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.
Do All States Allow Open Carry?
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.
Are Permits Universal?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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