Open Carry

pennwalk · Mar 25, 2013

The other day when I came out of the drug store I noticed two big young guys ahead of me who had holstered hand guns on their hips. I think that that was the second time I have ever seen anyone who wasn't a hunter or a cop carrying open. Does it happen a lot where you are? I was trying to imagine what it was like in the old days when it was more normal.

Chris

brin · Mar 25, 2013

pennwalk said:
The other day when I came out of the drug store I noticed two big young guys ahead of me who had holstered hand guns on their hips. I think that that was the second time I have ever seen anyone who wasn't a hunter or a cop carrying open. Does it happen a lot where you are? I was trying to imagine what it was like in the old days when it was more normal.

Chris

It is legal in Georgia to either carry concealed or open....I have never seen anyone here openly carrying a sidearm except when out hunting and then I even do...but I know there are those that do openly carry a sidearm in town or out and about...I hear them talking about it ..but I have just never seen it...Their theory is to educate the public that they are armed to protect themselves and others from the criminals...I have debated with them and told them to carry concealed or risk causing regular folks or especially anti gun folks to have something to point to help them in outlawing all rights to carry...concealed or open....but alas...they have their firm views...In Georgia you need a Georgia Weapons License to carry open or concealed unless you are hunting...

DT86 · Mar 25, 2013

In Virginia anyone who can legally own a hand gun can open carry. Not many choose to do so where I am, but I do frequently.

Nooodles · Mar 25, 2013

It is legal to open carry without a license in pa. In the city of philadelphia, you are required to have a license to carry firearms. No matter which way you decide to carry, if your gonna set one foot in a car, you must have a license to carry. unless you are going to and from the range or to a dealer. in that circumstance, your guns and ammo must be kept separate and not within reach of each other.

PsRumors · Mar 25, 2013

It is not uncommon here. When I am lazy I'll open carry and never have a fuss.

k0ua · Mar 25, 2013

It is legal in a lot of states to Open Carry.. It is legal here in the state of Missouri, but a lot of the municipalities have passed local ordinances against it.
You have to be very carefull where you open carry.. There are a lot of different thoughts on this, Easy thing to do is get your CCW and carry concealed.
Here is an excerpt from MO. law.
Of course it was written before our CCW statues were passed in 2004, which allow Concealed carry now with permit on your person, and not in your automobile or domicile, and allows concealed carry without permit if in your domicile or automobile. as long as you qualify to own the concealed weapon. ( of age and not a felon)

Article I Section 23. Bill of Rights.
RIGHT TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS--EXCEPTION.

Section 23. That the right of every citizen to keep and bear arms in defense of his home, person and property, or when lawfully summoned in aid of the civil power, shall not be questioned; but this shall not justify the wearing of concealed weapons.

Source: Const. of 1875, Art. II, § 17.
(2004) Section does not prohibit the General Assembly from enacting statutes allowing or disallowing the carrying of concealed weapons; the Concealed-Carry Act is therefore constitutional. Brooks v. State, 128 S.W.3d 844 (Mo.banc).

2LaneCruzer · Mar 25, 2013

Oklahoma recently passed an open carry statute, but you must be licensed. I cannot see the value of open carry except for hunting.

Nooodles · Mar 25, 2013

2LaneCruzer said:
Oklahoma recently passed an open carry statute, but you must be licensed. I cannot see the value of open carry except for hunting.

I agree with you. but there are 2 very debatable theories for both sides. Then expect this thread to spiral out of control and crash and burn

brin · Mar 25, 2013

Nooodles said:
I agree with you. but there are 2 very debatable theories for both sides. Then expect this thread to spiral out of control and crash and burn

I'll just say I agree and have said so...The only reason I can see why someone would openly carry a sidearm into a store like Walmart or down the street or anywhere in public would be to draw attention to themselves...It must give them some sort of Macho feeling....I think it sets them up as a target for any bad guys out there...Think about it...If you are a bad guy up to no good and you see some guy carrying a gun....Who are you going to take out first...?

Because it is so rare to open carry many folks seeing someone with a gun, call the police...I think some of the open carry folks are looking for a confrontation with the police...I say this because on gun blogs I have read their posts .:2cents: