Can I open carry in all 48 states?

[dlclarkii]

I know OC and CC is against the law in IL and WI. But what about the other 48 states, can I open OC, just as long as it's not a major city? Do you need a permit to OC in any state? In PA you don't. In the next several weeks I'll have my PA and UT LTCF so I'll be able to CC in 34 states. The other 16 states I can not CC nor carry hot in the car. But can I OC in those other 16 states? Thanks.

David

[gf45acp]

No, at least not in NJ. I believe that Opencarry.org will be of help to you.

[BCI Instructor]

Sir,

Here's a good start ...

http://www.opencarry.org/maps.html

Once the map loads, click on any individual state for details.

As always, this third party source (one of the best available) should be used for initial research.
ALWAYS go the next step and access the appropriate state statute or agency to verify the info current and accurate.

(Note: One of the challenges with researching Open Carry is that in many locations if there is no law / statute / regulation restricting or prohibiting OC, it is therefore legal ... so you many times may not find an "OC Law" to verify it's legality)

PS - please note that you must have a CC permit / PA LTCF to OC in Philadelphia (any city of the First Class, Philly is the only one at this time ... )

[mikey]

No, at least not in NJ. I believe that Opencarry.org will be of help to you.

What he said^^^^^

Each state has it's own laws, so I would check with whatever state you plan to go to before assuming anything. New York is out of the question as far as CC/OC.

[knight0334]

Actually CC is illegal in IL and WS, not OC. OC is legal in the rural parts of IL, and it is a varying thing for WS.

You cannot OC legally in all of the 50 states. It is completely outlawed, licensed or not, in 6. In 14 states you are required to have a license to OC. 17 states have something like ambiguity, local laws, vehicle restrictions, or something that causes you to need a license or control how/where you can open carry. Only 11 states have unrestricted open carry. Illinois and California limits unlicensed open carry to rural areas.

NY requires licensed possession unless you are in some sporting event. IL/HI requires you to register or get a FOID card if you are in the state with the firearm within 2-3 days or so.


So, in short order - NO, you cant.

[MrBi11]

I beleive there are 6 states you can not OC in. mostly southern states that made the jim crow laws and haven't changed them [yet]

Those are Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Florida, South Carolina, and New York.

Texas is one of them that should change soon.

[rmodel65]

you can OC in GA but must have a reciprocity with a permit you posses


wanna learn about GA racist gun laws? click here

[Tomcat088]

There is no Open carry in Texas, you WILL go to jail and get in some weapons charges. You can legally carry in your car concealed though, WITHOUT a permit. If you get out of the car and are carrying concealed, you also better have your permit. There are alot of Texans right now who are fighting for open carry, it's really starting to come around.

[PA-Joe]

You also have to be carefull about how they define OC. In some states you can not have one in the chamber.

[dlclarkii]

Thanks for the replies, I'll check out Opencarry.org. I figured each state would have their own laws for OC. As someone posted, you have to research each state you plan on visiting if you bring a gun. I did not know about TX, of all states.

David