What state is open carry?

Asked by: Casimer Nienow  |  Last update: March 4, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (70 votes)

Most U.S. states allow some form of open carry, with nearly all states permitting it either without a permit (constitutional carry) or with a permit/license, though restrictions on age, location, and criminal history apply, and states like New York and D.C. prohibit it. States such as Arizona, Texas, and Florida (with recent changes) allow permitless open carry, while others like Connecticut and Hawaii require a permit, often a concealed carry license.

How many US states are open carry?

While 47 states permit some form of open carry, only three states, California, Illinois, and New York, prohibit it entirely. Understanding where and how you can legally carry a visible firearm requires knowing your state's specific regulations, local ordinances, and the differences between handgun and long gun rules.

What state has the freest gun laws?

There isn't one single state with the absolute loosest gun laws, as different states excel in lax regulations across various areas, but Mississippi and Wyoming consistently rank as having the weakest overall gun laws, with Mississippi having minimal policies and Wyoming lacking many common safety regulations like universal background checks. Other states like New Hampshire, West Virginia, Montana, and Arizona also feature very lenient laws, with permitless carry and strong self-defense protections being common themes. 

Is Florida now an open carry state?

Stat., unconstitutional, Florida's attorney general instructed prosecutors and law enforcement not to enforce the ban, making Open Carry the new “law of the state.” In plain English: adults who can lawfully possess a firearm may now carry it openly in most public places, subject to important limits.

Can I legally carry a gun in my car in Florida?

Yes, you can carry a gun in your car in Florida if it's securely encased or not readily accessible, even without a concealed carry permit (CCW), but having a permit allows for loaded, concealed carry on your person in the vehicle. For those without a permit, the firearm must be in a locked case, glove compartment, console, or trunk, or in a holster, and not easily reachable; with a CCW, you can have a loaded handgun concealed on you or in the car. Open carry is generally not allowed unless for specific activities like hunting. 

Which States Are Open Carry For Firearms? - SecurityFirstCorp.com

40 related questions found

Does open carry mean you can walk around with firearms?

Categories of law

Permissive open carry states. A state has passed full preemption of all firearms laws, with few exceptions. They allow open carry for all nonprohibited citizens and do not require a permit or license to carry firearms openly. Open carry is fully lawful on foot.

What is the most armed state?

The "most armed" state depends on the metric: Montana has the highest percentage of gun-owning adults (around 66%), while Texas has the highest total number of guns and gun-owning households, often exceeding one gun per person. Other states with very high rates include Wyoming, Alaska, and Idaho, particularly in terms of household ownership. 

What state is the least gun friendly?

The 10 States With the Strictest Gun Laws

  • New York.
  • Connecticut.
  • Hawaii.
  • New Jersey.
  • Maryland.
  • Massachusetts.
  • Washington.
  • Colorado.

What states are stand your ground in 2025?

Thirty-eight states are stand-your-ground states, all but eight by statutes providing "that there is no duty to retreat from an attacker in any place in which one is lawfully present": Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, ...

Why do people open carry?

Self-Defense and Safety

Another significant reason people choose to open carry is self-defense. Many believe that openly carrying a firearm can deter crime, as the visible presence of a weapon may discourage potential threats.

What states are not allowed to carry guns?

You generally cannot carry a gun (especially openly) in California, Illinois, New York, and often Florida, plus Washington D.C., though laws vary significantly for concealed versus open carry and handguns versus long guns, with some states like South Carolina also heavily restricting open carry. Laws change frequently, so checking state-specific rules for both concealed and open carry is crucial. 

What state has the strongest gun laws?

California led the way in gun safety in the United States as of January 2025, with a composite score of 90.5 based on the presence of 50 key gun safety policies. Massachusetts followed, with a score of 86.5, while Illinois rounded out the top three with a score of 85.5.

In what states can you legally defend yourself?

Currently, at least 31 states, Puerto Rico and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands recognize, by statute or court case, that there is no duty to retreat in any place in which one is lawfully present or has the right to be: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, ...

What state has the most gun violence?

These are the 20 states with the highest firearm homicide rates in the country along with their gun-friendliness scores:

  • Louisiana: 11.0 (3)
  • Mississippi: 10.2 (5)
  • Alabama: 9.5 (4)
  • Missouri: 8.5 (5)
  • Maryland: 7.4 (1)
  • South Carolina: 7.4 (3)
  • Tennessee: 6.7 (4)
  • Illinois: 6.5 (2)

What is the freest gun state?

There isn't one single "freest" gun state, as rankings vary, but New Hampshire, West Virginia, Arkansas, Montana, and South Dakota are consistently ranked among the most gun-friendly due to permissive laws like constitutional/permitless carry, strong self-defense protections (Stand Your Ground), and lack of sales tax on firearms. Other states often cited for lenient laws include Arizona, Wyoming, Alaska, Utah, and Mississippi, though some recent political shifts in states like Arizona have impacted their rankings.
 

What is the hardest state to get a gun in?

Report Highlights:

  • Hawaii is the #1 worst state for gun owners due to strict purchasing and carry laws, as well as defying the Supreme Court on the individual's right to carry.
  • Massachusetts is the #2 worst state for gun owners due to its permit-to-purchase and reciprocity laws.

Where are guns completely banned?

In some countries, including Cambodia, Eritrea, and the Solomon Islands, private ownership of firearms by civilians is completely prohibited. There may be exceptions for private security companies, militias and paramilitary groups.

What state is known for guns?

Montana tops the ranking of the states with the highest percentage of gun ownership, with 66.3% of the adult population owning firearms. The state has some of the most relaxed gun control laws in America. No state permit is required to purchase or possess a rifle, shotgun, or handgun.

How many guns does the average American own?

The average American owns between one and five firearms. Men are more likely than women to own more than one, and those with only one firearm typically have a handgun or pistol. 62% of gun owners with only one firearm have a handgun. 66% of gun owners have more than one firearm.

Who has the most gun ownership in the world?

The United States leads by a wide margin, with more guns than people, averaging over 120 guns per 100 residents. Other high-ownership nations include Canada, Finland, Norway, and Switzerland, where firearm culture is often tied to hunting and national defense.

Is using a holster open carry?

Open carry refers to the practice of carrying a firearm in public where it is fully or partially visible to others — whether in a holster or not. It is distinct from concealed carry, which involves hiding the firearm from plain view.

Does open carry make you a target?

The Risk of Targeting

One of the biggest drawbacks of open carry is that it can make you a target. For example, suppose you are sitting down and having lunch with your family at a restaurant. Suddenly, armed robbers barge in with guns drawn and demand cash from the register.

Can you carry a gun in the forest?

Visitors are allowed to carry concealed firearms on National Forest general forest areas, as long as they are in possession of a valid pistol permit issued by a county sheriff. No weapons, concealed or otherwise, may be carried onto a Forest Service or any other federal administrative office or recreation site.

What can I buy to protect myself?

  • Keys as a Defense Tool. While you can use keys to protect yourself since you always have them with you, you should know a few things about using them safely. ...
  • A Pen for Self-Defense. ...
  • Flashlight as a Weapon. ...
  • Personal Umbrella for Protection. ...
  • Belt for Self-Defense. ...
  • Pepper Spray Alternatives. ...
  • Protect Yourself and Your Family.