budder said:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the law actually states that GFL allows you to carry concealed, but if you want to carry open, you must have a GFL. While it probably doesn't matter, I think some of you have your causation wrong.
Strictly speaking, the license code itself 16-11-129(a) says:
"... which license or renewal license shall authorize that person to carry any pistol or revolver in any county of this state..."
So the license itself says it is to "carry" a pistol. The license code does not restict it to open or concealed.
The wording difference is from what the 2 different laws are regarding, 126 is you must open carry any/all weapons (firearms, kives, baton, etc.), except the concealed carry of a pistol is allowed if you have a license.
128 is only about carry (on your person) of a pistol, which is not allowed unless you have a license.
If you open carry outside of your home, car or place of business WITHOUT a License, you can be charged with one crime, 16-11-128.
If you conceal carry (on your person) outside of your home or place of business WITHOUT a license, you can be charged with 2 crimes, 16-11-126 and 16-11-128.
When taking the 2 together, regarding carry of pistols/handguns, whether open or concealed carry, you must have a license.
However when concealing, it may only be carried in a holster, clip, or similar device.