View Full Version : Is open carry uncommon in the Denver area?
I'm moving to the Denver area this next friday the 22nd. I have been looking at CO gun laws and noticed open carry being legal except for in Denver city limits. I was staying in Greenwood Village for a couple of weeks back in November and I did not notice one person open carrying. So, is open carry uncommon around Denver? I'm guessing most people opt for a CCW instead. I'm moving from CA and I'm considering loading up and open carrying from the Nevada border all the way to CO. I've considered maybe doing some open carry but if it's not common at all then I'd be afraid of attracting unwanted attention. I'm hoping to apply for a CCW ASAP.
Very uncommon where you are moving.
Very uncommon where you are moving.
I figured.. Well, hopefully it all works out. I've got a great job offer so I think it is a good move for the family for at least a few years.
Let us know how the OC in Denver works out. Get video. [2cents]
Seriously, Denver has separate laws than CO. OC is a no no in the city limits.
Denver sucks but I has to be better than CA.
Denver already has a mag/assault weapon law so good luck open carrying in city limits.
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Let us know how the OC in Denver works out. Get video. [2cents]
Seriously, Denver has separate laws than CO. OC is a no no in the city limits.
Yes, this I know. I meant more along the areas of Centennial, DTC, Littleton, etc.
cfortune
03-16-2013, 23:56
I have seen one person open carry in my almost 9 years of living here.
Teufelhund
03-17-2013, 00:03
Yes, it is uncommon. I've seen very few people OC in the five years I've lived here. I OC'd a little before I got my concealed carry permit, and not many people even noticed. The two or three people who did ask me about it had no idea it was legal and seemed pretty happy to learn about it.
Robby30-06
03-17-2013, 00:25
I just heard from a friend that open carry is not legal in Littleton but have no conformation of this.
Yes, it is uncommon. I've seen very few people OC in the five years I've lived here. I OC'd a little before I got my concealed carry permit, and not many people even noticed. The two or three people who did ask me about it had no idea it was legal and seemed pretty happy to learn about it.
I have seen only a handful OC living my entire life here.
I've seen OC twice in Colorado Springs, but never near Denver Metro area. Not saying it doesn't happen, just never seen it.
Only OC i've seen besides folks arriving at a shooting range has been in Pueblo, where it's pretty common.
In the summer I notice people CCing a fair amount.
OC, while legal, is not very common.
I met a gentleman from IL, last week, that was very enthusiastic about being able to OC in CO.
Me: I asked if it was a Springfield (1911).
Him: No, it's a Night Hawk. Why does everyone think it's a Springfield?
Me: I had a Springfield with the same type finish and really liked it.
Him: Oh.
The rest of the conversation was how excited he was to be able to carry in CO.
He never made any sort of acknowledgement that anything was on his hip. I started the conversation. By the end of the day I could tell everywhere he went. Small town scuttle..."did you see the guy with the gun".
CCW is easy to obtain (this week) in CO. It might be an easier solution.
I OC on Forrest Service land. National Parks are illegal to have a firearm. Open Space is usually a no go.
centrarchidae
03-17-2013, 01:21
I OC on Forrest Service land. National Parks are illegal to have a firearm. Open Space is usually a no go.
National Parks were illegal. As of 2-3 years ago, the parks are now following whatever the law is in the state in which the park is located, for the most part. Most if not all buildings are supposedly still off-limits under 18 USC 930, maybe, but I haven't been able to get clarification about how far that goes.
Open Space may or may not be a no-go for OC. It depends upon whether they've got the signs posted or not.
Found this:
As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park. It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park.
Found this:
http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/firearms_regulations_rmnp.htm
But still under the impression firearms in RMNP were a no go.
centrarchidae
03-17-2013, 02:28
Found this:
Found this:
http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/firearms_regulations_rmnp.htm
But still under the impression firearms in RMNP were a no go.
Do you remember where you heard that from? Because I'm there quite a bit, and I'd hate to be in possession of an icky nasty scary gun in a place where my moral and intellectual betters don't think I should have one.
Byte Stryke
03-17-2013, 04:00
Denver sucks but I has to be better than CA.
Denver is "little Frisco"
that is all
Holger Danske
03-17-2013, 08:10
I see OC in COS sometimes. Used to see it on the western slope when I was a kid growing up, but nothing like crown king, az. :). OP is going the right direction with a CCW application asap.
I was born here and can't recall ever seeing someone open carry if your talking about a pistol. I do reacll seeing hunters with rifles on the rack in the truck cab, but not for years
I remember when I went to college in Phoenix I was surprised when a group of people walked into Mcdonalds with pistols on their belts. I had never seen that before and I was 19 at the time. That was 30 years ago though.
My grandfather use to have an old luger he kept under the seat in his car though, but that was the 1960's
Open carry is actually illegal in Denver proper. Used to live there a few years ago (2003), and unless something has changed, it is specifically prohibited within city limits. All surrounding cities and counties are ok. Concealed carry within city limits is fine.
I have seen one instance of OC in the Springs. I thought I would have seen more down here, but just the one.
Thanks everyone. Your insight was helpful and educational. I will be applying for my CCW as soon as I establish residence in the state (If I can get an XD-S or M&P Shield).
Shootersfab
03-17-2013, 11:13
Open carry is actually illegal in Denver proper. Used to live there a few years ago (2003), and unless something has changed, it is specifically prohibited within city limits. All surrounding cities and counties are ok. Concealed carry within city limits is fine.
+1
Byte Stryke
03-17-2013, 12:54
City and county of Denver are a No-Go
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_in_Colorado
Do you remember where you heard that from? Because I'm there quite a bit, and I'd hate to be in possession of an icky nasty scary gun in a place where my moral and intellectual betters don't think I should have one.
All I know is that the gift shop & visitors center way up at the top of Trail Ridge Road have No Guns signs on the entry doors.
Boba Fett
03-17-2013, 13:22
Back when I attended high school at Palmer High ('89-'90) in COS, I remember seeing a guy OC a revolver at a 7-11 near the school. I thought it was pretty awesome at the time. The only other time I've seen a guy OC in this state was when I made a recent trip to Specialty Sports and Supply. I would say OC in CO is fairly uncommon outside of the rural areas.
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I'm moving to the Denver area this next friday the 22nd. I have been looking at CO gun laws and noticed open carry being legal except for in Denver city limits. I was staying in Greenwood Village for a couple of weeks back in November and I did not notice one person open carrying. So, is open carry uncommon around Denver? I'm guessing most people opt for a CCW instead. I'm moving from CA and I'm considering loading up and open carrying from the Nevada border all the way to CO. I've considered maybe doing some open carry but if it's not common at all then I'd be afraid of attracting unwanted attention. I'm hoping to apply for a CCW ASAP.
Really, do half you guys even read the entire post before opening your piehole?
OP already knows OC is not permitted in Denver.
[facepalm]
To the OP, not common, but not unheard of or unseen. The further you get out from Denver, the higher chance of OC you might see.
Personally, I think it's unwise to attract the attention, but if you can't CCW legally and MUST have your sidearm, then OC at your own risk.
I don't have the link, but there's a big OC site devoted to pushing acceptance of OC. I haven't seen this gain a lot of ground.
hurley842002
03-17-2013, 13:58
All I know is that the gift shop & visitors center way up at the top of Trail Ridge Road have No Guns signs on the entry doors.
I know oftentimes even tho a Fed/State/local law is passed, old signs will remain. Since Federal law permits carry in National parks, and state law permits open carry, those signs don't mean a damn thing as far as I'm concerned. May be worthwhile to send an email informing them of the new(ish) law.
I'm moving to the Denver area this next friday the 22nd. I have been looking at CO gun laws and noticed open carry being legal except for in Denver city limits. I was staying in Greenwood Village for a couple of weeks back in November and I did not notice one person open carrying. So, is open carry uncommon around Denver? I'm guessing most people opt for a CCW instead. I'm moving from CA and I'm considering loading up and open carrying from the Nevada border all the way to CO. I've considered maybe doing some open carry but if it's not common at all then I'd be afraid of attracting unwanted attention. I'm hoping to apply for a CCW ASAP.
Dumbass CA gun owners managed to get OC repealed because of folks mall-ninja'ing coffee shops en mass and causing a scene.
Leave that behavior in CA when you leave, we don't need it. Our politicians are steam-rolling us enough as it is without adding petrol to the fire.
If you want to carry a gun, get a permit and buy an IWB holster. Every third person in line at Costco is probably carrying but you don't need to make a statement by OC'ing.
Sure, it's legal in some places but that doesn't mean you won't get unwanted attention. Granted, being from CA, it's probably wanted attention [Bang]
Dumbass CA gun owners managed to get OC repealed because of folks mall-ninja'ing coffee shops en mass and causing a scene.
Leave that behavior in CA when you leave, we don't need it. Our politicians are steam-rolling us enough as it is without adding petrol to the fire.
If you want to carry a gun, get a permit and buy an IWB holster. Every third person in line at Costco is probably carrying but you don't need to make a statement by OC'ing.
Sure, it's legal in some places but that doesn't mean you won't get unwanted attention. Granted, being from CA, it's probably wanted attention [Bang]
totally agree OC is frowned upon up there you will do it 2 or 3 times get tired of talking to LEO and having everyone looking at you like ur just about to shoot the place up and get your ccw
i personally like to be the grey man in the room......hell i dont even like wearing firearm t shirts
open carrying is just plain dumb. get a ccw, besides, you'll learn something.
I see it a lot in pueblo. I saw it a couple times In littleton
Dumbass CA gun owners managed to get OC repealed because of folks mall-ninja'ing coffee shops en mass and causing a scene.
Leave that behavior in CA when you leave, we don't need it. Our politicians are steam-rolling us enough as it is without adding petrol to the fire.
If you want to carry a gun, get a permit and buy an IWB holster. Every third person in line at Costco is probably carrying but you don't need to make a statement by OC'ing.
Sure, it's legal in some places but that doesn't mean you won't get unwanted attention. Granted, being from CA, it's probably wanted attention [Bang]
Yeah I totally understand this. Some asshat down in Socal was open carrying his rifle and that attracted much unwanted attention from the local PD who don't understand what 2A is. Well, OC was soon banned for ALL firearms shortly after. I would much rather carry IWB but my concern is mostly with carrying in my car, if I get stranded on a rural road, while I'm moving to CO.
Edit: Also, working in defense I totally understand avoiding unwanted attention.
Can't speak for other states, but you can conceal in your car in CO. I can't speak to residency requirements for that. I would check reciprocity from Ca.
Autocorrect courtesy of droid using tapatalk
Can't speak for other states, but you can conceal in your car in CO. I can't speak to residency requirements for that. I would check reciprocity from Ca.
Autocorrect courtesy of droid using tapatalk
I wonder how long before that's attacked too.....AND OC as well.
hurley842002
03-17-2013, 18:27
I wonder how long before that's attacked too.....AND OC as well.
Yeah no shit!
spongejosh
03-17-2013, 19:22
If you open carry in Greenwood Village you have to know where the Denver lines are. GV is tiny and what a lot of people consider GV is actually Denver. Also you can carry concealed in your car anywhere in Colorado without a permit. You can have it in a glove box, under the seat, on the seat, in your pocket, in a holster, etc. As long as it's in your car you are fine. If you have it in a concealed holster and step out of the car, then you need a permit.
I've lived here for almost 8 years and I haven't seen anyone open carrying outside of a shooting or gun related event. I've seen at least 3 people carrying concealed that had a slip.
Teufelhund
03-17-2013, 20:11
That's a good point about the strange county/city lines. There is an area way out in the middle of Englewood that the city officials had incorporated into Denver County so they could live in their district (as required while in office), but still stay in their more affluent neighborhood, out of the Denver city proper.
Go to Google maps, type "Denver, CO" and everything in pink is Denver. Works for the other cities as well.
Bought my first guns from Bobs Pawn shop in Ridgecrest California.
Saw this guy a few weeks back
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l176/landondesautels/20130211_114154-1.jpg
I just don't have the nerve to OC anywhere, legal or not, unless it really becomes accepted and commonplace. I have this aversion to being clubbed and tasered. And legal or not, in today's charged political climate, I think a person would just be asking for trouble.
I realize there's a lot of LEO's on this board, but strange, I don't recall seeing many of them give their stance on the OC issue. And I've asked for it before from them. So, LEO's, what say you? How do you feel about normal citizens open carrying a handgun in parts of the state where it's legal? How would you react? Is there a "procedure" you're required to follow when encountering this?
losttrail
03-18-2013, 06:45
Denver & Boulder are like Berkley East; the liberal strongholds of Colorado. You could not pay me enough to live in either one.
Colorado may have 'open carry' available in most areas, but you will attract attention from LE in many areas, even outside Denver & Boulder. Be careful if you choose to open carry and become VERY familiar with not only state but local laws before you do.
Let me know when you arrive and we will get you signed up for a CCW class and get you your permit!
If open-carrying is enough to merit a gun enthusiast taking a photo, I don't think it's commonplace enough not to garner unwanted attention.
Saw this guy a few weeks back
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l176/landondesautels/20130211_114154-1.jpg
sandman76
03-18-2013, 09:28
I would have to go with very, very uncommon. I've lived here my entire life and can't recall seeing anyone open carrying in the metro area. With the exception of one old guy in a cowboy action shooting get up carrying a single action revolver in Target one day.
In the hills during hunting season I've seen it and done it.
hurley842002
03-18-2013, 09:31
If open-carrying is enough to merit a gun enthusiast taking a photo, I don't think it's commonplace enough not to garner unwanted attention.
I think the pic was taken more to show the forum members that bad ass Taurus lol, jk. I agree with your statement.
I've seen several open carrying in Home Depot and Walmart near my house (northeast Aurora), and quite a few others that were pretty casual about printing/showing when they were carrying concealed. My wife and I play a game to increase situational awareness by seeing who can spot more firearms on our shopping trips.
Where is this area of which you speak? Aside from the mountain parks, Denver's borders are contiguous. The City & County of Denver is a single incorporated municipality, so there are no unincorporated areas of Denver County.
Go to Google maps, type "Denver, CO" and everything in pink is Denver. Works for the other cities as well.
Make sure it is on the "map" setting, as opposed to "satellite."
OneGuy67
03-18-2013, 21:20
Where is this area of which you speak? Aside from the mountain parks, Denver's borders are contiguous. The City & County of Denver is a single incorporated municipality, so there are no unincorporated areas of Denver County.
I think he is referring to the southwest area near southwest plaza that was once known as the blue ghetto when Denver had its residency requirement. Of course, I could be wrong in my attempt at understanding him. It happens most times when he posts.
Teufelhund
03-18-2013, 22:12
I think he is referring to the southwest area near southwest plaza that was once known as the blue ghetto when Denver had its residency requirement. Of course, I could be wrong in my attempt at understanding him. It happens most times when he posts.
LOL what the hell, man? I'm not sure if I should be offended or not. . .
Follow Irving's directions on Google. There's this crazy little leg of Denver that goes off into the "nicer" neighborhoods all the way down past Fort Logan. You may notice the "Governor's Ranch" is Southwest of Marston Lake. It's contiguous, but obviously intended to allow certain officials to technically live within Denver, without having to live in the actual city.
ETA: oh, I see where I may have created confusion now. I meant the City of Denver, not the County of Denver.
OneGuy67
03-18-2013, 22:18
The city and the county of Denver are the same.
Teufelhund
03-18-2013, 22:20
The city and the county of Denver are the same.
Good to know! [sorry]
So that was a dig then? And here I thought we were buds. . .
Teufelhund
03-18-2013, 23:48
"Governor's Ranch" is not actually THE governor's ranch. It is simply the name of a neighborhood (nor is it in Denver, it's actually in Jefferson County). Yes, the Denver borders do get a little weird down there, but it likely has more to do with the tax revenue than anything else. That whole segment of Denver down there is filled with car dealerships and strip malls, and it has been a part of Denver for as long as I can remember. Also, the Google map is incorrect in that it doesn't include Marston Reservoir within city boundaries, which it is. All of that Denver land down there is a direct extension of the rest of the city boundaries, it is not an annexed "island", for lack of a better term.
That's what I get for ASSuming! I was just going off anecdotal evidence from my wife; she works with special-needs children for Denver County and was just telling me a couple days ago, as we drove down Bowles toward Wadsworth how sometimes she has to drive all the way over there because there's this unlikely little section of town (you can see monstrous houses behind the brick fence) near there that belongs to Denver. She mentioned the city officials being required to live in their district, so I made assumptions from there. Thanks for the info.
RedDogFabrication
03-20-2013, 04:52
I open carry from time to time here in Castle Rock and out east, I am comfortable with the Douglas County Sheriffs stance on all types of carry and when I do it I tend to avoid places with kids and family's. If I think they might be around I will swap to a different holster or rock the man bag. Mostly Home Depot, DCF, Walmart, Coffee shop, gas station, places like that.
Chase723
03-20-2013, 16:08
Open carry is illegal within Denver city/county limits. Per Denver Revised Municipal Code “to carry, use or wear any dangerous or deadly weapon, including, but not by way of limitation, any pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun . . . or any other dangerous or deadly weapon.” It is not an offense if the person has a permit and is carrying a concealed handgun or if the person is carrying the weapon in a private automobile for hunting or self defense."
I just don't have the nerve to OC anywhere, legal or not, unless it really becomes accepted and commonplace. I have this aversion to being clubbed and tasered. And legal or not, in today's charged political climate, I think a person would just be asking for trouble.
I realize there's a lot of LEO's on this board, but strange, I don't recall seeing many of them give their stance on the OC issue. And I've asked for it before from them. So, LEO's, what say you? How do you feel about normal citizens open carrying a handgun in parts of the state where it's legal? How would you react? Is there a "procedure" you're required to follow when encountering this?
I'd like an answer to these questions as well... And pretty much the exact same explanation is the one is use in justifying why I DO NOT OC... [Beer] Statement or not, you're going to get negative/unwanted attention in most places when you OC. I'd rather not deal with that.
Open carry is illegal within Denver city/county limits. Per Denver Revised Municipal Code “to carry, use or wear any dangerous or deadly weapon, including, but not by way of limitation, any pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun . . . or any other dangerous or deadly weapon.” It is not an offense if the person has a permit and is carrying a concealed handgun or if the person is carrying the weapon in a private automobile for hunting or self defense."
Put the bat down... the horse is dead, please stop beating him. [Coffee]
I am not local or state LE, and no longer being in uniform, I am not required to do anything when I see someone carrying openly.
When I was in uniform, it was in a jurisdiction where there was no legal carry by anyone other than LE (open or concealed).
I personally have never dealt with any criminal who owned, much less used, a holster. When I see a properly holstered weapon in public, I assume it is either an off-duty LE, plain clothes LE, or law abiding citizen. I take note and go about my business.
When out in public, I assume everyone has the capability of harming me. I hope they assume the same about me.
As long as your hand stays away from your gun, I doubt that I will be playing with mine. [Flower]
HBARleatherneck
03-20-2013, 16:44
i have never once seen anyone except uniformed LEO open carrying in public. and by in public I mean town, stores etc.
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