[coloradan]

In Texas they have to be concealed and can be taken at any officers whim and you have to go to the station to get them back.

So there's no open carry, and CCW is by permission only? Gee, I guess there's no right to defend one's life in Texas - only a government-dispensed privilege.

[CindyDawg]

Oh we can defend ourselves. We are one of the few that can protect our property also. If I was a cop I would rather see a weapon but my trainer was a cop and he said "cops, do not like citizens armed and do not want to see your weapon"

[El Gato]

So there's no open carry, and CCW is by permission only? Gee, I guess there's no right to defend one's life in Texas - only a government-dispensed privilege.

With a handgun. Long guns are not included in the prohibitions.

I don't know for sure how the law evolved, probably an anti "Negro" and "Mexican" measure, not intended to be applied to the white populace. As recently as the 1970s, the police would usually use their discretion and not arrest you for having a handgun, especially in your vehicle. Even "illegal" carry of a handgun is only a misdemeanor, under normal conditions In some areas they still will. Also there is defense to prosecution if you are "traveling", although the term is not defined in the law(by court interpretation it does not include traveling to and from work for example) It also wasn't unusual to see a rifle, either a 30-30 or a bolt action, in the rack of a pick-em up truck, even in the Dallas suburb of Plano where I lived at the time. I'm not completely clear on the law involved, but in many cities carrying a rifle about would be you arrested for "brandishing".