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Minnesota allows the open carrying of handguns on the person or in a vehicle with a valid permit to carry.1 See Concealed Weapons Permitting in Minnesota for exceptions and permitting information.

Minnesota generally prohibits the open carrying of rifles and shotguns in public.2 This prohibition is subject to the following exceptions:

  • The rifle or shotgun is being carried to, from, or at a place where firearms are repaired, bought, sold, traded, or displayed, or where hunting, target shooting, or other lawful activity involving firearms occurs, or at funerals, parades, or other lawful ceremonies
  • The rifle or shotgun is unloaded and in a gun case expressly made for a firearm and which fully encloses the firearm with no portion of the gun exposed
  • The person has a permit to carry a handgun
  • The firearm is an antique firearm that is being carried as a curiosity or for its historical significance or value
  • The firearm is being transported unloaded and in the closed trunk of a motor vehicle.3

Minnesota allows the open carrying of firearms in a vehicle, if the gun is unloaded and either: 1) in a gun case made to contain the firearm, and the case fully encloses the firearm my being zipped, snapped, buckled, tied or otherwise fastened, without any portion of the gun exposed; or 2) in the closed trunk.4

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  1. Minn. Stat. § 624.714, subd. 1a.[]
  2. Minn. Stat. § 624.7181, subd. 2.[]
  3. Minn. Stat. § 624.7181, subd. 1(b).[]
  4. Minn. Stat. § 97B.045, subd. 1. Additional exceptions exist for transporting unloaded, uncased long guns while at a shooting range, lawfully hunting or when traveling to or from a hunting site. See Minn. Stat. § 97B.045, subd. 3(a).[]