Are you a tarheel also? I spent the first 26 years of my life living in NC, but have been away for about 7 years now.<br><br>I was a police officer back from 1989 to 1993 in NC, and the laws then and now may be different. But when I was up to speed on the laws, you can (or could, you may need to check) carry a visible weapon ANYWHERE in public unless it was specifically prohibited. But the only caveat is there is a little know general statute called "Going armed to the terror of the public". So the scenario is, you are enroute to hunting, firing range, whatever and you legally carry your sidearm into the local grocery store to get a snack or whatever, this is perfectly legal. But a little old lady complains that she's uncomfortable that you are armed and complains to the manager or police. You could be charged with "being armed to the terror of the public". Catch-22. <br><br>Now with concealed carry. Back in the days when I was involved with the laws, there was no statute where a citizen could legally carry a concealed weapon. The only exception was for police officers ONLY in their juristiction (but what officer in Benson going to arrest a Raleigh officer for this if they travelling through town?), or if a judge issues you a special permit because you have proven that you HAVE TO carry. <br><br>Like I said, it's been almost 10 years since I've been involved with law enforcement in NC, but this was how it was then. Check in the NC general statutes, around GS14-500 to GS14-504. Think this is where some of the carry laws are located. <br><br>Hope this helps. I'll be in Duplin County next week for 10 days. When I stop by to see some of my old officer buddies, I'll ping them and see what has or has not changed.