David, It's not surprising that you were told it was illegal to open carry (OC). In many parts of the country law enforcement officers (LEO) try to tell people that OC is illegal in their jurisdiction when it's not. In most cases those same LEO ad their depts are getting their butts sued off in civil courts for harrassing OCers for exercizing their legal rights. I suggest you come join us at the Opencarry.org forums and learn what the laws are in your state as well as the other 49. It is vital that you educate yourself on the carry laws so that you don't trip up. Most OCer's know the laws better than allot of LEO. One thing I should point out. the statement at the top of this page that says that 43 states allow OC without a permit is incorrect. 43 states do allow OC but only 26 of those do not require a permit to do so.

i think that open carry or (OC) for short is a great thing. just the thought of an average person haven a gun will discourage the average bad guy. cause they are afraid of what will happen to them. THIS HAS BEEN PROVEN. but i think we should find a way to weed out the people that are not worthy to carry. or people that may hurt themselves or others. but for now that is where we the currant carrying people should step in and show and teach them. i close with this we need guns to protect ourselves and those around us, that is why we was given that right. but remember bad guys will always break the law, that is why they are bad guys they know no LAW and will not pay it any mind. that is one reason we have an equalizer. i plan on doing a very strong study of the matter but i have a permit to carry and will do so. i have pulled my sidearm two times, both without a shot fired just haven a gun in their face was all they needed to change their mind about me. i walked away with my money and my LIFE. thanks for the time Jason Stanford attalla al

ok, i am very confused. I have a permit to carry a concealed weapon and even took a Jeffco safety firearm class and the officer told us it was against the law for the average citizen to carry a unconcealed weapon. I work in property management in some pretty rough neighborhoods and would like to have my weapon open and in full view for any inquiring minds. I have been robbed in a vacant house before and if i would have had firearm open and in plain view, when i met the robber in front of the house, then maybe i would not have been considered easy prey. That incident almost cost me my life and could have been prevented by being behind a locked door, armed and ready and maybe even having a weapon in plain view would have discouraged the robber in the beginning. David