UPOpenCarry.org - Your definitive source for local Open Carry questions and connections.

The basic answer to "Can I legally open carry a handgun?" is yes. Below you will find our informed interpretation on Michigan Open Carry laws and how they pertain to all of us as American citizens.

While Open Carrying A Handgun You Must:
Be a resident of Michigan. (unless exempt)
Be obeying all laws.
Have your handgun secured in a holster.
Legally own the gun you are carrying. (unless exempt)
Have had your open carry handgun safety inspected properly.
Leave private property if the owner or thier agent requests you to.

While you are in the process of Openly Carrying your handgun you may not:

Conceal your handgun, keep in mind entering a vehicle or being in a vehicle is considered concealment.

Remove your firearm from its holster

Threaten with or point your pistol at anyone or anything unless you are in need of using "deadly force."

Enter a post office or other federal building (Only relevant federal gun law for open carry).

Enter a bank, a church, a courthouse, a theatre, a sports arena, a day care center, a hospital, a bar, or any other pistol free zone (unless exempt).

Enter a school (unless exempt)

Enter a building that has a no weapons or a no guns sign posted.

Okay, you should now understand the basic principles of open carrying a handgun. Don't take my word for it though, here is a link to this page, but with all the relevant Michigan law that I am simplifying for you.

Now, what is an exemption?

Exemptions to Pistol Free Zones:
A person who owns, is employeed by, or is contracted by an entity that is a pistol free zone as described above. This exemption applies only if the person is providing security services for the location.
A peace officer or reserve peace officer.
A person who possesses a firearm on the premises of an entity described as a pistol free zone, if that possession is with the permission of the owner or an agent of the owner of that entity.
A person licensed by Michigan or another state to carry a concealed weapon.
Please note exemption is exemption, if you are exempt, you may carry openly or concealed in a Pistol Free Zone.

This page is still under development, ETA late summer of 2008.

DISCLAIMER: This site's content is not created nor maintained by legal experts or laywers. We attempt to convey the most current and accurate information availible, but it is the responsibility of the individual to verify the laws discussed and described here. We do not take responsibility for how you use the information we present.