Is Arizona open carry for guns?

Is Arizona Open Carry for Guns?

A Quick Overview of Open Carry

Open carry refers to the act of carrying a firearm in public without concealing it. In some states, it is legal to do so, while in others, it is heavily restricted or outright banned. In this article, we’ll delve into the laws surrounding open carry in Arizona.

Is Arizona Open Carry for Guns? The Short Answer

Yes, Arizona is an open carry state, but there are specific rules and regulations that you must follow. The law allows individuals who are at least 18 years old and who have not been convicted of a felony to carry a firearm in a visible manner in public.

**Understanding the Arizona Revised Statutes

To understand the open carry laws in Arizona, it’s essential to look at the state’s Revised Statutes (A.R.S.). The relevant statute is A.R.S. 13-3102, which states:

A. A person shall not carry a weapon, including a concealed weapon or a firearm, without the following requirements:

• The person must be at least 18 years old.
• The person must not have been convicted of a felony.
• The person must not be under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs.
• The person must not be in a court facility or correctional institution.

Open Carry Restrictions in Arizona

While Arizona is an open carry state, there are still certain restrictions that apply:

• In national parks and monuments: Federal law prohibits the carrying of firearms in national parks and monuments.
• On public transportation: Arizona Revised Statute 13-3111 prohibits carrying firearms on public transportation, including buses, trains, and taxis.
• In school zones: Carrying firearms near schools is prohibited under Arizona Revised Statute 13-4112.
• On government property: Carrying firearms on government property, such as federal buildings, military bases, and courthouses, may be restricted or prohibited.
• At sporting events: Some stadiums and arenas may have their own policies regarding firearms.

When Can You Carry a Gun in Public in Arizona?

In general, you can carry a firearm in public in Arizona if you meet the following criteria:

• You are at least 18 years old.
• You have not been convicted of a felony.
• You are not under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs.
• You are not in a court facility or correctional institution.
• You are not prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm due to a prior court order or restraining order.

Additional Rules and Guidelines

Here are some additional rules and guidelines to keep in mind when carrying a firearm in public in Arizona:

• Muzzle loaded firearms: Muzzle loaded firearms must be carried with a safety pin or trigger lock attached.
• Rifles and shotguns: Rifles and shotguns can be carried in a visible manner, but you must keep the barrel loaded and unloaded when carrying them.
• Magazine capacity: There is no limit on the capacity of a magazine in Arizona.
• Hornady Critical Duty and Tullamo Ammo: Arizona Revised Statute 13-3112 prohibits the sale or possession of Hornady Critical Duty and Tulammo Ammo.

Consequences of Not Following Open Carry Laws in Arizona

Failure to follow Arizona’s open carry laws can result in severe consequences, including:

• Class 2 Misdemeanor: A conviction for violating A.R.S. 13-3102 can result in a class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 4 months in jail and a fine of up to $750.
• Felony Charge: Violating the prohibition on carrying firearms on public transportation, in national parks and monuments, or on government property can result in a felony charge, punishable by up to 2 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000.
• Forfeiture of Firearm: In some cases, a court may order the forfeiture of your firearm.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Arizona is an open carry state, but it’s essential to understand the specific rules and regulations surrounding open carry in Arizona. Failure to comply with the laws can result in serious consequences. Before carrying a firearm in public, make sure you understand the laws and follow the guidelines outlined above. Remember, safety is always the top priority.

Additional Resources

• Arizona Revised Statutes: https://www.azleg.gov/
• Arizona Attorney General’s Office: https://www.azag.gov/
• Arizona Department of Public Safety: https://www.azdps.gov/

Table: Arizona Open Carry Laws