[shep854]

Six things to know about Alabama's new gun law 6 days before it takes effect | al.com

The main point seems to be that employees can now keep their guns locked in their cars at work, even if they can't carry on their persons. It also protects employers from suits for 'gun-related damages' on their property.

The part I like is that it changes Alabama from a 'may issue' to 'shall issue' state, which should allow for more CCW reciprocity.

It also permits open carry w/o permit. I don't like to OC (I feel like a show-off; 'Look at me--I have a gun!' ), but mileage varies here.

 

[TommyGunn]

.....It also permits open carry w/o permit. I don't like to OC (I feel like a show-off; 'Look at me--I have a gun!' ), but mileage varies here.

As I understand it Al has "open carry" now, but only because there is no law stating you can't OC. A lot of confusion exists, IMHO, because OC people have been in encounters with LEOs who don't know this and it has caused some confusion, so it was agreed to pass this law to clarify matters.
Perhaps Irishcop can chime in if I am off base in the above; he probably knows the law a lot better than I.

As to liking or disliking OC, for what it's worth when I carry it's concealed. I wonder how many people will take advantage of the new clarifying law on OC.

Another thing; this law extends the CCW permit from lasting one year to a full five years, though IIRC there is discretion involved.

 

[Javlin]

MS open carry was to go into effect 7/1/2013 it did not happen.We had some whinee's up in Hines County start crying.The new law reaffirmed the states constitution from 1890 to open carry.It was a MS Supreme court who screwed the pooch in the 70's on the conceal carry basically stating and ending with a decision that made having a firearm tied around your neck that the string concealed part of the trigger guard so it was not OC?.AG Hood has been working pretty hard to get this before the State supreme court and put the Hines County judge in his place.

As for the open carry I do plan on particpating unless it's after some kind of event were LPD cannot be there ie:hurricanes.I OC my M1 carbine all the time and the LPD never said a word and so did a few other guys on the block.

 

[IrishCop]

As I understand it Al has "open carry" now, but only because there is no law stating you can't OC. A lot of confusion exists, IMHO, because OC people have been in encounters with LEOs who don't know this and it has caused some confusion, so it was agreed to pass this law to clarify matters.
Perhaps Irishcop can chime in if I am off base in the above; he probably knows the law a lot better than I.

As to liking or disliking OC, for what it's worth when I carry it's concealed. I wonder how many people will take advantage of the new clarifying law on OC.

Another thing; this law extends the CCW permit from lasting one year to a full five years, though IIRC there is discretion involved.

You are absolutely correct, Tommy. There has never been a provision against open carry. In more than one case, LEO's would charge someone with "Disorderly Conduct" if they open carried.

I think the confusion stemmed from the fact that there were laws on the books stating that you could not carry a concealed weapon (read: handgun) without a permit, and that CCW permits have always been relatively easy to get in Alabama. (In Morgan County, you fill out a form, get a background check done through ACJIS/NCIC on the spot, pay $20.00 and are issued your permit. Usually takes about 10 minutes or so). SInce there was a specific law allowing concealed carry, and no law saying you COULD open carry, a lot of cops just thought that open carry was not allowed.

The new law acknowledges legal open carry, but any business or institution can forbid open carry on their premises. In almost all cases, concealed carry would still be allowed. Government buildings, hospitals etc can still be "gun free zones".

I have mixed feelings about open carry. I "open carry" when I am on-duty, always with my star clearly visible. I do not open carry off duty. I always carry concealed unless I am on the job. I really don't know why someone would want to open carry when CCW is such an easy option, but...

I worry about folks who will take it to the next level and start marching down the main drag with a rifle or shotgun slung over their shoulder. I can hear the 911 calls now...:-?

 

[stand watie]

IrishCop; All,

My problem with "no open carry laws" is that SOME "gun-HATERS", with & without a badge, have charged/reported licensed persons with/for "Disorderly Conduct" and/or "Brandishing a Firearm" IF their concealed weapon was "exposed" by accident.

Also, years ago I know of the LEO in Birmingham, who ordered a licensed individual to remove his suit coat & THEN claimed that the individual was "brandishing". = OC & CCW, together, "puts a stop to" that sort of FOOLISHNESS.

About the only time that I personally open carry is while hunting/fishing, when I have a .22LR revolver on my belt in the summertime OR when I'm in VA & at a place where open carry is "traditional".
(A "Tex-Mex café" in Falls Church, VA fits that description of a "traditional location", as the café sells/serves beer & the OWNER doesn't want CCW patrons carrying concealed. = Most EVERYBODY at that café carries OPENLY & the place looks like a "gun show" every weekend.)

yours, sw

 

[IrishCop]

SW, I have no doubt that some LEO's don't want ANYBODY but cops carrying a gun, and would go to great measures to give every armed citizen they had contact with a hard time. They aren't worthy of a badge if you ask me.

One of the flaws in the Alabama Open Carry law is that Open Carry is legal without a permit...until you get in a car. THEN the weapon is considered "concealed" and you have to have a permit. Only way around it is to unload and store your weapon where you can't reach it...OR get a permit. :-?

That's the trouble with people who write laws...they're mostly lawyers.

 

[stand watie]

IrishCop,

Being "a PREJUDICED, gun-HATING, BIGOT" and HAVING the powers of a LEO is a BAD combination. - Thankfully there are FEW of those MORONS.

As to your comment on laws being made by lawyers, I agree wholeheartedly. - I would sooner have NO lawyers in any position in government, other than in the courts.

yours, sw

 

[shep854]

FromGuns.com, a Q&A along with video:
Demystifying Alabama's new 'shall issue' gun law (VIDEO)