Oklahoma House Sends Open Carry Bill to the Governor

[RoadKingLarry]

This will pretty much change a concealed carry license to a carry license, open or concealed. While not the best possible outcome it is a step in the right direction.
http://www.okhouse.gov/OkhouseMedia/ShowStory.aspx?MediaNewsID=3602

Lawmakers Vote to Allow Open Carry          
 
Contact: State Rep. Rex Duncan
Capitol: (405) 557-7344

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 4, 2010) – State lawmakers voted today to allow Oklahomans with a handgun license to openly carry their weapon.

"The best offense is a good defense," said state Rep. Rex Duncan, R-Sand Springs. "The most effective way to deter criminals is to let them know immediately that they will face lethal resistance if they attempt to commit a crime."

House Bill 3354, by Duncan, would Oklahomans to openly carry a weapon if they have obtained a handgun license/concealed carry permit.

"This legislation should actually reduce the chance of violence," Duncan said. "A criminal is far less likely to attack once he sees a citizen is armed."

Duncan noted concealed carry license holders have a proven track record of behaving responsibly. State records show that nearly 36,000 concealed carry licenses were issued in 2009 and just 105 licenses were revoked that year. Nearly 97,000 Oklahomans currently have a concealed carry permit.

"The average citizen can clearly be trusted to handle a firearm responsibly when it is concealed," said Duncan, an attorney. "Why would we expect that to change if they are allowed to openly carry? It is clear that you can trust the average Oklahoman to behave responsibly."

House Bill 3354 passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives on a 74-24 vote today. It now proceeds to the governor.

Lets just hope our kind of liberal, kind of wishy washy, kind of stumping for an Obama administration job Democrat Governor will sign it.

[S. Williamson]

Oklahoma Democrats look like Libertarians next to most other Republicans.  

If it's signed, I will do a happy dance.

And continue to carry concealed.

[RoadKingLarry]

Oklahoma Democrats look like Libertarians next to most other Republicans.  

If it's signed, I will do a happy dance.

And continue to carry concealed.

As will I but slightly more relaxed about it.

[Tallpine]

OMG!  Blood will be running in the (dusty) streets!      


OK still has a long way to go, IMO.    

You can't even (legally) have a gun in your car without the permit, right ?

[RoadKingLarry]

Not quite, without a permit guns have to be unloaded and there are some odd requirements. Hasn't been an issue for the most part. I've never heard of someone getting jacked up for just having a otherwise legal gun in their car (doesn't mean it hasn't happend).

[wmenorr67]

Oklahoma Democrats look like Libertarians next to most other Republicans.  

If it's signed, I will do a happy dance.

And continue to carry concealed.

Same here. 

As will I but slightly more relaxed about it.

Same here.

But it also looks as if there is enough votes to override a veto if needed.

[Tallpine]

I've never heard of someone getting jacked up for just having a otherwise legal gun in their car (doesn't mean it hasn't happend).

Well, if you drive the speed limit then I imagine that you could cross the panhandle without any problems