Open carry or concealed

Just a simple poll concerning pending legislation in Austin.

If you wish to comment on why you are for/against this legislation, please do so reasonably.

To clarify, I voted open carry, not because I would do it but because I want the option to.

so what are the benefits of open carry? just asking

Open. I believe there have been too many laws already regarding arms. It says "shall not be infringed" for a reason.

why not both?

I vote concealed, not that I am totally against open, I just think it is smarter. Keep the criminals wondering who is carrying. If you open carry you may be the first target.

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2012/08/robert-farago/the-hidden-benefit-of-open-carry/

The girl ain't too bad to look at either...

I like your style.

Is that what we'd prefer to do, or what we'd prefer the max law be?

I believe in keeping them guessing rather then confirm their suspicions but that is just me. Both have their pros and cons.

I voted open carry, But I would personally only carry concealed.

I'm good with concealed, it's about my only chance to sport a bulge anymore...

i voted open, but i only carry online.

dam, I voted concealed because that is how I would carry... didnt read the whole thing.

I am very much in favor of open carry being passed.

Sig worthy

Like to have the option but would still conceal carry.

Concealed, cuz open carry died in committee

I vote concealed just to make them wonder who does and who don't. I like the element of surprise.

This^^^^^^^^

I voted concealed because I think open carry would effectively place more restrictions on where we can carry due to the fact that businesses have the right to post a 30.06 sign on their front door. I would rather business owners be completely oblivious to how many people are armed, than for them to get a rude awakening or a few customer complaints and decide "you know what, not on my premises".

Now, if legislation were in place stating that citizens had the right to carry anywhere and everywhere then I would be all for open carry.

I am happy just to keep my pistol in my truck.

I never really thought of that one. More business owners certainly would put the 30.06 sign up.

I suppose there could be other legislation passed giving the business owner another alternative that would restrict open carry in their business, but allow concealed. (30.07)

I voted no because I just don't want that image for Texas. I don't want to see the "Billy Joe Bad Asses" walking around with guns on their hips.

EDIT: I just did a search to see where this bill was and there actually is a discussion of business owners having the option of not allowing open carry, and it is numbered 30.07.

http://urbangrounds.com/2013/03/83rd-texas-lege-update-on-hb-700-open-carry/

Open.

I don't like this poll therefore I didn't make a selection. Why not both? Tactically, open carry is bad in many situations. Sure, sometimes it makes sense. I prefer the option to do either/or. I would probably never open carry outside my open property, but I like having options.

As far as rights go, I'm not sure why this is even up for debate. The 2nd Amendment is pretty clear. Why infringe on some mall ninja's ability to walk around with two black-ops drop-leg holsters sporting HK USPs?

I prefer the unregulated carry as exists in Vermont, Wyoming, Alaska, and Arizona.

This is the last thing we need in TX

I voted open, I want as many gun rights as I can get!
Plus I would assume concieled would still be legal.

But I don't own any guns so...

Yeah, heaven forbid we have all of our gun rights back.

I voted concealed and I'm not speaking of anyone in particular on here but I'm sure there are some but most people that want to open carry are doing it for show. I was gonna explain but everyone knows the type.

I would open carry because it's too damn hot in July to try and conceal.

I didn't vote!

I'll spend my time making sure we can still own guns, then I'll worry about how I'm gonna carry it!

We need both. Concealed Carry so we don't become targets and Open Carry option so we don't have a heart attack every time we realize we're printing, or taking off a jacket...

concealed

I voted concealed because that's what I would prefer but I definitely support the idea of open carry.

Stay concealed. Open carry will do nothing but cause problems. Nobody gets in trouble for printing anyway.
Some bad man somewhere is likely to take that pistol away from you and use it.

I voted open cause I want the choice.

I would most likely still carry concealed most of the time, but would open carry sometimes.

I don't see how it will cause problems. There are states that have it and don't have problems.

And think about it this way. If you are in any store, and there are 6 guns in the store, and 4 are open, I think it is more of a deterrent than it is targets.

I think open carry guys would chat it up more about what they are carrying, there for making people more friendly and polite. Kinda like whe you see someone with the same sports team hat on as you, just a polite nod and maybe a friendly howdy.

this...this is the law...it doesnt make sense to take time making fruitless laws that are over run by the constitution.

Great minds think alike!

x2

I think that goes both ways. I'm sure you are familiar with the sayings that refer to no crime at gun shows. Why not? Open carry. A show of force, or in the case of open carry, the visable weapon, is a better deterrent than just the possiblity of someone being armed.

If it was just you, openly carrying your weapon, versus someone with the intent to harm, your point stands. However, if it's a lone bad guy walking into a store who sees multiple people with guns on their hips, your idea falls flat. In a gun loving state like Texas, I am of the opinion that open carry would reduce crime.

I would love the option to open carry.

This is why. I think we give criminals too much credit for "thinking" about the crimes they commit. If they walk into a gas station, i really doubt they are wondering if anyone is armed. If they were, they would also think about the possibility of the clerk or owner having a gun. But, they still try to rob the store.

If one or two people were in line, or browsing about with guns on their hips, perp runs in, sees it, runs out. Just my thinking.

It should be my right and my choice how I decide to carry.

It does not seem to have caused a lot of problems in Oklahoma.

yep I will keep mine covered when I have to, or when I can and let the rest carry openly. I like the idea of open carry.

Were I carring for defense I prefer concealed but I carry open on the ranch allot because I'm in and out of the truck several times a day. I like longer barrels on my ranch pistols and carry them in a cross draw, makes it easier to get in and out of the truck and much easier to get to. Another benifit is when bending over or moving around it just stays out of the way. I often have to leave the ranch for just a few minutes and removing a crossdraw is a major pain in the arse just to run into a parts store or a convinence store.

No crime at gun shows? You are not in the know on that one.

me to

I would like "open carry"...just because.

That being said, I'd still like to be able to carry concealed as well.

I think carrying concealed gives you a tactical advantage that you lose when carrying openly.

If I'm a bad guy, intent on say...robbing a convenience store, and I see a customer carrying openly...I might decide to go on to another store. On the other hand....if I am desperate enough...or just think I'm tough enough...I just might take out the guy carrying the gun first. And having done that...I'll then take his gun and do even more mischief.

What I'm saying....is that open carry makes you a target. When you carry concealed, the tactical advantages shifts in your favor.

As I've heard it said, "America is safer when criminals don't know who is armed."

I think that makes a lot of sense.

But I like having the option of open carry if for no other reason than I don't have to be concerned about accidentally allowing my weapon to be seen.

Hwy, this is exactly where my thoughts are. I carry around my property and hate having to remember to disarm before making a beer run or parts run or just a run to the grocery store for mama. I would very seldom open carry but sure would like the right to do so.

i dont disagree with open just agree more with concealed. like said above, keeps people who may want to hurt you in the dark and keeps the general public unaware of your presence as well. some people are just really uneasy about seeing people who aren't police carrying guns