MO law is changing rapidly enough that the handgun.law internet site is usually out of date. Do NOT depend on it for accurate information.
Hey, you could tell the officer on the scene you read it on the internet.
By law, I could carry an AR15 pistol openly in the Chiefs parking lot - for a few minutes. I seriously doubt I'd make it to the gates. I don't intend to forget shaving my neck, either.
Around town here, common as dirt. I work in a auto parts store, no one makes a scene over it. For the most part, another boring black plastic gun. We see far more interesting ones at the local ranges.
The only people who fear them are the ones trying to be fear mongers. IE one relative was outspoken about them for years - but, their neighborhood went sour with rentals and even arson to defraud insurance. She has a gun now. End of hearing about it.
BTW, as a historical note - where was the first SOF invitational 3Gun Match held? Chapman Range, Columbia, MO. It's not all about the Metros here. The MDC sells over 500,000 firearms deer permits and they take over 250,000 each season. I've never been to a range with nobody there, and commercial ones are popping up - not closing. It's not the Coast. Nope, that's the last thing we want.