The offense of displaying a handgun in public is generally prohibited, but what circumstance is an exception?

• A. It is allowed if the handgun is in a holster and only partially visible
• B. It is allowed if the gun is not loaded
• C. It is allowed if the display occurs on private property
• D. It is allowed if the handgun is fully concealed

Answer: (A)

Open carrying a handgun in public is generally prohibited, with a specific exception for handguns that are carried in a holster on the person. When the weapon is in a holster, even if part of it is visible, it’s not considered an improper display under the open-carry rule. The holster serves as the legitimate, secure way to carry, distinguishing this calm, non-aggressive presentation from a display that would violate the prohibition. The other options don’t fit because simply not loading the gun doesn’t erase the display rule, private property doesn’t automatically authorize public open-carry, and being fully concealed avoids display altogether but involves separate concealed-carry considerations rather than the open-display rule.