TexasCHLforum.com

Marines and GIs seem to learn one thing very quickly in basic training: get as much as can whenever you can, because you don't know when you'll get any more.

The rule applies to food, sleep, ammo, beer, and --ummm-- distractions of a prurient nature.

Kevin[/quote]

sounds like you know this from experience.... dont worry, i wont tell your wife. We were trying to keep it civil, but you know how it is when you mix alcohol and a guy out to prove something. Not sure what he was gonna prove, but i'm just happy it went the way it did instead of escalating further.

opened a can of worms, hmm, you know, i dont think it could have been said any better than that

I agree that open carry isnt the best idea for most instances. When i got my CHL, i was in the service. I came home on leave between commands, and took my class, and got all the paperwork and all done. I only had about 3 weeks so my CHL didnt come in until after i'd already left for Arizona, so my parents had to mail it to me. While waiting for the license, i did openly carry as that was my only legal option. At first i was a bit nervous because of the same idea that i'd be shot first, well, i figured i'd take my chances. I was always courteous and avoided confrontation with people, but i also didnt bother hiding the fact that i was armed. The only time it ever became an issue was one time out to dinner with some friends when a drunk came in from the bar next door and decided to pick a fight with me and 3 of my Marines while we were trying to eat. His friend folowed him in, but didnt make any move to intervene until i stood up and asked if they'd let us leave, since they werent gonna let us eat. The second they realized i was armed--the rest were too, but remained seated--both the drunk and his semi-sober friend just walked down a ways to an empty table and sat down. The semi-sober one apologized as we were leaving a little while later after finishing our meal. No weapons were drawn, but them realizing what they were attempting to bite off made them back off and give us space.

I know that a person knowing you're armed wont resolve or avoid all situations, but it worked for us that one time. Not too long after my CHL got to me and i have since mostly carried concealed. The only exceptions were out hunting/fishing/camping in the desert. And i'm talking places where i was alone and at least 3 hours away from the closest piece of pavement, so i wasnt concerned about scaring/offending the sheeple. I know i wont be carrying openly without a good reason even if it becomes legal here someday, but i do agree that it would be nice to at least have the option if we choose to use it.