Open carry question

[cleardiddion]

So, I was thinking that I'd like open carry when I get back home (Colorado) for the summer.

I know many of the basic laws, taken from what I've read off of opencarry.org, but what I can't really seem to find is what is considered an openly carried sidearm. Does all of it have to show or is it the majority? I can recall vaguely someone mentioning that at least 50% should be showing but I'd rather have the facts down.

If someone could tell me the answer to this question and maybe paste up a link or two with the source it'd be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Does all of it have to show or is it the majority? I can recall vaguely someone mentioning that at leas 50% should be showing but I'd rather have the facts down.

I don't know the law. I would look at it from the opposite point of view: carry the gun, butt exposed, in a OWB holster, also exposed, to avoid any hint or possibility of the appearance that you were trying to conceal it.

Do you have a Florida CCW already? HandgunLaw.us can tell you if there is reciprocity between FL and CO CCWs.

 

[cleardiddion]

I'm afraid that I don't have a FL CCW yet since I'm two years short of being able to obtain one.

 

[Rockwell1]

In Colorado (unlawful) concealed carry is a misdemeanor and there is no set standard. The definition is left up to the jury.

IOW if all but the last inch of the barrel is concealed and the jury says that's not concealed you walk.

 

[Gamera]

IOW if all but the last inch of the barrel is concealed and the jury says that's not concealed you walk.

And of course on the flip side, if all but the last inch of the barrel is open and the jury says that that last hidden inch means it's concealed, you might not walk.

 

[Rockwell1]

And of course on the flip side, if all but the last inch of the barrel is open and the jury says that that last hidden inch means it's concealed, you might not walk.

No a likely scenario but still a valid point

 

[cleardiddion]

Just out curiosity, do any of you open carry? And if so, how do you carry your sidearm?

 

[Superlite27]

Most of the time, I conceal. During the summer months, I usually just throw on a T-shirt and go. Sometimes, if I'm wearing a nice button down shirt, or some better clothes, untucked looks really sloppy. So I'll open carry. (STI or SA 1911 at 5:30 OWB)

Practically nobody even notices. Those that do rarely say anything. Those that do say something say the exact same thing...every time:

"Are you a cop?"

It's almost worth the trouble of concealing the damned thing just so I don't have to answer "No, ma'am. I'm a legally armed citizen." to this inevitable question.

People rarely notice

If you do decide to open carry, make sure you KNOW your local ordinances. I reccommend actually carrying a legitimate copy of them on you .

If you actually encounter a situation or are stopped my well meaning, yet uninformed police, it is a lifeline.

As soon as you start getting nervous (nerves from police questioning, not because you're doing anything wrong) it makes police officers very suspicious. ("Why is this guy so nervous?")

If you have an actual copy of the law with you, you have something to actually pull out and look at. ("Hey, it says right here, I'm legal.") This confidence helps you when you're looking at a shiny badge on an officers chest who's just doing his job and being nosy.

If you're gonna open carry, carry confidently and legally. You should have no problem. I believe there's a sticky here that says, "You're not a guilty criminal. Stop acting like it."

Very good advice.

 

[cleardiddion]

Thank you.

I'd like to very much try open carrying when I'm home over the summer. I don't have much choice when it comes to the methods beyond carrying and not carrying since I am short two years from having a CCW.

Is there any recommended style of holster/position/etc for a new guy? If it helps any I'll be carrying mosty a PA-63