Concealed becomes Open Carry

[Flint]

I am so appreciative of all the postings to my elementary questions, but I am very new to the concealed carry license/permit. What I am wondering is what problem exists if your concealed carry under a garment becomes open carry if the garment is removed, or falls open, or lifts up when you reach up or bend over exposing a firearm on a belt holster. Isn't it legal and permitted either concealed or open ... that is, can it be both according to the situation or position of the garment.

[lildobe]

There is no legal issue with your firearm becoming exposed during the course of the day (PA has no "brandishing" or "printing" laws)

You of course have to deal with any of the bedwetting hoplophobes who might see it though - but they are usually so wrapped up in their own little worlds that they never see it.

[Dannytheman]

I try to sit with knowledge of where my firearm is. So when I go to have breakfast I try to sit with my weapon on the inside of the booth, so I can take of my jacket. There are times this will not work, and I find those times no one even notices. Confidence is key, look like you belong and are under control. If you act like it isn't there, they mostly don't see it.

[knight0334]

Since open carry is legal without a license(except Philly) - how could there be legal complications? Your license does not require you to conceal the gun. ...there are only 7 states + DC that completely ban open carry.

The only thing you might have to worry about is your gun coming uncovered in a state park where you are required to conceal.

[EvoRich]

Yeah, conceal as you wish with your LTCF, but if the firearm becomes exposed, it's not illegal and no big deal. Happens to me all the time because of my sticky Houge grip.

[Gun]

... (PA has no "brandishing" or "printing" laws)

Open carry, firearm still in the holster, is not brandishing.

definition;

brandish

1.: to shake or wave (as a weapon) menacingly
2: to exhibit in an ostentatious or aggressive manner

This action will get you cited.

[Flint]

Good interpretation from all, thanks. It seems like the LTCF is really only needed to carry a firearm in a vehicle/car/truck/SUV/etc. without disarming it, separating the firearm from the ammo, locking it all down where you can't get at it. I'll probably never carry, and for sure, not until I am "one with the gun" and skilled and experienced and practiced and "confident"...

[jcabin]

Good interpretation from all, thanks.

There is no interpretation to be made. PA has a License To Carry Firearms. No place on your license will you find the word concealed, nor anywhere in the UFA will you either (as far as lawfully carrying, that I'm aware of).

[30Glock]

I'll probably never carry, and for sure, not until I am "one with the gun" and skilled and experienced and practiced and "confident"...

Now this is sound advice, It is quite refreshing to see this attitude, Carrying a firearm comes with great responsibility, It can very well save your life and It can also ruin it.

[lildobe]

Open carry, firearm still in the holster, is not brandishing.

definition;
brandish
1.: to shake or wave (as a weapon) menacingly
2: to exhibit in an ostentatious or aggressive manner

This action will get you cited.

Yes, but you will not be cited for Brandishing, as PA has no law that makes "brandishing" per-se illegal.

You will be cited under the Disorderly Conduct statute (18 Pa.C.S. § 5503) for either "engag[ing] in fighting or threatening, or in violent or tumultuous behavior" OR "creat[ing] a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose of the actor."

The standard rumor is places that DO have "Brandishing" laws will apply them to Open Carry or accidental exposure, which is a common misconception that I was attempting to dispel with my comment that PA does not have such a law.