Question for anyone in VA who may know the law. I live in a kinda rough part of VA and I almost never open carry because it draws the wrong kinda attention, but I stupidly forgot to renew my CHP in time and have to open carry for the next 1-2 weeks. I live in PW County and they usually renew in less than 2 weeks but until then I need to open carry.

Because it's cool I've been wearing a light jacket and from the front you can definitely see I'm carrying but from the side and back no obviously. I'm definitely not doing anything to hide it from plain sight, but I don't know how the letter of the law works in this scenario. I could tuck the jacket back behind the holster but I'd rather avoid doing anything to intentionally draw attention to it (without actually trying to hide it).

Any insights? I could slide the holster forward from a 3 o'clock position to 2 so even from the side it's easy to see but that would also block my jeans pocket.

Has anyone ever had someone try to take your gun or you thought was going to and how did you prevent it?

i’m really interested in reading some stories on it since it’s the #1 thing people bring up when talking about open carry

How would have you handled a situation like this?

https://www.reddit.com/r/Idiotswithguns/s/lE3unytfwX

Just as the title says, I’m trying to figure out what the standard is for open carry in DE. Must the gun be completely visible, like you’re a beat cop, or can it be mostly visible? It’s hard to dress for the former, and wear normal clothes ( I don’t tuck my shirts in ). I can’t find anything on the internet that says. Anyone from DE know?

I was watching OP Live and a strange fellow was open carrying in Toledo, OH.

He was carrying a shotgun on a sling and had a pistol on his hip. He was wearing sort of camouflage (but a reflective backpack, lol).

He claimed he was walking around to "practice" with his gear and to be a deterrent because people were throwing bricks at homes in their neighborhood, he claims. He was asked if he was ever in the military and said no.

It was nightime.

Cops were really cool, said it's his right to open carry in Ohio and just advised that he probably shouldn't be out like that and that he could understand why neighbors might call the cops on him. Cops also told him to call the cops for the brick throwers and stuff because going full kit for that ain't gonna end well lol.

Dude was a little weird, but was very nice to the officers and the officers were super respectful and calm. Dude did not have an ID on him but identified himself to the officers and they ran his name and there were no issues. I'm sure in some states it is legally required to have ID on you when you are carrying. Personally I always would. That would be wisest.

Being from NJ this who scenario is just astounding to see lol. Even if we had open carry I wouldn't LARP like that, and being I was in the military it would be a really cringe look lol. But fair, it's his right, and again I commend the cops, they were super cool.

Season 3 Episode 19 I think that aired on 9/27/24. Last hour. It is on Peacock and the OP Live or Reelz channel.

I'll see if I can get a time stamp next week for y'all.

Whenever I'm planning on going to a new place I've never been to before, I never know whether the business is 2A friendly to carrying until I walk from my car all the way to the door.

For example, Sam's Club is 2A friendly and I occasionally see open carrying there, but Costco is NOT and will not let you in the door, so I have to make sure I'm not printing or otherwise showing.

Are there any websites or services that will give you a heads up to whether places are 2A friendly or even legal to carry?

Just wanted to share this to get some opinions.

First off, is it even legal to open-carry like this in most places? Im fairly thin and struggle to fight the bulge created by concealing so I’ve been thinking about open-carrying, but I feel a bit “vulnerable” per se when I tried carrying on the hip. I can care less about the attention drawn, plus I feel like we should encourage it to normalize it, anyways I feel a bit more secure with the firearm in front of me than on the side, but I’ve only ever carried this way when I’m driving and just throw my shirt over as I’m getting to my destination.

Should I just suck it up until I get comfortable carrying on the hip or is this a legit alternative to carrying on the hip? It feels a bit more comfortable, but idk if carrying it this way in the front can be viewed as “threatening” or “brandishing”.

Thanks.

And in case anyone is wondering:

Springfield XD-M 3.8 10mm w/ 15rd extended magazine ( use the 11rd for CCW ) Talon Grip - Rubber Crossbreed The Reckoning Holster w/ Claw Attachment

I'm curious what people on here like to use for open carry. I have both high and low ride mounts (low ride with a thigh strap). What do you normally use and what do you think is the best height in different situations, or if you think one fits all?

Hi! I am 19 years old and live in Pennsylvania. I will soon begin open carrying, especially with the new court case Suarez v. Paris, allowing transportation of handguns in vehicles for those without a LTCF. I have a level 3 retention holster on the way, and once that arrives I will be diving into the world of open carry.

I've watched a good amount of "training" videos regarding open carry, but I figured this is a great place to get a variety of answers from a bunch of different people.

I'd love it if some people here shared some tips for effectively and safely open carrying, and if anyone has any stories or good training resources that might prove to be helpful I'd love those too.

I'm trying to find groups near me that go out and open carry. Mainly one that does it to help normalize open carry, since especially where I live it's rare you see someone open carrying. I wonder if there are any good ways to search for these groups?

So I just purchased my first Pistol and upon further inspection of my car there isn’t a good place to open carry in the front of my car because my glove compartment nor middle console lock. Is the only options left in my trunk or on my body? Trying to think of another spot that would be accessible to me god forbid I needed it.

Thanks

I’m new to guns and gun laws, currently at the ER and a family member is about to be transferred to a place I wouldn’t consider the safest. From my knowledge in Ohio, I can open carry in non-government owned hospitals as long as there’s not a sign saying differently. Does anyone know if there’s any other rules to look out for? I know to open carry it has to be fully noticeable. But any knowledge of carrying in hospitals?

I currently reside in a state (NJ) with a ban on open carry. Post-Bruen, they passed a carry bill that only allows for conceal carry.

I am a disabled veteran. Got a bad knee. Now I'm not bad enough that it effects my day to day life, so I don't think I would be a good plaintiff. Maybe! When my knee was at it's worst, appendix carrying was slightly uncomfortable.

But I'm trying to run some legal theories to challenge the NJ open carry ban. One avenue might be that the state is discriminating based on disabilities. That was an angle that our state 2A organizations used to get them to remove timed shooting and kneeling from the carry permit qualification. Don't think that even saw court I think the qual was just adjusted. But still, got me thinking, that could be an angle to attack open carry bans.

Can anyone share their experience as a disabled person being unable to conceal carry?

What are the legal standards for someone with disabilities to show that a policy causes them burden? And would that lead to courts merely granting those specific plaintiffs relief and not all NJ residents?

A weak argument but still one nonetheless is that an open carry ban discriminates against women as their clothes are often tighter and that makes conceal carrying harder.

A lot of gun laws have racist discriminatory roots, I wonder if we can legally show those and give people the right to open carry.

OWB (duh) WML and red dot on G19 gen 5. I work on a farm so the less it hangs out the better. Currently have some DeSantis rig that came with the gun but it will not work with a WML. I want it to be compact against my body, but more comfortable than this cheapo. Now, if there is an option that hangs below my belt line that is rgid, but not so much so i cant sit down, that would be preferred.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Hello! I am an 18 year old redneck from WV (constitutional carry state). I have been around firearms, specifically rifles and shotguns, all of my life, but handguns are new to me. I am open to any and all advice (that isn’t obviously stupid) about open carry/handguns in general.

I have been hunting since i was able to hold a gun up and i have shot handguns on a few occasions, so general firearm safety has been etched in my head, but things like care, technique, and general equipment are all new for me when it comes to handguns.

I don’t expect to be carrying often, as I will be at university for the majority of my time excluding summer. The time i do spend away, I probably won’t carry often if at all, so I have plenty of time to learn how to properly function with handguns before I’m tempted to edc with anything.

I’m currently looking at a Stoeger STR-9SC for $225, and i know i will need a level 2 or higher holster, but which holsters are worth using, and if there are specific brands of ammo to steer clear of are things i need advice about.

Another question: would an iwb holster with my shirt tucked behind it be considered cc or oc? Obviously if my shirt covered anything, its cc, but i feel like if my shirt was tucked behind everything would be hunky dory, but i would rather know that before i end up getting chewed out by a trooper

Edit:

1. after further research and advice. I found out that my state has a carry license for 18-21 thats easy enough to get, so I will probably get a concealed carry setup and train with it until I get my license. That way im not spending too much time and money on open carry when i will probably end up being licensed to conceal when im even comfortable enough having a gun in public.
2. As far as using a iwb holster for open carry, I’ve heard everything from legal, to still concealed, to brandishing soooo im gonna ask a state trooper. Answer will be added when I get the answers.

Update: i asked a trooper from my state (wv), and he said that he would consider having a shirt behind an iwb holster as concealed carry but the carrier was not paying attention.

I just found this subreddit, and it's been very informative to see everyones thoughts on open carry. I am curious though on why you individually decide to open carry?

I have my CCW permit and typically carry concealed and only open carry on occasion.

I would love for the open carry of firearms to be more socially acceptable, but it doesn't seem like that's the direction we are headed.

Which got me curious on your reasons for open carry vs concealed?

I know that banks and schools are off limits but what about an atm in bank parking lot? I was breezing through on my way home, cutting across the bank parking lot ( thru the drive up teller) on a Sunday. I was clearly armed . These dudes are working on the atm . The atm guard dude pulled out a rifle (pointed down) and said the atm was broken and needs me to leave.

I did but I did want to know his mandate. I am sure if my weapon was upholstered, he would've killed me. ( aiming or not)

So what about a bank parking lot? Now that its open carry here , what if he drew on me ? What if he aimed that rifle at me.? He had a security vest on but other guy was just in street clothing. The atm was wide open with parts all over. I realized they were there too late ( head phones) i spooked them maybe. This is a stand Your ground state.

P320 with full size x-series grip module, delta point pro optic, gas pedal and a streamlight tlr-9 light.

Hey everyone. I've been concealed carrying for several years now and was looking at branching into the world of open carry on occasion. I'm struggling to find an OC holster that fits my exact setup and was curious if anyone had any recommendations. I currently carry a S&W Shield Plus (3.1 inch barrel) with a Nightstick TSM15-G light/laser and a Holosun EPS Carry optic. Another requirement for me is that the holster have at least level 2 retention, as I worry about the potential of someone attempting to steal it from me. Thanks in advance!

So I was at the store returning a bunch of stuff with my new wife, we just got married 3 weeks ago and we had wedding stuff to return. I hear HEY DO YOU ALLOW GUNS???? that guy has a gun, hey every one that guy has a gun. do you allow guns because he has a gun. .... This is coming from a 6'5 dude pushing 280 or more.

his clerk did not care.

the manager was with me doing returns she did not care. I turned and said they sure do.

He continued HEY HE HAS A GUN!

I finished my returns and left. no issue but I held my self back I so wanted to say some shit to him but I did not.

I've been getting conflicting answers online about this, I have a class 2 ebike and I'm an avid open carry activist and I am wanting to carry my pistol with me on the bike but I'm not sure if the bike is classified as a "motor vehicle" under michigan law, can someone help with the answer?