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Should I open carry or wait?

Curtiseliff

New member
Joined
Dec 9, 2018
Messages
4
Location
Delaware
I'm really on the fence here guys, I want to start carrying yet I dont have my concealed carry license yet (im looking into getting it as soon as possible), however I live in Delaware and open carry is legal without a licence. Should I open carry while I'm in the process of getting my concealed carry license or wait to start carrying for when I can conceal? In my opinion I feel it's better to open carry and have it and not need it than need it and not have it. What do you guys think?
 

WalkingWolf

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2011
Messages
11,930
Location
North Carolina
Not sure of the OC climate in DE, we don't get a lot of posters from that state. I OC almost everyday, but it is normal in NC to see people OCing.
 

solus

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 22, 2013
Messages
9,315
Location
here nc
Welcome to the forum and bringing that great mentality with you regarding open carry is the preferred method to carry.

As WW noted, only a few members are from DE so not a lot of informational history from your area is readily available per se.

That stated, handgunlaw.us has a blurp on open carry which could/may/would cause you some interesting conversations with LEs & judicial issues w/o a permit, specifically, quote:

Open Carry is legal in Delaware but from all I can find out not a common practice. Places as listed in the “Places Off Limits” above apply to those who open carry. See the “RV/Car Carry Without a Permit” section for carrying in a vehicle. Delaware has preemption but some Cities and Counties that had Laws/Ordinances concerning the carrying of firearms were grandfathered when preemption was passed. It is up to you to know the local Laws/Ordinances. The Minimum age for Open Carry is 18. Unquote.

Apparently, leaving your handgun out in the open is an acceptable practice while driving. Of course, since OC’g isn’t a common practice, the nice LEs who stopped you might wet themselves and pucker their underware when they initially get to your vehicle and ‘peek’ inside. Their conversational tone on the reason they stopped you also might change a bit!

Speaking strictly for myself, that small tidbit of handgunlaw.us information, besides the vehicle nonsense, but also the city/county grandfathered in statutory BS; coupled with long time mantra of not wanting to spend $$$ to judically defend myself over some nice LE’s misinterpretation [read bias] on my SD OC carrying, might, just might, convince me to refrain from carrying until my DE privilege permit/license is safely in my wallet!

Again welcome to the forum, and maybe a fat, bearded, red suited gentleman will put the privilege permt/license in that stockin’ you hung with such care for the upcoming holidays!

Enjoy your holiday w/family and friends!
 
B

Bikenut

Guest
I am a daily open carrier in Michigan but because I am not familiar with Delaware law(s) I must give a word or 3 of caution.

Please take the time to be aware of all the laws concerning open carry in Delaware. And search for law(s) outside of just gun law(s) and understand hunting law(s), trespass law(s), and transport law(s). For instance some States have laws that require specific methods of transporting a pistol for those who don't have a carry permit. And please be careful in the wording of the law(s) because they might not mention the word "carry(ing)" but might use the word "possess" and since one must "possess" in order to "carry" then that law applies.

Be aware that running afoul of any law while open carrying as you wait to get your carry permit could end up preventing you from getting a carry permit.

I wish you well.
 

color of law

Accomplished Advocate
Joined
Oct 7, 2007
Messages
5,936
Location
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Even though Delaware has preemption, some Cities and Counties that had Laws/Ordinances concerning the carrying of firearms were grandfathered when preemption was passed. That is scary. Even more of a reason to know the local laws by chapter and verse.

Also, placing in your profile that you are from Delaware would be helpful.
 

solus

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 22, 2013
Messages
9,315
Location
here nc
I have a Taurus pt111 9mm and a Bersa .380 but I'd probably carry the Taurus. I have once before but after reading about the increasing crimes in my area I'm thinking more and more about carrying everyday

Nice handgun to carry for SD and of course you should get in the habit of carrying as soon as you are dressed, if nothing else for principle!
 

Michael48632

Newbie
Joined
Sep 2, 2018
Messages
20
Location
Clare County Michigan
I'm really on the fence here guys, I want to start carrying yet I dont have my concealed carry license yet (im looking into getting it as soon as possible), however I live in Delaware and open carry is legal without a licence. Should I open carry while I'm in the process of getting my concealed carry license or wait to start carrying for when I can conceal? In my opinion I feel it's better to open carry and have it and not need it than need it and not have it. What do you guys think?
Start open carrying around your neighborhood to get comfortable with it then go further out till it feels natural for you .
 

BB62

Accomplished Advocate
Joined
Aug 17, 2006
Messages
4,069
Location
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
I'm really on the fence here guys, I want to start carrying yet I dont have my concealed carry license yet (im looking into getting it as soon as possible), however I live in Delaware and open carry is legal without a licence. ...
Welcome to OCDO!

We hope you stick around, learn, and safely open carry wherever it is legal - solo or otherwise.
 

gutshot II

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 1, 2017
Messages
782
Location
Central Ky.
My sister lives in Rehoboth Beach. I have open carried there on several of my visits the see her. This is the epicenter of liberal anti-gun bias. I have been asked to leave a few stores, but never had a problem with law enforcement. Good luck.
 

color of law

Accomplished Advocate
Joined
Oct 7, 2007
Messages
5,936
Location
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
My sister lives in Rehoboth Beach. I have open carried there on several of my visits the see her. This is the epicenter of liberal anti-gun bias. I have been asked to leave a few stores, but never had a problem with law enforcement. Good luck.
I'm sure the stores didn't ask you to leave because of your gun.
 
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