[Carbine Cory]

I am approaching 21(1 year and ** days) and I have decided that I am, pretty squared away right now on long guns and ammo. So I have done all the fun things, looking at them, reading about them, fondling them when I could and I now know which ones to get. Handguns here fellas. Now here comes the hard part which is what i like to call firearm fasting, not buying any more guns in order to save money for my handgun purchases. Now i have a big question, CAN YOU OPEN CARRY AND CONCEAL CARRY AT THE SAME TIME IN NC?! I have searched for a damn while online and cant find any answers. Could someone give me an answer and/or source of info?

 

[Fasha]

The answer to you question is not a simple one. I would suggest contacting a CC Instructor and ask them. Check the NRA website for Pistol Classes, then search instructors in NC. Contact one of them.

 

[cerberusassoc]

I don't know about your state but I know in Ohio you cannot.. I'm fairly certain it would be the same elsewhere.

 

[Carbine Cory]

The answer to you question is not a simple one. I would suggest contacting a CC Instructor and ask them. Check the NRA website for Pistol Classes, then search instructors in NC. Contact one of them.

I didnt think of that thank you. OC'ing a full size handgun and CC'ing a compact one as a back up only makes a ton of sense to me, but maybe lawmakers think that is too much firepower for a civilian to carry at one time.

 

[BugOutBoy91]

so dont qoute me on this but in NC you do not need any permit such as CC to carry a pistol openly in plain view the state law only regards to the concealed weapons. reason i belive this is correct, I worked in a hardware store and it seamed that many that i knw did not have there CC did openly carry. i would deff ask a CC instructor because ignorence of the law is no excuse in court. but i am also counting down the few months and days i have left till i turn 21 and can myself purchase my own to cuddle with. haha good luck to ya bud ive been druling over a few myself so long it hurts. but it is deffinatly worth the wait

 

[Jeffrey]

so dont qoute me on this but in NC you do not need any permit such as CC to carry a pistol openly in plain view...

Try that in Charlotte and see what happens.

 

[NCGunDude]

Try that in Charlotte and see what happens.

Don't be ridiculous, Charlotte is no different from any other town, you may not discharge a firearm within city limits. You may not carry in places prohibited by law, or where there's a No Carry sign posted.

I suggest reading the firearms laws publication from the DOJ, http://www.ncdoj.gov/Files/About-DOJ/Law-Enforcement-Liaison/2007-NC-Firearms-gun-Laws.aspx

With regards to your specific question, you may carry open without a CCH permit subject to the provisions of the law. You may carry concealed with a CCH subject to the provisions of the law. There's nothing to prevent you from doing both at the same time, but you would need a CCH permit.

BTW, a quick google of OC in Charlotte or Raleigh, where I live, doesn't turn up any prohibitions. You just have to know the firearms laws. I saw something that said no OC where CC is prohibited. Don't recall that stated specifically in the statutes, but it would make sense, and a good guideline. Learn where you can CC, and feel free to OC.

I'm interested in any dissenting opinions or further clarification.

 

[elixin77]

A CHP does not have a limit as to how many pistols you carry on your person. As long as you have a CHP, you can carry one on your waistline, one in a shoulder rig, and one in a boot rig for all I care.

I know a lot of people who OC, and have a BUG hidden somewhere on their person. It is completely legal as far as I can tell.

I am not a lawyer.

 

[Tactical_N_Practical]

I'm former NC law enforcement and I can tell you that NC does technically allow for open carry. HOWEVER, as soon as someone calls the authorities and claims that the sight of you with a weapon (while in a general public area) has frightened them, you can be charged with "going about the terror of the public." My question is why would you want to OC and CC simultaneously? If you have a CC permit, just carry your primary and secondary concealed.

 

[Hungry]

I'm former NC law enforcement and I can tell you that NC does technically allow for open carry. HOWEVER, as soon as someone calls the authorities and claims that the sight of you with a weapon (while in a general public area) has frightened them, you can be charged with "going about the terror of the public." My question is why would you want to OC and CC simultaneously? If you have a CC permit, just carry your primary and secondary concealed.

I have no doubt that if someone complains, there will be a conversation with the police.

I was under the impression that "Terror of the Public" charges required some specific actions on the part of the gun toter. Something about being on a highway. Not just some anti-gunner making trouble.

Seems to me, that police that respond to the situation have the responsibility to verify if the person is just exercising his 2nd amendment right or is in fact a danger.

 

[Tactical_N_Practical]

It is a very grey area. Where I was working was a very rural area and a VERY gun friendly department. Just because you are, or could be charged with something, doesn't mean that you will be convicted.

 

[JayKay]

I didnt think of that thank you. OC'ing a full size handgun and CC'ing a compact one as a back up only makes a ton of sense to me, but maybe lawmakers think that is too much firepower for a civilian to carry at one time.

Cory,

I'd suggest going to Jim's and talking to the guys that work there. You can also take your CCW classes there as well.

Like Tactical_and_Practical said, you CAN legally open carry here in NC. However, it is NOT recommended. The burden of proof is on you to explain why you need to openly carry a firearm, and in general, LEOs don't much appreciate it when there are people openly carrying weapons: it makes everyone a little nervous.

Are you going to get your CCW as soon as you turn 21? Remember, you cannot purchase, or receive as a gift, a pistol in the State of NC without a purchase permit, available from the Sheriff for $5 each, max of 5 permits per visit. Or, get your CCW and you don't need the permits anymore.

Hope that helps, good luck!

 

[warhawk-77]

Cory,

Like Tactical_and_Practical said, you CAN legally open carry here in NC. However, it is NOT recommended. The burden of proof is on you to explain why you need to openly carry a firearm, and in general, LEOs don't much appreciate it when there are people openly carrying weapons: it makes everyone a little nervous.

While I agree, I don't recommend OC.

You might have the police called on you for carrying because people are not used to seeing people carry. To be breaking the law people have to prove you are a threat. Adjusting your pistol, letting it be seen, or talking about firearms is not enough to get in trouble. If you are yelling at people, or threatening people while OC you will get in trouble. Most officers I encountered when I lived in NC (25 years) knew the law and wouldn't bust your balls about it.

Here is a great site for info

http://www.usacarry.com/north_carolina_concealed_carry_permit_information.html

While you can carry open in NC there are areas like Raleigh that they have laws saying you can't carry which you over rides the state laws.

 

[Tactical_N_Practical]

Cory,

I'd suggest going to Jim's and talking to the guys that work there. You can also take your CCW classes there as well.

Like Tactical_and_Practical said, you CAN legally open carry here in NC. However, it is NOT recommended. The burden of proof is on you to explain why you need to openly carry a firearm, and in general, LEOs don't much appreciate it when there are people openly carrying weapons: it makes everyone a little nervous.

Are you going to get your CCW as soon as you turn 21? Remember, you cannot purchase, or receive as a gift, a pistol in the State of NC without a purchase permit, available from the Sheriff for $5 each, max of 5 permits per visit. Or, get your CCW and you don't need the permits anymore.

Hope that helps, good luck!

Honestly brother, I stay away from Jim's P&G except to just window shop. Aside from having horrible customer service, their prices are usually ridiculously high. For a CCW class, I'd contact Major Hinkle with the Pender County Sheriff's Office. $50 for the class. That sure beats $120 at Shooter's Choice. Plus they do it twice a month I believe.

 

[elixin77]

Like Tactical_and_Practical said, you CAN legally open carry here in NC. However, it is NOT recommended. The burden of proof is on you to explain why you need to openly carry a firearm, and in general, LEOs don't much appreciate it when there are people openly carrying weapons: it makes everyone a little nervous.

Umm, what? Why do I have to explain to anyone why I'm openly carrying a firearm? Last I checked, I am free to do as I please, as long as I'm not breaking any rules - OC'ing does not break any rules at all.

Going Armed to the Terror of the Public, or Gatttotp, requires four individual clauses to be met in order to be successfully charged:
-Must be on a public highway
-Must be carrying an unusual weapon (a gun counts as an unusual weapon)
-Must be brandishing the gun (having a holstered gun does NOT count as a brandished weapon - there are a couple NCSC that say such)
-Must have intent to kill someone

Again, all 4 of these clauses must be met in order for a Gattotp charge to stick.

As far as LEO's not appreciating citizens OC'ing - I call BS on this one. I've had a few encounters of LEO's talking to me (not having a call in), and them thanking me for carrying - believe it or not, it makes their job easier. As far as making other people nervous - I don't care how other people feel about my method of carry: I carry to protect me and mine, and I carry as a law abiding citizen.

There is a state forum on OCDrg that has a lot more information, and you won't get as much unbiased info there (as people who CC respond to that forum as well).

Stay safe, and keep your head on a swivel.

 

[Tactical_N_Practical]

Umm, what? Why do I have to explain to anyone why I'm openly carrying a firearm? Last I checked, I am free to do as I please, as long as I'm not breaking any rules - OC'ing does not break any rules at all.

Going Armed to the Terror of the Public, or Gatttotp, requires four individual clauses to be met in order to be successfully charged:
-Must be on a public highway
-Must be carrying an unusual weapon (a gun counts as an unusual weapon)
-Must be brandishing the gun (having a holstered gun does NOT count as a brandished weapon - there are a couple NCSC that say such)
-Must have intent to kill someone

Again, all 4 of these clauses must be met in order for a Gattotp charge to stick.

As far as LEO's not appreciating citizens OC'ing - I call BS on this one. I've had a few encounters of LEO's talking to me (not having a call in), and them thanking me for carrying - believe it or not, it makes their job easier. As far as making other people nervous - I don't care how other people feel about my method of carry: I carry to protect me and mine, and I carry as a law abiding citizen.

There is a state forum on OCDrg that has a lot more information, and you won't get as much unbiased info there (as people who CC respond to that forum as well).

Stay safe, and keep your head on a swivel.

Right or wrong, constitutional or unconstitutional, I've seen people arrested for it three times. Two of those times it was dropped and I never heard a follow up on the third. Either way, they went through the stress, and financial strain involved with being charged and appearing in court. I'm not saying that they weren't within their rights and if it's worth the hassle to you, go for it. When I was a deputy sheriff, I never encountered any weapons on people (other than just seeing them in back glasses and on belts of passers by)that weren't going to go to jail anyways for unrelated charges. Even if I had, as long as they didn't act like they were drunk, up to no good or tweaking, I wouldn't have cared. Keep in mind though that I grew up with firearms my whole life. I personally know of police in near by cities that LOVE to pull CCW permits when they can. The Sheriff of the county next door is not pro armed citizen AT ALL. Quite the contrary in fact. Two of his Lieutenants are mindless drones that believe only police and military need guns. I promise you that there are TONS of anti gun cops. However, there are TONS of pro gun cops as well. Just being real.

 

[FarmerJohn]

It is a very grey area. Where I was working was a very rural area and a VERY gun friendly department. Just because you are, or could be charged with something, doesn't mean that you will be convicted.

or that it won't cost you a considerable amount in lawyers fees to prove your innocent.

or that you won't get hassled by the police( hassled meaning wasting yours and the officers time having them talk to you/explain yourself)

 

[FarmerJohn]

Right or wrong, constitutional or unconstitutional, I've seen people arrested for it three times. Two of those times it was dropped and I never heard a follow up on the third. Either way, they went through the stress, and financial strain involved with being charged and appearing in court. I'm not saying that they weren't within their rights and if it's worth the hassle to you, go for it. When I was a deputy sheriff, I never encountered any weapons on people (other than just seeing them in back glasses and on belts of passers by)that weren't going to go to jail anyways for unrelated charges. Even if I had, as long as they didn't act like they were drunk, up to no good or tweaking, I wouldn't have cared. Keep in mind though that I grew up with firearms my whole life. I personally know of police in near by cities that LOVE to pull CCW permits when they can. The Sheriff of the county next door is not pro armed citizen AT ALL. Quite the contrary in fact. Two of his Lieutenants are mindless drones that believe only police and military need guns. I promise you that there are TONS of anti gun cops. However, there are TONS of pro gun cops as well. Just being real.

what county are those?

 

[Tactical_N_Practical]

New Hanover. Causey was worse, but McMan isn't much better.

 

[junglecrawler]

As long as you don't OD and do a B&E while you CC, then everything should be oky doky, see.