The gunslingers backing concealed-carry legislation in the General Assembly got off no more than a warning shot this year. That's good for Missourians.

The legislation, in various guises, failed to make it to Gov. Bob Holden. He had threatened a veto.

"I think it made it more difficult," said Holden, who met recently with The Star's Editorial Board. He said that although proponents had the votes in the legislature, "I just don't think they could come up with the right cause of action" to move it along.

Holden played down his part in derailing the concealed-carry measures: "I'll share credit with whoever wants it."

Holden has chosen not to make political hay of this, which speaks well of him. But his outspoken opposition was a significant factor. He stood up to the Democrats and Republicans who chose to ignore the wishes of Missouri voters and make concealed-carry law regardless of the cost to our quality of life.

Lawmakers who favor concealed carry knew better than to push too hard. Despite the support of the National Rifle Association, they pulled back. It would have been a major political blunder had these legislators pursued this all the way to the governor.

But if there's one thing we've learned about the gun lobby, it's that it never gives up. Expect it to return next session. Holden and other opponents had better keep a lookout.