I know it's not a real popular concept here in MA but I was wondering if there has ever been an open carry event in MA? If so how'd it go? I remember when I 1st got my LTC Class A I was told that carrying unconcealed could get you locked up (for disorderly conduct) or get your license pulled. Not too long ago I read a Boston Globe article saying that open carrying is OK, so to say I'm confused is an understatement.
There is no law here that condones open carry and there is no law that forbids it... The "run and call the police, there's a man with a gun!!" pants wetting cry baby liberals will freak out... "May Issue" license has the stipulation that it can be revoked. If the chief of police in the town you're "detained" in, while open carrying your beloved firearm;
1. Finds reason to question your ability to "safely and responsibly" carry a firearm.
2. Decides to make a big deal about your decision to open carry even with it being legal.
3. Is a freedom hating, anti-gun champion, rights trampling dictator who would not issue you a license regardless of your spotless record...
you may find yourself with a revoked license.. Selling beloved firearms... Unable to get a license reissued... All kinds of bad jiu jiu happens...
The statement in the Class B license entitlement section is the key... Some will interpret this highlighted section to mean "concealed" and only concealed... Others will ignore that horse manure and say "means nothing like that"... Unfortunately you hold little influence in that decision making process... Some uptight, gun hating, liberally biased judge will strip you of your rights. It could then end up costing $$ in legal fees to pursue... Gotta love justice when it's blind to everything but money... Anyway...
(a) A Class A license shall entitle a holder thereof to purchase, rent, lease, borrow, possess and carry: (i) firearms, including large capacity firearms, and feeding devices and ammunition therefor, for all lawful purposes, subject to such restrictions relative to the possession, use or carrying of firearms as the licensing authority deems proper; and (ii) rifles and shotguns, including large capacity weapons, and feeding devices and ammunition therefor, for all lawful purposes; provided, however, that the licensing authority may impose such restrictions relative to the possession, use or carrying of large capacity rifles and shotguns as it deems proper. A violation of a restriction imposed by the licensing authority under the provisions of this paragraph shall be cause for suspension or revocation and shall, unless otherwise provided, be punished by a fine of not less than $1,000 nor more than $10,000; provided, however, that the provisions of section 10 of chapter 269 shall not apply to such violation.
(b) A Class B license shall entitle a holder thereof to purchase, rent, lease, borrow, possess and carry: (i) non-large capacity firearms and feeding devices and ammunition therefor, for all lawful purposes, subject to such restrictions relative to the possession, use or carrying of such firearm as the licensing authority deems proper; provided,
however, that a Class B license shall not entitle the holder thereof to carry or possess a loaded firearm in a concealed manner in any public way or place; and provided further, that a Class B license shall not entitle the holder thereof to possess a large capacity firearm, except under a Class A club license issued under this section or under the direct supervision of a holder of a valid Class A license at an incorporated shooting club or licensed shooting range; and (ii) rifles and shotguns, including large capacity rifles and shotguns, and feeding devices and ammunition therefor, for all lawful purposes; provided, however, that the licensing authority may impose such restrictions relative to the possession, use or carrying of large capacity rifles and shotguns as he deems proper. A violation of a restriction provided under this paragraph, or a restriction imposed by the licensing authority under the provisions of this paragraph, shall be cause for suspension or revocation and shall, unless otherwise provided, be punished by a fine of not less than $1,000 nor more than $10,000; provided, however, that the provisions of section 10 of chapter 269 shall not apply to such violation.
I carry close to openly (OWB w/ a shirt open over it... Wind catches the shirt some times and it gets exposed. Have had no issues with it... In the city area's I tend to keep it concealed to avoid the hassles and to avoid becoming a "one stop gun shop" if you know what I mean... I like the element of surprise...
Perhaps organizing one would be a good idea. G.O.A.L is a good place to start.
Gun Owners' Action League - GOAL.org - "Protecting Your Freedom Begins Here"
