Open Carry By State
Open Carry States
Color coded map of open carry states – and don’t forget to check out the other carry maps and laws here. A great resource for anyone interested in carrying a handgun for self-defense on their person or in an automobile .
Facts:
- 42 states permit open carry in public
- 26 states require no license to open carry
Personally I prefer concealed carry over open – but open carry is an option (in certain states) for those inclined.
Facts:
60% of convicted felons admitted that they avoided committing crimes when they knew the victim was armed. 40% of convicted felons admitted that they avoided committing crimes when they thought the victim might be armed.
Source: Armed and Considered Dangerous: A Survey of Felons and Their Firearms
Related posts:
March 4th, 2010 at 2:55 PM
I prefer carrying my handgun concealed,It gives me the element of surprise over the criminal.also open carry targets you for a new crime gunjacking.In arizona and other open carry states,criminals are known to "accidently"bump into you and in the confusion lift your gun from your holster like a pickpocket.or they just get the jump on you with their gun and take yours be careful out there.There are many criminals out there who want your guns too.Carry concealed eliminates those risks It gives you the element of surprise and it does not slow me down . I know from experience think about it.
[Reply]
March 4th, 2010 at 3:28 PM
I am doubting the accuracy of the map. It shows Alabama as being open carry friendly. I know for a fact that one may not carry a firearm in public in Alabama unless it is concealed. Then it is only allowed with a concealed pistol permit. If you show up in public wearing a pistol openly, you had better be a cop, or you will find yourself in the slammer. In addition, even cops in Alabama are not allowed to openly carry a pistol while off duty or out of uniform.
[Reply]
March 23rd, 2010 at 10:58 AM
I believe one of the reasons that so many states allow concealed carry with a permit is that open carry makes a lot of people nervous. Sure you can go to the gun store or the shooting range and no one will look at you twice but show up someplace else and people get nervous. I certainly don’t want to make any police nervous. In Georgia you can carry concealed in a bar [with a permit] if you’re not drinking alcohol but in Kentucky you can’t carry concealed at home without a permit. I question the constitutionality of that but it doesn’t stop me. Fortunately most of the new .380 pocket rockets will fit in a pants pocket or even a shirt pocket without being noticeable. I keep mine concealed around the grandkids and especially my wife who freaks out if she sees a gun. Even if something is a constitutional right, it never hurts to be discreet. There is a time and a place for everything, but sometimes it’s not just the time or the place. Besides if you’re carrying open somebody can just sneak up behind you and knock you on the head and take your gun away from you. It’s like flashing a roll of money.
[Reply]