Oklahoma Rifle Association Opposes Oklahoma Open Carry Bill 129

Yukon, OK –-(Ammoland.com)- SB 129, sponsored by Senator Steven Russell R-Oklahoma City, would give anyone 18 years of age or older the right to openly carry a gun without a license or training.
The Oklahoma Rifle Association wrote a letter to state representatives opposing the open carry measure because it violates a federal age requirement of 21 to purchase guns.
Dear Representative:
On Saturday March 19th the Officers and Board Members of the Oklahoma Rifle Association held our Board Meeting in Shawnee OK. At this meeting pending firearms legislation at the Oklahoma Legislature was discussed.
It was the intent of the Oklahoma Rifle Association to remain in a position of neutrality on the “Open Carry” legislation as many of our members support some form of open carry. The Officers and Board Members of the ORA are in agreement with the “Open Carry” concept but, after much discussion, the majority of the Board Members and Officers, voted to oppose Senate Bill 129 by Senator Russell and Representative Osborne. This bill, in it’s present form, would allow those 18 years of age and older, to purchase and carry loaded Rifles, Shotguns and Handguns openly in a scabbard, with a sling, or a handgun in a holster, anywhere not in violation of Title 21, subsection A of Section 1277, without a back ground check and without training.
The Officers and Board Members are in opposition to SB 129 for these reasons:
First, The purchase of handguns by persons under the age of 21 is in violation of existing Federal Law. Second, Allowing citizens, trained or untrained, to carry Rifles and Shotguns either in a scabbard or with a sling on city streets and into business establishments will create an atmosphere of hostility and distrust, not to mention create fear in those in our society who have an aversion to any type of firearm. Third, The apprehension, created for the Law Enforcement Officers by the open carrying of long guns could create situations resulting in unnecessary use of deadly force. For these reasons we ask you to vote against SB 129 when it comes to the floor of the House of Representatives. Sincerely,
Don Scott, President, Oklahoma Rifle Association
Paul W. Abel,
Legislative Director, Oklahoma Rifle Association
Oklahoma Proposed Open Carry Bill SB 129
About Oklahoma Rifle Association:
The mission of the ORA is to protect and preserve the shooting sports at the state level. ORA will promote and improve the shooting sports by sponsoring marksmanship training and competitions throughout the state of Oklahoma.
ORA will work for the rights of the gun owner, shooter, collector, hunter, archer, black powder enthusiast. ORA will support the free exchange of ideas, information and education related to gun ownership, shooting, hunting, firearms and related topics. Visit: www.oklarifle.org
The reason why they are opposing this is because it will take money away from them if people can carry legal without a permit. When we purchase our firearms we go throw a back ground check so they are trying to pull the wool over our eyes. But what they don’t seem to understand is the shooters pay money to us their range and they are supporting them If it wasn’t for the people the ORA would not be around.
I just realized for the first time that the ORA emblem has a rainbow in the Indian’s feathers. How Thweet!
I have just sent an email to the NRA and ORA requesting refund of my past 12 years of membership fees, since they have apparently been using my money against me and my rights all along. Anyone know the 2A record of Practical Shooters Assn. and Gun Owners of America? Those might be good groups to join.
49, 89, 199 what difference does your age matter, if you don't support others 2nd amendment rights, why should anyone support yours?
Open carry might scare a few hoplophobes, at least until they get used to it, we've allowed guns to be stigmatized, making them visible daily and people used to them would help cure the problem.
I as a NRA member understand to a point!I as a 49 yr old would feel uncomfortable if a younger person came in to a restaurant with a gun.A lot of young people are responsible but many are not.Thats why they stomp the gas and peel out at a stopsign.
I was looking to join the ORA so I could buy a CMP Garand, but after reading this, I don't feel they deserve my money or membership.