anyone open conceal

[thefirefighter]

this is something i just learned about still a little confused on the whole thing if anyone does i would like to know a little more info. 

[KillBilly]

Are you referring to wearing a handgun on your hip or in shoulder rig that is in plain sight? If so, it is legal in most places in Washington. There are some places that don't allow it or recommend it, like banks, Bars, courthouses, etc. The WACS & RCWs usually specify what those places are. There is anothe thread on this site on this subject but I can't find it right now.

[KillBilly]

RCW 9.41.300 Weapons prohibited in certain places — Local laws and ordinances — Exceptions — Penalty.

[CP]

Open Carry?

I do while hiking, hunting and fishing.

While making a withdrawal from the bank?  No!  Perfectly legal to do so but common sense tells me it isn’t a good idea.

[thefirefighter]

you got it.  I found this website www.opencarry.org which has been helpful there are people who stand by this im not 100% convinced but it sounds interesting

[MIKEXRAY]

I had a older friend who was a Harley rider and he carried on his hip everywhere. He would carry to the casino & then check gun at coat place. People acted like it was routine. I always was a little embarrassed but now realize its his right.

[Slenk]

Wife and I both open carry while riding ATVs have had no problems. We have stopped and talked to sheriff as well as DFW while carrying.
We do have conseal carry permits but have never been asked for them.
Slenk

[thefirefighter]

well mike i know 100% sure that it is legal anytime and almost anywhere except for places that are in the rcw's and you cant open carry where you cant carry a concealed weapons license but what im trying to figure out the little things because it states in law.

Washington is an "open carry" state for firearms. This means a person may carry a firearm in an exposed holster without any kind of permit unless there is something that makes it specifically illegal. Visit www.OpenCarry.org to learn more.


 RCW 9.41.270: …Unlawful carrying occurs when the person carries or displays a weapon “in a manner, under    circumstances, and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons” This is something more than just walking around with an exposed firearm.

[KillBilly]

RCW 9.41.300 Weapons prohibited in certain places — Local laws and ordinances — Exceptions — Penalty.

Again, here is the RCW on where weapons/handguns are not permitted

[thefirefighter]

yea i did today not a problem

[scudmaster]

well mike i know 100% sure that it is legal anytime and almost anywhere except for places that are in the rcw's and you cant open carry where you cant carry a concealed weapons license but what im trying to figure out the little things because it states in law.

Washington is an "open carry" state for firearms. This means a person may carry a firearm in an exposed holster without any kind of permit unless there is something that makes it specifically illegal. Visit www.OpenCarry.org to learn more.


 RCW 9.41.270: …Unlawful carrying occurs when the person carries or displays a weapon “in a manner, under    circumstances, and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons” This is something more than just walking around with an exposed firearm.

It is legal, but the question is WHY?  CPLs are easy to get in this state and the "warrants alarm for the safety of other persons"  clause has no bright line case law that I am aware of.  that it one of those clauses that should give you much concern as is is very broad and could be interpreted in many ways, to include just the open carry of it in a certain time and place.    Do you want to go to court and have a judge or a jury in Seattle decide what they think warrants alarm?  I know I sure wouldn't

Additionally, read the exceptions that allow concealed carry without a permit.  Anytime you go to or from a " lawful outdoor recreational activity" you are allowed to carry concealed without a permit.  That is just the start; RCW 9.41.060 if you want to read it.

$1,500 for the retainer of a defense attorney seems a bit much to pay even if you are right.   

[CP]

yea i did today not a problem

Good for you!  I must admit that I don’t because there a lot a people that are “pretty sure” about the law but have no problem voicing an uneducated opinion.  I don’t want to be bothered by having to deal with them or the other hassles that could come up.  Our society has instilled in us that guns are bad and we need to hide them if we carry them, as if we are ashamed of them.  Of course I’m taking the easy, go with the flow route.

Good for you for exercising your right, even though it may not be the most convenient course of action.  A right unexercised is indeed a right lost.

[ICEMAN]

yea i did today not a problem

Good for you for exercising your right, even though it may not be the most convenient course of action.  A right unexercised is indeed a right lost.

I disagree. So you are saying that we lose rights if we do not exercise them? Please explain...thanks.

[scudmaster]

yea i did today not a problem

Good for you!  I must admit that I don’t because there a lot a people that are “pretty sure” about the law but have no problem voicing an uneducated opinion.  I don’t want to be bothered by having to deal with them or the other hassles that could come up.  Our society has instilled in us that guns are bad and we need to hide them if we carry them, as if we are ashamed of them.  Of course I’m taking the easy, go with the flow route.

Good for you for exercising your right, even though it may not be the most convenient course of action.  A right exercised is indeed a right lost.

By carrying open in an urban setting, I don't believe you are going to change anyones mind about how they feel about guns.  That is set by their parents, friends, coworkers, even people's personal experiences with guns.  And even most that are pro gun are going to think it strange. Those that are indifferent about guns are probably going to be offended.  And those that are against guns will probably call 911.  Think of the statement you are making, I guarantee that 95+% of the people coming across someone open carrying in an urban setting have a negative reaction.  It too many people do it, you only need one bad incident and the law will change.  To paraphrase Thomas Jefferson, to be foolish and free is a condition that has never existed and can never exist.  You have the right, but exercise it wisely. 

CP the purpose of carrying concealed is not for shame or hiding of the gun out of embarrassment; It is for the tactical advantage.  If you carry concealed, you have the advantage of surprise. If you carry open, I hope you have a good retention holster and you actually practice gun retention drills.  You put other people at risk if you don't.  Gun take away drills are common practice in jail and prison and if you have a cheap or non-retentive holster you are being negligent. 

Too many cops who do practice those drills are killed with their own gun, for you to ignore those risks. Think of Deputy Herzog in New Castle in 2002 and Deputy Gallegos in Manson 2003. And those are just the ones of recent memory in WA

[sisu]

After reading all this verbal banter I'll add my 3 cents. Open carry would be very stupid in deed. All the reasons against have been stated and I agree. Thomas Jefferson's statement:to be foolish and free is a condition that has never existed and can never exist.  You have the right, but exercise it wisely. is a bold and sensible quote. Thank you Scudmaster for the quote.

My only experience with open carry of weapons of any sort has been in Alaska. A lot of "fringe" element butt hole-e-o's like to has a fixed blade knife on their hip, usually they length that is useless for hunting or fishing. I've seen them in bars drunk, loud and belligerent beyond the limits.
And I am not talking about bars in Anchorage...
Even before Alaska has the right to carry concealed I always had a piece in the pocket or jacket just for these butt heads. Imagine the same personality type with an open carry law for firearms
I am adding this: Open carry while fishing, hunting, riding ATVs, riding horses, mules, in other words in the out of doors is one area where I believe it's perfectly normal, but to suggest this for town, malls etc would be foolish.