Packing in public: Owners not gun-shy

[tombogan03884]

Yes, We haven't heard from her since Christmas, guess the pistol present worked     

[gunman1911]

Open carry in Mich. only if your in the woods and have a hunting license.

[Ron J]

When I lived in AZ, I used to see people open carry quite a bit.  One time, I was at a biker friendly bar in Scottsdale having an ice-tea and admiring all the bikes. In rolls this beautiful, drop-dead gorgeous 5'5" blonde in tight jeans, a white tank top and with the complete "Scottsdale treatment" (perfect make-up & fake boobs) on her custom Harley Heritage Soft-Tail.  On her belt is a custom 1911, cocked and locked. 

Needless to say, riding my bike home gave 2nd gear a whole new meaning.   

Because you can't carry in a bar, some bars had allowed people to "check" their guns.  As well, there was a company that was going to make lock boxes for saddle bags so one could lock their handgun up on their bike before going into a bar.  One problem ... check that ... one of the many problems I have with that is that bikes, guns and alcohol don't mix. 

[Rastus]

Open carry in Mich. only if your in the woods and have a hunting license.

How about on your own private property around your home?

[CZShooter]

Open carry in Mich. only if your in the woods and have a hunting license.

A friend of mine (who is also my local Chief of Police here in SW Michigan) sent me a FAQ list.  Here is what was listed in regards to open carry in Michigan:

Open carry of firearms

Subject to MCL 750.234d, it is legal to carry a visible pistol in public.

THE MICHIGAN PENAL CODE (EXCERPT)
Act 328 of 1931
750.234d Possession of firearm on certain premises prohibited; applicability; violation as misdemeanor; penalty.
Sec. 234d. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a person shall not possess a firearm on the premises of any of the following:
(a) A depository financial institution or a subsidiary or affiliate of a depository financial institution.
(b) A church or other house of religious worship.
(c) A court.
(d) A theatre.
(e) A sports arena.
(f) A day care center.
(g) A hospital.
(h) An establishment licensed under the Michigan liquor control act, Act No. 8 of the Public Acts of the Extra Session of 1933, being sections 436.1 to 436.58 of the Michigan Compiled Laws.
(2) This section does not apply to any of the following:
(a) A person who owns, or is employed by or contracted by, an entity described in subsection (1) if the possession of that firearm is to provide security services for that entity.
(b) A peace officer.
(c) A person licensed by this state or another state to carry a concealed weapon.
(d) A person who possesses a firearm on the premises of an entity described in subsection (1) if that possession is with the permission of the owner or an agent of the owner of that entity.
(3) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 90 days or a fine of not more than $100.00, or both.

History: Add. 1990, Act 321, Eff. Mar. 28, 1991;¾Am. 1992, Act 218, Imd. Eff. Oct. 13, 1992;¾Am. 1994, Act 158, Eff. Aug. 15, 1994.
Rendered

That being said...I think you will most likely receive some kind of grief if you open carry. I had asked my CLEO buddy in regards to what happens if my CCW is "exposed" when I'm in public (i.e. wind blows cover garment, or I bend over and it is exposed). His response was "no big deal".

[Sponsor]

[blackwolfe]

I've asked two judges that I know here in Southwestern Michigan about open carry in Michigan.  Both stated that as they read the law, open carry was lawful, but you would most likely get stopped for it and possible detained because the public and most LEOs believe it to be unlawful.  Both advised not to do it and avoid problems.  From what I understand open carry does not apply if in a vehicle as it is then considered concealed. You may carry in a vehicle with a Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL). The CPL does not give privledge to carry a knife, shotgun or rifle.  In Michigan, rifles and shotguns that have folding, collapsable, or pistol grip stocks that meet federal law must be at least 30" if operational with the stock folded or collapsed or be registered as a handgun.  My Ruger Mini-14 factory folder meets federal law for length, but not 30" for Michigan law.  When I took it to the police station for the "safety inspection" (really registration) I inquired as to whether or not I could carry it as a concealed weapon as it was registered as a handgun.  They couldn't or wouldn't give me an answer.  My comment was that it is either a pistol or not and since it is required to be registered as one then it must be one and I should be allowed to carry as such.  I won't carry it as one untill the law is settled on that.  I don't want to be the test case for that point of the law.   Now to find a holster for it.   

[Hazcat]

One of the things I love about FL is that my CCW makes it legal to carry anything and as many things as I want concealed (auto-knives, batons, tasers, guns, etc)

[gunman1911]

How about on your own private property around your home?

That is touchy in a urban area it could be considered brandashing, best to keep it out of sight.

[Bidah]

I open carry as much as I conceal.  Here they are a tool, just as a Leatherman.

I did not see it before, but if you want more information.  www.opencarry.org

-Bidah

[unique]

I open carry as much as I conceal.  Here they are a tool, just as a Leatherman.

I did not see it before, but if you want more information.  www.opencarry.org

-Bidah

It's got to be great to live out west.  Here in NYS, I'm very careful about even telling someone we own any type of firearm, let alone carry concealed.  People would rather hear that you're gay or smoke dope than that you carry a gun.  Talk about living in a closet.
Art