Published by Nevada allows non-residents to open carry firearms without requiring a permit, provided they are legally permitted to possess firearms under both state and federal law. As one of 38 permissive open carry states in the nation, Nevada permits individuals 18 years and older to openly carry handguns, rifles, and shotguns in most public locations, including the Las Vegas Strip.
While open carry does not require special licensing, non-residents must still comply with all Nevada firearm regulations, including restrictions on prohibited locations such as schools, childcare facilities, secure airport areas, and certain government buildings. Understanding these laws is essential for visitors to avoid serious legal consequences while exercising their Second Amendment rights in the Silver State.
With our hands-on experience in this field of law, it will be worth your time to keep reading and learn more about this issue and the consequences that can occur if you fail to understand this law.
Table Of Contents
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.
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’s Recent Gun Law Developments
Nevada has made significant strides in gun safety legislation following the tragic Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting in Las Vegas in 2017. Recent legislative developments include universal background checks for all gun sales and transfers (effective 2020), a bump stock ban (effective 2020), ghost gun restrictions (effective 2022), and extreme risk protection orders allowing courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals displaying high-risk behavior.
In 2023, the Nevada Legislature passed legislation raising the minimum age to purchase semiautomatic weapons to 21 years old. Despite these reforms, Nevada maintains its B- grade from the Giffords Law Center, unchanged for three consecutive years, as further legislative progress has faced resistance from Republican lawmakers who have blocked additional gun safety measures in recent sessions. These laws apply equally to residents and non-residents, making it crucial for visitors to stay informed about evolving regulations.
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