March 4th, 2010

Open Carry States are a Big Concern During Gun Law Debates.  Ever since the Bill of Rights was penned, the right to bear arms has been an American fact and way of life.  There is a debate going on whether or not the right is a state right or a federal right.  If the federal government sends gun control responsibilities to the state, it could mean that there will be fewer open carry states.

The controversy started over a 1982 handgun ban in Chicago.  For over a quarter of a century, individuals have been upset over the controversial law. There are many who think that the law is a good thing and that it protects citizens.  There are also many who believe that the law violates the Constitutional right.

The delicate balance exists over keeping guns out of the hands of individuals who are out to harm people and allowing those who wish to protect their homes and families a means to do so.

Open carry states allow individuals to carry weapons on their person, provided that the gun is clearly visible.  Think of this like seeing a police officer with a holster on.

Concealed carry typically requires a permit.  This allows a person to carry a weapon on their person – but hidden from plain view.

Here are open carry states that allow non-prohibited individuals to carry a weapon in plain sight.

Open carry states:

Alaska

Montana

Idaho

Wyoming

Nevada

Arizona

New Mexico

South Dakota

Vermont

Kentucky

Virginia

Here are open carry states that have permit requirements or other restrictions:

Utah

North Dakota

Minnesota

Iowa

Tennessee

Mississippi

Georgia

Indiana

Maryland

New Jersey

Rhode Island

Connecticut

Massachusetts

The list was made from looking at a map on OpenCarry.org