imported post
wczimmerman wrote:
Another question:
What RCW (what does that stand for anyway?) do you guys cite for OC to be legal. I've been reading and reading and I understand that something that is not explicitly forbidden is allowed, but if someone (LEO or citizen) asks, what is your response?
These questions are simply my way of getting the most clarity of the law before I venture out to OC and CC. Coming from Texas, the idea of OC is new.
I would also appreciate a clarification of "warrants alarm" clause that so many LEO's seem to cite in "motivating" OC'ers to conceal. Would a 1911 in normal mode (cocked and locked) in a belt holster (no suicide straps) be considered to "warrant alarm"?
RCW = Revised Code of Washington:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/
As for what to say if they ask what law makes it legal, ask in return what law makes it legal to have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen or to wear sunglasses on a sunny day. There is no law making it illegal, therefor it is legal, just like open carry.
If you read
RCW 9.41.270, you will see the full text of the "warrants alarm" law you reference and it's much more specific. You must be acting in a manner, under circumstances and in a time and place that involves an intent to intimidate or warrants alarm for the safety of others. (yes, that is similar to the actual verbage, but not quoted because I'm doing the general idea from memory)
I highly suggest you read through the pertinent parts of RCW 9.41, many of which are indexed here with some good FAQ's:
http://opencarry.mywowbb.com/forum55/14361.html
A 1911, cocked and locked, in a hip holster, is perfectly legal to open carry... so long as you don't try to intimidate someone or look like you're trying to draw it in public (with the obvious exception of self-defense and the defense of others from felonious acts).