Open Carry in Indiana

cgbills

New member
I know it is legal to open carry in Indiana. My question is must one obtain a permit before open carrying? If so do you just go about getting it the same way as a CCW? Lastly are the rules as to places you cannot carry into the same as with a CCW?
 
Lived in Indiana 25 years. Also, had a CCW. But, (my opinion) forget the open carry. Yes in theory you can open carry (or could when I lived there), but you will probably be challenged by a police officer before the day is out. They emphasize concealed because they really do not want weapons displayed. If you don't completely have in the open and just cover by accident they will say you have an un-licensed concealed weapon. And if you so much as move your weapon they can say you brandished you pistol....which is an offense you can be arrested for.

No permit is required for open carry. Not sure if the same rules apply for places to carry as CCW. Now if you are out in the woods etc...then no problem.

I have done a little added research. Now I read some statements that you need a permit for open carry in Indiana. But that seems to apply to carry in cars. But most of what I read says (no matter what permit) it is a bad idea to open carry in crowded public places...I think CCW is the way to go. Go to packing.org for better info.
 
cgbills...

I'm right up your alley. In several months of research, I've found no law prohibiting a right to open carry in NV, nor the city I live in. But I've never actually seen anyone open carry within city limits, which makes me very reluctant to do so... Calls and emails to my local PD's and Sheriff's offices have proven that they LEO's here don't want to talk about it.

I currently carry in my car, to and from my car, and while I'm outside of my city's limits (i.e. camping, hiking, plinking). Never had an issue outside of city limits, but then again I've never run into LEO's in the wild.

If you've seen people open carry where you live (more than once), and you've read the law to be on your side, then I'd say go for it. However, I'm the kind of guy who always errors on the side of caution...
 
License needed

Indiana does not have a "CCW." Indiana issues a "License to Carry Handguns." It applies to any carry of a handgun, open or concealed, you need a license.
 
9mmHP speaks the truth. Don't try open carry in Indiana without a permit.

Once you do get your permit, think twice anyway about open carry in Indiana. Unlike Arizona, it is rarely seen here and will most certainly attract a lot of attention to you. You will constantly be explaining yourself to some LEO.

Some would also argue, it is a "shoot me first" advertisement. Why would you want to?
 
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