metronumic
Regular Member
Hi Folks,
I just moved to Colorado Springs from Montana. I'm an active shooter, usually logging about 2-3 hours in a range every week. I am also a VERY avid motorcyclist. I open carry a firearm almost always when riding (especially on longer rides into the woods). While Montana doesn't have quite the same "people" threat that Colorado has, it does has an inverse proportion of animal threats which is the primary reason why I started carrying while riding. I've never had a problem with any businesses, people, or law enforcement officials in Montana. Here in Colorado however, things are a bit more complicated (given the Denver situation).
Reading the laws; I understand that as a motorcyclist I have the right to carry concealed or open on my motorcycle. Since I am from MT and don't yet have a CCW, I need to open carry when I plan to dismount or move from the immediate vicinity of the motorcycle. Usually my first step after taking off my helmet is removing my jacket. A concealed weapon without a permit is not something I take lightly.
Also, as a personal rule, I do not carry a weapon when I am in a establishment that serves alcohol, regardless if I plan to drink anything or not. I have a sidecar motorcycle with a locking trunk. Ideally, I'd like to remove my SERPA holster (with the firearm still holstered) place it in my locking trunk. When I'm finished at an establishment, I'd like to re-attach the holster to my hip and go about my way.
My questions are this;
#1. The laws mention that you can carry a weapon in your, or on your person concealed and open. What happens when its right in the middle? One of my motorcycle jackets doesn't quite cover the lower portion of my SERPA holster. If my firearm is partially concealed while I am riding, does that present more problems?
#2. Being on a motorcycle (and therefore no "cage" to shield the public from me re-attaching my holstered pistol to my hip), what are the legal ramifications of doing so? Could it be considered brandishing? I often wonder if even touching my firearm (resting my forearm on the hilt, or touching the side of the holster while pulling out my wallet) can result in more problems.
#3. Occasionally, I need to visit or ride through Denver. Given its anti-gun/open carry position, I do not stop (for any reason) in Denver. If I am travelling through Denver on the interstate on my motorcycle, can I still legally open carry/concealed carry my pistol? I understand that if I stop and leave the immediate vicinity of the motorcycle, my gun has to be off my person and locked.
Thanks again for all the time everyone has spent putting information on this forum. It was a one-stop shop for me to digest and understand all the Colorado laws for open carry, and possible pitfalls.
P.S. A picture of my sidecar and my dog who rides with me. Just because.
I just moved to Colorado Springs from Montana. I'm an active shooter, usually logging about 2-3 hours in a range every week. I am also a VERY avid motorcyclist. I open carry a firearm almost always when riding (especially on longer rides into the woods). While Montana doesn't have quite the same "people" threat that Colorado has, it does has an inverse proportion of animal threats which is the primary reason why I started carrying while riding. I've never had a problem with any businesses, people, or law enforcement officials in Montana. Here in Colorado however, things are a bit more complicated (given the Denver situation).
Reading the laws; I understand that as a motorcyclist I have the right to carry concealed or open on my motorcycle. Since I am from MT and don't yet have a CCW, I need to open carry when I plan to dismount or move from the immediate vicinity of the motorcycle. Usually my first step after taking off my helmet is removing my jacket. A concealed weapon without a permit is not something I take lightly.
Also, as a personal rule, I do not carry a weapon when I am in a establishment that serves alcohol, regardless if I plan to drink anything or not. I have a sidecar motorcycle with a locking trunk. Ideally, I'd like to remove my SERPA holster (with the firearm still holstered) place it in my locking trunk. When I'm finished at an establishment, I'd like to re-attach the holster to my hip and go about my way.
My questions are this;
#1. The laws mention that you can carry a weapon in your, or on your person concealed and open. What happens when its right in the middle? One of my motorcycle jackets doesn't quite cover the lower portion of my SERPA holster. If my firearm is partially concealed while I am riding, does that present more problems?
#2. Being on a motorcycle (and therefore no "cage" to shield the public from me re-attaching my holstered pistol to my hip), what are the legal ramifications of doing so? Could it be considered brandishing? I often wonder if even touching my firearm (resting my forearm on the hilt, or touching the side of the holster while pulling out my wallet) can result in more problems.
#3. Occasionally, I need to visit or ride through Denver. Given its anti-gun/open carry position, I do not stop (for any reason) in Denver. If I am travelling through Denver on the interstate on my motorcycle, can I still legally open carry/concealed carry my pistol? I understand that if I stop and leave the immediate vicinity of the motorcycle, my gun has to be off my person and locked.
Thanks again for all the time everyone has spent putting information on this forum. It was a one-stop shop for me to digest and understand all the Colorado laws for open carry, and possible pitfalls.
P.S. A picture of my sidecar and my dog who rides with me. Just because.