Does this mean that I can open carry?
How about thru Denver do I need to lock it up?
Howdy Amigo!
As a former Illinoisan myself, I can help put your mind at ease. Welcome to a free state. Well, free except for Denver city and county, that is. Kinda like Chicago, they just don't have much affection for folks that want a sidearm for self defense. Side note; Chicago is one of those places where crime is outrageously high, likely as a direct result of their anti-carry policies, but that another topic.
Here in Colorado, you can open carry everywhere except government buildings, school zones, etc.
Nobody will pay you much mind if you open carry here. Just don't do it in Denver city or county.
When passing through Denver in a private automobile, you can carry open. You do not need to lock up your weapon and stow it in the trunk or any of that nonsense that makes Illinois so priceless when it comes to 2a rights being denied. Your car is considered an extension of your home, so you can carry however pleases you in a private automobile or similar means of conveyance.
There is a great deal to see and do in Colorado, and you won't miss much by crossing Denver off your list.
Colorado Springs, Aurora, and everywhere else you might travel in the state will be fine for you to open carry. Just so you know how we think around these parts, I'll provide you a quote or two from Article 2, sections 3 and 13 of our Colorado Constitution:
Section 3. Inalienable rights. All persons have certain natural, essential and inalienable rights, among which may be reckoned the right of enjoying and defending their lives and liberties; of acquiring, possessing and protecting property; and of seeking and obtaining their safety and happiness.
Section 13. Right to bear arms. The right of no person to keep and bear arms in defense of his home, person and property, or in aid of the civil power when thereto legally summoned, shall be called in question; but nothing herein contained shall be construed to justify the practice of carrying concealed weapons.
Notice, if you will please, that section 3 states clearly enough that all persons (not residents of Colorado) have natural, essential and inalienable rights.
Follow that with section 13 stating "The right of no PERSON to keep and bear arms", not just citizens of Colorado, but persons. If you happen to be a person, you have the right to carry openly for your defense of home, person and property, etc, etc.
The last line states this doesn't convey an inherent right to concealed carry, but you can sure as shooting carry openly.
No permit is necessary, required or even exists for open carry!!!
Bear in mind, as you read the foregoing, I am not an attorney.
Because Denver disregarded an individual who had a permit from Utah, but wasn't a resident of Utah, Denver denied him the right to carry under the permit he held. They also deny the right of open carry. Ergo, Denver landed themselves in court and that case is waiting on a decision. And we wait, and wait, and wait. There is speculation that the 10th district is holding to see what the 7th district (in Illinois no less) decides on the Moore case (et al) vs. Illinois. Ironic, ain't it?
Anyhow, long story short,.... you can carry openly everywhere in Colorado except where prohibited (government building, school zones, etc) and of course, the infamous city and county of Denver.
All that as preamble, what part of Illinois are you from?
Blessings,
M-Taliesin
