Mississippi Open Carry Rights and State Preemption

The Mississippi Constitution and statutes recognize open carry of firearms as lawful for adults who are not otherwise prohibited from possessing weapons. A 2013 statutory clarification confirmed that visibly carrying a holstered handgun in public is permitted without a license. Cities and counties cannot enact ordinances restricting open carry due to the broad preemption in Miss. Code Section 45-9-51, which reserves firearm regulation to the state. Standard off-limits places defined by statute, including courthouses, polling places, and schools, apply equally to open and concealed carry. Private property owners retain the right to restrict carry on their premises.

Carrying in statutorily prohibited locations or by disqualified persons can result in misdemeanor or felony charges; local enforcement of contrary ordinances is barred.