Some gun owners who are ardent and outspoken pro-gun, pro-2nd amendment supporters can have reservations about OC, and with good reason. Incidents such as the following do not reflect well on those of us interested in the right to carry arms for self defense.
Quote:The one I saw was a man in his late 60's with his mother well dressed carrying a full size 1911 but was looking at every one to see if they were looking at him. He would walk by the freezer section looking at his reflection.
And then there's this photo I'm sure all have seen:
Which was largely responsible for pressuring a previously neutral, if not pro-CC national restaurant chain to cross over:
Full story and video @ link:
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/business/2014/05/chipotle-takes-guns-off-its-menu/
I personally have fought long and hard to preserve the 2nd amendment affirmation of our God given right to self defense, yet do have some reservations regarding OC.
First, and foremost is the concern I have that the few "hotdogs", for lack of a better term, who go overboard to assert their rights, will simply scare many less informed , non gun owning citizens who have so far been neutral regarding gun issues.
Secondly, I do hope that weapon retention training will be required, as this is one facet of safe gun handling not familiar to most CCW's. I'm not saying that there will be massive issues where those practicing OC are disarmed to the detriment of those around them, but it only takes one such incident to make the national news and cause a backlash for us all.
Lastly, I fail to see but one benefit (to me personally) of OC over CC and that is the fact that should unintentional display occur, I would not be subject to prosecution as is currently the case. That could have been resolved by simply amending the CC laws negating that provision of current (Texas) law.
Some might argue that OC makes their weapon more readily available should the need arise, I offer the fact that the element of surprise far outweighs speed in most such situations.
Perhaps that belief is influenced by the fact that I have never been one to practice "fast draw", as I have become quite fond of all my toes; they have been attached for close to 80 years and I'd like to keep them that way.
My concern is that OC could possibly have unintended consequences to the hard fought CCW advances made in recent years. I hope I am wrong.
Just sayin'.
Regards,
hm