Arkansas permits open carry of handguns by qualifying adults under state interpretation of Act 746. Local governments cannot restrict open carry beyond state law due to firearms preemption codified at Arkansas Code 14-16-504.
Arkansas Code 5-73-120 prohibits carrying a handgun with the purpose to attempt to unlawfully employ it against a person. Following Act 746 of 2013, the Attorney General opined that open carry without unlawful intent is generally legal for adults not otherwise prohibited from possessing firearms. Local ordinances cannot restrict open carry beyond state law. Restrictions still apply to schools, courthouses, and certain other locations. Long guns are also generally permitted, though brandishing or threatening conduct remains criminal.
Carrying with unlawful purpose is a Class A misdemeanor or higher depending on circumstances; carrying in prohibited locations may be a Class D felony.
Little Rock, AR
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See how Little Rock's open carry rules stack up against other locations.
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