49 of the 50 states in our country (all but Illinois) respect the rights of their citizens to carry firearms for self-defense and other lawful purposes.
On this page we will take a brief look at different ways states regulate carrying firearms, as well as the different ways in which citizens exercise these rights.
Concealed carry
Carrying a concealed weapon (CCW) means just what it sounds like. People typically carry a firearm in a pocket holster, in a holster outside their waistband (OWB) covered by a shirt, or in a holster inside their waistband (IWB).
This is generally the most preferred manner of carrying firearms, as it avoids drawing unnecessary attention. 49 of 50 states - all but Illinois - allow (and many require) carrying firearms concealed.
Open carry
Open carry means that the firearm is carried in plain sight, typically in a holster outside the waistband (OWB) with the shirt or coat tucked under it so it is plainly visible.
Open carry is less popular in the U.S. but is gaining more proponents lately. Several states do not allow open carry, and instead require their citizens to carry firearms concealed.
Constitutional carry
Constitutional carry is the term we use when a state guarantees the rights of all citizens (except prohibited persons) to carry firearms for self-defense and other lawful purposes. Citizens of states with constitutional carry, such as Vermont, Arizona, Wyoming, and Alaska, are not required to apply for a license from the authorities.
Licensed carry
The majority of states in the U.S. have a form of licensed carry, which requires citizens to receive a license from authorities (typically state or county law enforcement) before carrying a firearm. Licensing typically involves a small administrative fee to process the paperwork and perform a background check. Some states require that applicants submit proof of training as well (classes covering firearm laws, authorized/unauthorized use of force, firearms safety instruction, and hands-on training at a shooting range).
There are two general types of issuing policies for licenses:
- Shall-issue: The state will issue a license unless the applicant is prohibited by state or federal law from carrying a firearm (e.g. prohibited persons). The vast majority of states are "shall-issue" states.
- May-issue: The state may issue a license at the discretion of the licensing authority. There are few remaining may-issue states, and they are currently being challenged in courts on the grounds that authorities sometimes use their discretionary power to unjustly deny citizens their right to carry. It is expected that states with "may-issue" laws will soon become "shall-issue" states.
Illinois will almost certainly become a "shall-issue" state, requiring a small fee and proof of training.
It is important to point out that legislation protecting the right to carry firearms does not mean that people can carry firearms anywhere.
Every state has legislation outlining the details of how firearms may legally be carried. Most states restrict carrying firearms in K-12 schools, government buildings, and other sensitive areas. Stores, restaurants, and other private businesses may post signs declaring that firearms are not allowed on their property. Similarly, you have every right to require visitors to your home be unarmed.
Laws disarming honest citizens proclaim that the government is the master, not the servant, of the people.
Jeffrey R. Snyder
Copyright © 2010 - ProtectIllinois.org - All rights reserved. Conforms to W3C Standard XHTML & CSS