I have lurked here for a couple of years now. I wanted to pipe in here on the issue of retention, and the excellent article on the web site today. "
https://www.texasfirearmscoalition.com/ ... open-carry" I am also encouraged by Gov. Abbots statements recently
http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2015/02/ ... -into-law/
The fact that this discussion is even possible is a positive sign. It was mentioned OC states do not require retention devices. I also would note, that in most of those states, OC often results in some random video on youtube. I am confident Texans will embrace it, and rush to get CHL's will be on. Constitutional Carry will never pass thanks to the efforts of the obvious groups.
In reality, the nature of conceal carry secures a weapon quite well in most cases. I do not know of anyone who conceal carries without a holster, though I do not recall it is a requirement. It just makes sense at a minimum to require a holster for Open Carry. This is an accepted standard of any professional. This will hopefully prevent the inevitable gun dropping on the ground, situations which hopefully do not result in an accidental discharge. I can't conceive of the discomfort of OC or CC without a holster. Remember, that little "pocket" case is not much, but it is still a holster.
Personally, I would not object to a requirement of 1 retention device. Where it becomes hairy, is as previously pointed out, carrying a revolver. Therefore, I would not object to a requirement for "
1 device or feature, of any nature designed to retain a handgun in the holster." Again, it is highly likely if you are open carrying, that you become target number one, and you are more likely to end up in a tussle with a bad guy in my opinion. So a little common sense is prudent to that end. I do want Open Carry, and this seems like a happy "compromise". I would be happy with no requirement, or the requirement of 1 device or feature. Again, most likely, I would not open carry without at least the retention rawhide that came with my revolver holster, or the single snap retainer that comes with a standard LEO OC holster.
I should note that most holsters out there have no retention device, single devices are more common, and when you add a triple device, you pretty much limit yourself to a few options, none of which would allow "passive" Open Carry because of the bulk. So for legislative discussions with folks who are a bit concerned, I would ask them, would you prefer someone carry a bulky rig like a police officer, that cannot be worn discretely, or something that has a little or single retention device or feature that does not stick out like a sore thumb. I triple retention device holster will get so little use, that you may as well not pass OC.
With licensed open carry, there is at least a successful track record of responsible individuals who will not make legislature sorry after working so hard for it. Remember, you can't fix, or legislate away stupid. Has Concealed Carry reduced or prevented crime, protected Texans? What makes someone believe, because you cannot see the gun, but you know it is there makes any difference. Texans are armed, every LEO in Texas automatically assumes everyone is armed anyway.
The only other unrelated comment I would like to throw out there for what it is worth, is the fact that I think Texas should do away with Unilateral agreements on CHL. If there is no reciprocity what is in it for Texans? I suspect the reasons why, but there is no incentive for reciprocity if they already have the privilege here.
Would I sport around town with my Six gun strapped on, no, probably not. Open carry in Texas would be a blessing, it's hot and uncomfortable to conceal carry most of the time. While not "blatantly" open carrying most times, it would be nice to be able to wear an outside the waistband holster with a light shirt, and not worry about printing. In this day and age, with the headlines from the Middle East we see every day, it will be a great sign for Texans to say, no, not in our state, and provide a strong deterrent. After all, isn't that what Carry is all about?
