OC...
Hi all,
I was raised in Hastings and I moved to WI in 2000. In 2007 I abtained my MN carry permit and when I carry in MN, I usually carry concealed. When I'm in WI, I open carry as WI law states that you can ONLY carry a firearm openly. I have been OC'ing in WI for about three years now so I'm quite used to the looks and questions. I usually don't have any problems or issues. A lot of people don't even notice and some that do ask if I'm a cop. Most just look but I believe that with more and more people OC'ing, other people are starting to get used to seeing sidearms which is a good thing.
As far as MN law, the carry permit is just that. A CARRY PERMIT! Your sidearm does not have to be concealed and if you look at your permit it states that it is a permit to carry a pistal. And like others here have pointed out, MN law is very clear about that. So, if a cop starts to harrass you about OC'ing, politely inform him that MN law allows you to carry your sidearm in either fashion, concealed or open.
As you may or may not know, A Constitutional Carry bill SB-93 has pasted the first stage to becoming law by a vote of 3-2. There are I believe two more hurdles that have to be jumped before it becomes law but we are on our way. If this bill passes, then I will be able to OC or conceal carry in WI without a permit, just like the Constitution has intended. That will be fantastic because right now when I go to and from MN to or from WI, I have to unload my XD45 or M&P45......or both when I leave or enter WI. I can't wait.
Tony