Open Carry in Kentucky - The Firearms Forum

johnlives4christ · 09-09-2009, 07:20 AM

i recently found out i can open carry. i have always known that i "could" do it, but have always heard if i did that cops would hassle me, people would freak out and basically it just wasn't worth the hassle.

but i know a guy that is a ccw instructor and after talking to him a while i got bold enough to carry openly in town. while i always have carried open around the house and at work to some degree. ignorance kept me from doing it in town.

so yesterday i open carried to walmart. walked around for a good half hour looking at various things. no problems of any kind. two old ladies did stare a little though.

while i knew it was legal, i didnt know i could do it and get away with it. i've always heard about people freaking out and calling the cops and the cops hassling me.

i did learn however that i can open carry into a place that has a no ccw sign, since it applies to ccw and not open carry. the kentucky bill of rights guarantees my right to do this and the only thing that can happen is i can be asked to leave. so i expect that im going to open carry a lot now.

45nut · 09-09-2009, 07:47 AM

Oh I am so jealous!

I wish Texas had open carry because I'd be packing iron for all men to see.

Keep up the good work.

Doc1911 · 09-09-2009, 10:13 AM

I am hoping we get this in FL. However, I desire it because of the printing issue more than anything else. I do not like people to know I am carrying - if something happens I desire them to be in for a surprise.

johnlives4christ · 09-09-2009, 05:19 PM

feels pretty good to open carry, feels dern good. i have been informing some of the local postal employees that they CAN carry on the job under federal regulations

bobdobgolf · 11-11-2009, 10:40 PM

Are you saying you can open carry without a CCW permit? My dad lives in Kentucky and is scheduled to take his CCW class.

Lost One · 11-11-2009, 10:54 PM

Utah is weird (now I could just leave it at that and most would agree

) but I am talking about their carry laws.

Here if you have a CCW then you have to carry it concealed and cannot open carry, If you dont have a CCW then you can open carry but cannot conceal carry, dont bother trying to figure it out it will give you a headache trying to or at least it did me.

Most of the courses that I took where taught by the Salt Lake City police instructor, Ogden deputy sheriff and Salt Lake International airport police and when I checked into it at the licensing div. they said the same as well. One would think that if you qualify for concealed then you would be safe to open carry but it violates the rule of brandishing a weapon for concealed carry so you can lose your permit over it is what I was told.

bobdobgolf · 11-11-2009, 11:08 PM

That law only makes sense to a lawmaker.. UNREAL!! So you want to carry a gun and actually take the legal steps to do so and pay the fee? Well make sure you stuff it in your pants so the guy who has ill intent can get to his first.. HUMMM

bobdobgolf · 11-11-2009, 11:43 PM

My parents live in Louisville. I was there last weekend and went to a range in Crestwood nice but kind of a country club. I live in the country and shoot on my property not the case in Lou city limits. They live in a condo complex that was hit by the serial rapist that was running around guy was caught but after that dad bought a Springfield .40 and a Ruger .380 which he plans on carrying. Im not sure if he knows he can open carry but the e-mail has been sent. Thanks

DWARREN123 · 11-12-2009, 03:03 PM

I see quite a bit of open carry. I live in Tennessee but on the border with Kentucky and do a fair amount of business in Kentucky.

Hardballer · 11-12-2009, 07:13 PM

I open carry in Wisconsin. Around the house, in the yard, on city streets, in stores etc.

McHATMAKER · 11-13-2009, 05:56 PM

I wonder why Wisconsin is so against CCW?

Hardballer · 11-13-2009, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McHATMAKER

I wonder why Wisconsin is so against CCW?

Just ask Gov. Doyle. Wisconsin has been a liberal state for some time and this is just one of the legacies of liberalism aside from being near bankrupt. We are on the cusp of change here now. There is talk of concealed carry being legalized and running out the liberals from office will help to grease those wheels.

I like open carry and would probably continue as long as it remains legal. As a matter of fact, I open carried this evening as I stopped at the pharmacy and the local grocery. Local fire chief walked up and said hello, inquired as to my health and then commended me on "packin' ". Said it was good to see.

I agree. I am kind of the Lone Ranger around here. I am the only one I know of who open carries in these communities.

RDak · 11-14-2009, 06:30 AM

It's legal in Michigan but I'm too much of a wimp to do it.

I have a CPL instead.

I'm old and just too scared about the reaction I might get from the LEO community. I wish I had more backbone!!

Hardballer · 11-14-2009, 02:25 PM

I just wanted to make it clear that I support any form of carry, open or concealed. In some areas, it is scary or even foolish to open carry because te LEOs have a brazen disregard for the actual laws on the books.

In Wisconsin, it took the Governor and the AG to make statements backing up what our constitution reads, to sway many LEOs. The law was put in place way back in '95 and it made any municipality's law against open carry null and void.

Fast forward to 2008/09 and still there are those who have not gotten the message. Two cases have already gone to court and have been won by the individual who's rights had been violated. Click here and here.

But who wants to go through all of that just to prove his point. One guy was arrested on his own property while planting a tree, just because a nosy neighbor called the cops and asked if it was legal to carry a side arm in your own yard. They came and arrested the guy and confiscated his gun.

Though I have a lot of respect for LEOs in general for the tough job they have, there are still to many of them who are thick headed, arrogant and just downright ignorant of the very laws they are sworn to uphold.

So when you say you are to scared to carry open, in reality, you are probably just being prudent.

To each his own.

Terry G · 11-14-2009, 02:47 PM

I live in rural Wisconsin, but I'm blessed with being a retired LEO, so under LEOSA I can carry concealed and open. However, I have never seen a citizen doing open carry in any city limits. I carry open in the country and have never been bothered by anyone. I often hike the back roads carrying a Colt .45 SA Army, or a Ruger .45 Vaquero, both 7 1/2 barelled and pretty obvious. The local LEO's just wave when they go past, but in a town you would have a different story. I'm pretty sure you would be spread eagled on a cop car with half a dozen guns pointed at you. I have been tempted to do it just as a test, since I'm covered both way's, but as another Forum member said, "Is it worth the hassle?"

Hardballer · 11-14-2009, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry G

I live in rural Wisconsin, but I'm blessed with being a retired LEO, so under LEOSA I can carry concealed and open. However, I have never seen a citizen doing open carry in any city limits. I carry open in the country and have never been bothered by anyone. I often hike the back roads carrying a Colt .45 SA Army, or a Ruger .45 Vaquero, both 7 1/2 barelled and pretty obvious. The local LEO's just wave when they go past, but in a town you would have a different story. I'm pretty sure you would be spread eagled on a cop car with half a dozen guns pointed at you. I have been tempted to do it just as a test, since I'm covered both way's, but as another Forum member said, "Is it worth the hassle?"

Hey, neighbor, I don't know where you're from but i have carried in Buffalo City, Cochrane, Alma, Nelson, Mondovi, Waumandee and Fountain City. None are big cities but Alma is the County Seat. Yesterday, I walked into the Pharmacy, exchanged pleasantries with a Sheriff's office employee and then to the local convienience store. There I spoke with a Fireman and local politician who said "I see you're packin', Good for you. I like to see that." I was gratified to hear that. I actually responded to him with your signature line. He said, "Yup!"

DWARREN123 · 11-14-2009, 11:34 PM

I go into the local Wal-Mart (Kentucky) and see a biker looking guy carrying a S&W revolver or to the local buffet and see a nice looking young lady in 5.11 trousers with a 1911-A1 on her right hip, young guy with wife, in same buffet, with S&W semi auto on his right hip. Lots more folks conceal carry so I don't know how many folks with firearms there are.

johnlives4christ · 08-23-2010, 05:36 PM

its nice to see others open carrying i expect, i have never seen anyone else around here do it though other then my friend micha

wpage · 08-23-2010, 06:30 PM

You lucky dogs...

johnlives4christ · 08-23-2010, 07:39 PM

blessed and lucky both. open carrying is fun

armedandsafe · 08-23-2010, 08:40 PM

The biggest problem I have in this town with open carry is little old ladies. They stop me and ask what I'm carrying.

Pops

johnlives4christ · 08-23-2010, 10:17 PM

most of the folks i talk to round here know it's legal but feel that no one should do it for fear that it might offend or scare someone.

xm774u · 09-08-2010, 08:28 PM

thanks open carry in mi tomorrow i hope to piss everyone off!

wyoredot · 09-08-2010, 08:50 PM

you GO man!!!

johnlives4christ · 09-14-2010, 09:20 PM

still open carrying, still aint had no problems. when i first started open carrying , i was told by the local gunstore that i would have problems. they said they knew folks that had been kicked out of walmart because their concealed carry piece became unconcealed. and they said if a cop seen me i would be hassled, and the people would call the cops and so on. but i haven't had any trouble as of yet, im surprised and relieved and thankful.

the most i've had is people in a store asking me if i had a license to carry, and i explained that in ky i didnt need a license to open carry, then they were cool about it. mostly just curious folks, or people asking if i was a cop. even had someone come up and thank me for carrying, said it made him glad to see someone exercising their rights to carry. so overall, it's been a positive experience for me.

09-09-2009, 07:20 AM	#1
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Open Carry in Kentucky i recently found out i can open carry. i have always known that i "could" do it, but have always heard if i did that cops would hassle me, people would freak out and basically it just wasn't worth the hassle. but i know a guy that is a ccw instructor and after talking to him a while i got bold enough to carry openly in town. while i always have carried open around the house and at work to some degree. ignorance kept me from doing it in town. so yesterday i open carried to walmart. walked around for a good half hour looking at various things. no problems of any kind. two old ladies did stare a little though. while i knew it was legal, i didnt know i could do it and get away with it. i've always heard about people freaking out and calling the cops and the cops hassling me. i did learn however that i can open carry into a place that has a no ccw sign, since it applies to ccw and not open carry. the kentucky bill of rights guarantees my right to do this and the only thing that can happen is i can be asked to leave. so i expect that im going to open carry a lot now. -->

09-09-2009, 07:47 AM	#2
45nut Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 3,428	Re: Open Carry in Kentucky Oh I am so jealous! I wish Texas had open carry because I'd be packing iron for all men to see. Keep up the good work. __________________ A gun is a tool, Marian; no better or no worse than any other tool: an axe, a shovel or anything. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. Remember that. Shane Nemo me impune lacesset We recall the case of the Shoshone war band which showed up complete with one 30-30 rifle per man the week after Pearl Harbor, and simply wanted to have the enemy pointed out to them. "We hear there's a war going on and we want to go fight it." Jeff Cooper *KCCO*

09-09-2009, 10:13 AM	#3
Doc1911 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: USA Posts: 874	Re: Open Carry in Kentucky I am hoping we get this in FL. However, I desire it because of the printing issue more than anything else. I do not like people to know I am carrying - if something happens I desire them to be in for a surprise. __________________ _____ Sincerely, Doc NRA Life Member

09-09-2009, 05:19 PM	#4
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Re: Open Carry in Kentucky feels pretty good to open carry, feels dern good. i have been informing some of the local postal employees that they CAN carry on the job under federal regulations

11-11-2009, 10:40 PM	#5
bobdobgolf Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 7	Re: Open Carry in Kentucky Are you saying you can open carry without a CCW permit? My dad lives in Kentucky and is scheduled to take his CCW class.

11-11-2009, 10:54 PM	#6
Lost One V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: SLC, Ut. Posts: 64	Re: Open Carry in Kentucky Utah is weird (now I could just leave it at that and most would agree ) but I am talking about their carry laws. Here if you have a CCW then you have to carry it concealed and cannot open carry, If you dont have a CCW then you can open carry but cannot conceal carry, dont bother trying to figure it out it will give you a headache trying to or at least it did me. Most of the courses that I took where taught by the Salt Lake City police instructor, Ogden deputy sheriff and Salt Lake International airport police and when I checked into it at the licensing div. they said the same as well. One would think that if you qualify for concealed then you would be safe to open carry but it violates the rule of brandishing a weapon for concealed carry so you can lose your permit over it is what I was told.

11-11-2009, 11:08 PM	#7
bobdobgolf Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 7	Re: Open Carry in Kentucky That law only makes sense to a lawmaker.. UNREAL!! So you want to carry a gun and actually take the legal steps to do so and pay the fee? Well make sure you stuff it in your pants so the guy who has ill intent can get to his first.. HUMMM

11-11-2009, 11:43 PM	#8
bobdobgolf Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 7	Re: Open Carry in Kentucky My parents live in Louisville. I was there last weekend and went to a range in Crestwood nice but kind of a country club. I live in the country and shoot on my property not the case in Lou city limits. They live in a condo complex that was hit by the serial rapist that was running around guy was caught but after that dad bought a Springfield .40 and a Ruger .380 which he plans on carrying. Im not sure if he knows he can open carry but the e-mail has been sent. Thanks

11-12-2009, 03:03 PM	#9
DWARREN123 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: BETWEEN TN & KY Posts: 764	Re: Open Carry in Kentucky I see quite a bit of open carry. I live in Tennessee but on the border with Kentucky and do a fair amount of business in Kentucky. __________________ Have a nice day!

11-12-2009, 07:13 PM	#10
Hardballer V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Smack dab in da middle Posts: 471	Re: Open Carry in Kentucky I open carry in Wisconsin. Around the house, in the yard, on city streets, in stores etc.

11-13-2009, 05:56 PM	#11
McHATMAKER Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Kentucky Posts: 2	Re: Open Carry in Kentucky I wonder why Wisconsin is so against CCW?

11-14-2009, 06:30 AM	#13
RDak Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 25	Re: Open Carry in Kentucky It's legal in Michigan but I'm too much of a wimp to do it. I have a CPL instead. I'm old and just too scared about the reaction I might get from the LEO community. I wish I had more backbone!!

11-14-2009, 02:25 PM	#14
Hardballer V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Smack dab in da middle Posts: 471	Re: Open Carry in Kentucky I just wanted to make it clear that I support any form of carry, open or concealed. In some areas, it is scary or even foolish to open carry because te LEOs have a brazen disregard for the actual laws on the books. In Wisconsin, it took the Governor and the AG to make statements backing up what our constitution reads, to sway many LEOs. The law was put in place way back in '95 and it made any municipality's law against open carry null and void. Fast forward to 2008/09 and still there are those who have not gotten the message. Two cases have already gone to court and have been won by the individual who's rights had been violated. Click here and here. But who wants to go through all of that just to prove his point. One guy was arrested on his own property while planting a tree, just because a nosy neighbor called the cops and asked if it was legal to carry a side arm in your own yard. They came and arrested the guy and confiscated his gun. Though I have a lot of respect for LEOs in general for the tough job they have, there are still to many of them who are thick headed, arrogant and just downright ignorant of the very laws they are sworn to uphold. So when you say you are to scared to carry open, in reality, you are probably just being prudent. To each his own. Last edited by Hardballer; 11-14-2009 at 02:35 PM..

11-14-2009, 02:47 PM	#15
Terry G V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 120	Re: Open Carry in Kentucky I live in rural Wisconsin, but I'm blessed with being a retired LEO, so under LEOSA I can carry concealed and open. However, I have never seen a citizen doing open carry in any city limits. I carry open in the country and have never been bothered by anyone. I often hike the back roads carrying a Colt .45 SA Army, or a Ruger .45 Vaquero, both 7 1/2 barelled and pretty obvious. The local LEO's just wave when they go past, but in a town you would have a different story. I'm pretty sure you would be spread eagled on a cop car with half a dozen guns pointed at you. I have been tempted to do it just as a test, since I'm covered both way's, but as another Forum member said, "Is it worth the hassle?" __________________ "An Armed Society is a Polite Society."

11-14-2009, 11:34 PM	#17
DWARREN123 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: BETWEEN TN & KY Posts: 764	Re: Open Carry in Kentucky I go into the local Wal-Mart (Kentucky) and see a biker looking guy carrying a S&W revolver or to the local buffet and see a nice looking young lady in 5.11 trousers with a 1911-A1 on her right hip, young guy with wife, in same buffet, with S&W semi auto on his right hip. Lots more folks conceal carry so I don't know how many folks with firearms there are. __________________ Have a nice day!

08-23-2010, 05:36 PM	#18
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Re: Open Carry in Kentucky its nice to see others open carrying i expect, i have never seen anyone else around here do it though other then my friend micha

08-23-2010, 06:30 PM	#19
wpage Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 1,471	Re: Open Carry in Kentucky You lucky dogs... __________________ "You shall recieve power" Acts 1:8 W

08-23-2010, 07:39 PM	#20
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Re: Open Carry in Kentucky blessed and lucky both. open carrying is fun

08-23-2010, 08:40 PM	#21
armedandsafe Former Guest Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Moses Lake, WA Posts: 10,344	Re: Open Carry in Kentucky The biggest problem I have in this town with open carry is little old ladies. They stop me and ask what I'm carrying. Pops

08-23-2010, 10:17 PM	#22
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Re: Open Carry in Kentucky most of the folks i talk to round here know it's legal but feel that no one should do it for fear that it might offend or scare someone.

09-08-2010, 08:28 PM	#23
xm774u Former Guest Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: beond the great abiss Posts: 179	Re: Open Carry in Kentucky thanks open carry in mi tomorrow i hope to piss everyone off!

09-14-2010, 09:20 PM	#25
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Re: Open Carry in Kentucky still open carrying, still aint had no problems. when i first started open carrying , i was told by the local gunstore that i would have problems. they said they knew folks that had been kicked out of walmart because their concealed carry piece became unconcealed. and they said if a cop seen me i would be hassled, and the people would call the cops and so on. but i haven't had any trouble as of yet, im surprised and relieved and thankful. the most i've had is people in a store asking me if i had a license to carry, and i explained that in ky i didnt need a license to open carry, then they were cool about it. mostly just curious folks, or people asking if i was a cop. even had someone come up and thank me for carrying, said it made him glad to see someone exercising their rights to carry. so overall, it's been a positive experience for me.