Recently, I was asked to appear on a local Dallas talk/news television show to discuss the possibility of a pending "Open Carry" law, permitting licensed individuals to openly strap a handgun on their person and merrily walk among the populace.
Oklahoma, among other states, such as Arizona, have already enacted these statutes.
One of the arguments, in the Arizona legislative discussion, was that had this act been in existence, it might have acted as a deterrent and prevented the Gifford shooting, plus save other lives.
The major problem I see with this scenario is, if it did not deter the perpetrator, the ensuing volley of bullets would cause even more collateral injuries/fatalities. Statistically, police officers (allegedly well trained in the use and proficiency of firearms) when under the stress of a gun battle only hit the target one out of ten shots.
The other nine rounds, and the rounds being fired at the police are going into/through cars, buildings, bystanders, etc.
Currently in Texas it is permissible to obtain a Concealed Handgun License. I have carried these credentials and a concealed weapon for over ten years. I AM DEFINITELY NOT ANTI-GUN. I am an advocate of a system of continuing education and proof of proficiency on at least an annual basis. Too many people, who have never owned a handgun or fired one, suddenly qualify to carry either concealed or open. Often this gives the plebe licensee a false sense of bravado or a crutch to overcome real or perceived panic.
In high school, during driver's education, we were shown movies with graphic real or reenactments of automobile accidents. This same system of graphic education should be made a part of the curriculum in teaching handgun safety or conducting Open or Concealed classes. Gun shot wounds are gruesome and even minor wounds can be serious both physically and mentally. As much I enjoy action TV and Cinema programs, the rampant shooting and heroic immediate bounce back from wounds, can be a dangerous example for new license holders.
Open Carry is coming to Texas, most likely in this legislative session. I AM IN FAVOR OF OPEN/CONCEALED CARRY. As a seasoned Concealed Carry veteran, I will continue to carry concealed, but the ability to also be grandfathered in for Open Carry would be very convenient.
In concealed carry, I must at all times insure my weapon (whether loaded or unloaded)
is hidden from the public. A licensee can be punished for an "inadvertent" exposure of the weapon. The wind blows just a wee bit in Texas and it is not unusual for a sport coat to blow open; a wardrobe malfunction with more consequences than Janet Jackson's errant nipple. In Texas summers, to avoid sweat and wrinkles, I normally hang my coat in the back seat. With Concealed Carry, I must put the coat back on to hide my weapon before exiting the car. With Open Carry, if I need to stop for gasoline or a coke, I could legally run my errand with the pistol exposed.
There are many questions to be answered. Will this deter crime or increase it. How will the police have to react and interact with 911 calls concerning a man/woman wearing a pistol at Walmart.
So far, in Oklahoma, (Open Carry went into effect November 1, 2012), the police report very few sightings of open carried handguns and the increase in 911 calls has only jumped slightly.
It is a wait and see time. So far, OKC nor Tulsa has not turned in to Tombstone,
Arizona. As far as Texas goes. My best advice is "keep your powder dry and your coat buttoned".
