To Open Carry Or Not?

[Ashley]

I have had my CHL for 2 years now and it has been one of the best decision I have made. On the other hand, now that Texas will be an open carry state come the first of the year I am having a difficult time deciding if it is best for a small female such as myself to open carry or continue to conceal carry. I predict it will be based off of the places I will go, people I am around, and situations I am placed in but need some input on which is best and which is not. I have read that people who open carry become a bigger target to criminals but don't know how much of that is true. HELP!?!

[Gunnyart]

Insert popcorn eating goat gif here.

[bdchorn]

I have had my CHL for 2 years now and it has been one of the best decision I have made. On the other hand, now that Texas will be an open carry state come the first of the year I am having a difficult time deciding if it is best for a small female such as myself to open carry or continue to conceal carry. I predict it will be based off of the places I will go, people I am around, and situations I am placed in but need some input on which is best and which is not. I have read that people who open carry become a bigger target to criminals but don't know how much of that is true. HELP!?!

If I'm a criminal the first person I target is the one I know is carrying. The power of CHL is that no one knows so you have to assume everyone is carrying. Personally I would never open carry

[BigRed323]

Not

[DOUBLE.A]

I have had my CHL for 2 years now and it has been one of the best decision I have made. On the other hand, now that Texas will be an open carry state come the first of the year I am having a difficult time deciding if it is best for a small female such as myself to open carry or continue to conceal carry. I predict it will be based off of the places I will go, people I am around, and situations I am placed in but need some input on which is best and which is not. I have read that people who open carry become a bigger target to criminals but don't know how much of that is true. HELP!?!

Been concealing for a few years and i think i am going to continue to conceal. Its just gonna be nice to nnot have to worry about accidentally showing my weapon if it happens.

[Artos]

Ashley,

I'm tickled that open carry has passed, but I see no advantage from a tactical standpoint to open carry vs conceal.

I would suggest you get some good training & practice A LOT from your preferred method of conceal...being able to draw & shoot efficiently should become 2nd nature with your muscle memory.

Good luck!!

[BAttaway]

I have been thinking about this also, I think I will continue to conceal instead of open carry. Mainly because of the thought that the criminal would notice me first and that I was openly carrying a weapon. Therefore, not giving me time to react.

[popup_menace]

There are positives to either side. Personally, I don't want the thug knowing I can kill him, I want him to be concerned that anyone in the room might. Open carrying can make you a target. But, I will enjoy being able to keep my pistol strapped to my belt after leaving deer camp to go eat instead of putting it in my waistband.

We hunt in a very rural area, and the owners of the diner have said that they could care less who comes in with a gun, as nearly 80% of their business between November and January are hunters. The rest is oilfield folks and long-time residents. Once I get my CHL, I can also rest easy that printing won't land me in court as long as the place is not 30.07

[bowhunterchris]

I need to get my CHL, not to open carry, but that I need it. Castle Act only goes so far

[BrianL]

I would think a criminal would avoid an open carry if possible, but if you are "in the way" of a crime it could make you a target or threat. Also if someone knows were the gun is, it is easier for them to try and prevent your access to it. JMO.

[Ashley]

I agree to this and that it all depends on where you are which leaving the deer camp and not having to worry about forgetting your gun is on you will be nice.

[Artos]

I may OC from the ranch to the quicky mart and such, but personally prefer chl in a public situation...no reason to advertise your advantage to hostiles.

[systemnt]

Whatever reason you choose to wear Openly , be it going from ranch/deer camp to town, wearing clothes that wouldn't allow concealment, or just because you want to - its legal, and anyone judging you for it should mind their own **** business.
The Anti's will be anti's with or without you wearing it openly.

See other states that have been OC for years.

[Japeatr]

I plan to do both, dependent on day/situation/weather/level of fitness

[UltraMax]

Coming from a guy who open carries everyday now, when I am off duty, my gun is concealed about 95% of the time, the other 5% being if I have a shirt tucked in and I'm going out, even then I'll wear a suit jacket that I remove to eat, so my gun will only show when I'm seated.

I'm fine with the open carry law being passed. It always makes me feel good when firearms laws give us MORE FREEDOM, but I would prefer concealing when I'm out, mainly because I can relax a little more knowing my gun isn't showing with a billboard saying "yank on me"