Open Carry

In one sentence

The legal right to carry a firearm openly and visibly in public.

Plain English

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.

Ad slot

Example

In Texas, where open carry is permitted, James legally carried his rifle in a holster on his hip while shopping at the grocery store, visible to everyone around him.

Used in a sentence

“The state's open carry law allows residents to display their firearms openly without a special permit.”

Related terms

Concealed Carry

The legal right to carry a hidden firearm in public, typically requiring a permit.

Self-Defense

The legal right to use reasonable force to protect yourself from harm.

criminal intent

The mental state or purpose required to commit a crime.

Felony

A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.

Misdemeanor

A less serious crime punishable by up to one year in jail and/or fines.

habitual offender

A person with multiple prior criminal convictions who faces enhanced penalties for new crimes under habitual offender laws.

Stand Your Ground

A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.

Castle Doctrine

A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.