Concealed carry (CCW) means carrying a firearm hidden from public view, typically on your body or in a bag.

 According to a study by the Crime Prevention Center, around  8.2% of Americans have a concealed carry permit, around 21.5 million people. This is a significant number of gun owners that have chosen to go through the necessary steps to be able to conceal their firearm for personal protection. 

Open carry means carrying a firearm visible to the public. This is usually done with open carry holsters that aren’t meant to be concealed. 

While common in some regions, many Americans are choosing to go through the legal steps to conceal carry because of the perception of open carry in many communities.

Federal Guidelines vs. State Laws

The Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms, but states control how people may carry them. This is why open carry is unrestricted in some places but banned in others.

Open Carry Laws by State

Currently, around 47 states allow open carry in some form. Only four either have serious restrictions or outright ban open carry; California, Illinois and New York (and the District of Columbia.)

Florida is the latest state to allow open carry, with new legislation permitting it having gone into effect as of September 2025.

• Some states allow open carry with no permit.

• Others require a license or restrict which firearms can be carried.

• A handful of states prohibit open carry outright.

Concealed Carry Laws by State

• “Shall Issue” states: authorities must issue permits if requirements are met.

• “May Issue” states: authorities have discretion to approve or deny.

• Constitutional carry: 29 states allow permitless concealed carry as of 2025. 

Concealed carriers must consider clothing, holsters, and accessibility. Open carriers focus less on concealment but must prepare for public reactions.

For example, concealed carry may require jackets in cold weather but light cover garments in summer. 

Open carry can make drawing a firearm quicker because there are less restrictions for holsters but may attract attention or give a potential aggressor time to prepare for how they might approach you. 

Training is essential for both. Concealed carriers need to practice drawing discreetly, while open carriers must balance deterrence with avoiding escalation. 

If an altercation happens while open carrying, a potential aggressor will be able to see the firearm well ahead of time and plan accordingly. Its appearance will also set a different tone for a potential altercation or disagreement.

Whether you open or concealed carry, it is important to be aware of your own abilities as well as the perception of each style of carry. 

Perception of Concealed Carry

• Often seen as responsible and discreet.
• Preferred by those who don’t want to alarm others.
• Potentially a safer option as an aggressor won’t see the weapon ahead of time.

Perception of Open Carry

• Viewed as intimidating in some places.

• Seen as a statement of rights in others. 

Open carry demonstrations often go viral on social media. Advocacy groups like the NRA promote carry rights, while some other organizations for stricter limits. No matter what a firearm carrier’s preferred style is, it is important to be aware of where you are and how each style is viewed.

Police often struggle to distinguish between lawful carriers and threats. Open carry may increase the number of calls reporting “a man with a gun.” Concealed carry presents fewer immediate concerns but requires permit verification. 

It is important for open carriers to keep in mind how they might be perceived in case of an unrelated incident happening involving a firearm. 

If police on the lookout for a man with a gun and see someone open carrying close by, they might be inclined to stop them just in case. 

Police often struggle to distinguish between lawful carriers and threats. 

Open carry may increase the number of calls reporting “a man with a gun.” 

Concealed carry presents fewer immediate concerns but requires permit verification.

Whether you open carry or concealed carry, the perception of how each is viewed might change from state to state, city to city, or even town to town. 

Many rural communities are supportive of gun ownership and open carrying while densely populated urban centers have a different view on the subject. 

How a state’s law views each can give you an idea as to the reception you might face open or concealed carrying. Before crossing state lines or open carrying in public, always be aware of local regulations.

Even many open carry states have restrictions on where a firearm can be taken, and businesses retain the right to outright ban firearms in their place of business. 

Both concealed and open carry are legal in most U.S. states, but how they’re regulated and perceived varies dramatically. Concealed carry offers privacy and discretion, while open carry emphasizes rights and deterrence.

The ongoing debate reflects America’s struggle to balance Second Amendment rights with public safety concerns. 

There is no one size fits all recommendation on how to carry and making the right decision for yourself and your protection requires some forethought into your particular circumstances. Where you live, how you train, and what you value most should guide your choice.