Is it true that in America you can legally carry around a handgun?

fiona

short answer - yes. theoretically, you have to go through a background check so that they make sure you're not a felon etc, at which point you CAN get a gun and carry it around - you can't conceal (hide) your gun though - this is against the law. this "right to bear arms" stems from the time when the u.s. was a young country and its citizens were under threat from the british, and others. although this threat is long gone the law still exists and because it has always been around, there are plenty of people out there who feel that this defines what it means to be "american".

Godly Reality Check

With a permit saying you're responsible.

Trojan8408

If you have a permit and are not a felon

KrazyKyngeKorny

Well, yes. As long as it is not concealed. However, you will not be held to federal laws, but to local ordinances. You can beat these, but it gets expensive.
=

FireBug

Yes, as long as it's not concealed. Then you need a permit. As for why........ not sure. I have 3 guns and I don't feel the need to carry them with me. I live in a state that has very little crime and alot of rednecks with guns. LOL

Max H

The stereotype of a wild west culture where people have shouldered or holstered weapons is very unrealistic.

In some rural communities where there is a very real threat of attack by large animals such as bear or wolves, some people will carry pistols or rifles as is allowed by local law.

But you will almost never see anyone do this in a city unless the person is in law enforcement or is at a designated target range where shooting is legal.

Cher

Yes, in some States and no in others, those that do allow it have their own laws. It is a State that regulates the means by which you can carry a weapon. For example in the State of Arizona it is legal to carry a hand gun as long as it is displayed in full view. Most times I've seen them is worn on the hip in a holster...cowboy style. California requires you to obtain a concealed weapon permit which allows you to carry it hidden on your person or vehicle. Generally ownership of a weapon is registered when you purchase them. You may transport them in your trunk unloaded. The bullets must be in a separate compartment of the vehicle.

The reason we can do this is simple, it's called The Second Amendment (The US Constitution).

Darryl L

Only with a permit, which can be hard to get unless you have a good reason for wanting to carry a gun. Almost impossible if you have any kind of criminal record.

tinydancer42001

Yes but different states have different laws regarding this. All states require a permit that is run through the federal government.

SG Elite

One needs a licence to carry a handgun. This is so for states that has high crime rates.

jmminnc

It is up the state county and-or city you are in to set the laws on guns. The fed do not have much say on this.

Why?
The US is a vast place with many large cities that have more people than some states have. So each person here could give you a different answer and be right. In some places it would take over an hour for help to come so you are on your own. But even if you can have Gun on you in the state you still can not take it into a bank or a school.

country girl

with a permit. and if you would have it on you and get pulled over, let the officer know,there for you wouldn't be charged for a concealed weapon.

Robert L

Yes, we Americans can carry around hand guns, and do it concealed if we have a permit where allowed by law. There are several reasons as to why with the biggest being the 2nd amendment of the constitution which states that owning guns is a right for all citizens. The next reason is self defense. Criminals prefer to attack soft targets, not ones that can defend themselves. The third reason is that I enjoy shooting and like to have something to shoot when I get to my favorite range. I would urge caution however, a gun is a great thing, but only with proper knowledge and education.

yes, in case they run into someone that they do not like.

Eldude

Yes it is true we can carry handguns, if permitted by our state law or municipality.

Do I carry a gun? Yes

Why do we / I carry guns?

If you need to ask this question, you will never understand.

anotherangrywhitemale

Yes it is true. As pointed out above you have to have a special permit, they are not easy to get. As to why, you have gem merchants and such that have to travel with valuables and are allowed to carry a weapon for defense.

Don't judge life in America by what you see in the movies. Not everyone is packing a gun in a shoulder holster or walking down the street with a Colt strapped to their hip!

RLH

With background checks and trianing you can obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Even with a permit you can't carry it in certain places that prohibit weapons. I can't explain the why since I personally don't carry a handgun- but it is a right granted to law abiding citizens.
(There's a lot of scary stuff out there - I've considered taking a class on gun safety and purchasing one myself....for protection.)

Helen Scott

Yes, it's true. As long as you have proper licensing for it (and it's pretty easy to get) every American has "The right to bear arms" which apparently translates well in American speak to "Hey, go ahead and carry a gun so you can kill people. it'll be jolly good fun".

Another Garcia

Yes. So that you can shoot things when on the go.

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