Open carry comes to Texas: Why the Lone Star state will be safer in 2016

foxnews ^ | 12/30/2015 | John R. Lott

[tuffydoodle]

With about 900,000 concealed handgun permit holders in Texas, there is a good chance that someone next you in a Lone Star State grocery store or restaurant is carrying a concealed handgun. Starting Friday, Texas will join 44 other states that already allow people to openly carry handguns throughout the state.

[TXnMA]

Correct. I view this law as removing the requirement to conceal...

[trisham]

I wouldn't open carry anyway but one advantage I see is not worrying about 'printing' or your shirt riding up exposing your piece as you bend over or reach for something.

************************

Excellent point.

[basil]

tHanks for the info.

I thought that was true, just needed someone to confirm it for me.

[grobdriver]

Welcome.

[patriot08]

Knowing nothing about guns; what would be a good small, lightweight gun to buy to carry in my purse?

[dangerdoc]

How big is your purse? Some women carry purses that could hold a full sized service pistol. My wife is a pistol expert and carves the bulls eye out of targets with her Glock 19 but carries a different gun because she lakes to carry a small purse.

A larger/heavier pistol is going to be easier to shoot. A smaller lighter pistol is going to require more skill and practice.

Before purchasing a gun, get firearms training, preferably somewhere that is going to let you shoot a variety of weapons, you’ll get a better idea of what you are comfortable with.

You will get a lot of specific gun recommendations but they will be based on the what the poster thinks is best, but may not reflect what you need.

After you’ve shot some weapons and have a couple you like, bouncing it off the crew here will let you know some first hand experience with those weapons, and make a better informed decision.

I guarantee that you are going to get recommendations that you should carry a 38 revolver based on the bias that women can’t understand how to operate a semiautomatic. Don’t believe that for a minute. Fire a variety of weapons, get educated on how they work. Go back and shoot them again, get the feel of them and you will know what works for you.

After you buy it, shoot a thousand rounds through it, seriously.

[patriot08]

Thank you. I’ll do that.
Appreciate it.

[Richard Kimball]

True. It’s no longer called a CHL (concealed handgun license) and is now called a LTC (license to carry.)

[TexasRepublic]

“If the store posts a 30.06 sign can I still carry my Mauser?”

I have not seen any signs prohibiting 8mm, so maybe.

[B4Ranch]

Why would you interfere in a robbery if the store owner has a 30.06 sign posted?

[TXnMA]

"Knowing nothing about guns; what would be a good small, lightweight gun to buy to carry in my purse?"

~~~~~~~~~

dangerdoc gave you some very good advice. His

"A larger/heavier pistol is going to be easier to shoot. A smaller lighter pistol is going to require more skill and practice."

is "spot on". However, let me emphasize that simple physics dictates that, all other things being equal, the lighter the weight of the gun, the more recoil (aka "kick") you will feel.

Frankly, at the extremes of powerful cartridges ("rounds") and very light weight handguns, recoil can actually hurt! -- and you shouldn't go there at first.

My recommendation (akin to dangerdoc's) is that you steer clear of very small, lightweight handguns "for starters". Get comfortable with shooting larger to mid-weight/sized pieces -- and, then, see if you want to try the lighter, smaller ones...

All the best to you, and have a Happy New Year!

(BTW, a FReepMail follows...)

[patriot08]

Thanks

[Vinnie]

Knowing nothing about guns; what would be a good small, lightweight gun to buy to carry in my purse?

Get a revolver. Sooo much safer than a semi-auto. S&W J frame Centennial style, shrouded hammer long hard trigger pull.
No magazine, no safety, wondering whether there is a round in the chamber.
That type comes in standard stainless steel, lighter weight aluminum alloy. The heavier kicks less. The lighter carries easier, kicks more. A lightweight model in .38 have a significant kick.
This style.
http://www.snubnose.info/docs/m642.htm

Try before you buy.

[Vinnie]

http://www.snubnose.info/docs/m642.htm

[patriot08]

Thank you

[patriot08]

Thanks for all the good advice. Appreciate it.

[Lurker]

Make sure you try a whole bunch of different guns. You’ll find one that fits you. Also I’d recommend you begin with a revolver rather than a semi auto pistol. They are much simpler to operate and learn on. They’re great for getting the fundamentals in place, too.

Best of luck.

L

[patriot08]

Thanks...Happy NY

[Rock Eye Jack]

Yes
You need a Conceal Carry License to open carry or/and conceal carry
The name of the License will change to a Carry License

For Handguns this will not be Constitutional Carry
meaning if a Police Officer asks to see your License you must show