Open Carry Fuss in Virginia

[Aught Six]

Open handgun carry has been legal in Virginia since the colonial period, but a few recent, much-publicized incidents in Northern Virginia have been getting a lot of airtime from the local news outlets.

What almost all of the reporters and writers have missed is that it is illegal to carry a concealed handgun into an establishment serving alcohol. In other words, we have no choice but to open carry in most restaurants, family or otherwise. That's important to remember. I'm a member of VCDL, and a good number of CHP holders in NoVA are as well. I will not speak for others, but the people I know believe the idea that they open carry to "educate" the public is asinine. It's not called a Concealed Handgun Permit for nothing.

Some Virginia Residents Pack Heat Openly

[Dave590]

Thats a very interesting article.

I have a concealed handgun permit, but it's actually a very rare occasion that I carry 'concealed'...In fact, my .357 is just about always in my truck, but it's a rare occasion that I wear it. The 'intimidation' factor is just to great. About the only time I wear it is when I'm in the woods (open)or in a city (concealed).

But at any rate, I was under the impression that even with a permit, some places were just simply 'off-limits'. Schools, places that sell alchohol and court houses to name a few.

So, did I read this article correctly when it said it was O.K. to carry 'open' in a resteraunt that sells alchohol?

[Aught Six]

So, did I read this article correctly when it said it was O.K. to carry 'open' in a resteraunt that sells alchohol?

Yes, sir, indeed. You must open carry in a restaurant serving alcohol, if you're going to carry at all. Mind you that it's illegal to possess a firearm while under the influence, though, of course.

[Tazman]

Oh I love living in Va., I do not own a pistol, but to be honest since this all started I have been tempted to get one. [8D]

[Aught Six]

Oh I love living in Va., I do not own a pistol, but to be honest since this all started I have been tempted to get one.

I'm a Maryland Boy, born and raised, but I can't see myself ever leaving the Old Dominion. Well, at least not until retirement. I love this state!!!

Remember the recent DMV commericals about the new proof of legal of residence requirements? "I'm a Virginian, too!"