Stupid question from a newbe

[USMMAN]

I just applied for my concealed firearm permit, and I purchased a new CM9. After reading some of the posts here, there seems to be much importance placed on how and where to carry your weapon to make sure no one can see it. I have seen citizens in Texas with their guns in plain view. Are we required to hide our firearms, and if not, what's the big deal about someone seeing our legal weapons? Thanks. Jack

[lamppa]

we need your location.

[OldLincoln]

Each state has it's own set of gun carry laws, which may be supplemented further by county. It is important that you know and follow those laws as in some states, you risk losing your carry permit forever. In CA, it is a "Concealed Carry Permit" which definitely means concealed.

[JFootin]

I'm from NC. My understanding is that open carry is currently unlawful in Texas, but that there is currently a bill being considered to make it lawful for CC permit holders to openly carry. The persons that you see openly carrying might be off duty police officers. But wait a while and that bill will probably pass.

[laserfish]

It is unlawful to display your weapon in Texas, it is concealed carry only. You will learn all of the rules in the class. Plus the fact that I do not wish anyone to know I am carrying anyway, just would create problems. Most if it is a big deal for comfort as most positions will conceal fine, but some are not as comfortable as others.

[USMMAN]

I am in MS, and I'm guessing our weapons should be concealed as well. Thanks.

[mr surveyor]

.... I have seen citizens in Texas with their guns in plain view....

I would like a bit more information concerning that. When and where did you actually see "citizens" (other than LEO) open carry in Texas?

[mr surveyor]

I would like a bit more information concerning that. When and where did you actually see "citizens" (other than LEO) open carry in Texas?



edit to add: "Long guns" are not illegal to openly display, like in a pick-up truck gun rack (which is rare these days), but not advisable to carry in your hand when walking down the street in "town". They seem to have these silly laws about inciting panic or some such nonsense.

[ltxi]

I just applied for my concealed firearm permit, and I purchased a new CM9. After reading some of the posts here, there seems to be much importance placed on how and where to carry your weapon to make sure no one can see it. I have seen citizens in Texas with their guns in plain view. Are we required to hide our firearms, and if not, what's the big deal about someone seeing our legal weapons? Thanks. Jack

As noted, it depends....some places a permit simply adds the legal blessing to carry concealed. Others, it requires side arms to be concealed with differing levels of paranoia regarding visibility. There are a wide variety in between. I don't know Texas details.

[pineappleshooter]

Gotta love PA - open carry state so I don't care if I print or accidently flash my gun. I do, however, try my best to keep it concealed.

[ltxi]

My philosophy as well. I've been doing this so long I don't really think about it and the only place(s) I normally carry either explicitly or implicitly don't care.

[muggsy]

There is no such thing as a stupid question. You will at times receive stupid answers. You best bet is to ask for legal advice from a lawyer. Most of us aren't lawyers. We just play at being lawyers on this forum. :)

[USMMAN]

I was just reading in my local paper that the law will change in MS on July 1, and it appears weapons in the open will be allowed.