[RUBZERK]

What is open carry ??
Is it legal in PA ??

[Phantom Warrior]

Open carry is carrying your handgun in such a manner that it is visible to the general public. The most common example is carrying it in a normal belt holster, without a jacket or shirt covering it. In some states this is legal with a permit, in some it isn't, in some it is legal for anyone (permit or not). A lot of police in larger, liberal cities will harass you for open carrying, whether it is legal or not.

Skimming packing.org's page (http://www.packing.org/state/index.jsp/pennsylvania) on Pennnsylvania doesn't turn up anything one way or the other about open carry. Any PA residents want to chime in?

[arcticap]

Generally, open carry is the opposite of concealed carry whereby many states mandate that it is illegal to expose the pistol in any way while in public
least it be considered a non-verbal threat. Open carry means that the arm must be carried exposed and in open view so anybody can plainly see one is carrying it. I don't know about PA though.

[RUBZERK]

http://www.packing.org/news/article.jsp/2310

[Standing Wolf]

It might be worth your while to visit: http://www.opencarry.org

[SJG26]

in a city of the 1st class ( PHILLY) where a permit is still required.

Now, while "legal", open carry in the east/west fringes ( PHILLY & PITT corridors) WILL result in a "Man-with-a-gun" phone call to the local PoPo and most likely result in lots of explaining at the very least and a disturbing the peace potential charge..............

[P95Carry]

To be precise IIRC ''Open Carry in PA is not ILLEGAL''!! De facto - it is legal!! (1st class cities excluded).

There are many places and circumstances where I think it would be foolish to put this to the test - due to paranoid blissninnies. I carry open at home which includes being outside re mailbox and environs - but as for open in more populated areas - probably these days just not worth the hassle. That said - it is still important to preserve rights and so some diplomatic carry open is still useful.

[dloken]

Here in Wisconsin (Where we don't have CCW yet, DOH) open carry is legal but the rule of thumb is in the bigger cities of our state (Racine, Milwaukee, Madison) you will be arrested for disorderly conduct. Carrying a concealed weapon is only a misdemenor in this state so you have to wonder how many carry illegally here (Not me, since I don't care to have a criminal record no matter if it's not a felony).

[Nehemiah Scudder]

Lived near Pittsburgh most of my life and have never seen it. (Except for police officers)

[MikeIsaj]

Glad to see this questioned asked and answered with justifying arguements. I am currently on a mission to collect the truth on many "urban myths" involving firearms in Pa. This one comes up frequently.

I have found no statute in Pa. that prohibits open carry, therefore I am inclined to agree that it is legal. I also agree that common sense says, expect a lot of attention. I have spoken to 4 LEO and have received 4 different answers. I believe this reflects the hesitation of most departments to openly support an armed public.

The real question is what constitutes concealment? All holsters technically conceal at least a part of the weapon. At what point does the holstering of a weapon become concealment?

Another interesting carry topic is hospitals and schools. I have found no mention of hospitals in the law. However it is safe to assume that most hospitals have a policy against handguns in their facility. I have never been challenged, even after having a carry weapon fall out of a non-retention holster in an elevator, in a Philadelphia hospital (The holster was immediatly retired). My personal policy is that if I am on private property and the owner does not want me to carry, I will honor their wishes while on their property.

The law regarding weapons in schools has an exception for "other lawful purposes". This law is not directed at handguns, but a broader classification of what is a weapon with regard to schools. There are opinions that a permit constitutes "other lawful purpose" but, this has not been tested in court, and I don't intend to be the guines pig.

[RUBZERK]

Thanx for the replys.

What does LEO stand for ??? im guessing police.

[Route 66]

Law Enforcement Officer