Oklahoma has bolstered citizens’ right to self-defense by legalizing the defensive display of firearms to protect property, letting law-abiding gun owners send a clear message to would-be criminals without firing a shot.
At a Glance
- Governor Kevin Stitt signed HB 2818 into law, allowing “defensive display” of firearms to protect property
- The legislation took effect immediately upon signing
- “Defensive display” includes verbally announcing firearm possession, showing the weapon, or resting a hand on it
- This law builds on Oklahoma’s constitutional carry status, which it achieved in 2019
- The measure strengthens Oklahomans’ ability to deter threats without necessarily discharging their weapon
Oklahoma Expands Self-Defense Rights with New Firearm Display Law
Oklahoma has taken another significant step in protecting Second Amendment rights with Governor Kevin Stitt’s signing of House Bill 2818. The legislation, which became effective immediately upon signing, permits citizens to engage in the “defensive display” of a firearm when protecting property. This development represents a substantial enhancement of self-defense options for law-abiding Oklahoma gun owners, who can now legally create a deterrent effect without needing to discharge their weapon in potentially threatening situations.
New law HB 2818 lets Oklahomans point guns to protect property. https://t.co/nalrxTInjW
— Corey Lambrecht (@OklaInspector) May 17, 2025
What Constitutes “Defensive Display” Under the New Law
The legislation clearly defines what qualifies as “defensive display” in several important ways. First, it includes verbally informing another person that you possess a firearm – allowing gun owners to issue a verbal warning without physical display. Second, it permits displaying the weapon in a manner that indicates you would protect yourself or others against the use of unlawful force. Third, it allows placing a hand on a firearm while it remains contained in a holster or otherwise secured – a clear signal of readiness without actually drawing the weapon.
“As I traveled all over the state to all 77 counties, I heard from Oklahomans all over that they wanted us to protect their right to bear arms. I think the best defense for a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.” – Stitt
Building on Constitutional Carry Protections
The new defensive display law builds on Oklahoma’s strong Second Amendment foundation. In February 2019, Oklahoma became the 15th constitutional carry state in the nation, allowing law-abiding citizens to carry firearms without a permit. This latest legislation further cements Oklahoma’s commitment to preserving and expanding the fundamental right to self-defense. By acknowledging that sometimes the mere presence or indication of a firearm can prevent violence, the law recognizes the practical realities faced by those who choose to exercise their Second Amendment rights.
Practical Implications for Oklahoma Gun Owners
This legislation provides important legal protection for gun owners who find themselves in situations where displaying a firearm might prevent a crime without requiring them to discharge their weapon. Previously, such displays could potentially have been considered threatening or brandishing, creating legal uncertainty for those attempting to protect themselves or their property. The law now clearly establishes the legal right to use the defensive presence of a firearm as a deterrent, giving gun owners more options when confronted with potentially dangerous situations on their property.
A Model for Self-Defense Rights
Oklahoma’s approach to firearms rights continues to serve as a model for states seeking to uphold constitutional protections while providing practical legal frameworks for self-defense. By specifically addressing defensive display, the state recognizes that effective self-defense doesn’t always require firing a weapon – sometimes, making a potential attacker aware of your ability to defend yourself is sufficient to prevent violence. This nuanced approach balances robust Second Amendment protections with practical considerations about how defensive situations actually unfold in real-world scenarios.
