Who is Ohio Carry?
Founded in 2012, Ohio Carry Inc. is an ever-growing and expanding firearm rights, education, and advocacy organization. The group was created by two brothers in the Summit/Portage County area. Many people in the state of Ohio are unaware that they are eligible to apply for a concealed handgun license (CHL or CCW as they are commonly referred to), and even fewer know about their right to openly carry firearms. Fewer still are the people who truly know and understand their civil rights and can navigate their way through a police encounter. The brothers recognized this and decided to promote education throughout their area. They started out strictly in the NE region when they founded NEO Carry and found their other trusted board members. It soon became very clear that education needed to happen on a much broader scale, and as such, the NEO Carry board created Ohio Carry, and founded chapters in all five regions of Ohio. Since then Ohio Carry has evolved further and while maintaining the 5 regions, does not have "chapters" and instead has a representative from each region on one Board of Directors. Ohio Carry continues to grow daily and will keep educating and advocating for firearm rights statewide.
What Does Ohio Carry Do?
Ohio Carry will:
1. Promote firearm safety and awareness;
2. Advance the good of the community through charitable acts and disaster relief;
3. Defend and advance the rights of citizens through primarily, but not solely- education & training, public outreach, public speaking, research, and publication.
4. Create and advance pro firearm legislation in the state of Ohio.
1. Promote firearm safety and awareness;
2. Advance the good of the community through charitable acts and disaster relief;
3. Defend and advance the rights of citizens through primarily, but not solely- education & training, public outreach, public speaking, research, and publication.
4. Create and advance pro firearm legislation in the state of Ohio.
How Does Ohio Carry Do This?
There are a few ways we accomplish this. First we ask people to sign up for classes (we can recommend many trusted trainers) to ensure everyone is getting the proper training and education they need. Next we ask people to attend one of our meetings, educational sessions, or events. The third way we advocate for firearm education is by getting out into the public eye while carrying our firearms or advocating for our firearm rights! The only way for us to show people that law abiding people may possess and carry firearms, that open carry is a viable option for certain situations, and to educate them about the law is for us to get out there and talk one on one with the general public. We let them see that it is legal; we give them reliable information on both open and concealed carry. We also have launched this website and our facebook page as a "one-stop-shop" for information, laws, discussions, and events related to gun rights and firearm carry in Ohio.
Why Does Ohio Carry Do This?
This is one of the biggest questions we get is "why do you do this?" or "what does it matter?" I refer to a quote from the NRA. "A right is like a muscle; if you don't exercise it, you will lose it." Our gun rights are at stake every single day. Gun control issues are a constant battle ground in both state and federal politics. While we may not have a large voice in Washington D.C., we DO have a voice in our communities!
First and foremost, our goal is to promote education. We will begin offering classes from NRA certified instructors on everything from gun safety and operation to the basics of shooting and self defense and CHL classes very soon. Until then, we have a vast assortment of trainers and teachers from across the state who we trust and would recommend to our fans.
Did you know that not only is open carry a legal activity in Ohio, but that you do not need a license (concealed carry permit, or anything) to open carry? As long as you can legally own and possess that firearm, you can legally open carry it (This does not apply to restricted zones, transportation in a motor vehicle, or entry into a class D liquor establishment). For a complete list of laws and how-to's please click here). Most people (some law enforcement included) do not know this, and we find that troubling. We are here to spread education about open carry and guns in general and take the fear and misconceptions out of the public.
Some people might ask why it is necessary to open carry when you can just conceal. We believe that while concealed carry is a great way to carry (and we do so some of the time), there are still many benefits to open carrying. One might be a comfort issue. Some guns can not be concealed and must be carried openly in a holster. Some people also believe that open carry is a great deterrent to crime. Why would a criminal attack an open carrier who can clearly defend themselves, when there are other victims around? Then there is the issue of drawing your weapon. We hope that you never have to, but if you did, could you quickly and easily un-holster your weapon and be in a good position to fire? Remember, seconds count! Open carry allows for a smooth, simple, and quick draw. Another reason to open carry is that it does not require a license. While you are going through the process of getting your CHL, you could be open carrying in the meantime. And finally, open carry is our biggest means of getting to talk to people who we may not have had the opportunity to talk to without. It shows people the legality of open carry and could start a great conversation about gun rights and carry.
If that isn't enough of a reason to carry a firearm, remember this quote:
"When seconds count, the police are only minutes away!"
First and foremost, our goal is to promote education. We will begin offering classes from NRA certified instructors on everything from gun safety and operation to the basics of shooting and self defense and CHL classes very soon. Until then, we have a vast assortment of trainers and teachers from across the state who we trust and would recommend to our fans.
Did you know that not only is open carry a legal activity in Ohio, but that you do not need a license (concealed carry permit, or anything) to open carry? As long as you can legally own and possess that firearm, you can legally open carry it (This does not apply to restricted zones, transportation in a motor vehicle, or entry into a class D liquor establishment). For a complete list of laws and how-to's please click here). Most people (some law enforcement included) do not know this, and we find that troubling. We are here to spread education about open carry and guns in general and take the fear and misconceptions out of the public.
Some people might ask why it is necessary to open carry when you can just conceal. We believe that while concealed carry is a great way to carry (and we do so some of the time), there are still many benefits to open carrying. One might be a comfort issue. Some guns can not be concealed and must be carried openly in a holster. Some people also believe that open carry is a great deterrent to crime. Why would a criminal attack an open carrier who can clearly defend themselves, when there are other victims around? Then there is the issue of drawing your weapon. We hope that you never have to, but if you did, could you quickly and easily un-holster your weapon and be in a good position to fire? Remember, seconds count! Open carry allows for a smooth, simple, and quick draw. Another reason to open carry is that it does not require a license. While you are going through the process of getting your CHL, you could be open carrying in the meantime. And finally, open carry is our biggest means of getting to talk to people who we may not have had the opportunity to talk to without. It shows people the legality of open carry and could start a great conversation about gun rights and carry.
If that isn't enough of a reason to carry a firearm, remember this quote:
"When seconds count, the police are only minutes away!"
What is Ohio Carry's Goal?
Our goal is very simple, yet challenging to accomplish: To educate people (our neighbors, friends, family, and community) on the issue of open carry, concealed carry, gun rights, self defense, and gun safety. We want people to get accustomed to seeing law abiding citizens carrying firearms, and confident in the fact that they have been properly educated. We want to take the fear, mystique and misconceptions out of gun ownership and gun issues. We will accomplish this goal by walking in the public with our firearms, promoting our group, our website, and our cause, forming reliable and lasting partnerships with law enforcement to ensure public safety during our events, holding educational classes for the general public, and educating anyone and everyone who will listen.
What is Ohio Carry's Mission Statement?
OHIO CARRY'S MISSION IS TO EDUCATE AND ADVOCATE THE ADVANTAGES OF BOTH GUN OWNERSHIP AND SAFETY WITH FIREARMS AND TO PROMOTE THE TRUTH ABOUT OHIO LAWS REGARDING FIREARMS. WE WILL ACHIEVE THIS GOAL BY WORKING WITH MEMBERS IN OUR ORGANIZATION, THE PUBLIC, AND CITY/STATE LEADERS TO PROMOTE THE EXERCISING AND PRESERVING OF OUR SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS.
What is Ohio Carry's Stance on Carrying Weapons Properly?
Ohio Carry has been asked where the organization falls on the carry of certain weapons and the method of carry for people.
Ohio Carry supports YOUR right to choose how or what you carry, as long as you are doing so in a legal and safe manner. It is a very personal decision that only you can make, and for which YOU are ultimately accountable.
Ohio Carry's policy is to NOT carry long guns into private businesses without the express permission of the owner or Manager in Charge.
Ohio Carry supports YOUR right to choose how or what you carry, as long as you are doing so in a legal and safe manner. It is a very personal decision that only you can make, and for which YOU are ultimately accountable.
Ohio Carry's policy is to NOT carry long guns into private businesses without the express permission of the owner or Manager in Charge.
© 2018 All Rights Reserved
Ohio Carry Inc- founded 2012.
While Ohio Carry strives to bring you the most up-to-date laws and facts, nothing within this website is to be considered legal advice. Consult a lawyer when any firearm issue or law is of concern. Ohio Carry is not responsible for any legal or civil action taken against anyone as a result of any topic on this site or any of its affiliated sites. We make every effort to provide correct information, however, the legal landscape surrounding firearm laws and carry is fluid and subject to a myriad of political influences in Ohio. Therefore, any and all information you gain from this site should be independently verified!
