The open carry of handguns is legal in many states now, and Texas is one of the places where you can choose to keep your firearm in a visible location. While the laws regarding open carry vary among different states, they typically require a gun owner to obtain a license that demonstrates his or her ability to follow the best practices for responsible gun handling. The debate regarding whether concealed or open carry is better often gets heated among gun owners. Learning more about the main benefits of open carry laws helps you make the best decisions for your preferred method of carrying a handgun. The firearms experts from Online Texas LTC, your top choice for Texas concealed carry online classes, explain.
Make Firearms More Accessible
For years, responsible firearms owners complained about having to hide their guns away where they took longer to access in the event of an emergency. Most people carry firearms for self-protection. Having to dig through a handbag or reach for a handgun that’s in a holster under your pants leg takes up precious seconds. In a life-or-death situation, those seconds could easily influence the outcome of the situation. Open carry makes your firearm more accessible, which means you’ll be able to reach it more quickly.
Deter Criminal Activity
There’s also the potential benefit that seeing someone carrying a firearm could stop a person from carrying out a crime. Thieves and other types of criminals often prefer to have minimal disruptions to their plans. Those who walk into a store and see someone carrying a firearm will be less likely to pull out their own. Criminals often scout out locations beforehand, which means they may choose not to target places where they know open carrying of handguns is allowed. It’s also possible that criminals might think twice before committing spontaneous crimes, such as purse snatchings, if they see people are carrying.
Improve Your Comfort
Concealed carry often means having to go to extreme lengths to disguise your firearm. People often choose to wear long pants or sleeves during extremely warm weather. The need to conceal your firearm beneath your clothing may also mean you have a holster or parts of your firearm resting closely against your skin. Depending on your lifestyle, you may find it next to impossible to keep your firearm fully concealed. This can lead to situations, such as putting it in your purse or briefcase, that can increase the likelihood of someone taking control of your firearm. With open carry, you can bring your firearm with you without having to change how you dress.
Spread Awareness about Carrying a Firearm
Open carrying can be done without generating a whole lot of attention. Many holsters are designed to be discreet even when they’re outside your clothing. However, you can be certain a few people will still notice you’re carrying a handgun. Demonstrating responsible gun ownership and carrying methods builds positive impressions in the community about what it means to own a firearm.
It’s up to every LTC holder to determine which method of carry is best for them. Certain situations will dictate one way or another. However, in situations where concealed carry and open carry are both possible, Online Texas LTC always recommends carrying concealed.
If you’re carrying a firearm in Texas, it’s essential to make sure you learn how to do it safely and follow all the applicable laws. Online Texas LTC is committed to providing the best firearms training available. Whether you want to take a Texas LTC class to get your carry permit or you simply want to learn how to shoot and handle a gun safely, Online Texas LTC has exactly what you need. Give us a call today at 512-675-2124.
