Posted on May 28, 2014
What do you think of Open Carry Texas and other gun groups trying to carry firearm in public places?
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Honestly, I have never had a strong view on carrying firearms in public concealed or not. I own several firearms but don't feel the need to walk around armed even though I do have my conceal license and have been to several shooting course. Weapons are part of my job and I enjoy shooting them, I don't really consider them as a means of home security. But when I see groups like the Open Carry Texas trying to goto restaurants with not only pistols but assault rifles and shotguns a few things go through my mind. First, I see people that are looking for attention which they clearly get, as they act childish and smug when confronted. As soon as someone disagrees with them they throw out the 2nd amendment which was for self protection because our country was at war when it was written so common sense should be applied that carrying weapons is asking for trouble. When I say trouble I am talking about negligent discharges, confrontation, lack of training, and knowledge of weapons. What's the purpose other than causing a scene and getting attention. I love weapons and we should be able to own them but carrying them around in public. I mean there are plenty of countries where it is social acceptable to carry firearms in public, here are just a few: Nigeria, Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Yemen, Sri Lanka, Gaza, Palestinian Territories, Pakistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia just to name a few. What do all these places have in common they are really dangerous places, have little to no government, homicide rate is high, economy is terrible. Before we start preaching that we should be able to carry weapons in public areas think about how many safety accidents we have in the military where we train constantly proper weapons safety on a daily basis.
Concealed Carry
Gun Control
2nd Amendment
Firearms and Guns
Safety
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 73
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I love firearms and I am okay with open carry of sidearms and such but when I see the videos on YouTube of people "Defending" their rights to open carry I can't help but think they are making things worse, mainly because they are open carrying rifles and shotguns walking around in populated areas like they are making a trip to the store which, I don't care who you are, is completely unnecessary. All it does is add to the stereotype of gun owners being nut jobs.
If you want to open carry, keep it to a side arm. You won't stand out as much and you are still prepared if you need it for any reason.
If you want to open carry, keep it to a side arm. You won't stand out as much and you are still prepared if you need it for any reason.
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Well, a lot of people say they don't feel the need to walk around armed. The problem with that thinking is that nobody needs a gun...until they need a gun. Nobody needs a spare tire, either, until they get a flat, but most people think it is prudent to carry a spare tire in their vehicle.
As far as open carry, I'm from Arizona where it has always been legal to do so and no one freaks out when they see someone open carrying. The problem, lately, are the yayhoos who seem to be trying to get a reaction by walking into Starbucks with AR's and AK's strapped to their backs, making people feel really uncomfortable. I don't have a problem with people open carrying as long as they are doing it responsibly.
As far as open carry, I'm from Arizona where it has always been legal to do so and no one freaks out when they see someone open carrying. The problem, lately, are the yayhoos who seem to be trying to get a reaction by walking into Starbucks with AR's and AK's strapped to their backs, making people feel really uncomfortable. I don't have a problem with people open carrying as long as they are doing it responsibly.
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From the Open Carry Texas site
"Open Carry" is the name of the organization, but fundamentally, we believe in "Constitutional Carry." The Second Amendment to the U.S. constitution states, "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." We believe laws restricting how firearms are are kept or carried is an infringement to this right. Hundreds of thousands of Texans carry concealed, (with an expensive license) but it is currently illegal to openly carry a modern handgun in Texas. The next step towards constitutional carry is legalizing the open carry of sidearms. If you can legally own a gun, you should be able to carry it openly or concealed.
"Open Carry" is the name of the organization, but fundamentally, we believe in "Constitutional Carry." The Second Amendment to the U.S. constitution states, "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." We believe laws restricting how firearms are are kept or carried is an infringement to this right. Hundreds of thousands of Texans carry concealed, (with an expensive license) but it is currently illegal to openly carry a modern handgun in Texas. The next step towards constitutional carry is legalizing the open carry of sidearms. If you can legally own a gun, you should be able to carry it openly or concealed.
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Thats cool and all but I sure as hell hope not one of those guns gives any friendly fire by accident. How many geniuses do you see on the roads driving these days? You see now? Yup..my point exactly.
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I believe that if a person feels the necessity to carry a weapon in public they should be allowed. I also believe openly carrying a firearm is asking for trouble. Open carry draws unnecessary, and often unwanted, attention to oneself. It invites criticism, ridicule and confrontation. If you feel the need to carry a weapon keep it out of view. It's that damn simple.
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Attention whores, every one of them. There's a difference in exercising your right, and then pissing off anti-gun people who are only going to A.) get more scared and B.) push for stricter legislation. I own firearms, several of them. I shoot them frequently. These people, and the NRA, do not represent me and I do not endorse them.
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Sgt Jason West
No, they are not all attention whores. Not the people who started the movement and most of the people who supported it early on. Yes, attention whores and selfie addicts have jumped on the bandwagon making the whole thing look bad, but this started as a good group with a great idea. The whole point is to get legislation passed to open carry pistols, which is currently illegal here. It is legal though to open carry rifles. See the problem? It is beyond stupid to allow the open carry of rifles, but ban the open carry of pistols. The movement started in an attempt to point out the absurdity of the law and push for open carry, at least before the selfie addicts and idiots jumped on board.
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Oh, and I am not sure of where this picture was taken but besides being God awful ugly firearms, those are illegal to open carry in Texas. That and the guys glove makes me think this was NOT at an Open Carry Texas rally/event.
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The original intent of the open carry movement in Texas was to show how moronic our current laws are. Why is it legal for me to walk through Kroger with a rifle slung over my shoulder, my concealed carry in my waistband but NOT legal for me to wear a pistol in a visable holster on my belt?
Then the idiots and selfie jackasses took over.....
Then the idiots and selfie jackasses took over.....
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PO3 (Join to see)
I guess the whole thing went off message because while I wholeheartedly approve of and support constitutional carry, I was never able to glean from the pictures and arguments on the web prior to today that the movement was about pointing out the inequity of the current laws in Texas (concerning open carry pistols). I felt that these guys lugging AR's and AK's around were just harming their own cause by scaring the crap out of sheeple everywhere.
It's a shame because once you said what it was about, it made sense. But these pictures of rally's and guys walking around in grocery stores with their AR's and such have been used by the opposition to much greater effect.
It's a shame because once you said what it was about, it made sense. But these pictures of rally's and guys walking around in grocery stores with their AR's and such have been used by the opposition to much greater effect.
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Sgt Jason West
Yes, as with many movements or groups the idiots flock to it like a moth to a light and they get all the attention. It started with actual rallys, marches, and other events. Local police were notified, and the message was spread. Then the idiots started doing impromptu selfie sessions at Starbucks, Kroger, Target and other random places. Hopefully the open carry bill will pass soon and these folks will fade away.
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