Carrying in arizona at 18

[DonaldW]

Whats the scoop on carrying a handgun in Arizona at 18? I have read that it is legal to carry a handgun at 18 but im still a little unsure of the exact certainty of this law. I have also read its possible to purchase one through a private seller and also purchase ammo through a private seller.


Can any Arizona residents clear this up for me and provide some reading material from any govt. webpage?

 

[AZRickD]

Open carry only for someone who is under 21 years old.

Private purchase okay.

Most Arizona gun laws are here...

http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ars/13/03102.htm?printformat=yes

 

[Old Fuff]

Recently in Southeast Arizona (Cochise County) an 18-year-old who was open carrying a revolver was arrested by a deputy sheriff for "carrying a concealed weapon without a permit."

At the request of the State's Attorney the charges were dropped and the case dismissed.

 

[DonaldW]

Yeah I was 99 percent sure I could openly carry (non concealed) and be ok. But I wanted to be positive.. I wouldnt want to get into a mixup with some authority..

 

[Soybomb]

Just keep in mind that when you read things like:

At the request of the State's Attorney the charges were dropped and the case dismissed.

that it doesn't mean there wasn't potentially a large amount of hassle and unpleasant things that might happens between being arrested, going to jail, and charges being dropped. I suspect its not as much of an issue for you there, but its something thats been a relevant topic lately to those that fanny pack carry in Illinois. No one likes to talk about the strip search at jail before the charges were dropped.

 

[Old Fuff]

In the case I mentioned before (Post #3) The deputy sheriff stated in her report that she could see part of the hoslter, but still cited the 18 yr.-old for carrying concealed without a permit, and then returned the revolver to his father who was present. All of this happened on private property, and the owner had no objections to firearms. The young man in question was part of a party cutting firewood in an area infested with rattlesnakes. Open carry is legal, with or without a permit. He didn't spend one minute in jail.

This is rural Arizona folks. The State's Attorney quickly requested that all charges be dropped at the pre-trial hearing so no trial was held. The deputy probably had an "unconfortable" talk with a superior.

I realize that things are far different where some of our members live, but DonaldW was asking specifically about Arizona.

 

[Lupinus]

out and about no

on private property you can so long as you own the property, rent the property, or the property owner is ok with it.

 

[Jac]

Generally, I'd say you're okay in a rural county... I carried openly a few times before turning 21 (before turning 18, for that matter ) without any problems.

It's legal, except in some cities, but that doesn't mean you won't get hassled by a flatlander.

 

[AZRickD]

out and about no

For open carry, this is incorrect. For concealed carry, it is correct.

It's legal, except in some cities,

What on Earth is passing for information here at THR? !! ?

http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ars/13/03108.htm?printformat=yes

3-3108. Firearms regulated by state; state preemption; violation; classification

A. Except as provided in subsection C of this section, a political subdivision of this state shall not enact any ordinance, rule or tax relating to the transportation, possession, carrying, sale, transfer or use of firearms or ammunition or any firearm or ammunition components in this state.

B. A political subdivision of this state shall not require the licensing or registration of firearms or ammunition or any firearm or ammunition components or prohibit the ownership, purchase, sale or transfer of firearms or ammunition or any firearm or ammunition components.

C. This section does not prohibit a political subdivision of this state from enacting and enforcing any ordinance or rule pursuant to state law, to implement or enforce state law or relating to any of the following: --snip--

 

[Old Fuff]

The above is correct, you can open carry unless the business, public building or property is posted otherwise.

However in a big city - read that to mean Phoenix or Tucson, we don't have any others - you might under some circumstances attract some unfavorable attention. Then again I know many residents who have open carried without any problems. Since concealed weapons permits have become relatively easy to get - even for non-residents - I only open carry now in rural or desert areas. In a urban setting I prefer to retain the "suprise option" if I have to draw a gun.

 

[Jac]

What on Earth is passing for information here at THR? !! ?

Geez, sorry. The town I used to live in once tried to pass an ordinance regarding carrying firearms in public. Granted, that was about 12 years ago... I didn't realize that wasn't valid anymore.

 

[romma]

I Could

see the District Attorney on the stand questioning the arresting officer......Q: "Officer Blah Blah, how did you discover the Criminal in questions firearm"? A: "Well Mr. States Attorney I was patrolling my usual patrol route which took me right past 'Said criminal' and I SAW his concealed weapon right there as plain as day"! "No Foolin"!

 

[WayneConrad]

The only attention I've attracted in two years of carrying openly in Phoenix is the occasional question along the lines of, "That's legal? Cool. What does it take for me to do that?"

The police drive on by when I'm taking a walk. I walk down the other side of the street where a policeman is writing someone a ticket, and nobody hollars for me to assume the position. I shop, I go about my business, and the ones that notice just don't care.

I'm not saying that nobody's ever attracted unwanted attention. Maybe it helps that I'm white, middle-aged, and look like a lost accountant. But my experience is that open carry in Phoenix is not the problem that some think it might be.

Oh, and you want this book: Arizona Gun Owner's Guide