Open Carry in Mississippi

Allowed without a license. The concealed-weapons law defines 'concealed' as 'hidden or obscured from common observation' and says it does not include a weapon carried in a sheath, belt holster or shoulder holster that is wholly or partially visible, or in a visible scabbard or case. The places listed in § 45-9-101(13) still apply, and persons under 18 may not possess handguns except as allowed by § 97-37-14.

'It shall not be a violation of this section for any person over the age of eighteen (18) to carry a firearm or deadly weapon concealed in whole or in part within the confines of his own home or his place of business, or any real property associated with his home or business or within any motor vehicle.' No license is needed for this.

A license does not authorize carrying in: places of nuisance; police, sheriff or highway patrol stations; detention facilities, prisons or jails; courthouses and courtrooms (a judge may still carry); polling places; meetings of a governing body; meetings of the Legislature or its committees; school, college or professional athletic events not related to firearms; the part of a place licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises drinking that is primarily devoted to dispensing drinks; elementary and secondary school facilities; junior college, community college, college or university facilities (except for authorized firearms activities); inside the passenger terminal of an airport (except encased guns being checked); churches or other places of worship (subject to § 45-9-171); places where federal law bars carrying; and any place where the person in control posts a notice that 'carrying of a pistol or revolver is prohibited' readable from ten feet. Holders of the enhanced endorsement may carry in many of these places (not nuisance places, police stations, jails, or courtrooms during proceedings).