Open Carry in Georgia???

[SniperStraz]

I was very much under the impression that open carry in GA did not require a license nor did it require being over 21. That an 18 year old could carry without a license as long as the weapon isn't concealed. Incidently I just read on OpenCarry.org that GA open carry requires a CCL. Can anyone clear this up for me please?

 

[Gray Peterson]

Trust OpenCarry.org

They have their stuff together on this subject. They are correct, Georgia is considered a "licensed open carry" state. You can't carry on or about your person without a Georgia Firearms License.

That being said, I wouldn't trust myself open carrying in a state that prohibits carrying in ALL "public gatherings".

 

[Erinyes]

I consider open carry to be too much of a risk here. The "public gatherings" wording just scares the bejesus out of me, personally.

 

[Autolycus]

Didnt the Georgia AG find that Walmart is a public gathering?

 

[Wiley]

If you want the full story on carry in GA go to: http://www.georgiapacking.org/

Tecumseh: Didnt the Georgia AG find that Walmart is a public gathering?

No.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

No, Wal Mart is not a public gathering. There was an incident in an Atlanta suburb (I think Gwinnett County, but not sure) where someone was noticed to be carrying a concealed weapon at Wal Mart.

They were arrested and hauled off to jail and charged with illegal carrying at a public gathering, but it was subsequently decided that Wal Mart was not a public gathering and they were released.

That said, we should all still be wary of the "public gathering" language in our CCW law. The police don't even know what it means, and it is not clearly defined by law.

 

[USMC - Retired]

It really seems to be a matter of what part of Georgia you live in. I have my GFL and open carry everywhere I go (where carry is legal) in Southwest Georgia and have never had a problem. As a matter of fact it has resulted in some great conversations and even an invite to hunt on some private land. I don't think I would have the same experience in downtown Atlanta...