Over the past decade, more and more states have adopted constitutional carry laws, granting law-abiding citizens the ability to carry a firearm—either openly or concealed—without a permit. For those who value self-reliance and personal responsibility, this shift is a win for freedom and individual rights. But just because you can carry without a permit doesn't mean every carry decision is made equal.
At Black Swamp Leather Company LLC, we believe in the right to carry, but also in the importance of discretion, discipline, and smart self-defense practices. In this article, we’ll cover what constitutional carry is, which states support it, and why keeping your tools concealed remains a smart choice—even when the law says you don’t have to.
What Is Constitutional Carry?
Constitutional carry (also called permitless carry) refers to the legal ability for individuals to carry a concealed handgun without obtaining a state-issued permit. It’s rooted in the belief that the Second Amendment is all the authorization a law-abiding citizen should need.
As of 2025, more than half of U.S. states have passed constitutional carry laws. These include, but are not limited to:
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Texas
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Florida
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Tennessee
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Ohio
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Indiana
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Arizona
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Alaska
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Missouri
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Idaho
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Wyoming
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South Dakota
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Montana
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Utah
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Oklahoma
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Kentucky
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Arkansas
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Mississippi
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Georgia
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West Virginia
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Vermont (the original constitutional carry state)
Always check with your state’s attorney general or official firearms bureau for the most current and accurate legal guidelines. Just because permitless carry is allowed doesn’t mean there are no rules—some states restrict carry in certain locations or for certain individuals.
Why Concealed Carry Still Matters
Even in states where open carry is legal and constitutional carry is the law of the land, concealment is still the smart choice for most everyday scenarios.
1. It Keeps the Tactical Advantage
When you carry concealed, you hold the element of surprise. In a self-defense situation, this can be the edge that saves your life. If a threat doesn’t know who’s armed, it’s less likely to single you out or escalate a situation preemptively.
2. It Reduces Social Tension
Even in gun-friendly communities, seeing someone carrying openly can make people uncomfortable or lead to unnecessary attention. Concealment keeps your intentions private and allows you to move through your day without incident.
3. It Demonstrates Responsibility
Carrying concealed—especially with purpose-built holsters that retain your firearm securely and draw clean—shows a level of discipline and respect for those around you. It’s not about hiding; it’s about being discreet, prepared, and professional.
The Role of the Right Gear
Concealed carry only works as well as your gear allows it to. A high-quality holster made for your specific firearm and carry style is essential. At Black Swamp Leather Company LLC, we build our gear with everyday defenders in mind. Each holster is handcrafted for comfort, durability, and real-world function—so your firearm stays where it belongs, until the moment you need it.
A good holster should offer:
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Full trigger protection
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Secure retention without sacrificing draw speed
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All-day comfort, even during extended wear
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Minimal printing, even under a light shirt
Remember, if your gear isn’t comfortable, you’re less likely to carry it. If it’s not secure, you’re risking more than just your safety.
Final Word: Rights Come With Responsibility
We’re fortunate to live in a time and place where our rights are being recognized and restored in many parts of the country. But with that freedom comes the duty to carry well, train often, and always put safety first.
Whether you’re walking through your own backyard in Northwest Ohio or traveling across a dozen states with permitless carry, the mindset stays the same: stay sharp, stay prepared, and carry with confidence.
If you’re ready to upgrade your EDC gear or holster setup, check out our handcrafted solutions built for those who take responsibility seriously.
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