OVERLAND PARK, KS (KCTV) -
An ordinance allowing those in Overland Park to openly carry firearms went into effect Tuesday, and Overland Park streets did not resemble the old West.
Police said it was business as usual for them. But passage of the ordinance has spurred more business and questions for gun shop owners.
OMB Guns owner John Ralph said he is seeing increased calls with questions about purchasing weapons and gear. He said he has seen more holster purchases and more heading out to the shooting range.
"It's a good portion of women shooters coming through," he said.
Because of a new Kansas law, Overland Park council members said citizens can carry weapons with the safety on in a secure holster openly.
Businesses can restrict open display just like they can concealed weapons. If you carry a weapon openly and go into a business with such a prohibition and cover up your weapon, you are breaking the law if you don't have a conceal and carry license.
Casey Flack, a conceal and carry instructor, said he prefers to keep his gun hidden.
"You immediately draw attention to yourself," he said about openly carrying a gun. "With concealed carry, they don't know that you have a weapon."
Police and gun shop staff members suggest taking a training course before openly carrying a weapon even though it's not a requirement.
To read previous coverage, click here and here and here.
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