When Did Open Carry Become Oki Doki in Washington State?

[noname762]

Just as the title asks when did Open Carry (in a holster) become OK in WA state. I'd always thought it was around the mid to late 80s. Before I got here I did a search and of 20+ spots to look and not a single option listed the month and year the state legislature gave their *Permission* for LACs to carry openly a handgun.

All I need is the month and year and I'll be satisfied. Thanks in advance guys and gals.

 

[FMJ 911]

Just a uneducated guess I figure it would be November 11th, 1889.

 

[Grapeshot]

I'd say it predates statehood. Washington became a separate territory from Oregon on March 2, 1853.

 

[O_Kellogg]

"Permission"? I'm going to guess Never.


As one member's sig says: "Free men do not ask permission"

 

[sudden valley gunner]

I'd say it predates statehood. Washington became a separate territory from Oregon on March 2, 1853.

+1

 

[JoeSparky]

To the OP--- it is legal unless a law is passed making it illegal! Generally, that is how it is done!

 

[acmariner99]

There has never been a law governing OC in Washington. Since no law exists on the subject, the practice is legal by default.

There have been court cases however that have determined that OC of a firearm does not constitute "warranting alarm." I forget offhand which cases they were or when they occurred. Regardless of the court cases however, it does not negate my previous statement. OC has always been legal in WA's territory.

 

[Schlepnier]

A natural right is not something that can be granted by government or a piece of paper., there is however a couple pieces of paper designed to protect those rights from government.

Federally we have amendment 2 of the bill of rights and on the state level we have article 1 section 24 of the state constitution. so when that was ratified is going to be as close to a date that you can get.

 

[EMNofSeattle]

I'd say it predates statehood. Washington became a separate territory from Oregon on March 2, 1853.

But be asked "when did it become oki doki in WA STATE"

Wa has only been a STATE since November of 1889

 

[Difdi]

Before I got here I did a search and of 20+ spots to look and not a single option listed the month and year the state legislature gave their *Permission* for LACs to carry openly a handgun.

The reason you can't find it is probably due to the fact that you don't need anyone's permission to exercise the rights guaranteed to you by the Washington State Constitution.