Open carry or Not?

And

Of course their signs are worthless so it doesn't really make us criminals. If they used the proper signs them yes.... we would be

 

When you are walking your dog through a public park and a guy steps out of the bushes with a big fat hunting knife and not so politely asks for your money... were it not for my 43 pound Blue Heeler who went into savage mode, I might not have survived the encounter. I told myself right then I was not going to be a victim again. I carry concealed everywhere that is legal. I train regularly.

 

AMEN Brother!

 

Yes... when I was walking my dog with my wife on the sidewalk and a pit bull tried to come through a cedar fence rather aggressively... fortunately we were able to get away before the pit bull got through the fence.
The second time was a few years ago when my wife and I were on vacation at the northern Oregon coast. We started walking on this trail...Very rural area... I noticed a beat up pickup that looked out of place. Two unsavory looking dudes fell in behind us on the trail and started to close the distance between us and them. I looked back a couple of times to make sure they knew I noticed them... they didn’t care... they kept coming... I turned around, squared off and put my hand on my gun that was concealed on my hip. They decided it was time to leave.

 

HOLY SHIT, Dude!!!

 

My EYES ! My EYES ! ( as i frantically claw my eyes out of there sockets.)

there are some things that just cannot be unseen...

 

Well....Montana is a permitless open carry state and I haven’t been able to make it to a class yet to get my CCW. In the mean time I carry open when I’m not at work (prohibited) or drinking (prohibited and stupid to boot).

That being said I carry a S&W Shield with a belt substantial enough for the handgun in a Level 2 retention holster at the 3 o’clock position. I keep aware of my strong side surroundings as well. Honestly......nobody bats an eye. We just carry on conversation as normal and it doesn’t grab “extraordinary” attention.

Your mileage may vary.

 

Ditto

 

I prefer open carry, but don't do it all the time.

 

Open carry is a basic right for most. Doesnt make it right but its a right.

However i believe that if its out of sight its out of mind therefore not becoming anyones topic of conversation. As we always say in the military, "silence is the best weapon" i dont believe in gathering in public with some open carry rally. One day somebody will do something stupid at said rally and have an AD and draw more unneeded attention to whats becoming a very sore subject nationwide.

I personally feel no need to broadcast that freedom, our forefathers made sure that it would never be infringed upon so when needed that freedom can be right by your side and you can let it ring until you need to reload and let it ring again.

 

No.

Hiking/ camping in top-of-the-food-chain country we just call it “carrying”.

 

In 1998 my wife (GF at the time) and I were on the San Antonio River Walk. It was about 1AM and we were strolling towards my parked truck in the River Center mall parking garage. We picked up a tail, young 20ish male. He continued to tail us becoming more and more brave as we progressed towards the parking garage. We were parked on the 3rd floor. We entered the garage about 100 feet in front of him.
When the door closed, I told her "run to the truck and get it started". We took the stairs quickly. When we exited onto the 3rd floor my truck was one of only a few vehicles on the floor. She got to the truck and I turned back facing the door. The guy came through the door pretty aggressively. I had squared off about 10 yards from the door. When he came through I screamed "What Fuc% do you want".
He turned and ran back to the stairs. Had I not read the book "The Gift of Fear" I may not be here today. In the book it teaches you how to NOT be the Sheep, but rater the Wolf. If you have teenagers /kids, I recommend they/you read the book.
The next week I signed up for my CHL license and carry always now. Fool me once, shame on you...

 

Open carry will deliver "The Gift of Fear" to those that have evil plans without saying a word.

 

I used to open carry every day. Primarily because open carry generally provides the least impediment to accessing your weapon. This is important when you are wearing a uniform and a badge and are regularly called to situations where ready access may be necessary.

In Texas, what used to be called the Concealed Handgun License (CHL) is now called the License to Carry (LTC). So we can generally carry either way as a matter of preference. But, now that I no longer put on a uniform and badge, I carry concealed.

 

How do most criminals carry?

 

Ha. Probably a good thing.

You see, that’s the beauty of the American constitution that many non-Americans don’t get; we have a Bill of RIGHTS and not a Bill of needs.

 

Here in Texas if an establishment doesn't want you to carry a weapon on their property it needs to follow these guide lines:


FOR CONCEALED CARRY:
(3) "Written communication" means:

(A) a card or other document on which is written language identical to the following: "Pursuant to Section 30.06, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with a concealed handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a concealed handgun"; or

(B) a sign posted on the property that:

(i) includes the language described by Paragraph (A) in both English and Spanish;

(ii) appears in contrasting colors with block letters at least one inch in height; and

(iii) is displayed in a conspicuous manner clearly visible to the public.

FOR OPEN CARRY:
(A) a card or other document on which is written language identical to the following: "Pursuant to Section 30.07, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with an openly carried handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a handgun that is carried openly"; or

(B) a sign posted on the property that:

(i) includes the language described by Paragraph (A) in both English and Spanish;

(ii) appears in contrasting colors with block letters at least one inch in height; and

(iii) is displayed in a conspicuous manner clearly visible to the public at each entrance to the property.

So like the BWW by my house it has on its front doors something to this effect:

"Guns not permitted"

Which obviously does not meet what the law states is required.

If you don't want people carrying concealed or open carry you have to have both of these signs in your establishment easily read by individuals coming into your establishment and both need to be in English and Spanish so that's a total of 4 signs.

 

I believe this is because its always been allowed....all the way back from the wild west days...

 

Thank you Sir for your service. I work everyday with 4K Warriors that wear the Texas Tan everyday.

 

Mmmmm..... that Texas Tan....

 

I'm headed to my local Walmart for our weekly bullshit ! You never know who you might run into..

 

The comments about the mindset and potential incompetence of some open carriers seems to be illustrated by this description of an incident at Portland University yesterday:

I’m gonna reserve judgement until more information is available.

 

We added another 80 Warriors/Troopers to the force yesterday. The 163rd Class. These men and woman have the moral and physical courage to get into harms way to protect all Texans. Gosh Damn I'm proud of these new Troopers!

 

Here’s a nice Dale point of view:
When you get that license your name and address is on file. After the Sandyhook shooting those names and addresses were published in some newspapers.
If you have a concealed gun and nobody ever knows you go your merry way. If there’s a true life or death situation and you take it out to use, it is not concealed.
Maybe we’re better off concealed without any permit. Dale was just wondering...