Posted: 5/17/2007 10:22:41 AM EDT
| Open carry is legal in WA right? |
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Open carry is not illegal, there is nothing in the RCWs that specifically addresses open carry, it's not specifically prohibited but neither are there specific protections for it For a short period of time in the mid-1990s there was a statutory prohibition, but it was repealed. However... If you choose to carry in the open, you may find yourself charged under RCW 9.41.270 with brandishing. One portion of the brandishing statute covers carrying in a manner that "warrants alarm for the safety of other persons." The "warrants alarm" portion is in the eye of the beholder -- either the person making the complaint or the responding police officer. Arrests have been made for open carry under this provision. As a general rule the more urban the population, the greater likelihood of arrest. But it doesn't always work that way. Tacoma PD have been told it was legal under state law, absent any other aggravating circumstances. Obviously they know, although they won't always acknowledge it. Federal Way issued a training bulletin to it's officers and support staff 
ETA- Lonnie is working hard on the Open Carry issue and has been for a long time. |
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Interesting story...A couple of years ago my wife, son and I went on a 2 night horse trip out of Lake Wenatchee. It was late July and hot. During the trip several of us carried handguns openly. We encountered people on the trail and in camp with no issues. At the end of the trip the Wrangler still had his Single Six on his hip...We all walked into a store to get some snacks. Well he bought Beer, several people noticed and complimented him on his fine piece. Obviously, we weren't in the city, I wouldn't even consider wearing it in the city.  |
| I dont plan on making it a habbit, i was just wondering since its getting into summer its not always comfortable to wear and over shirt or a shirt that will fully conciel a handgun wile im driving between Spokane and Tacoma. I just wanted to know if i could be charged if my handgun is in the open wile i pump gas or something like that... |