Open Firearms Carry Would Be Allowed Under Hickman Bill

A proposed law change filed in the House would remove the requirement that Oklahomans with a handgun license keep their weapons concealed at all times.

House Bill 3114, filed by House Speaker Pro Tempore Jeff Hickman, removes the concealed requirement from Oklahoma statutes regarding handgun licenses. The existing system of background checks and training, which is part of Oklahoma’s successful concealed carry law, would remain in effect.

“Oklahoma’s concealed carry law has been very successful and it is hard for anyone to argue that our state’s system for background checks and education doesn’t work,” said Hickman, R-Fairview. “My proposal keeps that effective system in place but removes the requirement that those with a license must keep their handgun concealed.”

Currently, to obtain a concealed carry permit, a citizen must undergo firearms training and pass a criminal background check.

Hickman noted that thousands of citizens have received concealed carry permits in Oklahoma and only a handful of the licenses have been revoked.

In addition, more than 40 states allow some form of open carry, according to opencarry.org.

“The fact that more than 40 other states, including several of what I consider to be more liberal states on the East Coast, permit open carry, proves that this type of law can be implemented responsibly here in Oklahoma too,” Hickman said. “We have a good concealed carry law on the books now and I believe this simple modification of removing the concealed requirement is the best way to ensure public safety and protect our Second Amendment rights as Americans.”

Hickman said House Bill 3114 addresses past concerns that if a concealed carry license holder’s handgun becomes accidentally visible that the citizen has broken the law. It also would provide the option to Oklahomans who want to carry their handgun when temperatures warm up in Oklahoma but don’t want to wear a jacket or other additional clothing item to conceal the handgun. The ability of an Oklahoman to carry a concealed weapon would also remain in effect just as it is today.


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  1. M Brown, 10 February, 2012

    No one should be allowed to carry handguns, open or concealed!

  2. Jeremy, 23 March, 2012

    You can’t be from around here right? The way I was raised it to respect guns. Its better to have one and not use it, then to not have one and need it. See the problem with you comment of nobody should carry a gun open or conceled, is that it’s a violation of are constitutional rights. Do you belive in the constitution? Hopefully nothing bad ever happens to you or your family, but god forbid it did wouldn’t you wanna fight for your family? The 1st attack on US soil was 9/11 not counting peal harbor. If it happen again would you want to be prepared for you family, and your country? Have you forgotten the freedoms? Maybe where you are from they don’t teach them, but this great country we live in were founded on them. Please don’t forget the brothers and sister who died for your freedoms. Remember if you give them an inch, they want a mile.

    Freedom!!!!

  3. dick grace, 10 February, 2012

    oh really. Not even the gestapo? When you have a problem i assume you will not call the police or defend yourself?

  4. M Brown, 10 February, 2012

    Your “gestapo” comment is not appreciated.
    I will put it simply so you can understand, when you carry a handgun, expected to be treated as a felon.
    I can not ascertain your intention for carrying a handgun.
    Citizens, be warned.

  5. mikes1voice, 10 February, 2012

    I carry a handgun and damn sure don’t expect to be “treated as a felon.” Most police officers of my acquaintance are solid supporters of concealed carry…and not so much of open carry.

  6. Ol Feller, 11 February, 2012

    As a former LEO, I agree with the “gestapo” comment M Brown. Try pulling your “felon” stunt on a licensed permit holder in Oklahoma and it will cost you two lifetimes to pay off your legal fees. FWI, the “people” of Oklahoma make the laws here not you, and we have laws in this state to deal with “John Wayne” types such as yourself. If you are really in law enforcement I suggest you visit with your attorney on this issue or find another line of work.

  7. mikes1voice, 11 February, 2012

    CANTON —
    A pattern of verbal abuse and death or physical threats was too much for the city (of Canton, OK) to overlook when deciding to fire Patrolman Daniel Harless, according to the safety director.
    Safety Director Thomas Ream issued the ruling Tuesday and released the three-page report explaining it Wednesday.
    The internal affairs division of the Police Department had investigated three traffic stops involving Harless, each one filmed by a cruiser dash camera. Investigators said that the officer had violated rules for conduct, cooperation with the public and handling persons.
    The most controversial and publicized was a traffic stop in June involving a man with a permit to carry a concealed handgun.
    During the June stop, Harless told William Bartlett, 52, of Brewster, that “as soon as I felt your gun, I should have took two steps back, pulled my Glock 40 and just put 10 bullets in your ass and let your drop. And I wouldn’t have lost any sleep. Do you understand me?”

  8. JD in OK, 10 February, 2012

    M Brown, so should the police be allowed to carry handguns? Statically, concealed carry gun owners are the lowest demographic group in the nation for commision of felony crimes. They are even lower than law enforcement. Seems our fears are baseless.

  9. Aaron, 12 February, 2012

    I am a former LEO as well, and must say that I have never had any problems with carrying concealed. Was stopped on a traffic stop, and followed established rules (Identified myself as having a concealed weapon, with a license to do so). Officer was courteous, and never asked to see weapon or license, although he did want to know where the weapon was (in my console).

    Many years ago, before concealed carry was legally established, I routinely recommended to females to consider having a loaded gun with them if traveling by themselves. My wife has her permit, as does my mother-in-law and sister-in-law. My son got his first handgun (Sig .22) at age 10, and is very proficient and accurate with it. He could defend my home if need be (we live out in the country).

    As to the police being there quickly when you need them, I believe the average response time to a 911 call in OKC metro area is 6 minutes (last I heard – I haven’t confirmed this myself personally), and this sounds about right from my previous police experience. Just ask the mother in Blanchard if she was glad she a weapon when the two thugs were breaking into her house to steal her recently deceased husband’s pain medication. The 17 minutes it took for the police to get to her residence would have been time to break in, rape/kill her, injure/kill baby, etc., etc. Luckily she was able to defend herself. Old saying in police work – “would rather be tried by 12, than carried by six.”

  10. Firehand, 20 February, 2012

    Overall I prefer concealed, but being able to open-carry would be very nice at times. Especially in summer.

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