Oregon Firearms Information

Open Carry in Oregon

Oregon is basically an "open carry" state. By default open carry is legal anywhere that you can legally possess a gun. However, its not quite that simple. The preemption statute says:

ORS166.170
(1) 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.

(2) Except as expressly authorized by state statute, no county, city or other
municipal corporation or district may enact civil or criminal ordinances,
including but not limited to zoning ordinances, to regulate, restrict or prohibit
the sale, acquisition, transfer, ownership, possession, storage, transportation
or use of firearms or any element relating to firearms and components thereof,
including ammunition. Ordinances that are contrary to this subsection are void. 

HOWEVER, there is also:

ORS166.173
(1) A city or county may adopt ordinances to regulate, restrict or prohibit
the possession of loaded firearms in public places as defined in ORS 161.015 (General definitions).

(2) Ordinances adopted under subsection (1) of this section do not apply to or affect:
   (a) A law enforcement officer.
   (b) A member of the military in the performance of official duty.
   (c) A person licensed to carry a concealed handgun.
....

It continues with the exemptions, but the important part is there, they CAN regulate possession of loaded firearms in public places, unless you have a CHL. Portland courts have defined the interior of your car, and even the deck of your house as "public places" for the purposes of this law.

Portland,  Beaverton and a few other areas have local ordinances against open carry. In these areas, a CHL is your friend.

For a list of known locations with local ordinances see Oregon Firearms Federation Website.

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