Minnesota gun owners often hear open carry and concealed carry discussed as if they are two completely different legal systems. In Minnesota, however, the state issues a Permit to Carry a Pistol, rather than separate open-carry and concealed-carry permits.
Minnesota law generally requires a permit to carry a pistol in a public place, subject to statutory exceptions. A Minnesota Permit to Carry is effective statewide, and the law does not generally require a permit holder to keep the pistol concealed.
That leaves permit holders with an important personal decision: open carry or concealed carry?
Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages, and safety, accessibility, retention, comfort and public interaction should all be considered.
What Is Open Carry?
Open carry means carrying a handgun where it is visible to others, typically in an exposed holster.
For some gun owners, one advantage is accessibility. An openly carried handgun may be easier to access because clothing does not cover the firearm. Open carry can also accommodate larger handguns that may be uncomfortable or difficult to conceal.
There are disadvantages, however.
A visible firearm attracts attention. Other members of the public may notice it, and some may become concerned even when the person carrying it is doing so lawfully.
Visibility also creates an important retention consideration. Because other people can see where the firearm is located, the carrier should pay particular attention to maintaining control of it and preventing unauthorized access.
For that reason, anyone choosing open carry should consider a quality holster designed to securely retain the handgun rather than simply choosing a holster based on how quickly the firearm can be accessed.
Open Carry — Pros
- Easier access without clothing covering the firearm.
- Often more comfortable with larger handguns.
- Less concern about accidentally exposing a firearm that was intended to remain concealed.
- May provide more flexibility in holster and handgun selection.
Open Carry — Cons
- Everyone around you can potentially see the firearm.
- May attract unwanted attention or concern.
- Makes the firearm’s location obvious.
- Places greater emphasis on firearm retention and preventing unauthorized access.
- May create additional considerations when entering private businesses or interacting with the public.
What Is Concealed Carry?
Concealed carry generally means carrying a handgun underneath clothing or otherwise keeping it from ordinary public view.
One of its biggest advantages is discretion.
Most people around the permit holder will never know that a firearm is present. This can reduce unnecessary attention and allows the permit holder to go about normal activities without the firearm becoming the focus of an interaction.
Concealment, however, introduces its own safety considerations.
Clothing can interfere with access to the firearm. The carrier also needs to make sure clothing, drawstrings and other objects do not interfere with the handgun or holster.
Comfort can also become an issue, particularly during long periods of sitting, driving or physical activity.
Concealed Carry — Pros
- Keeps the firearm out of ordinary public view.
- Generally attracts less attention.
- Does not immediately reveal to others that the person is armed.
- Can be easier to integrate into everyday activities without making the firearm the focus of public interactions.
Concealed Carry — Cons
- Clothing can make the firearm more difficult to access.
- Some handguns are difficult or uncomfortable to conceal.
- Clothing and other objects can potentially interfere with the firearm or holster.
- Carrying comfortably may require changes in clothing, belt or holster selection.
- The carrier needs to pay attention to whether normal movement unintentionally exposes the firearm.
Accessibility vs. Security
One of the most important considerations with either carry method is balancing accessibility with security.
A firearm carried for lawful defensive purposes needs to remain under the carrier’s control. At the same time, making a handgun extremely easy to access can create other concerns if the firearm is not adequately secured.
With open carry, accessibility may be simpler because there is no covering garment. The tradeoff is that other people can also see the firearm and its location.
With concealed carry, the firearm is less obvious to other people, but clothing can make access more complicated.
Neither method should encourage careless handling or unnecessarily frequent touching or adjustment of the firearm in public.
Whichever method is chosen, a proper holster should securely hold the handgun and help protect against unintended access to the trigger.
Think About Unauthorized Access
Retention deserves special consideration when carrying around children, in crowded environments or anywhere the carrier may come into close physical contact with other people.
A firearm should remain under the carrier’s control.
This concern does not end when the handgun comes off the carrier’s body. Once a firearm is no longer being carried, secure storage becomes important. Minnesota’s Department of Public Safety recommends keeping firearms that are being stored unloaded and locked in a secure cabinet, safe, gun vault or storage case, with ammunition secured separately.
The department also emphasizes that a firearm’s mechanical safety or lock is not a substitute for careful firearm handling and storage.
Training Matters With Either Method
Minnesota’s permit system already recognizes the importance of training.
State law requires qualifying permit applicants to receive training in the safe use of a pistol. The required basic training includes pistol fundamentals, an actual shooting qualification and instruction concerning legal aspects of possession, carry, use, self-defense and restrictions on deadly force.
Receiving a permit should not necessarily be viewed as the end of training.
Someone who regularly carries should understand the particular firearm and carry system they have selected and practice safe handling with that equipment.
Changing from open carry to concealed carry — or changing holsters, firearms or carry positions — can also change how the equipment feels and operates.
Know the Law and Know Where You’re Going
Whether a handgun is openly displayed or concealed does not override restrictions concerning where firearms may legally be carried.
Minnesota permit holders should understand the rules applicable to the particular places they enter, along with applicable federal restrictions and rules involving private property.
Minnesota permit holders carrying a pistol must also have their permit card and qualifying government-issued photo identification in their immediate possession. They must display those documents upon lawful demand by a peace officer, and, when requested by an officer, disclose whether they are currently carrying a firearm.
Minnesota law also provides specific exceptions where a permit is not required, including certain circumstances involving a person’s dwelling, business or property, hunting or target shooting, and transportation of an unloaded pistol in a closed and fastened case, gunbox or securely tied package.
Which Is Better?
There isn’t one answer that applies to every Minnesota permit holder.
Open carry may offer easier accessibility and greater comfort, particularly with larger firearms, but it makes the presence and location of the firearm obvious and increases the importance of retention.
Concealed carry offers greater discretion, but clothing, comfort and accessibility become more important considerations.
The better choice depends on the individual, environment, firearm, equipment, training and circumstances.
Regardless of the method chosen, responsible carry means maintaining control of the firearm, using appropriate equipment, avoiding unnecessary handling and understanding the laws governing where and how the firearm may be carried.
The Bottom Line
Minnesota generally does not issue separate open-carry and concealed-carry licenses. Instead, it issues a Permit to Carry a Pistol.
For permit holders choosing between open and concealed carry, legality is only part of the decision. Safety, firearm retention, accessibility, comfort, training and interaction with the public all deserve consideration.
The safest carry method is not simply the one that provides the fastest access. It is one that allows the permit holder to maintain reliable control of the firearm, reduce the possibility of unauthorized access, and carry responsibly within Minnesota law.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not legal advice or firearms-training instruction. Firearm laws can change, and different requirements may apply depending on the person, firearm, location and circumstances.
Nothing in this article should be interpreted as recommending a particular method of carrying a firearm or as a substitute for professional firearms training. Firearm owners and permit holders should verify current Minnesota and federal laws before carrying a firearm and should seek qualified legal advice when they have questions about a specific situation.
Firearms should always be handled, carried and stored responsibly and kept secured against unauthorized access. The author and publisher make no guarantee that the legal information contained in this article will remain current after publication.