24 States Committed to Strong Gun Rights Protection
Gun rights are a big issue for many Americans, with about four in 10 adults saying they live in a household with a gun, and 32% personally owning one for protection. Many states have taken strong steps to protect gun rights.
These states have passed laws that make it easier for people to exercise their Second Amendment rights, while also balancing safety concerns.
1. Texas
Texas is known for its lenient gun laws. Since 2021, anyone 21 or older, without a felony record, can carry a handgun openly or concealed without a permit. This change has ignited safety concerns, especially after mass shootings, and faced opposition from gun safety groups. Before this, residents needed a License to Carry from the state. Local governments can’t add extra gun restrictions, and Texas allows NFA weapons if legal under federal law. Background checks aren’t required for private gun sales between unlicensed individuals.
2. Alaska
Alaska was the first state to allow carrying a handgun without a license, either openly or concealed. However, permits are still available for reciprocity with other states and to bypass the Federal Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990.
Anyone 16 or older can have a firearm, but those under 16 need parental consent. You must be 21 to apply for a concealed carry permit.
If a permit holder carrying a concealed handgun meets a peace officer, they must inform the officer, who may secure the weapon during the interaction.
3. Arizona©Image Credit: Grand Canyon National Park Service, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Arizona allows law-abiding citizens to openly carry handguns. Anyone 21 or older, who isn’t prohibited, can carry a weapon openly or concealed without a license. If carrying without a license, you must inform a law enforcement officer if asked during an investigation, like a traffic stop.
4. Wyoming
Wyoming issues concealed carry permits through the sheriff’s office, unless there’s a reason to deny, like a felony conviction. Permits are valid for five years and recognized by states with similar laws. Since July 2011, residents can carry concealed without a permit, and in 2024, this right was extended to non-residents. Open carry is allowed without a permit for everyone. Some counties have passed Second Amendment sanctuary resolutions.
5. Montana
Montana allows concealed carry without a permit. (ref) The permit is valid for four years from the date it was issued.
The state’s new law, HB 102, allows anyone legally allowed to own a firearm to carry it concealed. (ref) In 2021, the governor also signed HB 258, which stops state and local police from helping federal agencies enforce any new gun regulations passed after January 1, 2021.
6. Idaho
Idaho allows anyone 18 or older, resident or non-resident, to carry a concealed weapon without a license outside city limits, as long as they’re not disqualified from having a carry license.
Idaho also allows people to carry without a license in their home, business, or property they own or lease, or on private property with the owner’s permission. State law also permits Idaho residents and U.S. armed forces members over 18 to carry a concealed handgun without a license, as long as they’re not disqualified. Starting July 1, 2020, this applies to all U.S. citizens.
7. South Dakota
No permit is needed to have a handgun in one’s home, business, or on land owned or rented by them or a household member.
A person cannot carry a concealed pistol in a vehicle or on themselves without a carry license. The county sheriff issues these permits. A temporary permit must be given within 5 days if the person meets the requirements.
The application copy acts as the temporary permit until the official one is issued. Permit denials can be appealed in circuit court.
8. Kentucky
Kentucky is generally considered lenient regarding gun rights. The state has relatively permissive laws compared to many others.
To obtain a concealed carry permit, also known as a Concealed Deadly Weapons License (CCDW), you must meet several requirements. Persons must need to be at least 21 years old and have been a resident of Kentucky for at least six months before applying, and not a fugitive from justice.
Completing a state-approved handgun safety course is also mandatory.(ref) The CCDW permit allows for the concealed carry of firearms within the state.
9. Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s permitless carry law allows people to carry firearms without a license as an exception to the law against unlawful carrying of a firearm. It’s illegal to carry a firearm, whether it’s loaded or not, concealed or open, unless the person is at least 21 years old.
State law allows open carry of both loaded and unloaded firearms without a license, as long as it doesn’t break any other laws.
For members or veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves, or National Guard, the minimum age is 18. The person must not be legally disqualified from owning a firearm.
10. Utah
Utah is a constitutional carry state, meaning residents and visitors can carry firearms openly or concealed without a permit.
Utah also recognizes out-of-state permits and has “stand your ground” laws, allowing individuals to use deadly force without a duty to retreat if they are threatened. As of May 5, 2021, following Gov. Cox’s signing of HB 60, anyone who is at least 21 years old and legally allowed to possess a firearm can now openly carry or conceal a loaded firearm.
11. Georgia
Georgia has constitutional carry, which allows people to carry guns without a license. People must be at least 21 years old (or 18 if they are in the military) to get a concealed carry license. No license is needed to carry a handgun in one’s home, vehicle, place of business, while fishing or hunting, or unloaded in a case. Anyone who is legally allowed to own a handgun or long gun can have or carry it on their own property, inside their home, vehicle, or business without needing a weapons carry license.
12. South Carolina
In South Carolina, it is usually illegal to carry a handgun, whether hidden or visible, without a concealed weapons permit. There are a few exceptions for those with a permit. A person who lives in South Carolina (including military personnel stationed there) or a nonresident who owns property in South Carolina can apply for a permit if they are at least 21 years old, allowed to own a firearm, and not banned from possessing one.
13. Mississippi
No state permit is needed to own a rifle, shotgun, or handgun. The Department of Public Safety will issue a concealed carry license to someone who is 21, has lived in the state for over 12 months, has a valid out-of-state license, is on active military duty, or is a retired law enforcement officer.
The person must also be free of physical or mental conditions that affect safe handling, not abuse drugs or alcohol, not be a convicted felon or fugitive, and not be banned from owning a firearm under federal law.
14. North Dakota
North Dakota has permitless carry for residents, allowing them to carry concealed without a license as long as they meet certain legal requirements.
Persons must be at least 18 years old. They can own a handgun at 18, but must be 21 to buy one, as long as they are legally allowed to have a firearm. They need a valid driver’s license or a state-issued ID and must not be barred from owning the weapon.
Gun rights are a big issue for many Americans, with about four in 10 adults saying they live in a household with a gun, and 32% personally owning one for protection. Many states have taken strong steps to protect gun rights.
These states have passed laws that make it easier for people to exercise their Second Amendment rights, while also balancing safety concerns.
1. Texas
Texas is known for its lenient gun laws. Since 2021, anyone 21 or older, without a felony record, can carry a handgun openly or concealed without a permit. This change has ignited safety concerns, especially after mass shootings, and faced opposition from gun safety groups. Before this, residents needed a License to Carry from the state. Local governments can’t add extra gun restrictions, and Texas allows NFA weapons if legal under federal law. Background checks aren’t required for private gun sales between unlicensed individuals.
2. Alaska
Alaska was the first state to allow carrying a handgun without a license, either openly or concealed. However, permits are still available for reciprocity with other states and to bypass the Federal Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990.
Anyone 16 or older can have a firearm, but those under 16 need parental consent. You must be 21 to apply for a concealed carry permit.
If a permit holder carrying a concealed handgun meets a peace officer, they must inform the officer, who may secure the weapon during the interaction.
3. Arizona©Image Credit: Grand Canyon National Park Service, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Arizona allows law-abiding citizens to openly carry handguns. Anyone 21 or older, who isn’t prohibited, can carry a weapon openly or concealed without a license. If carrying without a license, you must inform a law enforcement officer if asked during an investigation, like a traffic stop.
4. Wyoming
Wyoming issues concealed carry permits through the sheriff’s office, unless there’s a reason to deny, like a felony conviction. Permits are valid for five years and recognized by states with similar laws. Since July 2011, residents can carry concealed without a permit, and in 2024, this right was extended to non-residents. Open carry is allowed without a permit for everyone. Some counties have passed Second Amendment sanctuary resolutions.
5. Montana
Montana allows concealed carry without a permit. (ref) The permit is valid for four years from the date it was issued.
The state’s new law, HB 102, allows anyone legally allowed to own a firearm to carry it concealed. (ref) In 2021, the governor also signed HB 258, which stops state and local police from helping federal agencies enforce any new gun regulations passed after January 1, 2021.
6. Idaho
Idaho allows anyone 18 or older, resident or non-resident, to carry a concealed weapon without a license outside city limits, as long as they’re not disqualified from having a carry license.
Idaho also allows people to carry without a license in their home, business, or property they own or lease, or on private property with the owner’s permission. State law also permits Idaho residents and U.S. armed forces members over 18 to carry a concealed handgun without a license, as long as they’re not disqualified. Starting July 1, 2020, this applies to all U.S. citizens.
7. South Dakota
No permit is needed to have a handgun in one’s home, business, or on land owned or rented by them or a household member.
A person cannot carry a concealed pistol in a vehicle or on themselves without a carry license. The county sheriff issues these permits. A temporary permit must be given within 5 days if the person meets the requirements.
The application copy acts as the temporary permit until the official one is issued. Permit denials can be appealed in circuit court.
8. Kentucky
Kentucky is generally considered lenient regarding gun rights. The state has relatively permissive laws compared to many others.
To obtain a concealed carry permit, also known as a Concealed Deadly Weapons License (CCDW), you must meet several requirements. Persons must need to be at least 21 years old and have been a resident of Kentucky for at least six months before applying, and not a fugitive from justice.
Completing a state-approved handgun safety course is also mandatory.(ref) The CCDW permit allows for the concealed carry of firearms within the state.
9. Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s permitless carry law allows people to carry firearms without a license as an exception to the law against unlawful carrying of a firearm. It’s illegal to carry a firearm, whether it’s loaded or not, concealed or open, unless the person is at least 21 years old.
State law allows open carry of both loaded and unloaded firearms without a license, as long as it doesn’t break any other laws.
For members or veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves, or National Guard, the minimum age is 18. The person must not be legally disqualified from owning a firearm.
10. Utah
Utah is a constitutional carry state, meaning residents and visitors can carry firearms openly or concealed without a permit.
Utah also recognizes out-of-state permits and has “stand your ground” laws, allowing individuals to use deadly force without a duty to retreat if they are threatened. As of May 5, 2021, following Gov. Cox’s signing of HB 60, anyone who is at least 21 years old and legally allowed to possess a firearm can now openly carry or conceal a loaded firearm.
11. Georgia
Georgia has constitutional carry, which allows people to carry guns without a license. People must be at least 21 years old (or 18 if they are in the military) to get a concealed carry license. No license is needed to carry a handgun in one’s home, vehicle, place of business, while fishing or hunting, or unloaded in a case. Anyone who is legally allowed to own a handgun or long gun can have or carry it on their own property, inside their home, vehicle, or business without needing a weapons carry license.
12. South Carolina
In South Carolina, it is usually illegal to carry a handgun, whether hidden or visible, without a concealed weapons permit. There are a few exceptions for those with a permit. A person who lives in South Carolina (including military personnel stationed there) or a nonresident who owns property in South Carolina can apply for a permit if they are at least 21 years old, allowed to own a firearm, and not banned from possessing one.
13. Mississippi
No state permit is needed to own a rifle, shotgun, or handgun. The Department of Public Safety will issue a concealed carry license to someone who is 21, has lived in the state for over 12 months, has a valid out-of-state license, is on active military duty, or is a retired law enforcement officer.
The person must also be free of physical or mental conditions that affect safe handling, not abuse drugs or alcohol, not be a convicted felon or fugitive, and not be banned from owning a firearm under federal law.
14. North Dakota
North Dakota has permitless carry for residents, allowing them to carry concealed without a license as long as they meet certain legal requirements.
Persons must be at least 18 years old. They can own a handgun at 18, but must be 21 to buy one, as long as they are legally allowed to have a firearm. They need a valid driver’s license or a state-issued ID and must not be barred from owning the weapon.
