The Law for Carrying Firearms in Public in Every State

Special Report

May 25, 2023 8:01 am

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Alabama
> Open carry of handguns: Allowed
> Open carry of long guns: Allowed
> Permitless concealed carry: Legal since 2023
> Gun deaths in 2021: 26.4 per 100,000 people – 4th highest of 50 states (1,315 total)

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Alaska
> Open carry of handguns: Allowed
> Open carry of long guns: Allowed
> Permitless concealed carry: Legal since 2003
> Gun deaths in 2021: 25.2 per 100,000 people – 6th highest of 50 states (182 total)

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Arizona
> Open carry of handguns: Allowed
> Open carry of long guns: Allowed
> Permitless concealed carry: Legal since 2010
> Gun deaths in 2021: 18.3 per 100,000 people – 17th highest of 50 states (1,365 total)

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Arkansas
> Open carry of handguns: Allowed
> Open carry of long guns: Allowed
> Permitless concealed carry: Legal since 2013 (strengthened in subsequent years)
> Gun deaths in 2021: 23.3 per 100,000 people – 8th highest of 50 states (698 total)

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California
> Open carry of handguns: Prohibited
> Open carry of long guns: Prohibited
> Permitless concealed carry: Illegal
> Gun deaths in 2021: 9.0 per 100,000 people – 8th lowest of 50 states (3,576 total)

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