I looked on the WI statuate and it does not define what "concealed carry" is.

http://donotinfringe.org/Open_...PICNIC%20trifold.pdf

If I am wearing an IWB, but have the grip exposed, would that be considered open carry? I wonder where I can find this definition? I'll bet each state might have their own interpetation.

Well I have an idea! have your wife or girl friend strut that gun in a bikkini IWB. Im sure the cops will be more than happy to explain it to you and HER!. BUMP! humor.

Looking at your state's statutes (where you should always start when you want to know what the law is), it has references to two cases wheres concealed is defined as "hidden" or "indiscernible from ordinary observation."

I would think if it shows, it's not concealed.

If the officer can see the hand gun, it's not concealed.....if he can't see it he will never know it is there; unless he is searching you because of some other reason to arrest you. Actually fairly simple.

In MI, the safe bet for open carry is carrying OWB with both the holster and handgun in plain view. The reason that IWB open-carry is questionable references over to our hunting laws that stipulate that a cover garment (coat, vest, whatever) must not, at any time, hide the gun or the holster lest it be classified as "concealed".

Hardly clear-cut but it does raise an interesting question. With a carry license, does it make a difference? Actually, it very well may but OC threads frequently disintegrate into a pile of dog poo around here and I ain't going there.

~Tom

I think he's asking about how much can be concealed and still remain legal.

WI is one of two states that prohibits concealed carry...

http://www.wisconsinconcealedcarry.com/

Reading the statutes is always the best advice.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: az4783054,

In most cases a handgun holstered in an OWB holster with no cover garment capable of concealing any part of the handgun is considered Open Carry. However, if your wearing a jacket, or untucked shirt, that can cover even part of the grip, all bets are off.

In addition, there is currently a case working it's way through the courts in Wayne County, Michigan where someone was charged with illegal concealed carry because he was using an IWB holster. His mistake was in having the holster concealed and is now facing a 5 year Felony because he was too cheap to get himself a CPL.

quote:

Originally posted by Scooter123:
In most cases a handgun holstered in an OWB holster with no cover garment capable of concealing any part of the handgun is considered Open Carry. However, if your wearing a jacket, or untucked shirt, that can cover even part of the grip, all bets are off.

In addition, there is currently a case working it's way through the courts in Wayne County, Michigan where someone was charged with illegal concealed carry because he was using an IWB holster. His mistake was in having the holster concealed and is now facing a 5 year Felony because he was too cheap to get himself a CPL.

Wayne County is tough but, a five-year felony for being cheap?

On the face of it, you're absolutely right. I've got the feeling that this guy had more "wrong" with him than carrying an exposed handgun in an IWB holster, though. God knows that Wayne County - which includes Detroit for those of you unfamiliar with Michigan - has bigger fish to fry. This one could have been blown off if the guy was cool.

~Tom

Interesting question. I think if it is completely concealed, it's obvious. If it is completely open (like uniform officers) it is open carry. Anything less than completely open, I believe, is a failure to conceal.

Watched a guy in a computer store of all places. He was fat and would have obvious difficulty concealing and yet maintaining ability to draw. If your not fat, save the advice, no offense. He had the gun jammed into his waistband with the grip exposed. Clothing was a tight T-shirt and jeans, IIRC.

I approached him and struck up a casual conversation that eventually discussed his protruding gun. He proudly, if not cleverly, told me about the CCW and open carry laws. His ass-wipe conclusion was he would argue his way out of it. Until then, he would just proudly "raise the issue" by keeping it real with all the anti-gunners. Jackass.

In Ohio, either open carry (as in uniform police style, completely exposed) or CCW it. Anything else is just inviting hassle we don't need. The last thing I want is to prove we pro-gunners are assholes and will take advantage of any lack of clarity in the laws. Laws are hard to write and more difficult to make comprehensive. The simplest law of all is a ban.

I know this guy is in the minority and I apologize for venting, but wow it took a long time to get this law. I bet the guy was a democrat, anti-gunner in disguise. Seriously.


Paul

Dear ironguy: You are asking the wrong question. The question is: What is the rule in WI? The answer is, If you are open carrying by any definition at all, which is your right, you are disturbing the peace. And subject to arrest on that account.

Otherwise carry is illegal. That said, you guys elected those folks in charge over there. There is however a certain amount of activity to make your lot in life better in this regard.

Regards, Porkie