Topic: Open Carry

Texas gun rights advocates are utilizing a legal loophole that classifies pre-1899 black powder revolvers as antique relics rather than regulated firearms. These weapons do not require background checks or 4473 forms and can be legally carried openly. This strategy aims to normalize the presence of sidearms in public by using less intimidating, historical firearms to interact positively with the public and law enforcement.

Sergeant Drew Knighty expresses his personal support for law-abiding citizens carrying firearms, suggesting that a broad ownership of guns benefits public safety. The discussion explores the hypothetical scenario of a citizen assisting an officer during a dangerous traffic stop. The participants conclude that the primary distinction between a "good guy" and a "bad guy" is the intent and the direction in which the weapon is pointed.

Gun rights advocates observe that police responses to open carry demonstrations are becoming less aggressive over time, moving from "red alert" status to simple observation. During the festival in Gonzales, which saw crowds of five to six thousand people, only one call was placed to dispatch regarding the visible rifles. Sergeant Drew Knighty concludes the interaction by expressing interest in testing black powder weapons at a range during a future visit.

Justin Delosh and AJ Postel, members of Open Carry Texas, were arrested at the Texas State Capitol for openly carrying pre-1899 black powder pistols. While Texas law classifies these antique items as non-firearms, Department of Public Safety troopers charged the men with class A misdemeanor criminal trespass. Postel reportedly suffered cracked ribs during the arrest, which was captured on bystander cell phone footage.

Open Carry Texas announced plans for an armed protest at the Region 7 DPS headquarters on Lamar Boulevard in December. The demonstration follows a recent confrontation where a trooper questioned Justin Delosh for wearing an empty holster in protest. Group leadership encouraged members to remain calm during future interactions with law enforcement while maintaining their intent to carry long guns and antique handguns during the upcoming event.

Matthew Shortt of Come and Take It Texas discusses an open carry demonstration and mock mass shooting scheduled near the University of Texas at Austin. The organization argues that 95% of mass shootings occur in gun-free zones and aims to eliminate these areas to protect the inalienable right to self-defense. Critics, including Gun for Utah co-chair Joan Neuberger, characterize the event as disrespectful and counterproductive given the current climate of student anxiety.