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The last few years have seen a wave of states adopting permitless carry laws that allow residents to carry firearms, most recently when Nebraska became America’s 27th permitless carry state. Not all permitless carry laws are the same, though. Some states allow permitless concealed carry only, and some allow permitless open carry as well. AlienGearHolsters.com’s Hunter Gilroy explains some of the differences, writing:
All states allow – to some degree – concealed carry of a pistol, but not all allow for open carry, though the open carry states can be a bit more permissive with it than concealed carry. Almost all states require a permit to concealed carry, but only a few of the open carry states require one to open carry.
But how common is it? Can I do it in my state?
Open carry of handguns – to distinguish it from open carrying of ANY firearm – is currently permitted in 45 states…with some limitations, depending on the state.
We’ll go over what those limitations are, how each state differs and what’s generally permitted in the open carry states.
Bear in mind that this is not legal advice, and should not be taken as such. With that out of the way, however…
There’s Open Carry And Then There’s Open Carry
Bear in mind that every state differs on how they regulate open carry.
Some states require a permit for open and concealed carry – you can carry however you want, as long as you have a permit – some require a permit for concealed carry but not for open carry, and some states don’t require a permit at all. It all depends on what state you live in or are visiting.
Some states place restrictions on where and/or when you can open carry. Restrictions likewise vary by state; you may not be able to open carry in certain cities depending on the jurisdiction you’re in, and of course there may be some areas (schools, jails, courthouses, etc) where you are forbidden to possess a firearm at all.
In some states, you may only be able to openly carry a handgun…
…in other states, you may also be allowed by statute to openly carry a long gun in public.
So, as you have no doubt gleaned so far, some states allow for full and free open carry by anyone legally possessing a handgun and others put a bit more of a crimp on it, so to speak. It all depends on exactly what state and city you are in.
Read more here.
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