Open carry in the United States

Baskets Wicker

Open carry in the United States refers to the practice of openly carrying a firearm in public. This practice is subject to a complex patchwork of state and local laws that vary widely across the country.

Overview

Open carry is the act of publicly carrying a firearm on one's person in plain sight. This is in contrast to concealed carry, where the firearm is hidden from view. The legality of open carry in the United States is determined by individual state laws, and these laws can differ significantly from one state to another.

Legal Status by State

The legal status of open carry can be categorized into several types:

• Permissive Open Carry States: These states allow open carry without any permit or license. Examples include Alaska, Arizona, and Wyoming.
• Licensed Open Carry States: These states require a permit or license to open carry. Examples include Texas and Utah.
• Non-Permissive Open Carry States: These states generally prohibit open carry. Examples include California and New York.

Historical Context

The tradition of open carry in the United States dates back to the early days of the country, when carrying a firearm was a common practice for self-defense and hunting. Over time, as urbanization increased and the nature of public safety concerns evolved, states began to implement more regulations on the carrying of firearms.

Controversies and Debates

Open carry is a contentious issue in the United States, with strong arguments on both sides. Proponents argue that open carry is a constitutional right under the Second Amendment and that it serves as a deterrent to crime. Opponents, however, argue that open carry can lead to increased violence and public safety concerns.

Notable Incidents

There have been several high-profile incidents involving open carry that have sparked national debate. For example, the 2014 Bundy standoff in Nevada involved armed protesters openly carrying firearms, which drew significant media attention and public scrutiny.

Organizations and Advocacy

Several organizations advocate for and against open carry. Pro-gun rights organizations such as the National Rifle Association (NRA) and OpenCarry.org support the practice, while gun control organizations such as Everytown for Gun Safety and the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence oppose it.

See Also

• Concealed carry in the United States
• Gun laws in the United States by state
• Second Amendment to the United States Constitution
• Gun politics in the United States