Revealed Concealed Weapon

[BTCC2ndA]

I have seen said it several times that in PA one can get in trouble if a concealed-carry pistol is revealed. Is this true? If so, what is the logic behind it given that PA is an open-carry state? Thank you.

[iamtommyboy]

Not true. Someone will be along to post why here soon I am sure.

[knight0334]

Think about it...

If unlicensed open carry is legal, how would a weapon being revealed from concealment be illegal?

No license or permit in the entire USA requires a person to keep a weapon concealed. Only 5-7 states/areas completely prohibit open carry, but the respective laws of those places require a person to keep it concealed - not the possession of a permit/license.

If someone tells you that a revealed weapon from concealment, while licensed, will get you in trouble - just chalk them up as dumbasses to the 9th degree.

[Subverto]

You essentially answered your own question. PA is an open carry state. As such, there is nothing illegal about your concealed firearm becoming unconcealed. However, if this happens and a cop sees it, they are legally allowed to ask you for your LTCF. This is because it is legal to open carry in PA without a license, but in order to conceal a firearm, you must have a LTCF.

[jthrelf]

I think the above posts have it covered. But did you mean, reveal it on purpose to someone - perhaps in a threatening manner?

[TaePo]

We should probably preface our answers with the declaration that we are assuming the person is lawfully carrying concealed with a LTCF or under another state's license recognized by PA.

There is an off chance someone unfamiliar could be misled or misunderstand.

Subverto referenced if an officer saw it and Hawkins mentions anonymous tips as not enough to justify a Terry stop unless the person reporting is known and their voracity or truthfulness is also known to the police (regarding a concealed gun momentarily spotted by another).

The last point in contention has been raised by jthrelf as I typed my reply.

[BTCC2ndA]

Thanks for the quick clarification. I indeed meant an inadvertant exposure of the gun.

[Curmudgeon]

I think the above posts have it covered. But did you mean, reveal it on purpose to someone - perhaps in a threatening manner?

^This. In fact, my answer was going to be "it depends on the manner in which it was revealed".

Is it accidental? Or is it an act in and of itself? Or is it intended as a threat/warning?

In the wrong context it could easily lead to legal trouble.

[Grey Bearded One]

I've heard all sorts of stupid shit from people who are supposed to know everything, primarily falling under these two categories:

1. If you have a concealed carry permit (sic) you can't carry openly anymore.

2. A gun must be either completely in the open or completely concealed.

[Svickstc]

There is no brandishing/printing law in PA

could one be charged with say terrorist threats, or disturbing the peace waving it around running down the street like a mad man...sure

or lifting up your shirt to expose it to be bad ass and threaten someone..no go