Missouri Statewide Rule
Missouri Open Carry and Local Authority
Key Facts
- Statutory Authority
- Open carry is legal statewide for lawful gun owners
- Limits
- Cities may restrict open carry within their limits
- Prohibitions
- Local open-carry bans cannot be enforced against permit holders
- Protections
- Vehicle and luggage transport are protected statewide
- St Louis
- St. Louis and Kansas City have local open-carry rules
Summary
Missouri permits open carry statewide, but RSMo 21.750 lets cities restrict open carry within their limits while exempting valid concealed carry permit holders from those local restrictions.
In any jurisdiction in which the open carrying of firearms is prohibited by ordinance, the open carrying of firearms shall not be prohibited in accordance with the following: (a) Any person with a valid concealed carry endorsement or permit who is open carrying a firearm shall be required to have a valid concealed carry endorsement or permit from this state, or a permit from another state that is recognized by this state, in his or her possession at all times; (b) Any person open carrying a firearm in such jurisdiction shall display his or her concealed carry endorsement or permit upon demand of a law enforcement officer; (c) In the absence of any reasonable and articulable suspicion of criminal activity, no person carrying a concealed or unconcealed firearm shall be disarmed or physically restrained by a law enforcement officer unless under arrest; and (d) Any person who violates this subdivision shall be subject to the penalty provided in section 571.121.
Full Breakdown
Open carry of firearms is generally lawful in Missouri for adults who can lawfully possess a firearm. RSMo 21.750 creates a narrow exception to broad firearm preemption, allowing political subdivisions to regulate the open carrying of firearms readily capable of lethal use within their boundaries. However, the same statute prohibits enforcement of any such local open-carry restriction against a person holding a valid Missouri concealed carry permit or a permit recognized under reciprocity. Cities like St. Louis and Kansas City have ordinances restricting open carry of loaded firearms, but those rules cannot be applied to permit holders. Vehicle carry, transport in luggage, and travel between residence and vehicle remain protected statewide.
Violations & Penalties
Violating a valid local open-carry restriction is typically a municipal ordinance violation with fines. Permit holders charged under such ordinances have a statutory defense under RSMo 21.750.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a city in Missouri ban open carry?
Is open carry allowed in vehicles?
Sources
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