Open carry of handguns and long guns is lawful in New Hampshire without a license, subject to RSA 159 location limits and federal prohibitions.
New Hampshire imposes no statewide ban on openly carrying firearms. Adults who may lawfully possess firearms may openly carry handguns or long guns in public. RSA 159:26 forbids municipalities from passing local open-carry restrictions or registration ordinances. Restrictions remain for prohibited persons under RSA 159:3 and for locations such as schools (RSA 193-D), courthouses, and posted private property. Brandishing or threatening conduct may still be charged as criminal threatening under RSA 631:4.
Carrying while prohibited under RSA 159:3 is a class B felony; violating school or court bans triggers separate criminal penalties.
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See how Manchester's open carry rules stack up against other locations.
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