These States Let You Carry a Firearm for Self-Defense

Carrying a firearm for self-defense is one of the rights afforded to Americans by the Second Amendment of the Constitution. However, states have quite a bit of latitude as to whether they issue concealed carry permits to their citizenry. Today, we're looking at the best states to carry a firearm for self-defense.

No, it'll vary on the state itself. Some states like Alaska permit open carry and it is certainly understandable given the vast expanses of wilderness. However, others just opt for concealed carry.

No, they vary on the state as well. Some states will allow reciprocity with other concealed carry permits. However, you'll want to check local laws before assuming you can carry when out of state.

Alabama allows the open carry of handguns and long guns and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit.

Alaska allows the open carry of handguns and long guns and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit. The state gives people no obligation to retreat from dangerous confrontations in public.

Arizona allows the open carry of handguns and long guns and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit. The state gives people no obligation to retreat from dangerous confrontations in public.

Arkansas allows the open carry of handguns and long guns and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit. The state gives people no obligation to retreat from dangerous confrontations in public.

Florida prohibits the open carry of handguns and long guns and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit. The state gives people no obligation to retreat from dangerous confrontations in public.

Georgia allows the open carry of handguns and long guns and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit. The state gives people no obligation to retreat from dangerous confrontations in public.

Idaho allows the open carry of handguns and long guns and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit. The state gives people no obligation to retreat from dangerous confrontations in public.

Indiana requires a permit for the open carry of handguns but allows the open carry of long guns. It has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit. The state gives people no obligation to retreat from dangerous confrontations in public.

Iowa allows the open carry of handguns and long guns and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit. The state gives people no obligation to retreat from dangerous confrontations in public.

Kansas allows the open carry of handguns and long guns and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit. The state gives people no obligation to retreat from dangerous confrontations in public.

Louisiana allows the open carry of handguns and long guns and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal for residents with military service only to carry a weapon in public places without a permit. The state gives people no obligation to retreat from dangerous confrontations in public.

Michigan allows the open carry of handguns and long guns and has a concealed carry law that makes it illegal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit. The state gives people no obligation to retreat from dangerous confrontations in public.

Mississippi allows the open carry of handguns and long guns and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit. The state gives people no obligation to retreat from dangerous confrontations in public.

Missouri allows the open carry of handguns and long guns and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit. The state gives people no obligation to retreat from dangerous confrontations in public.

Montana allows the open carry of handguns and long guns and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit. The state gives people no obligation to retreat from dangerous confrontations in public.

New Hampshire allows the open carry of handguns and long guns and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit. The state gives people no obligation to retreat from dangerous confrontations in public.

North Carolina allows the open carry of handguns and long guns and has a concealed carry law that makes it illegal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit. The state gives people no obligation to retreat from dangerous confrontations in public.

North Dakota allows the open carry of handguns and long guns and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit. The state gives people no obligation to retreat from dangerous confrontations in public.

Ohio allows the open carry of handguns and long guns and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit. The state gives people no obligation to retreat from dangerous confrontations in public.

Oklahoma allows the open carry of handguns and long guns and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit. The state gives people no obligation to retreat from dangerous confrontations in public.

South Carolina requires a permit for the open carry of handguns but allows the open carry of long guns. It has a concealed carry law that makes it illegal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit. The state gives people no obligation to retreat from dangerous confrontations in public.

South Dakota allows the open carry of handguns and long guns and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit. The state gives people no obligation to retreat from dangerous confrontations in public.

Tennessee allows the open carry of handguns and long guns and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit. The state does not require people to retreat from dangerous confrontations in public.

Texas allows the open carry of handguns and long guns and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit. The state gives people no obligation to retreat from dangerous confrontations in public.

Utah allows the open carry of handguns and long guns and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit. The state gives people no obligation to retreat from dangerous confrontations in public.

West Virginia allows the open carry of handguns and long guns and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit. The state gives people no obligation to retreat from dangerous confrontations in public.

Wyoming allows the open carry of handguns and long guns and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit. The state gives people no obligation to retreat from dangerous confrontations in public.