Open carry now the law in Oklahoma
BY World's Editorials Writers
Friday, November 02, 2012
11/02/12 at 3:18 AM
It's now the law of the land in Oklahoma. As of Thursday, those 142,000 Oklahomans who have handgun licenses may now carry those weapons openly.
With the new law in effect, Oklahoma becomes the 44th state to allow some form of open carry.
It's doubtful most of those who have permits will strap on a weapon, and it's just as doubtful huge numbers of Oklahomans will flock to gun school in order to openly carry a weapon. In fact, probably not much will change as a result of the new law, which has been the case in other states that allow open carry.
We certainly hope and trust that not much will change.
While they now may openly carry a handgun, those who want to do so must also accept that the right carries with it some responsibilities, and they owe it to the rest of us to study up on the requirements of the new law and abide by them.
Only certain handguns can be carried openly, and no guns are allowed into government buildings, public meetings, bars, schools, college campuses and other places that specifically ban weapons.
People who carry weapons must also carry their licenses with them, as well as state-issued photo ID. They should be aware that law enforcement can ask to see the license.
The law also requires that the weapon must be in a "belt or shoulder holster," which could mean it is legal to simply tuck a gun into one's waist belt. But officials advise that a holster should be used.
There probably will be a few incidents as Oklahomans become familiar with the law. No doubt law officers will receive concerned calls about people carrying weapons. So let's stay calm and abide by all the law's requirements so as to minimize any possible risks posed by weapons in plain sight.
Original Print Headline: In the open
