Open Carry in Connecticut
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Connecticut prohibits open carry of handguns; only concealed carry with a permit is legal.
How Connecticut treats Open Carry
Connecticut law generally forbids carrying a handgun openly in public. Residents must obtain a permit to carry a concealed handgun from their local police chief or superior court. Long guns may be transported openly in certain contexts, such as hunting or going to a shooting range, but not for general public carry. This is one of the more restrictive states regarding open carry rights.
The general definition of Open Carry
The legal right to carry a firearm openly and visibly in public.
Open carry means carrying a firearm in plain view on your person or in a vehicle in public spaces. Unlike concealed carry, the weapon is visible to others. Open carry laws vary widely by state and sometimes by city or county within a state. Some states allow open carry without any permit, while others prohibit it entirely or require a permit even for visible firearms.
Read the full Open Carry entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Connecticut.