I live in Arizona. Can I carry my pistol in my backpack without a CCW permit???

Question

I live in Arizona. Can I carry my pistol in my backpack without a CCW permit??? I don't plan to carry it on school grounds I know thats not allowed.

In response to Lumpy.. I don't have a CCW yet, I am a new gun user, just bought my gun last week.. But I agree 100% with what you say.. I wish more Arizonians carried out in the open, "hmm or maybe they are packing concealed" just today as I pulled into my parking spot, at my ghetto south phoenix apt" a group of about 6 or 7 black males were jumping the brick fence that separates our apt from the street. I couldn't help but stare at the activity and one of them, "whom was holding a can of beer" leaned on my window and said, "you want to see me cuz" which I think means if I want to start a problem with him. This really bothered me and all I could think at that moment was, "damn I wish I had my gun" His buddies called him off and he walked away as they all laughed.. BTW I had my 5 year old boy in the backseat..

Answer 1

That is considered on your person, so without a CCW permit, if it is conceled, no. However, in AZ you CAN carry it in the open so long as it is holstered and the holster is at least partially visible. I don't know if that counts a holster on your pack though. Be advised also that there are special rules to consider when on tribal land as well. The following is from packing.org, and I recommend you check it out for similar questions.

Arizona is an open carry state. Handguns should be holstered when not actually in use to avoid issues related to brandishing or questions regarding the concealed nature of the firearm. The law states that as long as a portion of the holster is visible, the weapon is not concealed. It is recommended that at least 2-3 inches of the holster be visible. Fanny packs designed to carry a handgun do not qualify as a holster; only permit holders may carry a weapon in a fanny pack (State v. Moerman).

An unholstered handgun carried by a non-permitee which is only partially visible is considered concealed, hence the recommendation to keep carried handguns holstered. Weapons carried in a vehicle that are not in a holster or case must be clearly visible and obvious, unless the weapon is in the trunk, glove box or a storage compartment of the vehicle (see comment under Car/Gun law summary). Weapons may be transported/carried loaded or unloaded. Open carry is generally discouraged on tribal lands (see discussion under "Places off-limits while carrying"). Other locations may be posted "no weapons" or be covered under State or Federal law (see above).

Answer 2

That can vary greatly between state, and local laws. It is your responsibility as a gun owner to know and understand the laws of the area's you intend to carry. Ignorance is no excuse for the law. Why risk not being able to obtain a CCW permit, own a firearm, or worse. For Instance- In New Jersey since the graves act, it is unlawful possesion of a firearm to carry concealed without a permit, and the penalty is a min of 3 years in a New Jersey State prison.

Answer 3

Unless the law has changed since I visited Arizona in 2001, it is legal to carry concealed, without a license, if the pistol is unloaded. It was legal at that time to carry a handgun openly, loaded, without a permit.

I was visiting Arizona and New Mexico and carried a gun the whole time. Openly when out of town, and unloaded in a pocket, along with a speed strip when in town.

Doc

Answer 4

CCW LIMITS
May police limit carrying concealed handguns? No

Arizona: State law forces police chiefs and state sheriffs to give concealed carry permits (CCW) to anyone who can buy a handgun, allowing them to carry loaded, concealed handguns in public (known as �shall issue�). Some safety training is required to obtain the CCW permit. State law allows residents of some other states to carry concealed weapons in this state without informing local police.

Answer 5

Still illegal unless you are in the national forest or outside of a town.

Answer 6

well lats see is that concealing it YES!!! so you need one to do that conceal means to hide