NEGAUNEE TOWNSHIP -- Do you own a gun or a rifle? We looked into the legal aspect of openly carrying a 'firearm' in the State of Michigan. It is legal in Michigan to openly carry a firearm.
Under the open carry law, you must have it registered in your name, and it has to be clearly visible. A person is not allowed to carry a firearm in a pistol-free zone which include areas like hospitals, colleges, bars, churches and banks.
Police officials say it's safer to have a concealed pistol license.
"Law enforcement is going to get a call from dispatch that a man or a woman is carrying a gun and they're on the corner of wherever, so it presents problems as far as drawing attention to yourself unnecessary and also alarming people in the public," said Michigan State Police, Negaunee Post Commander, Lt. Robert Pernaski.
Pernaski recommends people take the eight-hour course and get a concealed pistol license.
Remember, if you carry your gun concealed and don't have a license, it's a five year felony with up to a $2,500 fine.
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