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Open Carry in DE??!!

dave_in_delaware

Regular Member
Joined
May 10, 2007
Messages
394
Location
Newark, Delaware, USA
imported post

Hi. I'm new here to this site, but not new to guns. I've lived in DE since 1997, and for the past 2 years I've been interested in getting my CCDW permit. The high cost of doing so ($500 min), the public advertisements of my application, the need for 5character references, and other issues have kept me in a holding pattern for applying and starting the whole process.

But after finding this site, it sounds like I don't even have to worry about a CCDW permit.

Is this true? Can I open carry practically everywhere in DE and not get into trouble or thrown in jail for causing a public stir? I did look at the main page's info, but I'm looking more for personal experiences from Delawareans on OC and how LEO's "take" to it around here.

I know the State constitution guarantees our right to keep and bear arms for the defense of self, hunting, and recreational purposes. But I thought OC here was frowned upon, especially by the police?

Are you guys telling me that I can OC here without worry?????? Are you telling me that many Delawareans already OC al the time, everywhere??

What special precautions do you need to take? Are there places where you can't legally OC? What do you say to any LEO that stop you? Etc Etc....

Thanks for any input on this. I must admit, OC here in DE is a totally new concept to me. But I'd LOVE to be able to do it.
 

dave_in_delaware

Regular Member
Joined
May 10, 2007
Messages
394
Location
Newark, Delaware, USA
imported post

UPDATE:

I have decided to do some research myself to find out any specific laws, ordnances, statutes, etc regarding OC in DE. I'm going to contact the AG's office, the State Police, New Castle County Police, and Wilmington Police and get their "take" on OC.

Unles ssomeone from DE here already has done this? If so, could you share your research w/ me?

Thanks.
 

vermonter

Regular Member
Joined
Oct 5, 2006
Messages
340
Location
, ,
imported post

I lived in Delaware for 5 years. You will be arrested in Wilmington, Newark and Dover. The is no pre-emption for certain cities with grandfathered laws. Get your Florida CCW (www.packing.org, click on DE for reciprocity guide. It is good in Delaware and keep it concealed unless you have your "Red Card" (comissioned armed guard open carry license). The problem is not from NCC PD or DSP. It is the city police in cartain cities that are grandfathered. Open carry is ILLEGAL in Wilmington FOR SURE without a Red Card and you MUST BE ON DUTY to use it, or heading to and from work with your companies patch visible.
 

dave_in_delaware

Regular Member
Joined
May 10, 2007
Messages
394
Location
Newark, Delaware, USA
imported post

Someday I hope to understand what all this "pre-empted" stuff means...

How can I get a Florida CCW license if I'm not a resident of FL? So you're saying I can get a FL CCW license and it'll be good in DE? :question:

Is this what you did when you lived here?
 

openryan

State Researcher
Joined
Apr 18, 2007
Messages
1,602
Location
, Indiana, USA
imported post

dave_in_delaware wrote:
UPDATE:

I have decided to do some research myself to find out any specific laws, ordnances, statutes, etc regarding OC in DE. I'm going to contact the AG's office, the State Police, New Castle County Police, and Wilmington Police and get their "take" on OC.

Unles ssomeone from DE here already has done this? If so, could you share your research w/ me?

Thanks.

Good idea, although I have found little information to be false on this site, always back up any answers by verifying them yourself.
 

Gray Peterson

Founder's Club Member - Moderator
Joined
May 12, 2006
Messages
2,236
Location
Lynnwood, Washington, USA
imported post

He cannot use a Florida license to carry if he is a Delaware resident. That's one of the trade offs made during the bill's passage.

I have also checked Wilmington's municipal code. There is no open carry ban there as far as I can find, can you cite the actual language please? If Wilmington were to attempt to do so now, preemption would take out the ordinance.
 

wired_2007

Regular Member
Joined
May 18, 2007
Messages
11
Location
Newark / Bear, Delaware, USA
imported post

I just moved here(Newark) from Utah which I have been issued a Utah permit. It is true, I contacted DE's AG and they comfirmed my permit is "garbage". Don't get a DE DL, it negates your out of state CCW.
 

dave_in_delaware

Regular Member
Joined
May 10, 2007
Messages
394
Location
Newark, Delaware, USA
imported post

Welcome to Newark. I used to live on the outskirts of Newark, actually near the airport....

I thought Delaware honored Utah's CCW reciprocity? Or is that only if you don't officially become a resident (i.e. get a driver's license)?

Good luck going through all the requirements for a CCDW here. What a PITA.

That's why I'm researching all the laws, statutes, and ordinances to hopefully OC. The AG office and NCC police and Wilmington police are OK w/ it. It's the State police that's giving me grief so far....
 
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