Open Carry: Columbus vs Westerville
How do open carry rules compare between Columbus, OH and Westerville, OH?
Columbus has fewer restrictions than Westerville.
Columbus, OH
Franklin County
Ohio is an open-carry state with no minimum age set by statute for long guns and 18 for handguns on private property. Columbus cannot prohibit lawful open carry due to Ohio Revised Code Section 9.68 preemption of local firearms rules.
View full Columbus rules →Westerville, OH
Franklin County
Ohio is an open-carry state for handguns and long guns by qualifying adults, with local restrictions largely preempted by state law under ORC 9.68.
View full Westerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Columbus | Westerville |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Ohio law (no open-carry ban) | - |
| Preemption | ORC Section 9.68 | - |
| Schools/Courts | Prohibited by state law | - |
| Columbus Rule | Cannot ban open carry | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Columbus FAQ
Can I openly carry a firearm in Columbus?
Yes. Ohio allows open carry of handguns and long guns by adults legally able to possess them. Columbus cannot prohibit lawful open carry on public streets and sidewalks under ORC 9.68 preemption.
Where is open carry prohibited?
Schools, courthouses, police stations, secured airport zones, posted government buildings, private property posted no-guns, and Class D liquor establishments after hours under Ohio Revised Code Section 2923.126.
Westerville FAQ
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