Oklahoma Open Carry: Laws, Requirements, Application & Online Training
Introduction
Oklahoma is a constitutional carry state, which means residents have the permission to make use of firearms without the need for a permit. However, there are certain restrictions and regulations concerning the possession and use of firearms within the state’s territory. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of Oklahoma’s gun laws, particularly focusing on open carry regulations.
Oklahoma Gun Laws Summary
Before delving into open carry laws, let’s take a quick look at the summary of Oklahoma’s overall gun laws:
- You can possess a firearm with your Oklahoma self-defense license issued by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation in the state.
- Oklahoma is a “shall-issue” state, and the local sheriff in a county is in charge of the application process.
- For the purchase of firearms in the state, you do not need a permit, but you must complete the criminal record check, except if you are buying from a private dealer.
- The age requirement to apply for an Oklahoma self-defense license is twenty-one years old.
Is It Legal To Open Carry In Oklahoma?
Yes, it is legal to open carry in Oklahoma if you are eighteen years old or older, without federal or state restrictions on firearm use. The state is classified as a “permissive open carry” state, which means you do not need a state license or permit to openly carry firearms as long as you are of legal age.
Open Carry Gun Laws In Oklahoma
While open carry is allowed, there are certain regulations to keep in mind:
- Ammunition like restricted bullets is illegal in Oklahoma, but the state does not prohibit assault weapons as long as they are registered and possessed in compliance with federal laws.
Oklahoma Open Gun Laws Quick View
| Law/Policy | Long Guns | Handguns | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| State permit for open carry | No | No | You do not need a state permit to conceal carry in Oklahoma. |
| Firearm registrations for open carry | No | No | There are no requirements for firearms registrations in the state. |
| Assault weapon for open carry | Yes | No | Oklahoma gun laws do not restrict assault weapons, machine guns, and large capacity firearms in the state. |
| Magazine limit | No | No | There is no magazine limit for firearms in the state. |
| License for the owner of a firearm | Not required | Not required | The state does not require any owner’s license for the use of firearms. |
| Red flag law | No | No | Oklahoma statutes do not mention red flag laws or the issuance of extreme protection orders in the state. |
| Castle doctrine law | Yes | Yes | Oklahoma is a castle doctrine state, and you can stand your ground in dwelling places, private cars, and places of worship. |
| Background check for private dealers | No | No | No, it is not compulsory to undergo a criminal record background check in the state if you are buying your firearm from a private dealer. |
| Preemption | Yes | Yes | Oklahoma gun laws do not restrict assault weapons, machine guns, and large-capacity firearms in the state. |
| Concealed carry permit | Yes | Yes | You can conceal carry with your Oklahoma self-defense license. |
| Concealed carry in personal vehicle | Yes | Yes | You can conceal carry in a private car as long as you are with your license. The state also accepts constitutional carry. |
| The state government has authority over all gun laws within Oklahoma’s jurisdiction. However, there are local ordinances on firearm discharge in regional areas. | No | No | Oklahoma gun laws prohibit the possession of firearms in elementary and secondary schools, colleges, and other educational institutions. |
Where Is It Legal To Open Carry In Oklahoma?
You can open carry and possess firearms in Oklahoma without violating any laws in the following areas:
- Restaurants and bars: You can open carry in restaurant areas as long as you are not under the influence, or there is no post prohibiting the possession of firearms.
- Private vehicles: You can open carry in private cars of the state.
- Roadside areas: You can open carry along roadsides in Oklahoma.
- State parks and forests: You can open carry in parks and forest areas of the state.
- Places of worship: Oklahoma gun laws do not prohibit the possession of firearms in places of worship. However, if there is a post or the management does not permit it, you cannot possess your firearm there.
Where Is It Illegal To Open Carry In Oklahoma?
Oklahoma gun laws prohibit open carry and possession of firearms in the following locations:
- Schools: You cannot open carry in any elementary or secondary school, college, or university in the state, or their facilities.
- Public buildings: You cannot open carry in any building owned by the federal government, state government, or any Oklahoma political subdivision, where the public carries out business activities.
- Officials’ meeting: You cannot open carry or possess firearms in any meeting organized by elected officials in the state.
- Courthouses: You cannot open carry or possess firearms in courthouses and courtrooms.
- Professional sports event: You cannot open carry in any arena or event organized for professionals.
- Gamble locations: You cannot possess firearms in any place that Oklahoma state licenses for gambling activities, except if you have the permission of the management to do so.
- Prisons: You cannot open carry in any of the state prisons, jails, or detention facilities.
- Bars: You cannot open carry-in bar areas of a venture or any other place in the state where the sale of alcohol is the primary business purpose.
- Under the influence of alcohol: You cannot open carry firearms in any part of Oklahoma while you are under the influence of alcohol.
- Private properties: You cannot open carry in any private building, property, or organization that prohibits the possession of firearms within its premises.
- Prohibited areas: You cannot open carry in any part of the state prohibited by federal laws of the country.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Oklahoma’s gun laws allow for constitutional carry and open carry with certain restrictions. It is essential for gun owners and carriers to familiarize themselves with these regulations to ensure they are in compliance with the law. Open carry is permitted in various areas of the state, but it is crucial to be aware of prohibited locations to avoid legal issues.
For those interested in concealed carry, obtaining an Oklahoma self-defense license is mandatory. By adhering to the state’s gun laws and regulations, residents can exercise their Second Amendment rights responsibly and safely.
FAQs;
1. Is It Compulsory That I Get A Permit Before Open Carry In Oklahoma?
No. You do not need a permit before you open carry in the state.
2. Do I Need A Permit To Conceal Carry In Oklahoma?
Yes. Oklahoma issues self-defense licenses to conceal carry in the state.
3. What Is The Age Requirement For Open Carry In Oklahoma?
You must be at least eighteen years old before you open carry in Oklahoma.
4. What Is The Age Requirement For Concealed Carry In Oklahoma?
You can conceal carry in Oklahoma if you are at least twenty-one years old, or eighteen years old for members of the military.
5. At What Age Can I Apply For an Oklahoma Self-defense License?
The age requirement for the license application is twenty-one years old.
