So You Want to Open Carry in Washington? Hold Your Horses, Maverick
Ever feel the urge to channel your inner Clint Eastwood while strolling down the streets of Seattle? Maybe you're picturing yourself, a picture of frontier justice, deterring petty theft with your trusty six-shooter strapped to your hip. Well, hold on to your Stetson, partner, because open carry in Washington State ain't exactly a lawless free-for-all.
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| Can You Open Carry In Washington State |
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Open Carry in Washington
The Good: Yep, unlike some states, Washington does allow open carry for both long guns and handguns, without a permit. Freedom, baby!
The Bad: Hold your horses there, trigger finger. Just because you can doesn't mean you should strut around like you're auditioning for a spaghetti western remake. There are still restrictions.
QuickTip: Compare this post with what you already know.
- Restricted Areas: You can't be Wyatt Earp everywhere. Open carry is a no-go in places like schools, government buildings, and anywhere else that prohibits concealed carry. Private businesses can also say "thanks, but no thanks" to your open firearm.
- Intimidation is a No-No: Looking like you're about to start a showdown at the OK Corral is a big no-no. Open carrying in a way that scares the bejeebers out of folks is illegal.
The Ugly: Let's face it, open carry can be unsettling for some folks. Be prepared for surprised stares, or even the cops getting called. If you choose to open carry, make sure you're comfortable with the extra attention (and maybe invest in a friendly holster that screams "responsible gun owner," not "outlaw").
But Wait, There's More!
- Vehicles: Here's a twist: you do need a permit to carry a loaded handgun in your car. Crazy, right?
- Age: Thinking of letting your teenage son emulate John Wayne? Think again. You gotta be at least 21 to openly carry in Washington.
Remember: This ain't a substitute for actual legal advice. If you're serious about open carry, brush up on the laws (RCW 9.41.060 for the curious cats out there).
QuickTip: Skim for bold or italicized words.
Howdy Partner, Got Questions?
How to find out if a business prohibits open carry?
Many businesses will have signage indicating if they don't allow open carry. When in doubt, ask politely!
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
How to open carry safely?
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- Keep your firearm secure in a proper holster.
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid spooking folks.
- Follow all gun safety rules – accidents happen!
How to handle getting weird looks while open carrying?
Tip: Use this post as a starting point for exploration.
A friendly smile and a "howdy" can go a long way. Remember, most people aren't judging you, they're just surprised.
How to deal with the police if they're called about your open carry?
Stay calm, be polite, and answer their questions honestly.
How to decide if open carry is right for you?
It's a personal decision. Consider your reasons for wanting to open carry, and if the potential downsides outweigh the benefits.
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