What is up with Kingsport, TN?

[Old Partner]

I note that Tennessee explicitly states that it has reciprocity with other states ccw and that when you become a resident you simply apply for your Tennessee ccw and it is granted. What confuses me is this code from the city of Kingsport, especially since another of the Tri-Cities area, Johnson City specifically allows it. How does Kingsport get away with it, or do they? Code follows:Sec. 66-1. Carrying weapons.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to carry in any manner whatever, with intent to go armed, any razor, dirk, Bowie knife or other knife or like form, shape or size or a pocketknife with blade exceeding four inches in length or a switchblade knife of any size or a sword cane, icepick, slingshot, blackjack, knucks, Spanish stiletto or a fountain pen pistol or gun or like instrument containing a firing pin capable of shooting tear gas or pistol cartridges or any pistol or revolver of any kind whatsoever, except authorized military personnel.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to carry concealed on or about his person any razor, dirk, Bowie knife or other knife of like form, shape or size or a pocketknife with a blade exceeding four inches in length or a switchblade knife of any size or a sword cane, icepick, slingshot, blackjack, brass knucks, Spanish stiletto or a fountain pen pistol or gun or like instrument containing a firing pin capable of shooting tear gas or pistol cartridges or any pistol or revolver of any kind whatsoever, except thearmy or navy pistol which shall be carried openly in the hand, or any other dangerous weapon.

 

[Carl N. Brown]

Sec. 66-1. Carrying weapons.
(a) intent to go armed except authorized military personnel and
(b) concealed, except the army or navy pistol openly in hand.
that part of the code is held over from the 1870s and it is
superceded by state law.

except the army or navy pistol which shall be carried openly in the hand

actually, you are more likely to get away with carrying a .38 J-frame
or .45 1911 concealed (with a handgun carry permit of course), than
to walk about with a .44 1860 Colt or .36 1851 Colt openly in hand.

There is an absolute right to be armed on your own property for
self-defense. A handgun with a carry permit or a cane with
certification from a martial arts instructor can be carried in
public for self defense legally (last time I checked).

Otherwise, carrying *anything* as a weapon in public with intent
of offense or defense or in furtherance of a criminal enterprise or
with a reckless disregard for safety is a punishable offense.