Taking a gun on vacation?

[lab28143]

Hello,
I'm planning a beach trip in the next couple weeks. I live in Virginia and will be traveling to North Carolina. I would like to take a gun along with me as long as it's legal to do so.
Now for my question. Does anyone know North Carolina gun laws well enough to tell me whether or not I can legally take a gun with me. I DO NOT have a CCW (still a few months shy of my 21st birthday)
Virgina IS an open carry state, as well is North Carolina(im pretty sure) Do NCs OC laws allow me to OC in their state even though im from VA?


If it's going to be an issue taking my 1911 along for the ride I've also thought of sticking a folding stock rifle in my suit case. Would that work any better as far as complying with NC laws?
Much thanks
L.

 

[brboyer]

See
http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/northcarolina.pdf

 

[Sam1911]

Actually, Opencarry.org is probably your best bet.

 

[benEzra]

First, I'm no lawyer and don't play one on TV, but here are some general thoughts as I understand them.

First, the rifle or pistol in your suitcase will be fine if unloaded and the suitcase is in the trunk; once you get to your hotel room, it's treated as your domicile, AFAIK, so you should be able to have a rifle or pistol in your room, loaded or not. Check to ensure there is no minimum age requirement for possession of a handgun in NC, though; I don't remember, but the links upthread would probably tell you.

Do be cautious about open carrying in NC. While open carry is not prohibited in most areas under state jurisdiction, NC has a quirky law that prohibits "going armed to the terror of the public", which is very vague and open to interpretation by local officials. Basically, if someone calls the police and reports a "man with a gun" in a populated area, things could get legally interesting even if you are ultimately not convicted of a crime. A lot depends on the attitude of the local LE's and the DA, and be aware that you will probably be surrounded by as many out-of-staters from NY and MA as you will native North Carolinians, so again, be cautious. Also be aware that a lot of the NC Outer Banks are National Seashores, so you have Federal regulations to deal with there as well.

Also be aware that if you venture into a National Forest area, there are some other rather silly regulations that apply (for example, it is legal to open carry a .22 pistol with a sub-7.5" barrel on "game lands" under most circumstances, but not a centerfire or an 8" barreled .22).

 

[NavyLCDR]

Actually, Opencarry.org is probably your best bet.

+1!

Specifically:
http://www.opencarry.org/nc.html

and

http://opencarry.mywowbb.com/forum41/

Judging from the summary so long as you don't conceal the gun on your actual person, you should be just fine, although there may be some ordinances in towns that might cause you problems actually open carrying in public.

 

[Art Eatman]

Looks to be adequately answered, unless somebody knows of any particular towns with 'ornery ordinances'.