Open-carry laws are attracting a lot of attention in Texas. In a speech earlier this month, Attorney General and GOP gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott proposed allowing concealed handgun license holders to carry their firearms openly. If you have read my previous blogs over guns, you may have noticed a lean towards a “pro second amendment” ideology; however, I am against Abbott's proposal allowing Texans to bear their arms openly in public. My current standpoint over open-carry laws may seem contradictory but I have good reasons.
Prior to my research for creating this blog post, I was in favor of open carry. In my blog post over campus carry, I used common sense to support my argument; however, I discovered the open-carry controversy is not as simple. In order to achieve a more precise analysis, I had to consider many factors beyond common sense.
Charles Cotton, president of the Texas Firearms Coalition and board member of the National Rifle Association, said that support for open carry has become more mainstream, and that legislation allowing it has a chance to pass. The increase in open-carry advocates is no mystery. Open-carry advocates (as I once was) use supporting ideas which appeal to our common sense.
Two of the major supporting ideas for open carry are enhanced safety by further deterring criminals and essentially, “There’s nothing to fear from honest people carrying their legal weapons openly and peacefully.” (Kathie Glass) Furthermore, the majority of states permit the open carry of handguns, with many requiring a license to do so. Texas is one of six states, along with the District of Columbia, that expressly prohibit the open carry of handguns.
In theory, deterrence is a rational argument. Unfortunately, the inability to quantify makes it undependable. As for carrying handguns openly not posing a threat to the public because these people have proven themselves phenomenally responsible, one can’t help but ask. Other than deterrence, what other benefits are there for carrying in plain view? What motivates an individual to display their firearm in the first place?
The point of carrying a firearm is for the ability, within the law, to protect oneself or one’s family. Lets be realistic, not all gun owners are rational and mature. When the limits of civilized behavior are pushed against immaturity, irrational intimidation is inevitable. The purpose of carrying a firearm is not to convince someone else how tough or dangerous one might be. These actions can increase the odd of escalating negative encounters. It is taught in the CHL courses, do not assume everyone will react the same (with fear) when threatened with a gun.
Another disadvantage of open carry is provocation. Open carry creates a tempting target for someone of criminal intent or unstable mind. The pistol’s prime advantage is its small, concealable size. Open carry gives up the pistol’s single greatest advantage: stealth. It alerts every criminal that you are armed, so he can take you out first. He can then relieve you of that pistol which is threat to him. Tactically, concealed carry beats open carry every time.
