Thoughts on New Hampshire's open carry law?

[EbenezerMcIntosh]

My understanding is that NH adults can legally carry pistols as long as they are not concealed (concealment requires a license). The only prohibited areas are police interrogation rooms and court houses.

Has this caused problems? Is this a dangerous law or does it make citizens safer?

Just curious about your opinions.

[Warren Stupidity]

1. gungeon

Other than the occasional hunter I have never seen anyone other than the police carrying any sort of gun out in the open in the 20+ years I have lived here. In general it is stupid to walk around like you are going to a gunfight when you aren't - what exactly would be the point?

[gateley]

2. When I looked into getting a gun (years ago, in Seattle)

the permit to carry was essentially a concealed weapons permit. It was illegal to show you had a firearm -- you couldn't wear it on a holster like the police, for example. It had to stay in your purse or pocket unless you were killing somebody. :7

[Retired AF Dem]

3. Open carry is dangerous

its like posting a sign on their back that says "Shoot me first". Concealed carry is the way to go.

[LiberalFighter]

4. Silly me... I thought this was about carrying alcohol in the open.

[Igel]

5. If I remember right, Oregon had a similar restriction in the '80s.

You could carry a gun, and in your car could have it on the seat beside you. You couldn't holster it, IIRC, and certainly couldn't carry it concealed without a permit.

This made sense. If you buy a gun, take it to the range for practice, etc., etc., you need a way to transport it. Concealed weapons needed a permit. But just carrying it was fine. Could be wrong on the law; I never owned a gun myself.