Open Carry States are a few and far between. Among them is Washington State. Travel there and walk around with your AR15. Just follow the guides listed below so you don't piss people off, or break the law.
by Alden Morris
“Washington State follows British legal tradition which entails that anything not proscribed as unlawful is lawful, also known as ‘The Rule of Lenity.’ This gives citizens of Washington State (as well as some of individuals with temporary living status in Washington State) the right to openly carry their firearm without a concealed weapons permit (CWP). Of course the individual openly carrying must abide by the current Washington State laws such as the open carrier must be an adult of a minimum of 21 years of age and must not have any prior felonies or warrants on their record.” [concealedcarry-cw.com]
As well as the individual openly carrying must also follow Federal laws such as they may not carry their weapon onto Federal property. Certain businesses also have the right to turn down entry and service to individuals openly carrying their firearms. Open carriers carrying their firearm without obtaining a concealed weapons permit must also be sure to unload their weapon and lock it in a hidden case while traveling in a vehicle. Unloading the firearm includes emptying the magazine from the pistol as well as releasing a round from the chamber. Washington State defines ‘loaded’ as allowing individuals the right to carry their firearm with a round chambered and the safety on.
Open Carry is allowed in the State of Washington [image via]
Although in light of recent events, the use of firearms has become questionable for many, nevertheless it is a human right that is given to individuals solely for the purposes of protection. If rights that are freely given are not thoroughly and routinely exercised then eventually they may become forgotten than lost. Rights and individual liberties, such as the freedom to possess a firearm, should be taken with very serious thought and intellect. Proper courses should be taken in order to understand not only how a weapon works but the laws and responsibilities that entail while possessing one.
Alden Morris is a professional freelance writer and filmmaker out of the state of Washington. Follow him for tips regarding DIY Living, Survival, and Product Reviews.
Well, almost a year and no comments. Actually, you are wrong. Only five States do NOT allow open carry of a firearm. In Washington State, a “permit” is called a “Concealed Pistol License” or CPL Open Carry is becoming more and more common in Washington, and not just at gun shows and NRA meetings. I Openly carry a well holstered handgun, all day, every day. Most of the public do not notice my firearm, they interact with me. Some, and that number increases all the time, come up to us and engage in conversation to express their support of the Second Amendment. Law enforcement, in my area, are well aware of the law and do not harass Legally Armed Citizens.
I am old, I am disabled, and I am, my own first responder.
Just moving into the state from CA. I am open carying when in public. I too beleive that the more people open carry the better. I will obtain my CPL so that I may keep it at the ready even when Im in my vehicle. Thanks for posting your article and I hope it encourages more people to do so.