Not sure if this is the best place to ask this since this is technically not a NJ gun law question, but I'll ask anyway. Admins, feel free to move this if not appropriate.

 

I realize that NJ makes no distinction between open and concealed carry, but many states do. In my case, I live in NJ and am planning a trip to Maine this summer. After checking the NRA notes on the state, they appear to be quite reasonable with regard to the treatment of firearms and from what I can tell the only restriction is that concealed carry of a weapon requires a license. No other case of possession or purchase requires a permit. In other words, if I want to carry a gun, I can, but I must open-carry.

 

Now, like most here I like the idea of carrying a gun, but I don't like the idea of drawing any attention to myself. I'm not doing this to look cool or to "compensate", and in fact would much prefer to concealed carry. But I can't do that without a Maine license in this case, something I'm not willing to do for this trip (and sadly they don't seem to accept Florida CCW). So I began to wonder...what exactly constitutes concealed vs. open carry? Some googling reveals lots of traditional discussion of CCW and what states allow it, but nothing answered my question.

 

I know that the traditional mode of open carry is an outside-the-waistband holster placed at the hip with nothing covering it. However, that is a rather obvious to any and all. Not really my cup of tea.

 

Do states that allow open carry make any distinction between outside and inside the waistband? Could I wear an in-the-waistband holster near the small of my back OVER a tucked in t-shirt (with the grip of the gun clearly visible with no shirt over it) and still be considered open-carry? I'd like to say "yes" because the gun is clearly visible, at least from some angles, but I don't have any information to confirm that.

 

I'd consider wearing the gun on my hip as long as I could wear a shirt, say one that buttons down the front but remains fully unbuttoned and not tucked in...almost like a loose fitting coat. In this case, the gun would very likely "print" through the shirt and would most likely be visible from the front. Is this concealed? My guess is it would be.

 

Just looking for some feedback from those in the know. Thanks in advance.

Not sure if this is the best place to ask this since this is technically not a NJ gun law question, but I'll ask anyway. Admins, feel free to move this if not appropriate.

 

I realize that NJ makes no distinction between open and concealed carry, but many states do. In my case, I live in NJ and am planning a trip to Maine this summer. After checking the NRA notes on the state, they appear to be quite reasonable with regard to the treatment of firearms and from what I can tell the only restriction is that concealed carry of a weapon requires a license. No other case of possession or purchase requires a permit. In other words, if I want to carry a gun, I can, but I must open-carry.

 

Now, like most here I like the idea of carrying a gun, but I don't like the idea of drawing any attention to myself. I'm not doing this to look cool or to "compensate", and in fact would much prefer to concealed carry. But I can't do that without a Maine license in this case, something I'm not willing to do for this trip (and sadly they don't seem to accept Florida CCW). So I began to wonder...what exactly constitutes concealed vs. open carry? Some googling reveals lots of traditional discussion of CCW and what states allow it, but nothing answered my question.

 

I know that the traditional mode of open carry is an outside-the-waistband holster placed at the hip with nothing covering it. However, that is a rather obvious to any and all. Not really my cup of tea.

 

Do states that allow open carry make any distinction between outside and inside the waistband? Could I wear an in-the-waistband holster near the small of my back OVER a tucked in t-shirt (with the grip of the gun clearly visible with no shirt over it) and still be considered open-carry? I'd like to say "yes" because the gun is clearly visible, at least from some angles, but I don't have any information to confirm that.

 

I'd consider wearing the gun on my hip as long as I could wear a shirt, say one that buttons down the front but remains fully unbuttoned and not tucked in...almost like a loose fitting coat. In this case, the gun would very likely "print" through the shirt and would most likely be visible from the front. Is this concealed? My guess is it would be.

 

Just looking for some feedback from those in the know. Thanks in advance.

 

They don't accept Florida CCW, but it is easy to get a Maine License as a non-resident..

http://www.maine.gov/dps/msp/licenses/documents/Weapons/non-resident%20application%20package.pdf

 

Not sure why you are not willing. You don't need prints or notary, just a photo. Takes a few weeks. Should arrive way before summer.

 

More info and links here:

http://handgunlaw.us/states/maine.pdf

Pretty good question. How much and just how visible is considered Open Carry? I see a lot of LE wiggle room here. Act like an A-hole and the guidelines get real narrow. Regular clean cut Joe and a minor condition warrants the discussion, it could be a non-issue. Yea, lots of room for legal interpretations here. Type of car and bumper stickers are going to be the first impression.

Thanks for the replies, especially the link to the Maine non-res packet.

 

Seems like the only thing I'd need for it would be "proof of competency". My dad was in the Navy so I grew up around firearms and have been shooting for years, but I never took any formal training. I'm beginning to think I should just bite the bullet and take the course for non-res Florida CCW and then get the non-res Maine. I have 6 months until the trip so that should be enough time.

 

Maine is a beautiful state...spent time there as a kid...but I don't want to get stuck in jail up there. Better safe than sorry I guess.

Thanks for the replies, especially the link to the Maine non-res packet.

 

Seems like the only thing I'd need for it would be "proof of competency". My dad was in the Navy so I grew up around firearms and have been shooting for years, but I never took any formal training. I'm beginning to think I should just bite the bullet and take the course for non-res Florida CCW and then get the non-res Maine. I have 6 months until the trip so that should be enough time.

 

Maine is a beautiful state...spent time there as a kid...but I don't want to get stuck in jail up there. Better safe than sorry I guess.

 

Here's the requirement (found on page 11 of the Maine's booklet, http://www.maine.gov/dps/msp/licenses/documents/Weapons/CFP%20Booklet.pdf):

(5) Demonstrates to the issuing authority a knowledge of handgun safety.

The applicant may fully satisfy this requirement by submitting to the issuing

authority, through documentation in accordance with this subparagraph, proof

that the applicant has within 5 years prior to the date of application completed a

course that included handgun safety offered by or under the supervision of a

federal, state, county or municipal law enforcement agency or a firearms

instructor certified by a private firearms association recognized as

knowledgeable in matters of firearms safety by the issuing authority or by the

state in which the course was taken. A course completion certificate or other

document, or a photocopy, is sufficient if it recites or otherwise demonstrates that

the course meets all of the requirements of this subparagraph.

 

 

To me, that means that NRA first steps is fine. No big deal. Gun for Hire has classes all the time. If you're going to get your FL CCW, you can do the entire application packet (prints, photo, and notary) at the next NJ2AS meeting. There's a thread on here about it somewhere. Most got their permits in about 30 days.

Thanks for the replies, especially the link to the Maine non-res packet.

 

Seems like the only thing I'd need for it would be "proof of competency". My dad was in the Navy so I grew up around firearms and have been shooting for years, but I never took any formal training. I'm beginning to think I should just bite the bullet and take the course for non-res Florida CCW and then get the non-res Maine. I have 6 months until the trip so that should be enough time.

 

Maine is a beautiful state...spent time there as a kid...but I don't want to get stuck in jail up there. Better safe than sorry I guess.

 

Florida accepts NJ Hunter's Education as formal firearms training, it's free and easy, IMO it would be worth it to check if Maine accepts it as well.

 

To me, that means that NRA first steps is fine. No big deal. Gun for Hire has classes all the time. If you're going to get your FL CCW, you can do the entire application packet (prints, photo, and notary) at the next NJ2AS meeting. There's a thread on here about it somewhere. Most got their permits in about 30 days.

 

 

I would probably find a NRA Basic Pistol course - helps to future proof yourself if you decide you want another state that needs nothing less than the Basic Pistol (CT comes to mind) or if NJ passes some form of carry for us regular folk and mandates the Basic Pistol course as training. Just my two cents

Always good to take some training.

While I think your IWB idea would be legal, I wouldnt feel comfortable doing so for two reasons.

 

#1: its a hard spot to defend from grabbers

#2: to make #1 even worse, there arent any retention style holsters that are IWB

 

 

If you OC, some form of retention is a must have. Retention training in addition to a retention holster is a plus.

Even if ME accepted FL, it wouldn't do you any good...ME only honors resident permits.

 

Florida accepts NJ Hunter's Education as formal firearms training, it's free and easy, IMO it would be worth it to check if Maine accepts it as well.

 

ME statute doesn't mention Hunter safety:

 

(5) Demonstrates to the issuing authority a knowledge of handgun safety. The applicant may fully satisfy this requirement by submitting to the issuing authority, through documentation in accordance with this subparagraph, proof that the applicant has within 5 years prior to the date of application completed a course that included handgun safety offered by or under the supervision of a federal, state, county or municipal law enforcement agency or a firearms instructor certified by a private firearms association recognized as knowledgeable in matters of firearms safety by the issuing authority or by the state in which the course was taken. A course completion certificate or other document, or a photocopy, is sufficient if it recites or otherwise demonstrates that the course meets all of the requirements of this subparagraph.

As an alternative way of fully satisfying this requirement, an applicant may personally demonstrate knowledge of handgun safety to an issuing authority, if the issuing authority is willing to evaluate an applicant's personal demonstration of such knowledge. The issuing authority is not required to offer this 2nd option.

 

I would probably find a NRA Basic Pistol course - helps to future proof yourself if you decide you want another state that needs nothing less than the Basic Pistol (CT comes to mind) or if NJ passes some form of carry for us regular folk and mandates the Basic Pistol course as training. Just my two cents

 

I agree with this. Find and take a Basic Pistol course...then apply for ME license...and can be used for several other licsense...CT, AZ, etc.

While I think your IWB idea would be legal, I wouldnt feel comfortable doing so for two reasons.

#1: its a hard spot to defend from grabbers

#2: to make #1 even worse, there arent any retention style holsters that are IWB

If you OC, some form of retention is a must have. Retention training in addition to a retention holster is a plus.

 

The small of the back is a bad idea to carry anything that isn't soft or can be used as a weapon. I've known quite a few cops (especially CO's) that laugh when they see someone carrying handcuffs with one just stuffed into the belt and the other just dangling. Too many stories of people snatching the cuffs and then smashing the LEO with them. Especially if you have someone on the ground and then their home-boy grabs the cuffs and knocks you upside your melon. Plus, if you fall backwards from being pushed, slip or whatever, having something whacking your lower spine can take you out of the fight real fast.

 

CCW - Hide it securely. OC - have a retention device. And with all, practice, practice, practice. You should have at least, a thousand draws before considering going hot on the street.