What is “Open Carry”?

Open carry refers to the practice of openly carrying a firearm in public. However, this doesn’t permit carrying a firearm openly in hand. Instead, the term implies carrying a firearm in a holster or sling where it can be easily accessed by the owner.

Nevada Open Carry Laws

According to SCLG, Nevada permits open carry, allowing individuals to openly carry firearms in most places throughout the state, including the Las Vegas Strip. No special permits are required for open carry, except in specific restricted areas such as government buildings, federal property, schools, and airports [1].

Open carry in Nevada involves wearing a visible holstered handgun or carrying a rifle or shotgun slung over the shoulder. However, concealed weapons do require permits under Nevada state law.

There are several locations where firearms are prohibited in Nevada, regardless of whether they are concealed or openly carried. These include public schools and colleges, childcare facilities, airport secure areas, legislative buildings, VA facilities, post offices, federal facilities, and the Hoover Dam.

It is also legal to openly carry in vehicles, though long guns must remain unloaded. People may also openly carry while drinking but face prosecution for firearm possession under the influence if their blood alcohol content (BAC) reaches .08% or higher.

Related Article: Can You Carry a Loaded Gun in Your Car in Nevada?

What is Concealed Carry?

Concealed carry, commonly known as CCW, refers to carrying a weapon, typically a handgun, in a manner that hides or conceals the weapon’s presence from others. This practice is legal in many states, including Nevada. In contrast, open carry involves openly carrying a weapon, where the firearm is visible to others.

Also Read: Nevada Out-of-State Gun Law Explained

Concealed Carry Laws in Nevada

According to Wikipedia, Nevada follows a “shall issue” policy for concealed carry permits [2]. This means that county sheriffs must issue a concealed firearms permit to applicants who meet the qualifications under both state and federal law and submit an application as per NRS 202.3657.

To be eligible for a Concealed Firearm Permit in Nevada, individuals must be at least 21 years old (or 18 for military personnel), complete an approved firearm safety course, and demonstrate proficiency with any handgun.

Previously, a single permit applied to only those firearms the applicant qualified with. Under revised legislation, a single permit is valid for all handguns the person owns or may thereafter own. Holders of previous permit iterations are grandfathered per current law and are no longer constrained to their qualified firearms, nor qualified firearm action.

Nevada Gun Violence Statistics

Over the past decade, Nevada has seen a 24% increase in gun deaths, which is lower than the nationwide increase of 33%. However, the rate of gun suicides in Nevada has risen by 14%, and gun homicides have increased by 52%, compared to national increases of 12% and 70%, respectively.
The societal cost of gun violence in Nevada is significant, amounting to $1,308 per person annually. This adds up to $4 billion in total costs, with taxpayers footing $165 million of the bill.
In terms of intent, 68% of gun deaths in Nevada are suicides, while 28% are homicides. This differs from the national trend, where 59% of gun deaths are suicides and 38% are homicides.
On average, Nevada experiences 519 gun-related deaths and 1,119 gun-related injuries each year, earning it the 10th-highest rate of gun violence in the US. Of these, 72% of all homicides in Nevada involve a gun, slightly lower than the national average of 76%.
Nevada has the 7th-highest rate of gun suicides and suicide attempts in the US, with an average of 351 gun suicides and 49 gun suicide attempts annually. The state also ranks 8th for gun homicides and assaults, with an average of 159 gun homicides and 539 gun assaults per year.

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References:

1. https://www.shouselaw.com/nv/defense/laws/gun-laws/open-carry/
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_in_Nevada

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