CCW vs. Open Carry: Understanding the Laws in Your State

By: Joel T. Nadler

Walk into any gun store, state your preferred method of carry, and it is almost guaranteed someone will disagree with your choices.  In addition to discussions regarding the best way to carry a defensive handgun, often a bigger question is open or concealed carry.  Just as people have strong opinions on appendix holsters versus waistband holsters versus shoulder holsters, many who regularly carry also have strong opinions regarding if a handgun should be carried concealed versus openly.  There are pros and cons for each method of carrying and as in all tactics my hope is to help everyone make a more informed decision regarding their own choice.  Factors to consider include what is allowed in your state, political factors, tactical factors, and a final evaluation of the pros and cons.

Concealed Versus Open Carry

Concealed carry refers to carrying a handgun concealed in such a way that a casual observer will be unaware that you possess a firearm.  Concealment may be as simple as a shirt covering a holster or more involved concealment such as a calf holster under pants, or multiple layers of clothing covering and concealing the firearm.  It should be noted that the more concealed a handgun is from others, the harder it may be to access the firearm if needed.  

An additional concern when carrying in a state that requires firearms to be concealed is the concept of printing.  Printing refers to a concealed firearm that, though covered, could still be identified by outline (print) as a handgun.  States often define concealment as concealing a firearm so that it is not readily visible to the ordinary observer. This definition can result in different interpretations of what is or is not concealed.  Even if you are sure what the letter of the law states, that may not be how a law enforcement officer may interpret the same law.  

Open carry by contrast is carrying a firearm fully visible.  This can also include a firearm that is partially visible or printing depending on the state.  Generally, an open carried firearm is easier to access but also informs others that you are armed. 

State Laws

There are, as of this writing in August 2025, 29 states featuring some form of Constitutional carry (I prefer the term permit-less carry).  The term broadly means that civilians who are not otherwise banned from owning a firearm may carry a firearm without additional licensing requirements from the state. Of these 29 states, 27 also allow openly carrying a firearm.  Florida requires the firearm to be concealed, and North Dakota requires a permit for open carry (but not concealed carry).  Additionally, in Tennessee, open carry only applies to handguns and not long guns.  One of the reasons I prefer the term permit-less carry is that of the 29 States with Constitutional carry all but one (Vermont) still has state laws governing when and where a firearm may be carried.  

The other 21 states require a permit and many are considered “Shall-Issue” states.  Shall-issue means that as long as the person meets the requirements set forth in state law to obtain a permit to carry (age, training, etc.) and is not banned from owning a firearm the state must issue the permit.  It is worth noting that some states such as Illinois and Pennsylvania are considered shall-issue states but have a process for the state to prove an individual is unsuitable for a carry permit. 

The final category is may-issue which means that even someone meeting state and federal criteria can be refused a permit by a state official.  There are Constitutional questions regarding may-issue states. However, states or regions of states like Hawaii, Connecticut, Delaware, and Massachusetts all continue to effectively function in this way and often reject applications for permits to carry.

List of States as of August 2025*

Permit-less Carry States	Open Carry Without a Permit	Open Carry allowed with Permit	Requires a Permit to Carry: Shall-Issue Sates	More restrictive May-Issue States
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.	Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming	Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Wisconsin	Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin	California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York,

* This is not legal advice and anyone planning on carrying a firearm should fully understand the laws and regulations governing such use in their jurisdiction (state and local levels).

Tactical Factors

The consensus is that there are more tactical advantages to carrying concealed versus openly carrying.  The primary advantage being potential surprise in a defensive situation.  By not letting others know we are armed, the potential for the successful use of our defensive firearm is increased. I agree with this point regarding defensive situations away from home and in public spaces. However, it is worth noting that most defensive uses of firearms happen in our homes or on our property.  

Open carry, even when legally allowed, is still uncommon and is often easily noticed by the general public.  This can further the notion that someone wanting to do harm will be aware of the threat posed by the person openly carrying.  Finally, open carry may invite gun grabs. I am less worried about someone grabbing my gun and using it on me as I am worried about theft.  One of the arguments that swayed my own thoughts was when someone asked if I would be willing to openly wear five $100 dollar bills clipped to my waist and then walk around town.  The unfortunate reality is that to a criminal, a gun signals money.  Like the handgun, we conceal our money making both harder to steal. 

Political Factors

In addition to legal and tactical considerations, we must also consider political factors.    Though most states now allow permit-less carry, the reality is that firearms are mostly out of sight and out of mind for most Americans. Though 34% of Americans personally own a firearm1 the reverse of this number means that 66% of Americans do not.  Additionally, only around 3% of Americans report semi-regularly carrying a loaded firearm2. The days of long guns in the back of pickup trucks are likely gone.  For some, open carrying a handgun is less about tactics and more about making a political statement, reminding people that responsible civilian gun ownership is legal. 

Pros, Cons, and Conclusions 

When deciding if you should conceal or open carry there are many factors to consider including what is legal in your state, your focus on tactics, the politics your choice communicates, as well as the reactions of others.  Make sure you fully understand the laws governing your options as well as any restrictions that may be in place even in states that are considered Constitutional Carry.  Additionally, you will want to balance such factors as concealing that you are armed and accessibility into your decisions.  Finally, it is worth considering the political impact of your choice.

I personally live in an open permit-less carry state, and if I so desired, I could walk around openly carrying my handgun; however, other than when I am working at a gun store or specific gun-friendly events, I choose to carry concealed.  I have found this causes fewer issues with most unarmed civilians, provides access if ever needed, and is a better deterrent to potential gun theft. What can’t be seen is harder to steal.  That said, I do have political reservations at how our rights to carry have expanded over the last four decades at the same time the general public’s exposure to guns has likewise been reduced. However, I am not carrying to make a political statement, I am carrying to have access to a needed tool to defend myself and my loved ones if the need ever arises. 

1 https://news.gallup.com/poll/1645/guns.aspx

2 https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/nov/25/how-many-americans-carry-guns-daily