What are the handgun laws? In WV?

Question

It may sound like a stupid question, but I can't seem to find the answer. I'm trying to figure out if it is at all legal to walk around with a handgun (in WV).

The reason I ask: I've been going fishing out to a few holes where bears/coyotes have been spotted. Doesn't really worry me. But lately, my wife and her sister have been wanting to come along. Which I have no problem with! My concern is that the places I go are a bit out in the boonies. Hardly anybody around, quite a mountain drive to get to civilization. If danger rears its ugly head, I want to have a means of defense other than my own two feet.

Obviously the best choice is to carry a firearm. But already having my fishing gear, I'd rather not be bogged down by the weight of a rifle or shotgun. I'd like to know there's any way a person can have a handgun on them (not concealed, perfectly visible and holstered) while walking around in the woods. (And no, this is not for hunting purposes.)

Answer 1

There is little point in NOT concealing it.  You may make others you meet nervous if they see your gun, and who knows a crazy person could be talking to you one second about fishing, and then over-power you get your gun and decide this is the time and place to kill you adn the people he came out here with!  If you conceal the gun in your car, conceal it on your person, and only use it if you need to scare away bears or coyotes, I can't see any sort of problem with that.

    Strutting around with it on show is potentially courting trouble, not least legal trouble!

Answer 2

There’s no need to  have a visible  holster if you don’t want a  c&c  license just get a c&c  holster  & take your chances  why draw attention to yourself  if you don’t need to