There have been occasions (not in Texas) where I was walking through an isolated downtown parking garage late at night, where I had my handgun in my right hand, discreetly down at my side. Or walking down a dark isolated alley at night on my way to where I parked my car. The urban creatures were unaware of the handgun, but I was certainly aware of them.The bottom line: It is unlikely that the Texas Legislature is going to remain silent on how a handgun can be carried openly, if for no other reason than the need to pacify some legislators who fear Texans walking around with guns in their hands or simply shoved into their waistband. If the manner of carry is included in Texas law, then it should be limited to requiring the use of a “holster, scabbard, or other similar device to hold the handgun.”
There are times when I think it can be reasonable for someone to have a bit of extra caution, and the gun already in hand helps the OODA curve.
I'd hate like heck to find myself arrested for public display of a handgun not in a proper holster for a circumstance where drawing was simply being cautious. How many times will police enter a deserted warehouse or building with guns drawn? Why do they do so . . . it is obvious that they feel if better readies them for the unexpected. We should expect that an ordinary law-abiding licensee should have no less common sense and judgment, especially in light of a 2 decade track record demonstrating same.