Open Carry in New Mexico

[Black Majik]

Hi all...

My friend asked me to go with her to New Mexico after Christmas, so I'm wondering about the open carry laws of New Mexico. I've checked packing.org, they said that it was an open carry state. Only thing is I haven't heard much talk about open carry in this state. Can you guys give me any insight on this?

I'm mainly gonna be in Santa Fe, how is the city with open carry? Do people respond negatively or should I not even carry in that state?

When I think of OC, I think of Arizona... I hear talk about OC in AZ a lot on this forum. I enjoyed how no one gave me a 2nd glance there, the police didn't even bother. Can I expect the same with New Mexico?

Thanks for any advise/insight/recommendations you guys can give me.

 

[AFhack]

I live in southern New Mexico (Alamogordo) and I've only visited Sante Fe twice. Open carry down here is fairly common. There aren't too many days I don't see at least one person with a pistol holstered. Usually its at a gas station or a convience store. Alamogordo is a pretty small town and I have seen police take extra notice of somebody carrying but I've never seen anyone harrassed. It probably helps (keep police interest down) if you're an adult white male with a cowboy hat on.

I didn't notice anyone carrying when I visited Sante Fe, but just about everywhere I've been in this state carrying a gun gets a lot more common just a few miles outside of almost every town.

 

[Azrael256]

Do keep your eyes peeled for the alcohol signs. As I understand it, any place that sells alcohol is off-limits, and I'm not just talking about bars. Packing.org has a picture of a sign from wal-mart, which makes sense because they sell beer. Convenience stores, package stores, wal-mart, or anyplace else that sells for on or off premises consumption is a no-no, and it's a felony (fourth degree) for that one.

 

[Scottmkiv]

I open carry in Santa Fe all the time. Of course, I haven't actually seen anyone else do it, but I've never had problems. Just be aware of the liquor thing, which is almost all restraunts. gas stations, and grocery stores, drug stores etc. Wal-mart there is ok though.

 

[NMshooter]

Yes, it is an open carry state.

Concealed is also OK, so long as you are on private property that you own, lease, or rent, or have permission from the owner, leaser, or renter. That means either written or verbal permission, and assumes they will testify to that if required.

Your vehicle is an extension of your home, so anything goes in your car.

Have fun, and eat green chile!

 

[jason10mm]

I saw a guy open carry in a McDonalds that was attached to a gas station (same building, big open common area for the two). Dunno if he was an off-duty cop, security guard in a casual uniform, or just joe average. Didn't seem to bother anyone though, except for me trying to get a look as his pistol

 

[6inch]

I sure like the idea. I think everyone would be much nicer to each other if we all carried openly.

 

[Drysdale]

Have fun, and eat green chile!

Only if it's from Hatch!

 

[SMLE]

Will you be in Albuquerque? Perhaps we could arrainge a THR meet up?

I open carry from time to time and have never had a problem. Be aware though that "Sana Flush" is kind of like "San Francisco East". You are more likely to run into a lefty bliss ninny there than any other part of the state.