenty of activists up to the challenge!

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We could send him a box a Kleenex!

qednick said:

It's been long overdue!! My ex-wife's family is Houston based. I know for a fact that my two ex-brothers-in-law will be OC straight away...so you won't be alone!

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I'm actually north of Houston, and as I work at home don't have to worry about carrying then. So it's pretty much on those trips to here or there to get stuff. My neighbors all CC, and we see each other carrying around our yards, but not sure how prevalent it will be to see OC in my neighborhood. I'm guessing that my first real "adventure" may be if I head into Houston for something, or to go to one of the places improperly posted now. That's when it may get interesting!

Glockster said:

I'm actually north of Houston, and as I work at home don't have to worry about carrying then. So it's pretty much on those trips to here or there to get stuff. My neighbors all CC, and we see each other carrying around our yards, but not sure how prevalent it will be to see OC in my neighborhood. I'm guessing that my first real "adventure" may be if I head into Houston for something, or to go to one of the places improperly posted now. That's when it may get interesting!

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They are in the Tomball and Conroe areas. I think you're far more likely to see OC in places like that than in Houston proper--maybe if it's just people walking their dog or pumping gas for starters. So I agree, OC'ing in the big "H" could lead to some interesting interactions and reactions. I'm expecting the same in San Antonio where I work, but not expecting any issues whatsoever in Bandera where I live.

Anyhoo, TX OC experience thread is already started...can't wait to see y'alls experiences in a few days!!

qednick said:

They are in the Tomball and Conroe areas. I think you're far more likely to see OC in places like that than in Houston proper--maybe if it's just people walking their dog or pumping gas for starters. So I agree, OC'ing in the big "H" could lead to some interesting interactions and reactions. I'm expecting the same in San Antonio where I work, but not expecting any issues whatsoever in Bandera where I live.

Anyhoo, TX OC experience thread is already started...can't wait to see y'alls experiences in a few days!!

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If I toss a rock from my street it would land in Conroe, so agree that it is pretty much more likely to see it there or places like that rather than in Houston at least right away. I'm betting that late night at a gas station nearby my house may well be the first place, and that's probably where it will be for me as late night groceries and gas go nicely with OC.

Glockster said:

If I toss a rock from my street it would land in Conroe, so agree that it is pretty much more likely to see it there or places like that rather than in Houston at least right away. I'm betting that late night at a gas station nearby my house may well be the first place, and that's probably where it will be for me as late night groceries and gas go nicely with OC.

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My first wife and I got married in Magnolia. We lived in Tomball for a couple years. It's a nice area. Looking forward to hearing about yours and everyone's OC experiences in the new year!

qednick said:

They are in the Tomball and Conroe areas. I think you're far more likely to see OC in places like that than in Houston proper--maybe if it's just people walking their dog or pumping gas for starters.

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Glockster said:

If I toss a rock from my street it would land in Conroe....

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Damn sure you're gonna see OC all over Porter on 1/1....

I will OC here in middle of Dallas, and look forward to OCing when I visit my mom down in Montrose...that w/b interesting.[emoji251]


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HPmatt said:

Damn sure you're gonna see OC all over Porter on 1/1....

I will OC here in middle of Dallas, and look forward to OCing when I visit my mom down in Montrose...that w/b interesting.[emoji251]


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Very interested to hear your experiences in Dallas after 1/1.

Home of the ability to get a license for the 2nd Amendment, anyway. Home of the first state to remove it as a right.

Sort of surprised that no one has mentioned the power of advertising. OC can be like a flashing light to a BG - better to pick an easier target AND it promotes people asking questions about RKBA. CCing can't do that 'cause it's not seen. I very much enjoy the interaction when people engage me in such conversation which is precipitated by the fact that they can plainly see my purdy 1911.

The purpose of this forum is to promote and defend the right to OC as we go about our normal everyday lives. I'm trying to do my part to educate people, counteract the bad information from the media and the likes of Bloomie. Lend a hand in keeping our freedom alive and well, please.

Glockster said:

I'm actually north of Houston, and as I work at home don't have to worry about carrying then. So it's pretty much on those trips to here or there to get stuff. My neighbors all CC, and we see each other carrying around our yards, but not sure how prevalent it will be to see OC in my neighborhood. I'm guessing that my first real "adventure" may be if I head into Houston for something, or to go to one of the places improperly posted now. That's when it may get interesting!

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No home invasions? No BGs roaming your neighborhood - not one, ever?

I'm sitting here at home on my PC, 6:30 in the morning, all doors and windows locked and my 1911 is resting comfortably on my right hip. Wouldn't want it to feel left out and lonely. Seriously, this falls in the category of would rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. No paranoia, just following what I learned lo those many years ago with the BSA = Be prepared

Grapeshot said:

No home invasions? No BGs roaming your neighborhood - not one, ever?

I'm sitting here at home on my PC, 6:30 in the morning, all doors and windows locked and my 1911 is resting comfortably on my right hip. Wouldn't want it to feel left out and lonely. Seriously, this falls in the category of would rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. No paranoia, just following what I learned lo those many years ago with the BSA = Be prepared

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Other varmints in my area are a bigger concern had to grab the ranch rifle the other morning a coyote made the mistake of showing up during day light.

Had more than one bear in the yard over the years. Their are BGs around but rare in the Northwood's.

But something that works on 4 legged varmints well work on two legged ones.

several summers ago, a gentleman of color was wandering the neighbourhoods walking through the yards to different streets...the wench mentioned in passing and she was asked (read at told) to go put on her sidearm whenever she was outside. i got pooh paw'd but she did...before the end of the week this same individual robbed the rural carrier a couple streets over and then tried to rob our carrier on out street, who hit him with his route vehicle ~ cutting short his crime spree...this time.

i am like grape...once up, showered, and dress...a firearm is at my side, till i turn in.

ipse