OK Legislature Passes Open Carry Bill

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Updated: 5/05/2010 2:29 pm

Published: 5/04/2010 5:01 pm

The Oklahoma State Representatives voted to allow Oklahomans with a handgun license to openly carry their weapon.

   House Bill 3354 passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives 74-24 Tuesday. It is now headed to Governor Brad Henry's desk.

      24 states have open carry laws. Supporters of the law say it will promote safety in the state. Gun and gun shop owner, David Stone said, "Let's say a guy is going to come in and rob the bank let's say there's 3 or 4 people in line with a gun. Do you think he's going to rob it or turn around and go somewhere else? I suspect he's going somewhere else."

      Others are worried the sight of guns will incite more violence.

       Governor Henry has not said whether he will sign the bill into law. A spokesperson for his office said the Governor is still reviewing the final verson of the bill.

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The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of KOKI FOX23 - Tulsa

cbroadd - 5/15/2012 2:18 PM

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With more citizens carrying weapons, can we expect a higher rate of criminals being killed during the commission of their crimes rather than burdening the state with incarceration expenses?

slimjim - 5/8/2010 8:26 AM

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mmain1, I agree with braxler09. Yes, I am VERY AWARE that a large number of citizens carry firearms, with or without a permit, which are concealed, on their person. A mugger determined to rob YOU would most likely take action first, to neutralize your ability to defend yourself with a firearm. braxler09 is right, the element of surprise is very valuable. I personally do not want to see everyone walking around with a firearm strapped to their side like the old wild wild west.

braxler09 - 5/5/2010 11:35 PM

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If a person really wants to commit a robbery and is willing to kill someone. His/her first target will be the citizen with a gun. I think I will keep mine concealed. The element of surprise is very valuable.

mmain1 - 5/5/2010 4:23 PM

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@slimjim Do you think Open Carry would INCREASE violence? Don't you think a criminal would think twice about mugging you if you had a side arm in plain sight? Are you afraid that open carry allows criminals to walk around with a firearm? Do you understand that a large number of citizens are carrying guns at your local Wal-Mart and you just can't see them because they are concealed? I am failing to see how an Open Carry law will INCREASE violence.

bigmo63 - 5/5/2010 1:48 PM

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I DON'T THINK THE GOVERNOR HAS THE GUTS TO APROVE THIS BILL. HE IS IN VETO MODE AND DOSE NOT CARE ABOUT WHAT IS GOOD FOR THIS STATE.

slimjim - 5/5/2010 11:18 AM

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Coming soon to a town near you: "SHOOTOUT AT THE OK CORRAL".

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