Understanding Open Carry Laws Across the U.S.

The right to bear arms is a fundamental liberty that defines the American spirit. But depending on where you live, that right can look vastly different. Open carry laws in the U.S. vary dramatically from one state to another, creating a patchwork of regulations that can confuse even the most informed gun owners. At Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC, we believe in empowering citizens with the knowledge and skills to safely and legally exercise their Second Amendment rights.

What is Open Carry?

Open carry refers to the act of visibly carrying a firearm in public, as opposed to concealed carry, where the weapon is hidden from view. Open carry can include carrying a handgun in a holster on your hip or a rifle slung over your shoulder. While the Constitution guarantees your right to keep and bear arms, whether you can carry openly—and how—depends on your state.

According to the latest data provided by Visual Capitalist using information from the Giffords Law Center, the U.S. can currently be categorized by four primary types of open carry legislation:

• Permissive Open Carry States: These states allow open carry without any permit or license requirement.
• Licensed Open Carry States: Here, open carry is allowed, but only with a valid permit.
• Anomalous Open Carry States: State law does not explicitly allow or prohibit open carry; enforcement is often local.
• Non-Permissive Open Carry States: Open carry is generally prohibited or extremely restricted.

South Carolina’s Position on Open Carry

South Carolina ranks among the licensed open carry states. Thanks to recent legislation, law-abiding citizens with a concealed weapons permit (CWP) can now openly carry a handgun in public. This change, embraced by the 2A community and celebrated by firearms instructors across South Carolina, marks a step in the right direction when it comes to protecting the rights of responsible gun owners.

As a result, many residents are looking to get properly trained and certified. At Fortress Firearms Training, we specialize in CWP courses and responsible firearms education. Our goal is to equip every gun owner with the confidence and legal clarity to carry both safely and securely.

The State-by-State Breakdown

The comprehensive map recently shared by Visual Capitalist illustrates just how inconsistent open carry laws are across the nation. Here’s a quick glance at some of the highlights (and low-lights):

• Gun-friendly states like Arizona, Alaska, and Montana allow permitless open carry, exemplifying a strong commitment to the Second Amendment.
• Meanwhile, states like California, Illinois, and New York severely restrict or outright ban the practice, reflecting a far more centralized approach to firearms regulation.
• Texas, once a concealed carry-only state, has embraced open carry with a permit since 2016, showing how even traditionalist states evolve with the growing appreciation for individual freedoms.

Unfortunately, the trend in some parts of the country points toward more restrictive legislation. These are often pushed under the pretense of “safety” but greatly infringe upon constitutional rights. In reality, responsible gun owners are not the problem—bad faith actors are. Penalizing law-abiding citizens with overbearing restrictions does nothing to prevent crime and only emboldens those who never cared about the law to begin with.

Why Proper Firearms Training Matters

With each state establishing its own laws, it’s not enough to just own a gun—you have to know how to legally carry it wherever you go. That’s where Fortress Firearms Training steps in. Located in the heart of Fountain Inn, SC, our training programs are designed to help you navigate complex carry laws and improve your tactical readiness.

Some of the benefits of taking a course with Fortress Firearms Training include:

• Comprehensive understanding of South Carolina CWP laws and open carry regulations
• Hands-on firearms training from certified experts passionate about the Second Amendment
• Legal awareness that helps you avoid costly mistakes when traveling across state lines with a firearm
• Confidence in your right to carry—safely, lawfully, and effectively

Given the legal complexity shown in the state-by-state differences from the Visual Capitalist map, reliable firearms education is no longer optional. It’s essential. Knowledge is your best defense in asserting your constitutional rights.

The Political Landscape: A Battle for the Second Amendment

Open carry laws aren’t just about personal choice—they’re about fundamental freedoms. The continual push for gun control at the federal and state levels is a direct threat to the foundational principles of this nation. Anti-gun politicians and activist think tanks often rely on fear-based narratives to pass sweeping legislation that unfairly targets the law-abiding majority.

Visual Capitalist’s data underscores the incredible variance in state-level lawmaking. Rather than embracing a unified respect for Second Amendment protections, many left-leaning states continue getting tangled in red tape and bureaucratic obstruction. These laws don’t make anyone safer; they just strip away the rights of responsible citizens working to protect themselves and their families.

It’s imperative to stand up, speak out, and support organizations and educators who remain unwavering in defense of the 2A. At Fortress Firearms Training, our mission goes beyond the range; we’re on the front line in the continued fight for your liberty.

Stay Prepared, Stay Informed

As a gun owner, staying informed isn’t just a matter of convenience—it’s your duty. And with every new piece of legislation being filed and every news report flaunting anti-gun sentiment, the need for preparation becomes even more critical.

Whether South Carolina is your home or you frequently travel between states, we encourage you to do the homework. Know your rights. Know your responsibilities. Train hard and carry smart.

And if you’re ready to take the next step in your training journey, join us at Fortress Firearms Training—where liberty, safety, and knowledge go hand-in-hand.

Final Thoughts

Open carry laws by state reveal just how far we still have to go in restoring a consistent and constitutional approach to firearm rights nationwide. From South Carolina’s sensible licensing requirements to the outright bans in states like New York, the discrepancies cannot be ignored.

Instead of tightening the leash on law-abiding citizens, it’s time our policymakers acknowledged the truth: Freedom and safety aren’t exclusive—they go hand-in-hand when gun owners are properly trained and legally informed. Let’s keep the focus on real education, real training, and real liberty.