Open carry experience.

**Sierraowner5.3** · 09-04-2011, 08:10 PM

me and a pal of mine went to the range today, and as open carry is legal in virginia, which i jsut learned that you do not need a permit for, i decided I would open carry my XD-9 once I got off post.

went the range with no issue, did our shooting, left. I stopped to get a hair cut, had it on my hip, no-one said anything or stared as far as I saw, went next door for a sub, and nobody said anything, saw 2 people look but that was the end of it.

seems like people around here dont much care.

so if your in virginia or another open carry state, you might want to look into it. laws do vary, so make sure you check those thoroughly.

just thought id share this with you all.

Alex

**npete7381** · 09-05-2011, 08:49 PM

Minnesota's permit to carry allows open carry or concealed. I prefer concealed other than if I'm out in the woods or something because I don't like to advertise that I'm carrying. Just my preference, not looking to start a concealed vs. open carry debate.

**ntbush83** · 09-05-2011, 10:32 PM

I have my permit here in indiana but I believe our's has to be conceled. Not a hundred percent sure but thats what I remember people saying.

**Flint4x4** · 09-06-2011, 12:23 AM

Michigan has always had an open carry law on the books but it's not practical.

First: your handgun must be registered.
Second: it must remain holstered (otherwise you are considered brandishing a firearm).
Third: it's considered concealed in a vehicle

The only place you can legally unholster and load/unload your weapon is on private property with permission from the property owner. If you don't have a CCW permit it's supposed to be unloaded to transport. It's not very practical to open carry unless you have a CCW

**Sierraowner5.3** · 09-06-2011, 04:36 PM

i wasnt trying to start a debate, just share what I did and saw and had learned.

i plan on getting a concealed carry when I get out of the Army nad back into Minnesota, but for the time being in Virginia it'll do.

I know what you mean about a hassel with the law tho. since I live on post and carrying open or concealed for that matter is forbidden on a Federal installation, I have to unload it, put it in the case, then I can load it and set it on the center console ( considered open carry in Virginia) and go about my businiess, then unload it and put it back in the case before I go back on post.

Alex

**aloxdaddy99** · 09-07-2011, 01:37 AM

Not sure how it is written in VA but be careful how it is carried. It has been a while since I got my permit in PA, but there was something that I remember about if any part is covered of the weapon covered they could concider it concealed. I will have to remember this though when I go to VA to visit my mom.

**Sierraowner5.3** · 09-07-2011, 08:05 PM

way i understood it it has to be visible from 3 sides, ie front back and one side. i tucked my shirt in next to the holster, not sure what else they could expect me to do.

Alex

**marko54** · 02-21-2012, 09:15 AM

I carry every day except when working but i choose to conceal.

**Coach24** · 07-29-2012, 11:21 PM

Originally Posted by aloxdaddy99

Not sure how it is written in VA but be careful how it is carried. It has been a while since I got my permit in PA, but there was something that I remember about if any part is covered of the weapon covered they could concider it concealed. I will have to remember this though when I go to VA to visit my mom.

My understanding is that at the VA all firearms are illegal unless law enforcement or similar. No concealed allows one to carry on the VA property. I had mine in my truck and was talking with an officer who told me no weapons period. Anything longer than a 3 inch blade is also forbidden.
I would take my firearm into the VA police and they would put in a locker until my shift was over. Then they would escort me to my vehicle and place my handgun in my hand in a ziplock bag and the magazine in another zip lock and the ammo in still a seperate bag. All with instructions that none of the three should be put together until off the grounds.

**SurrealOne** · 07-29-2012, 11:48 PM

Virginia has a state pre-emption that denies localities the ability to enact laws that differ from what's law at the state level as it pertains to open carry. At this time there are no restrictions in VA on open carry. However, open carry is generally not wise for those who are not on-duty LEOs because a) in a defensive situation it makes the person carrying a primary target for a hostile, armed criminal (due to the threat the gun presents) and b) open carry gives away one's element of surprise.

If one would like to read more on open carry in VA there are a variety of sources. Here's one that talks about open carry and cites the VA statutes:
http://vaguninfo.com/pages/opencarry.htm