Open Carry?

[sk1nw4lk3r]

I know of some of the laws, but am looking for a simple answer;

If I wear my gun, which I legally own, on my hip, where can I and can I not be prosecuted or get in trouble? Am I legally entitled to wear it out in public? Have read some other people's horror stories, just trying to find out the nitty gritty.

[Knimrod]

I know of some of the laws, but am looking for a simple answer;

If I wear my gun, which I legally own, on my hip, where can I and can I not be prosecuted or get in trouble? Am I legally entitled to wear it out in public? Have read some other people's horror stories, just trying to find out the nitty gritty.

If only it were that simple..

Unfortunately, the horror stories you may have heard prove that "legally entitled" may not always prevent detention, arrest, or even prosecution.. But you're on the right track.. Get informed..

[Venator12]

I know of some of the laws, but am looking for a simple answer;

If I wear my gun, which I legally own, on my hip, where can I and can I not be prosecuted or get in trouble? Am I legally entitled to wear it out in public? Have read some other people's horror stories, just trying to find out the nitty gritty.
Start here, lots of info on open carry. http://opencarry.mywowbb.com/forum30/13328.html
Open carry is legal, if you don't have a CPL there are some places you can not possess a firearm. Many LEO's don't know it's legal or if they do they don't like it and may hassle you. Generally we have found that those under 25 tend to get the most LEO attention. Know what your rights are and the law before you OC.

[Hcidem]

I think most people start out slowly. They carry openly in their yard. Later, they might take a little neighborhood walk...perhaps purchase a paper if a store is nearby.

Foremost, I think it is essential to understand the law. I do not presently have a CPL, but will be changing this soon. The CPL doesn't establish your OC rights, but it sure can deflect a lot of potential legal hazards.

Many OCers strongly suggest carrying a pocket recorder to record any interaction with the police. Some have found this to provide a lot more protection than they expected it would.

Many OCers regularly carry literature on the legalities of open carry. This is not always welcomed by the police, but it is particularly useful when addressing the public.

I know of a man who seems to frequently attract negative attention when he carries. He was able to share some literature with a person who had just got off the phone with a "911" dispatcher to report him. The caller thought the dispatcher was just lazy, and didn't want to bother an officer with what he thought was obviously illegal.

One week later, Mr. Attention-attraction saw the caller open carrying with a rather obvious drop-down holster. They greeted each other, and went on their ways. I thought this was a particularly positive use of such literature.