# Open carry question **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 19, 2016, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-carry-question/775184 "2016-12-19T21:40:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![velomont](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8491ac/32.png) [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-carry-question/775184/1 "2016-12-19T21:40:06Z")
As a non-American, it’s my impression that open carry of a hand gun tends to be more restricted in the US than concealed carry. A Wikipedia article also mentions that open carry “…is strongly opposed by gun control groups such as the Brady Campaign and the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence.” Why are gun control groups opposed to open carry? If I’m visiting the US I think I would personally prefer to see who’s armed and who isn’t. In fact (I’m being a bit facetious here), car license plates should indicate the driver’s armament status to help avoid road-rage incidents going south. Why would gun control advocates want this hidden? This is not intended to be a gun control debate. ---
**Author:** ![Trinopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/2bfe46/32.png) [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-carry-question/775184/2 "2016-12-19T21:42:49Z")
We don’t want it hidden, so much as we don’t want it. Wearing a gun on your hip isn’t done for self-protection; it’s done as a threat to others. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-carry-question/775184/3 "2016-12-19T21:48:24Z")
> [@velomont](#): > > As a non-American, it’s my impression that open carry of a hand gun tends to be more restricted in the US than concealed carry. A Wikipedia article also mentions that open carry “…is strongly opposed by gun control groups such as the Brady Campaign and the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence.” > > Why are gun control groups opposed to open carry? If I’m visiting the US I think I would personally prefer to see who’s armed and who isn’t. In fact (I’m being a bit facetious here), car license plates should indicate the driver’s armament status to help avoid road-rage incidents going south. > > Why would gun control advocates want this hidden? This is not intended to be a gun control debate. Anyone can open carry. You have to take an 8 hour class to have a CCW. That’s not much, I know, but it does weed out the truly irresponsible gun owners. ---
**Author:** ![velomont](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8491ac/32.png) [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-carry-question/775184/4 "2016-12-19T21:54:23Z")
> [@Trinopus](#): > > We don’t want it hidden, so much as we don’t want it. > > Wearing a gun on your hip isn’t done for self-protection; it’s done as a threat to others. But isn’t handgun ownership a fact of life in the US that will never go away? (notwithstanding my gun control debate comment above). ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-carry-question/775184/5 "2016-12-19T22:10:13Z")
> [@velomont](#): > > But isn’t handgun ownership a fact of life in the US that will never go away? (notwithstanding my gun control debate comment above). Gun control advocates don’t have much say in who owns guns. Walking around with them in public, that’s something they have a problem with. For me, the reason to ban open carry would be to simplify the situation: if you see a gun and it’s not on a police officer, call the cops. This is not a _good_ reason, or a workable one, but it’s something. ---
**Author:** ![Dickerman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/8baadc/32.png) [@Dickerman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dickerman)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-carry-question/775184/6 "2016-12-19T22:15:22Z")
It depends on the state. I live in Washington State where open carry is not illegal, apart from age restrictions and certain other restrictions (e.g., intent to intimidate). To legally carry concealed, you must have a concealed pistol license [RCW 9.41.050: Carrying firearms.](http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.41.050)), unless you’re engaged in a legitimate outdoor activity such as camping or hiking ([RCW 9.41.060: Exceptions to restrictions on carrying firearms.](http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41.060)). Other states are more or less restrictive than Washington. It is not true that open carrying isn’t done for self-protection, and only done as a threat to others. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-carry-question/775184/7 "2016-12-19T22:25:29Z")
There are 50 (or more) different sets of laws in the US, and you shouldn’t assume that they’re consistent with each other, or even with themselves. There are, for instance, states where its legal to carry a gun concealed but not openly, but the reverse for any weapon other than a gun. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-carry-question/775184/8 "2016-12-19T22:26:35Z")
> [@Dickerman](#): > > It depends on the state. I live in Washington State where open carry is not illegal, apart from age restrictions and certain other restrictions (e.g., intent to intimidate). \*\*To legally carry concealed, you must have a concealed pistol license \*\*[RCW 9.41.050: Carrying firearms.](http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.41.050)), unless you’re engaged in a legitimate outdoor activity such as camping or hiking ([RCW 9.41.060: Exceptions to restrictions on carrying firearms.](http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41.060)). Other states are more or less restrictive than Washington. > > It is not true that open carrying isn’t done for self-protection, and only done as a threat to others. This is what I have a problem with. I feel that to carry a weapon in public, concealed or not, should require the same training and background check. I really don’t like the free pass some states give open carry. ---
**Author:** ![Dickerman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/8baadc/32.png) [@Dickerman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dickerman)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-carry-question/775184/9 "2016-12-19T22:35:51Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > This is what I have a problem with. I feel that to carry a weapon in public, concealed or not, should require the same training and background check. I really don’t like the free pass some states give open carry. A background check is required to purchase a firearm, whether you intend to open carry or conceal carry. No training is required in Washington State for a concealed pistol license. I understand that some people don’t like that, but I’ve never seen that it’s a problem. I know a lot of people who have concealed pistol licenses, and all are better trained than the training they would have to take in other states. I’ve never seen anything that indicates the lack of training requirement for a CPL or open carry is a problem here. ---
**Author:** ![slash2k](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/439d5e/32.png) [@slash2k](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slash2k)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-carry-question/775184/10 "2016-12-19T22:44:04Z")
> [@Dickerman](#): > > A background check is required to purchase a firearm, whether you intend to open carry or conceal carry. No training is required in Washington State for a concealed pistol license. I understand that some people don’t like that, but I’ve never seen that it’s a problem. I know a lot of people who have concealed pistol licenses, and all are better trained than the training they would have to take in other states. I’ve never seen anything that indicates the lack of training requirement for a CPL or open carry is a problem here. A background check is required to purchase a firearm IN CERTAIN STATES AND FROM CERTAIN PEOPLE. If I want to buy a gun out of the classifieds in the newspaper in my state, there’s no background check at all. In fact, there’s a law on the books here that says if a firearm is manufactured in Kansas (we don’t have any manufacturers here now, but if), it is ILLEGAL to enforce the requirement for a federal background check. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-carry-question/775184/11 "2016-12-19T22:44:38Z")
> [@Dickerman](#): > > A background check is required to purchase a firearm, whether you intend to open carry or conceal carry. Only if you buy it from a registered dealer. Private purchases do not require such a thing in most states. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-carry-question/775184/12 "2016-12-19T22:49:52Z")
> [@Dickerman](#): > > A background check is required to purchase a firearm, whether you intend to open carry or conceal carry. No training is required in Washington State for a concealed pistol license. I understand that some people don’t like that, but I’ve never seen that it’s a problem. I know a lot of people who have concealed pistol licenses, and all are better trained than the training they would have to take in other states. I’ve never seen anything that indicates the lack of training requirement for a CPL or open carry is a problem here. You call [this](https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fww1.hdnux.com%2Fphotos%2F30%2F30%2F06%2F6390156%2F5%2F1024x1024.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chron.com%2Fhouston%2Farticle%2FOpen-Carry-Do-s-and-Don-ts-6606658.php&docid=pDGCZBkEXWtjOM&tbnid=7eYqlGPa5qVDDM%3A&vet=1&w=1024&h=682&bih=825&biw=1515&q=unsafe%20open%20carry%20rifle&ved=0ahUKEwiSx5_uqoHRAhXqw1QKHRylBYkQMwglKAswCw&iact=mrc&uact=8) safe gunhandling? [Or this?](http://www.toyota-4runner.org/attachments/off-topic/147429d1424983084-share-your-edc-every-day-carry-items-img_9569_m.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Dickerman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/8baadc/32.png) [@Dickerman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dickerman)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-carry-question/775184/13 "2016-12-19T22:53:50Z")
> [@slash2k](#): > > A background check is required to purchase a firearm IN CERTAIN STATES AND FROM CERTAIN PEOPLE. Yes, thank you for that clarification. I’ve been trying to restrict my comments to what I know, which is Washington State, where purchases and (most) transfers of firearms require a background check. ---
**Author:** ![Dickerman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/8baadc/32.png) [@Dickerman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dickerman)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-carry-question/775184/14 "2016-12-19T23:06:04Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > You call [this](https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fww1.hdnux.com%2Fphotos%2F30%2F30%2F06%2F6390156%2F5%2F1024x1024.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chron.com%2Fhouston%2Farticle%2FOpen-Carry-Do-s-and-Don-ts-6606658.php&docid=pDGCZBkEXWtjOM&tbnid=7eYqlGPa5qVDDM%3A&vet=1&w=1024&h=682&bih=825&biw=1515&q=unsafe%20open%20carry%20rifle&ved=0ahUKEwiSx5_uqoHRAhXqw1QKHRylBYkQMwglKAswCw&iact=mrc&uact=8) safe gunhandling? That looks like some sort of demonstration and looks like at least one of those rifles is unloaded. No, it doesn’t bother me. I’ve been to a demonstration where a few people where carrying long guns and I’ve had very pleasant conversations with them. Most who support open carry would not open carry a long gun, apart from hunting. The very few who actually do are making a political statement. Open carry to the overwhelming majority of people who actually do means open carrying of a handgun that is safely secured in a holster. > [@running\_coach](#): > > [Or this?](http://www.toyota-4runner.org/attachments/off-topic/147429d1424983084-share-your-edc-every-day-carry-items-img_9569_m.jpg) That one looks unloaded. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-carry-question/775184/15 "2016-12-19T23:12:32Z")
> [@Dickerman](#): > > That looks like some sort of demonstration and looks like at least one of those rifles is unloaded. No, it doesn’t bother me. I’ve been to a demonstration where a few people where carrying long guns and I’ve had very pleasant conversations with them. > > Most who support open carry would not open carry a long gun, apart from hunting. The very few who actually do are making a political statement. Open carry to the overwhelming majority of people who actually do means open carrying of a handgun that is safely secured in a holster. Unfortunately, that is not the legal definition of open carry. It may mean that to the majority of people, but that is not how it is legislated. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-carry-question/775184/16 "2016-12-19T23:18:01Z")
> [@Dickerman](#): > > That looks like some sort of demonstration and looks like at least one of those rifles is unloaded. No, it doesn’t bother me. I’ve been to a demonstration where a few people where carrying long guns and I’ve had very pleasant conversations with them. > > Most who support open carry would not open carry a long gun, apart from hunting. The very few who actually do are making a political statement. Open carry to the overwhelming majority of people who actually do means open carrying of a handgun that is safely secured in a holster. > > Looks unloaded > > That one looks unloaded. The first one has a magazine in place. Not much good for defense if you have to: Unsling the rifle. Retrieve the magazine and insert. Chamber a round. Release the safety. Optional) Bolt assist. I’m sure the mugger will wait patiently for all this. In both cases, they do not have control of their weapon. How easy to just grab the rifle and yank the person around. ---
**Author:** ![Dickerman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/8baadc/32.png) [@Dickerman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dickerman)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-carry-question/775184/17 "2016-12-19T23:34:47Z")
> [@k9bfriender](#): > > Unfortunately, that is not the legal definition of open carry. It may mean that to the majority of people, but that is not how it is legislated. There is no legal definition of open carry in Washington State, where I live. It is how the open carries if know and have seen practice. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-carry-question/775184/18 "2016-12-19T23:45:11Z")
FTR, when I am out-n-about on the town, I am _always_ armed everywhere I go unless there’s a law that prohibits me from being armed (e.g. inside a government building). I would estimate I open carry 90% of the time and conceal carry 10% of the time. > [@velomont](#): > > As a non-American, it’s my impression that open carry of a hand gun tends to be more restricted in the US than concealed carry. As others have mentioned, it is highly dependable on the laws of the particular state. In Ohio, open carry is actually _less_ restrictive than concealed carry. > [@velomont](#): > > Why are gun control groups opposed to open carry? Most gun control groups are opposed to open carry, concealed carry, and even the private ownership of guns. > [@velomont](#): > > If I’m visiting the US I think I would personally prefer to see who’s armed and who isn’t. Let’s say you had X-ray glasses that allowed you to see who is armed and who is not armed. How would you use this information? > [@running\_coach](#): > > This is what I have a problem with. I feel that to carry a weapon in public, concealed or not, should require the same training and background check. I really don’t like the free pass some states give open carry. The problem you run into is that, according to most (all?) state constitutions, the right to bear arms is just that – a _right_. The government cannot require you to get a license before you’re “allowed” to exercise a right. ---
**Author:** ![Dickerman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/8baadc/32.png) [@Dickerman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dickerman)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-carry-question/775184/19 "2016-12-19T23:47:53Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > The first one has a magazine in place. > > Not much good for defense if you have to: > Unsling the rifle. > Retrieve the magazine and insert. > Chamber a round. > Release the safety. > Optional) Bolt assist. > I’m sure the mugger will wait patiently for all this. > > In both cases, they do not have control of their weapon. How easy to just grab the rifle and yank the person around. I can agree with all of that, especially in a non-demonstration situation. Even in those cases where a magazine is in place, I’d be surprised if it were loaded. If it were loaded, that is not safe. I mentioned earlier that I’ve been to a gun rights demonstration where some people were carrying longs guns, and all were unloaded, which was essentially mandated by the organizers and supported and enforced by the participants (not that enforcement was needed as far as I know). I don’t think it’s very helpful when discussing the open carry issue to focus on the extreme outliers (loaded long gun carry apart from hunting). I just don’t find it that interesting. It can be helpful to discuss what is the normal practice, which is a safely holstered handgun. ---
**Author:** ![Flyer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/flyer/32/7298_2.png) [@Flyer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flyer)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2016, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-carry-question/775184/20 "2016-12-19T23:48:08Z")
> [@Trinopus](#): > > We don’t want it hidden, so much as we don’t want it. > > Wearing a gun on your hip isn’t done for self-protection; it’s done as a threat to others. By “others” I assume you mean criminals? Otherwise your statement makes no sense. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-carry-question/775184.md?page=2)