Arkansas carry--concealed or open--for an 18 year old
I was recently given a brilliant Sig Saur p239 9mm from my father as a graduation present. There has been many contradicting ideas as to my rights to the handgun. The law states:
"Federal law prohibits, except in certain limited circumstances, anyone under 18 years of age from knowingly possessing a handgun..."
I'm 18. So what are my rights?
Can I carry openly in a car?
Can I have a concealed carry?
I live in Arkansas if that makes a difference.
Thanks alot!
I followed the links posted by SEEYA (see excerpt below), and it would appear that you are
not eligible for concealed carry as you are under 21 years of age.
"TO AUTHORIZE THE ARKANSAS STATE POLICE
TO ISSUE LICENSES TO QUALIFIED
APPLICANTS TO CARRY CONCEALED HANDGUNS."
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ARKANSAS:
SECTION 1. As used in this act:
(a) "Director" means the director of the Arkansas State Police.
(b) "Handgun" means any firearm with a barrel length of less than
twelve inches (12") that is designed, made, or adapted to be fired with one
hand.
(c) "Concealed" means to cover from observation so as to prevent public
view.
SECTION 2. (a)(1) The director is authorized to issue licenses to carry
concealed handguns to persons qualified as provided in this section. Such
licenses shall be valid throughout the state for a period of four (4) years
from the date of issuance. Any person possessing a valid license issued
pursuant to this section may carry a concealed handgun.
(2) The licensee must carry the license, together with valid
identification, at all times in which the licensee is carrying a concealed
handgun and must display both the license and proper identification upon
demand by a law enforcement officer.
(b) The director shall issue a license if the applicant:
(1) Is a resident of the state and has been a resident
continuously for twelve (12) months or longer immediately preceding the filing
of the application (provided this shall not apply to any retired city, county,
state or federal law enforcement officer);
(2) Is twenty-one (21) years of age or older;
Also, it would appear that open carry is out of the question as well as per
Link Removed which states "Arkansas is not a traditional open carry state. They issue a concealed carry permit,
so it is our understanding at this time that open carry is not allowed even with a permit."
Given all of the above, I seriously doubt that it would be legal for you to have a loaded firearm in your vehicle within your reach. (Note: I did
not research how to legally transport a gun to hunting sites or ranges for practice, nor did I research to see if AR allows you openly carry anywhere on your property--LOOK IT UP ....)
As TREO stated,
YOU need to personally research the statutes (and perhaps consult some legal entities -- AND GET DOCUMENTATION TO SUPPORT YOUR POSITION) as
you will be the one in trouble if LE catches you carrying illegally....
Given your current age, I would be very thorough in your research, and if you find something that allows you to CC or OC, you would probably want to carry a copy of your reference source ON YOU while out in public. Not ALL LEOs know the nitty gritty of the law, and it helps if you can reference
specific legal statutes to support your position.
The Sig Sauer P239 is a beauty (concealable, reliable, accurate), and will serve you well for many years. Enjoy, and be safe.