Carrying A Firearm in Missouri
Can I Carry A Firearm in Missouri?
Yes, but it depends on local ordinances. Open carry is generally legal in Missouri, but cities and local governments within Missouri have the right to limit open carry. It is best to simply get a concealed carry license and carry your firearm concealed, which is legal state-wide in Missouri, except for a few places. (see this link)
Firearms in a Vehicle in Missouri?
You do not need a permit to carry a firearm in your vehicle while in Missouri. Even concealing a firearm on your person while in a vehicle is okay, as long as you don’t step outside of the car while concealing it. “Missouri now permits any person who is at least 21 years old to transport a concealable firearm in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. No concealed carry endorsement is required. Under the old law, the peaceable journey exception to the unlawful-use-of-a-weapon law permitted travelers on a continuous peaceable journey to carry a concealed weapon. The peaceable journey exception is still in the law, and may apply in circumstances where the new law does not (i.e. if the person is less than 21 years old).” – (see this link)
What are the Local Ordinances?
Basically, local ordinances are a pain in the rear. They allow one city or community to outlaw the carrying of firearms openly, while the city 10 miles away legally allows it. The views of politicians in local government play a significant role in what is allowed and what is considered illegal for certain cities and municipalities. While concealed carry is a statewide law, open carrying in Missouri is left up to local governments. << If you live in Missouri, you’re better off just getting your concealed carry license and carrying that way. It will also save you a lot of grief when the police show up to Walmart and try to arrest you for legally openly carrying because someone reported a man with a gun.
Comments (4)
Can you help me with this one? In section 571.030 after describing schools, churches, etc it further reads:
“4. Subdivisions (1), (8), and (10) of subsection 1 of this section shall not apply to any person who has a valid concealed carry endorsement issued pursuant to sections 571.101 to 571.121 or a valid permit or endorsement to carry concealed firearms issued by another state or political subdivision of another state.”
This would lead me to believe that if you are a valid CCW, you have exemptions in those described locations?
DONT!!!! Carry a firearm in your vehicle on the grounds of a school district or you WILL go to jail! It is illegal to carry a firearm on school grounds in your vehicle in Missouri. The advice this column gives is good except in regards to this!
Frank… A CCW permit does NOT grant you access to carry into churches, schools, hospitals, etc. You can, however, get permission from church leaders and be okay with it.
There has been some confusion on the matter, so let me clarify…. Just because you have a CCW permit does NOT grant you access to carry a firearm inside of a school building, courthouse, church etc! The parking lots of these places and in your personal vehicle are another matter; but being inside of a school with a firearm is a big No-No! For the sake of our readers, comments saying otherwise or arguing this will not be approved.
– This is not legal advice; speak to a professional attorney if you have further questions about the law. –