Guns are here to stay in the United States, so the government has had to come up with regulations that make it easier to live with them. As a citizen of the United States, you’re subject to federal firearm regulations.
While there are many gun control laws on the federal level, all states have thrown in additional policies. As such, there are over 20,000 gun laws on record between federal, state, and local municipalities, with nuances that vary by state and locality.
One of the most important variations is the regulation of guns in public spaces, particularly concealed firearms. Most states allow open carry of firearms in public without a permit, meaning you can carry a gun that is either partially or fully visible.
There is a notable divide in state policy when it comes to concealed carry of a firearm. About half of all states allow concealed carry of a firearm in public for legal gun owners. In the remaining states, concealed carry generally requires a special permit.
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State laws for carrying firearms in private or public also vary slightly depending on the political leaning of that state. For example, while Alabama, a predominantly Republican-leaning state, allows open carry of guns, California, a Democratic-led state, prohibits it. Below are some more states with their gun laws.
Alaska: In Alaska, the open carry of handguns and long guns is legal, and permitless concealed carry has been around since 2003. Unsurprisingly, they lean towards the Republicans.
Illinois: This is a democrat-dominant state, and it prohibits the open carry of handguns and long guns. Permitless concealed carry is also illegal.
Arizona: Here, they allow open carry of handguns and long guns. However, permitless concealed carry did not become legal until 2010.
Arkansas: Authorities allow the open carry of handguns and long guns in Arkansas, and permitless concealed carry has been legal since 2013.
California: In this Democrat-leaning state, the open carry of handguns and long guns is illegal. So is permitless concealed carry.
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Colorado: In Colorado, open carry of handguns and long guns is illegal. And they do not encourage permitless concealed carry.
Connecticut: Folks in this state can carry handguns as long as they have a permit. They don’t need permits to carry long guns openly, but permitless concealed carry of either gun is Illegal.
Delaware: Here, they allow the open carry of handguns and long guns but frown upon
permitless concealed carry. This is even though they are more Republican-dominated.
Florida: This is one of the Republican-leaning states that does not permit the open carry of handguns and long guns. Permitless concealed carry is, however, legal and has been since July 1, 2023.
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Georgia: The open carry of handguns and long guns is permitted in Georgia. Permitless concealed carry has also been legal there since 2022.
Hawaii: To openly carry handguns and long guns in Hawaii, a permit is required. They also consider permitless concealed carry illegal. It is a democratic-leaning state.
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