Who Are We?
Founded in 2012, NEO Carry is a relatively new group. The group was created by two brothers in the Summit/Portage County area. Many people in the State of Ohio are unaware that they are eligible to apply for a concealed handgun license (CHL or CCW as they are commonly referred to), and even fewer know about their right to open carry firearms. Fewer still are the people who truly know and understand their civil rights and can navigate their way through a police encounter. The brothers recognized this and decided to promote education throughout their area. They also recognized that many of the people who were interested in purchasing a gun had never owned or even fired a weapon before. The need for more classes not just qualifying people for the CCW's, but truly teaching them how to operate and shoot a variety of weapons became apparent.
What Do We Do?
We promote the second amendment, gun rights, and the legal carry of firearms through public demonstrations, law enforcement partnerships, online resources, firearm training courses, and education.
How Do We Do This?
There are a few ways we accomplish this. First we ask people to sign up for NEO Carry classes to ensure everyone is getting the proper training and education they need. Next we ask people to attend one of our meetings, educational sessions, or events. The third way we advocate for firearm education is by getting out into the public eye while carrying our firearms! The only way for us to show people that law abiding people may possess and carry firearms, that open carry is a viable option for certain situations, and to educate them about the law is for us to get out there and talk one on one with the general public. We let them see that it is legal; we give them reliable information on both open and concealed carry. We also have launched this website as a "one-stop-shop" for information, laws, discussions, and events related to gun rights and firearm carry.
Why Do We Do This?
This is one of the biggest questions we get is "why do you do this?" or "what does it matter?" I refer to a quote from the NRA. "A right is like a muscle; if you don't exercise it, you will lose it." Our gun rights are at stake every single day. Gun control issues are a constant battle ground in both state and federal politics. While we may not have a large voice in Washington D.C., we DO have a voice in our communities!
First and foremost, our goal is to promote education. We will begin offering classes from NRA certified instructors on everything from gun safety and operation to the basics of shooting and self defense very soon.
Did you know that not only is open carry a legal activity in Ohio, but that you do not need a license (concealed carry permit, or anything) to open carry? As long as you can legally own and possess that firearm, you can legally open carry it (This does not apply to restricted zones and transportation in a motor vehicle. For a complete list of laws and how-to's please click here). Most people (some law enforcement included) do not know this, and we find that troubling. We are here to spread education about open carry and guns in general and take the fear and misconceptions out of the public.
Some people might ask why it is necessary to open carry when you can just conceal. We believe that while concealed carry is a great way to carry (and we do about 90% of the time), there are still many benefits to open carrying. One might be a comfort issue. Some guns can not be concealed and must be carried openly in a proper holster. Some people also believe that open carry is a great deterrent to crime. Why would a criminal attack an open carrier who can clearly defend themselves, when there are other victims around? Then there is the issue of drawing your weapon. We hope that you never have to, but if you did, could you quickly and easily un-holster your weapon and be in a good position to fire? Remember, seconds count! Open carry allows for a smooth, simple, and quick draw. Another reason to open carry is that it does not require a license. While you are going through the process of getting your ccw, you could be open carrying in the meantime. And finally, open carry is our biggest means of getting to talk to people who we may not have had the opportunity to talk to without. It shows people the legality of open carry and could start a great conversation about gun rights and carry.
If that isn't enough of a reason to carry a firearm, remember this quote:
"When seconds count, the police are only minutes away!"
First and foremost, our goal is to promote education. We will begin offering classes from NRA certified instructors on everything from gun safety and operation to the basics of shooting and self defense very soon.
Did you know that not only is open carry a legal activity in Ohio, but that you do not need a license (concealed carry permit, or anything) to open carry? As long as you can legally own and possess that firearm, you can legally open carry it (This does not apply to restricted zones and transportation in a motor vehicle. For a complete list of laws and how-to's please click here). Most people (some law enforcement included) do not know this, and we find that troubling. We are here to spread education about open carry and guns in general and take the fear and misconceptions out of the public.
Some people might ask why it is necessary to open carry when you can just conceal. We believe that while concealed carry is a great way to carry (and we do about 90% of the time), there are still many benefits to open carrying. One might be a comfort issue. Some guns can not be concealed and must be carried openly in a proper holster. Some people also believe that open carry is a great deterrent to crime. Why would a criminal attack an open carrier who can clearly defend themselves, when there are other victims around? Then there is the issue of drawing your weapon. We hope that you never have to, but if you did, could you quickly and easily un-holster your weapon and be in a good position to fire? Remember, seconds count! Open carry allows for a smooth, simple, and quick draw. Another reason to open carry is that it does not require a license. While you are going through the process of getting your ccw, you could be open carrying in the meantime. And finally, open carry is our biggest means of getting to talk to people who we may not have had the opportunity to talk to without. It shows people the legality of open carry and could start a great conversation about gun rights and carry.
If that isn't enough of a reason to carry a firearm, remember this quote:
"When seconds count, the police are only minutes away!"
What Is Our Goal?
Our goal is very simple, yet challenging to accomplish: To educate people (our neighbors, friends, family, and community) on the issue of open carry, concealed carry, gun rights, self defense, and gun saftey. We want people to get accustomed to seeing law abiding citizens carrying firearms, and confident in the fact that they have been properly educated. We want to take the fear, mystique and misconceptions out of gun ownership and gun issues. We will accomplish this goal by walking in the public with our firearms, promoting our group, our website, and our cause, forming reliable and lasting partnerships with law enforcement to ensure public safety during our events, holding educational classes for the general public, and educating anyone and everyone who will listen.
Who is in Charge?
We have an elected Board who runs the organization. We also conduct monthly meetings at which all members may attend and vote on issues pertaining to NEO Carry. Our Board is as follows:
President- Brett Pucillo
Vice President- Eric Pucillo
Secretary- Mike Potting
Treasurer- Jeremiah Frame
President- Brett Pucillo
Vice President- Eric Pucillo
Secretary- Mike Potting
Treasurer- Jeremiah Frame
NEO Carry founded 2012
NEO Carry is a non-profit organization in the fact that all of our activities and events are offered completely free of charge. We are not an official 501 (c) 3 organization.
While Open Carry strives to bring you the most up-to-date laws and facts, nothing within this website is to be considered legal advice. Consult a lawyer when any firearm issue or law is of concern. NEO Carry is not responsible for any legal or civil action taken against anyone as a result of any topic on this site. We make every effort to provide correct information, however, the legal landscape surrounding open carry is fluid and subject to a myriad of political influences in Ohio. Therefore, any and all information you gain from this site should be independently verified!
Page Updated on March 25, 2013
