Missouri Open Carry and Local Authority

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.

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.