Oregon is generally an open carry state. Oregon allows for the unlicensed carrying of handguns openly while still requiring a permit for concealed carry....
Reviewed by Will Luker, Founder of CCW Hub. USCCA Training Counselor, USCCA Certified Instructor, NRA Certified Instructor, Law Enforcement.
Oregon is generally an open carry state. Oregon allows for the unlicensed carrying of handguns openly while still requiring a permit for concealed carry. Oregon law explicitly distinguishes between open and concealed carry. Since Oregon does not allow permitless concealed carry, it is not considered a "constitutional carry" state.
Oregon law states:
"Firearms carried openly in belt holsters are not concealed within the meaning of this section."
This means that a person who openly carries a firearm in a belt holster is not subject to the concealed carry restrictions under ORS 166.250. No concealed handgun license (CHL) is required for open carry in a belt holster.
It is a crime to:
These prohibitions do not apply to firearms carried openly in belt holsters.
Certain categories of persons are exempt from the unlawful possession provisions of ORS 166.250, including but not limited to:
These exemptions apply broadly to both open and concealed carry situations as defined in the statute.
Understanding what constitutes a "loaded" firearm is critical because local ordinances under ORS 166.173 specifically regulate loaded firearms in public places. Under ORS 166.360, a firearm is considered loaded when there is an unexpended cartridge or shell in the chamber or in a clip or magazine that is attached to the firearm. Carrying an unloaded firearm openly may not be subject to the same local restrictions.
Cities and counties may adopt ordinances to regulate, restrict, or prohibit the possession of loaded firearms in public places as defined in ORS 161.015.
However, such local ordinances do not apply to:
Practical Impact: Several Oregon cities and at least one county have enacted ordinances restricting the open carry of loaded firearms in public places. Known jurisdictions with such restrictions include:
CHL holders are exempt from all of these local restrictions under ORS 166.173(2)(c). This creates a practical incentive for persons who wish to open carry loaded firearms in these jurisdictions to obtain a concealed handgun license, even if they intend to carry openly.
The authority to regulate firearms is generally preempted by the state:
"Except as expressly authorized by state statute, the authority to regulate in any matter whatsoever the sale, acquisition, transfer, ownership, possession, storage, transportation or use of firearms or any element relating to firearms and components thereof, including ammunition, is vested solely in the Legislative Assembly."
ORS 166.173 is one of the express statutory authorizations that allows local governments to regulate loaded firearms in public places, creating a narrow exception to the general state preemption. Local jurisdictions cannot regulate the open carry of unloaded firearms, as that authority is not granted by ORS 166.173.
Even where open carry is otherwise permitted, firearms (whether open or concealed) are restricted in certain locations:
ORS 166.262 limits the authority of peace officers to arrest for ORS 166.250 or 166.370 violations under certain circumstances, and also identifies the Capitol building and major airport terminals as locations with enhanced restrictions.
The same categories of persons prohibited from possessing firearms under ORS 166.250(1)(c) and ORS 166.270 are also prohibited from open carry, including:
Regardless of whether carried openly or concealed, it is unlawful to possess machine guns, certain short-barreled rifles and shotguns, and firearms silencers except as authorized under federal law.
Persons subject to firearm prohibitions related to mental health may petition for relief under ORS 166.273. ORS 166.274 provides a process for relief from the prohibition against possessing or purchasing a firearm, including applicable fees. These relief provisions apply equally to open and concealed carry rights.
Under ORS 166.250(1)(b), it is unlawful to possess a handgun that is concealed and readily accessible within a vehicle without a CHL. A handgun is considered readily accessible if it is within the passenger compartment (ORS 166.250(4)(a)).
Exceptions exist for vehicles without storage outside the passenger compartment, where the handgun may be stored in a closed and locked glove compartment, center console, or other container (ORS 166.250(4)(b)). For motorcycles, ATVs, and snowmobiles, a handgun in a locked container or equipped with a trigger lock is not considered readily accessible (ORS 166.250(4)(c)).
Note on open carry in vehicles: Oregon courts have addressed the question of open carry in automobiles. A handgun carried openly (e.g., in a visible belt holster on the person) within a vehicle may be treated differently than a handgun placed on the seat or dashboard. The Oregon Court of Appeals has issued rulings on open carry in automobiles — persons relying on open carry in vehicles should be aware that placement and visibility matter for determining whether the firearm is "concealed" under the statute.
Oregon courts and the Attorney General have addressed several open carry issues:
These rulings shape the practical application of Oregon's open carry laws beyond the statutory text.
Regardless of carry method, Oregon law separately prohibits the unlawful possession of armor-piercing ammunition. This restriction applies to both openly and concealed carried firearms.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Open carry legal statewide? | Yes, generally permitted for persons legally allowed to possess firearms |
| Permit required for open carry? | No state permit required |
| Minimum age | 18 years old to possess a firearm (ORS 166.250(1)(c)(A)); exceptions for minors with parental consent for non-handguns |
| Local restrictions possible? | Yes — cities and counties may restrict loaded firearms in public places under ORS 166.173 |
| Jurisdictions with restrictions | Portland, Beaverton, Tigard, Oregon City, Salem, Independence, Multnomah County |
| CHL holders exempt from local restrictions? | Yes — ORS 166.173(2)(c) |
| Unloaded open carry restricted locally? | No — ORS 166.173 only authorizes regulation of loaded firearms |
| State preemption | Yes — ORS 166.170 preempts local regulation except as expressly authorized (e.g., ORS 166.173) |
| Key statute | ORS 166.250(3) — firearms in belt holsters are not concealed |
| Relief from prohibitions | Available under ORS 166.273 (mental health) and ORS 166.274 (general) |
This page covers one part of our Oregon concealed carry guide.
Read the complete Oregon guideBrowse local instructors offering state-approved training in your area. Book online, complete your training, and get one step closer to your concealed carry permit.