Trigger Talk: Open Carry
Over the past several weeks we did two sessions of our WAAM Trigger Talk “Radio Edition” on the subject of “Open Carry” inMichigan.
Many people are unaware that it is legal for a law abiding person to carry a gun openly in the state. While there are restrictions on places you may or may not carry openly, most of those restrictions are exempted if the person also has a Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL). This exemption also applies to visiting residents of other states that hold CPL licenses in their home state.
When I first read these rules I was confused as to their application. I contacted the Michigan State Police Office of the Director of Legal Resource and Education Unit and was able to get direct access to the author of the Michigan State Police Legal Update publication No 86 (dated October 26th 2010). The Sergeant indicated they get many calls on his subject and the goal of their document is to help both Law Enforcement and the public to better understand the rules governing open carry.
The following is a summary of the information in that document:
- MCL 28.425o lists the premises upon which a CPL holder may not carry a concealed pistol. MCL 28.425o does not apply to a CPL holder when he or she is carrying a visible non-concealed pistol, commonly referred to as open carry.
- MCL 750.234d lists the premises upon which a person shall not possess a firearm; however, CPL holders are specifically exempted by subsection (2)(c).
- Therefore, CPL holders may carry a visible non-concealed pistol on the premises listed in MCL 28.425o and MCL 750.234d without being in violation of either statute.
A web search for “Michigan State Police Legal Update 86”, will locate the document and you can download a .pdf file explaining the laws including hot links to the appropriate pages ofMichiganfirearms law and penal code statutes.
Additionally, there are several organizations around the state and nationally such as www.miopencarry.org where additional information may be found as well a tips and pointers on things such as retention holsters and local events promoting open carry.
The decision to carry a firearm whether openly or concealed is not for everyone and must not be taken lightly. You should be well practiced in safe firearm handling and it is your responsibility to understand and abide by the laws in affect.
Next month we’ll talk about gun cleaning and maintenance.
Until then …….Safe Shooting!
Dick Cupka is an NRA Certified Pistol, Personal Defense in the Home and Concealed Pistol License Instructor. You can reach him by e-mail at….. triggertalk.dc@gmail.com