Open Carry Laws and Restrictions in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is located in the state of Nevada, which has relatively permissive open carry laws compared to some other states. Here is an overview of open carry in Nevada and specifically in Las Vegas.

What is Open Carry?

Open carry refers to visibly carrying a firearm in public. This is different from concealed carry, where the gun is hidden from view.

In Nevada, you can legally open carry firearms without a permit, with some exceptions. Concealed carry does require a permit.

Is Open Carry Legal in Nevada?

Yes, open carry is generally legal in Nevada. The state constitution gives citizens the right to keep and bear arms. There is no law that specifically prohibits openly carrying firearms in public.

Nevada is an “open carry state.” This means you can legally carry an unconcealed handgun without any kind of permit.

Long guns (rifles and shotguns) can also be carried openly. They just need to be slung over your shoulder or held in your hands.

Exceptions Where Open Carry is Illegal in Nevada

While open carry is generally allowed in Nevada, there are some locations where it is prohibited, including:

• Federal buildings and properties, such as courthouses, post offices, and national parks
• Airports and on airplanes
• School property, including K-12 schools, colleges, and childcare facilities
• State and local government buildings, such as city halls and DMV offices

So even though Nevada is an open carry state, you still can’t openly carry firearms into federal buildings, schools, airports, and certain government properties.

Open Carry in Las Vegas Casinos

One common question is whether you can openly carry firearms into Las Vegas hotels and casinos. The answer is no.

Hotels and casinos are private property. So even though open carry is legal in Nevada, private businesses can set their own rules prohibiting guns on their property.

The major resorts on the Las Vegas Strip do not allow guests to openly carry guns into their hotels and casinos. You will likely be asked to leave if you try to enter while openly carrying a firearm.

Drinking Alcohol and Open Carry in Nevada

Nevada allows open carrying of firearms in establishments that serve alcohol. However, it is illegal to possess a firearm while impaired, defined as having a blood alcohol content of 0.10% or higher.

So you can openly carry a gun into a bar in Nevada. But you can’t consume alcohol to the point of being legally impaired while in possession of a firearm.

Open Carry Permit and Training Requirements in Nevada

Nevada does not require a permit or training to open carry. This sets it apart from many other states.

As long as you are legally allowed to own a gun, you can carry it openly without any special permit or training. Of course, getting proper training is still a good idea for safety reasons.

Differences from Concealed Carry in Nevada

Nevada allows both open carry and concealed carry of handguns. But there are some key differences:

• Open carry does not require a permit, while concealed carry does require a permit.
• For concealed carry, you need to be at least 21 years old. The minimum age for open carry is 18.
• Concealed carry requires a training course. Open carry does not require training.

So open carry has fewer restrictions compared to concealed carry. But many gun owners still prefer to conceal carry, since openly carried guns tend to draw more public attention.

How to Legally and Safely Open Carry in Las Vegas

If you do want to open carry in Las Vegas, here are some tips for doing it legally and safely:

• Make sure your gun is in a proper holster, not tucked into a waistband.
• Always carry with a round chambered so the gun is ready if needed.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
• Be aware of your surroundings and who is near you.
• Be prepared to explain to police that you are legally open carrying.
• Consider getting firearms training even though not legally required.
• Be polite if asked to leave a business that prohibits guns.
• Don’t openly carry if planning to consume alcohol.
• Understand the risks of openly carrying versus concealed carry.

Dealing with Police Encounters While Open Carrying

Police may stop and question someone who is openly carrying a firearm. If an officer stops you, remember to:

• Keep your hands visible. Don’t reach for the gun.
• Politely inform the officer you are legally open carrying.
• Comply with orders to present ID.
• Don’t argue about the law.
• If wrongly ordered to disarm, comply and follow up later.
• Never flee or resist even if you believe the stop is unlawful.

Pros and Cons of Open Carry

Why do some people choose to open carry versus concealed carry? Here are some potential pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

• Don’t need a permit.
• Can carry at 18 years old.
• May deter crime.
• Easier access to the weapon if needed.

Cons:

• Draws attention from public.
• Police encounters more likely.
• Difficult in some environments.
• Less tactical element of surprise.

Whether to open or conceal carry is a personal choice based on comfort, environment, and tactical considerations.

Summary of Open Carry in Las Vegas

To summarize the key points:

• Open carry of handguns is generally legal in Nevada without a permit.
• Long guns may also be carried openly.
• There are some exceptions where open carry is illegal, like schools and government buildings.
• Casinos prohibit open carry on their private property.
• Impaired open carry is illegal.
• No training or permit is required.
• Open carry has pros and cons compared to concealed carry.

Understanding the laws, exceptions, and proper safety practices is crucial if you choose to open carry firearms in Las Vegas.