How Long Has Concealed Carry Been Around in the US?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Colonial and Early Republic Era
3. The First Statutory Bans (1813–1850)
4. Concealed Carry in the "Wild West"
5. The 20th Century: The Rise of "May-Issue"
6. The "Shall-Issue" Revolution (1987–Present)
7. The Rise of Constitutional Carry
8. Gear Considerations for Concealed Carry
9. Training and Responsibility
10. The Evolution of the Prepared Citizen
11. Conclusion
12. FAQ

Introduction

Choosing to carry a tool for self-defense is a decision rooted in the fundamental desire for self-reliance and protection. Whether you are navigating a dense backcountry trail or moving through an urban environment, the ability to protect yourself is a cornerstone of the modern outdoor and survival mindset. At BattlBox, we emphasize that being prepared means understanding not just your gear, but the history and legal frameworks that govern its use, and if you want to get started with gear that fits that mindset, you can choose your BattlBox subscription.

Many people assume that concealed carry is a relatively new legal concept or a product of modern legislative shifts. However, the history of carrying a hidden weapon in America is long, complex, and often surprising. This article explores how long concealed carry has been around, tracing its evolution from colonial customs to the modern "shall-issue" and constitutional carry eras; if you want a broader primer first, start with What Is Considered Concealed Carry?.

Quick Answer: Concealed carry has existed since the founding of the United States, but it was historically discouraged or banned in favor of open carry. The first formal state bans appeared in 1813, while the modern movement toward "shall-issue" permitting began in earnest during the late 1980s.

The Colonial and Early Republic Era

In the earliest days of American history, the practice of carrying a firearm was common and often necessary for survival. In colonial times, most citizens carried their weapons openly. This was not just a matter of convenience; it was a cultural norm. Open carry was seen as the honest way for a citizen to go about their business. If you were armed, everyone knew it, which was thought to prevent sudden, treacherous acts of violence.

During this era, carrying a concealed weapon was frequently viewed with suspicion. A person hiding a pistol or a large knife was often thought to be looking for an unfair advantage in a fight. In many communities, only those with "nefarious intent" were expected to hide their means of defense. Consequently, while there were few formal laws against concealed carry in the late 1700s, social pressure and custom heavily favored open carry, and What You Need to Know About Concealed Carry offers a helpful modern counterpart to that mindset.

The early American frontier required individuals to be self-sufficient. Firearms were essential tools for hunting and protection against wildlife or hostile encounters. In these settings, the concept of concealment was often impractical. Long rifles and large pistols were the standards of the day, and neither was easily hidden under the clothing of the period, much like the purpose-built options you’ll find in our fixed blades collection.

The First Statutory Bans (1813–1850)

As the United States began to grow and urbanize in the early 19th century, the legal landscape regarding concealed weapons started to shift. The first formal bans on concealed carry appeared in the South and the West, primarily as a response to an increase in street violence and dueling.

In 1813, Kentucky and Louisiana became the first states to pass laws specifically prohibiting the carrying of concealed weapons. These laws did not ban firearms altogether but required that they be carried openly. The logic was that if a man intended to use a weapon, he should do so "as a gentleman," with his arms visible to all.

Landmark Judicial Challenges

These early bans did not go unchallenged. In 1822, the Kentucky Court of Appeals ruled in Bliss v. Commonwealth that the state's ban on concealed weapons was unconstitutional. The court argued that the right to bear arms was absolute and that any restriction on how a person carried their weapon infringed upon that right.

However, this victory for concealed carry was short-lived. Kentucky eventually amended its constitution to allow the legislature to pass laws against concealed carry. Other states followed suit, with the Indiana Supreme Court and the Arkansas Supreme Court upholding similar bans in the late 1830s and 1840s. By the mid-19th century, the legal precedent in many states was that while the right to bear arms was protected, the state had the authority to regulate how those arms were carried, a point that is also unpacked in Understanding What Are the Rules of Concealed Carry.

Key Takeaway: The 19th-century legal trend was toward banning concealed carry while protecting open carry, reflecting a cultural preference for transparency in self-defense.

Concealed Carry in the "Wild West"

The popular image of the American West is one of lawlessness where everyone carried a gun on their hip. In reality, many frontier towns had some of the strictest gun control measures in the country at the time. Famous towns like Dodge City, Abilene, and Tombstone often required visitors to check their firearms with the local sheriff or at a hotel upon entering town limits.

In these jurisdictions, concealed carry was almost universally prohibited. The goal of local law enforcement was to reduce spontaneous violence in saloons and gambling halls. While miners, ranchers, and travelers certainly carried firearms for protection on the trail, the "carry" culture within town limits was highly regulated.

The Evolution of Concealment Tools

Despite the bans, the demand for smaller, more concealable firearms grew during this period. The development of the "Derringer" style pistol in the mid-1800s provided a tool that could easily be tucked into a pocket or a vest. This era marked a divergence between the "working" guns of the frontier—large revolvers and rifles—and "pocket" guns intended for discreet personal protection. We often see echoes of this in our modern EDC collection, where size and weight are critical factors for comfort and utility.

The 20th Century: The Rise of "May-Issue"

Entering the 20th century, the legal framework for concealed carry became increasingly restrictive in many parts of the country. One of the most significant pieces of legislation was New York's Sullivan Act of 1911. This law required a police-issued permit to even own a handgun small enough to be concealed, and it gave local authorities vast discretion over who could receive a permit.

This birthed the "may-issue" era. Under may-issue laws, a citizen had to prove a "good cause" or a specific need to carry a concealed weapon. In practice, this often meant that permits were only granted to the wealthy, the politically connected, or those in high-risk professions like private security. For the average citizen, legal concealed carry was effectively out of reach in many states for the better part of the century, which is why it helps to stay current with the rules of concealed carry.

National Legislation and Its Impact

Throughout the mid-1900s, federal laws like the National Firearms Act (1934) and the Gun Control Act (1968) focused more on the types of firearms available rather than the act of carrying them. However, these laws influenced carry habits by regulating the sale and transport of firearms across state lines. During this time, concealed carry remained a niche practice, often relegated to deep-cover law enforcement or individuals willing to navigate complex and often exclusionary permit processes.

The "Shall-Issue" Revolution (1987–Present)

The most significant shift in how long concealed carry has been around in its modern form began in the late 1980s. Before this time, only a handful of states had "shall-issue" laws, where the state must issue a permit to any applicant who meets specific, objective criteria (such as a background check and training).

The Florida Catalyst

In 1987, Florida passed a landmark shall-issue law. This was a pivotal moment because it moved the burden of proof from the citizen to the state. Instead of the citizen having to prove why they needed a permit, the state had to prove why the citizen shouldn't have one.

The success of the Florida model led to a wave of similar legislation across the United States. Proponents argued that empowered, law-abiding citizens could act as a deterrent to crime. As more states adopted shall-issue frameworks, the number of concealed carry permit holders exploded. This shift also drove innovation in the gear industry, leading to the development of modern holsters and sub-compact firearms, including options like the BattlTac Concealment Holster.

The Rise of Constitutional Carry

In the last two decades, the trend has shifted even further toward what is known as Constitutional Carry (or permitless carry). This allows law-abiding citizens to carry a concealed firearm without a government-issued permit.

Vermont was the long-standing exception for much of the 20th century, as it never required a permit for concealed carry. However, starting with Alaska in 2003 and Arizona in 2010, dozens of states have since adopted permitless carry laws. This movement reflects a return to the early American idea that the right to bear arms should not be contingent upon a government license.

Modern EDC and Preparedness

Today, concealed carry is a mainstream component of personal preparedness. It is no longer just about the firearm itself but about a holistic approach to safety. This includes medical and safety gear, carrying an IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) or a tourniquet alongside a firearm, training, and legal knowledge.

Myth: Concealed carry has always been a widely recognized right in the US. Fact: For much of the 19th and 20th centuries, concealed carry was either banned or heavily restricted, with open carry being the more legally protected method.

Gear Considerations for Concealed Carry

As the legal ability to carry has expanded, so has the technology behind the gear. Carrying a tool effectively requires more than just tucking it into a waistband. It requires a system that is secure, comfortable, and reliable. At BattlBox, we often see how the right accessories—like rugged belts and modular holsters—can make the difference between gear that stays in the safe and gear that is actually carried, which is why many readers also look at our EDC collection.

Holster Selection

A good holster must cover the trigger guard completely and provide enough retention to keep the tool in place during physical activity.

• IWB (Inside the Waistband): Best for maximum concealment.
• OWB (Outside the Waistband): Generally more comfortable but requires a cover garment like a jacket or flannel shirt.
• Appendix Carry: A popular modern method where the holster is worn in the front of the body for a faster draw.

Belt Systems

You cannot carry a concealed tool effectively on a standard department store belt. A dedicated EDC belt is designed to support the weight of a firearm and other gear without sagging. This ensures the holster stays in a consistent position, which is vital for a clean draw under stress, and a belt like the Dango Spec-Ops Belt fits that role well.

Support Gear

Being prepared means more than just being armed. Many who carry concealed also carry a high-output flashlight for positive identification in low light and a reliable folding knife for general utility. These items, often featured in our subscription tiers, are part of a complete kit that addresses a wide range of everyday challenges, and our flashlights collection is a good place to start.

Bottom line: The history of concealed carry is a move from social stigma and bans to a structured, permit-based system, and finally toward the broad recognition of permitless carry in many states.

Training and Responsibility

Regardless of how long concealed carry has been around or what the current laws are in your state, the responsibility of carrying a concealed tool cannot be overstated. History shows us that the tools are only as effective as the person wielding them.

Practice and Proficiency Ownership is not the same as mastery. If you choose to carry, you must commit to regular training. This includes:

• Dry fire practice: Practicing your draw stroke and trigger press in a safe, unloaded environment.
• Live fire training: Regular range sessions to maintain accuracy and recoil management.
• Legal education: Understanding the specific "use of force" laws in your jurisdiction.

The Mindset of a Prepared Citizen The goal of concealed carry is to be a "hard target"—someone who is aware of their surroundings and prepared to defend themselves if necessary, but who also has the wisdom to avoid conflict whenever possible. Carrying a concealed weapon should make you more cautious and more observant, not more aggressive. For the medical side of preparedness, it also helps to understand What is a Tourniquet?.

The Evolution of the Prepared Citizen

The journey of concealed carry from a viewed-with-suspicion practice in the 1800s to a widely practiced right today reflects a broader shift in American culture toward individual responsibility. We have moved from a society where the community was expected to provide protection to one where the individual is increasingly recognized as the first responder in their own life.

At BattlBox, we see this evolution in the gear people choose and the skills they prioritize. Whether you are interested in the historical context of your rights or you are looking for the best gear to support your EDC, the mission remains the same: to be better prepared today than you were yesterday, just as reinforced in The Survival 13.

Checklist for the Modern Concealed Carrier

• Verify the current carry laws and permit requirements in your home state.
• Research reciprocity agreements if you plan to travel across state lines.
• Invest in a high-quality holster and belt system designed for EDC.
• Add a medical kit (IFAK) to your daily loadout.
• Enroll in a reputable training course to build foundational skills.

Conclusion

The history of concealed carry in the United States is a testament to the evolving relationship between the citizen, the state, and the tools of self-defense. From the early bans of 1813 to the shall-issue movement of the late 20th century, the legal landscape has shifted dramatically. Today, we live in an era where concealed carry is more accessible than ever, but that accessibility comes with a profound need for training, safety, and a commitment to responsible ownership.

Understanding this timeline helps us realize that the rights we exercise today are the result of centuries of legal and cultural debate. By staying informed and properly equipped, you can carry out the tradition of self-reliance with confidence. Our mission is to provide the expert-curated gear and knowledge you need to build that confidence, one mission at a time, and you can see that approach in action with Mission 130 - Breakdown.

Key Takeaway: Concealed carry has evolved from a discouraged practice to a regulated privilege and, in many states, back to a recognized right.

If you are looking to build your preparedness kit with gear chosen by professionals who actually use it in the field, consider exploring our subscription options to get the best in survival, EDC, and outdoor equipment delivered to your door.

FAQ

When did the first concealed carry laws start?

The first formal state bans on concealed carry were enacted in 1813 by Kentucky and Louisiana. These laws were passed primarily to curb the rise of street violence and dueling, as open carry was the socially preferred method of the time.

What is the difference between shall-issue and may-issue?

"Shall-issue" means the state must grant a concealed carry permit to any applicant who meets specific, objective legal requirements. "May-issue" gives local authorities broad discretion to deny a permit even if the applicant meets all criteria, often requiring the applicant to prove a specific "good cause" for needing to carry.

Is permitless carry the same as Constitutional Carry?

Yes, the terms are often used interchangeably. They refer to state laws that allow law-abiding citizens to carry a concealed firearm without needing a government-issued permit, based on the principle that the Second Amendment itself serves as the "permit."

Why was concealed carry once considered "dishonorable"?

In the 18th and 19th centuries, carrying a weapon openly was seen as a sign of an honest citizen with nothing to hide. Hiding a weapon was often associated with criminals or "assassins" who sought to surprise their victims, leading to a cultural stigma against concealment that lasted for decades.