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What exactly is the definition of "open carry"?

I

imp81318

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Joined
Nov 14, 2008
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Hey guys, I'm in PA and am somewhat new to carrying a firearm. I have my license to carry concealed, but I don't typically carry. For the record, my firearm is S&W model 686 .357 Mag. I am just a little unclear as to exactly what constitutes "open carry" as I've been given much information regarding carrying, a large percentage of which I've discovered to be false (such as having the firearm laying on the seat of a car could be considered "concealed" because of the windshield "covering it"), so if anyone could find a law that clearly states what is "open carry" and what is "concealed carry" I'd appreciate it. Does a holster still fall under concealed carry?

Also, while I'm here and typing, do you guys have any good suggestions for a type of holster to get to carry my firearm? I don't intend to carry it in public frequently (I hope to get a semi-auto that will be easier to conceal for that), but I'd like to be able to carry in the woods without it being obvious to avoid unnecessary questions from hikers/etc. I'd like to get something that will be comfortable, and I can use whether I am in hunting clothes sitting in a tree stand all day, or just out in shorts and a t-shirt hiking.

Thanks for any and all input!
 
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Farmer Troy

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Feb 20, 2008
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Welcome to the forum imp81318,

First of all, one of my personal peeves is when someone says that they have a license to carry concealed or concealed carry permit. In Pennsylvania, the real name is a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF). I like to use the correct terminology.

As for your question, I am not the best expert around here but I'll give it a shot.

As for a firearm in a vehicle . . . that is true . . . you need to have a LTCF in order to carry a loaded weapon legally in a vehicle . . . not because the windshield conceals it though.

A gun in a holster is not concealed unless it is hidden from view. A gun in a holster that is open for public viewing would be open carry.

Hope that helps!! Maybe others will give their expertise also.

BTW, one of the best references I know of is the PA Gun Rights flyer that you can print out and carry with you. You can get it here . . .

http://paopencarry.org/downloads.html
 
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