Concealed Carry: A General Overview

The concept of concealed carry is most often utilized in the United States however it is also used on occasion in some other countries around the world. Concealed carry is the legal authorization that permits private citizens the ability carry a handgun or other types of weapons in public in a concealed manner. Concealed carry permits these individuals the ability to carry these handguns and weapons on the person or in close proximity to the person.

The type of weapons that are permitted to be carried through concealed carry laws varies from state to state. Some states have a concealed carry law in place that permit a person to carry only a single handgun. Other states have a concealed carry law that allows for multiple handguns or even martial arts weapons.

In recent years there has been a pretty strong movement in the various states towards implementing concealed carry. However, concealed carry laws have been met with opposition. However, even though there has been some opposition to the concealed carry laws that have been enacted, no state has repealed a concealed carry law once it has been enacted.

At the present point in time, 48 states in the country have enacted concealed carry laws. In addition, about half of the states also provide for a non-concealed open carrying of certain weapons.

The argument behind concealed carry laws is that allowing people the ability carry a concealed weapon allows these individuals to be better protected. In this day and age when people face the specter of becoming the victims of crime, the concept is that concealed carry allows people the chance to keep themselves safer in regard to crime.

There is also another argument in support of the concealed carry laws that have been enacted. In this regard, those people who support concealed carry laws maintain that allowing private citizens the right to carry a concealed weapon works to reduce the rate of crime as well.

Of course, on the other side of the argument are people who contend that concealed carry laws actually make people more at risk to become the victims of crime. There are instances in which a person is harmed or killed by his or her own handgun. Moreover, there are people who argue that concealed carry laws actually have increased the crime rate in those areas in which these laws have been enacted.

At the present time there is no national concealed carry law enacted by the federal government. There are some limited federal laws associated with concealed carry in certain limited circumstances - primarily involving current off duty law enforcement officers and certain retired law enforcement officers.

Special Report: Bloomberg reloads in push for gun control - Reuters

Special Report: Bloomberg reloads in push for gun control Reuters New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino will be sitting on a couch touting an issue most politicians avoid like the plague: gun control. The two mayors, whose local teams face off in the big game, are making the pitch for Mayors ... and more »

Political factors pushing new gun grab - WQAD

Political factors pushing new gun grab WQAD If passed these laws would force us to leave the state," says Armalite owner Mark Westrom. Some Chicago area legislators want to ban all semi-automatic firearms, as well as 50 caliber rifles, and if they get their way Armalite will almost certainly ... and more »

Iowa gun laws face legal challenges under proposed constitutional amendment - DesMoinesRegister.com (blog)

DesMoinesRegister.com (blog)

Iowa gun laws face legal challenges under proposed constitutional amendment DesMoinesRegister.com (blog) Iowa laws pertaining to restrictions or legal requirements in carrying or using guns could face new legal challenges under a legislative resolution that would amend the state's constitution into the strongest and most comprehensive firearm rights ... and more »

Chicago Gun Owner ID Cards Surge Since Handgun Ban Struck Down - Huffington Post

Chicago Gun Owner ID Cards Surge Since Handgun Ban Struck Down Huffington Post Given that several states have gun laws far stronger than federal law, does McDonald lay the groundwork for the unraveling of gun restrictions? If the gun lobby thinks so, it is likely to be disappointed. You have exceeded your word limit by words. and more »

Libertarians, Guns, and Federalism - Reason Online

Reason Online

Libertarians, Guns, and Federalism Reason Online Chicago, its landmark 2010 decision striking down that city's handgun ban, the US Supreme Court held that the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms applies against state and local governments via the 14th Amendment, which declares: “No State ... and more »