When Did Concealed Carry Start? The History of US Carry Laws

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Colonial Standard: Open Carry as the Norm
3. 1813: The First Legal Restrictions
4. Early Court Battles and the Honor Code
5. The Transition to May-Issue and the Sullivan Act
6. 1987: The Florida Shall-Issue Model
7. The Modern Era: Constitutional Carry
8. How History Shapes Modern EDC Gear
9. Training and Responsibility
10. Conclusion
11. FAQ

Introduction

Choosing to carry a tool for self-reliance is a decision rooted in the fundamental desire to be prepared. Whether you are navigating a remote trail or moving through a crowded city, the ability to protect yourself and your family is a core pillar of the outdoor and survival mindset. If you want to keep that mindset fed with real gear, start your BattlBox subscription and build a kit that grows with you. Many people assume that concealed carry is a modern concept born from 20th-century legislation, but the history of how we carry weapons in America goes back to the very beginning of the Republic. At BattlBox, we believe that understanding the history of our gear and our rights makes us more capable and informed citizens. In this post, we will explore the timeline of carry laws, from the early 1800s bans to the modern movement toward constitutional carry. Understanding when concealed carry started helps us appreciate the evolution of modern everyday carry (EDC) practices and the gear we use today.

Quick Answer: Concealed carry as a regulated legal concept began in 1813, when Kentucky and Louisiana passed the first laws specifically banning the practice. Before this, carry was largely unregulated but almost exclusively done openly.

The Colonial Standard: Open Carry as the Norm

In the earliest days of the American colonies, carrying a weapon was not just a right but often a requirement for survival. In a frontier environment, a firearm or a blade was a necessary tool for hunting, livestock protection, and defense against immediate threats. During the 1700s, there were virtually no laws regarding how a person carried a weapon. However, social norms dictated that if you were armed, you did so openly. If you want to see the kind of blades that fit that original survival mindset, our Fixed Blades collection is a good place to start.

Open carry was the standard because concealment was often associated with criminal intent. In the social fabric of the time, an honest person had no reason to hide their means of defense. If you carried a pistol in your belt or a long gun over your shoulder, your intentions were clear to your neighbors. For a deeper look at how that idea evolved into modern carry culture, What is an EDC Knife? Understanding Everyday Carry Knives is a helpful next step. This era of "unregulated carry" lasted through the American Revolution and into the early years of the 19th century.

Survival in the 18th century required versatility. Men and women carried fixed-blade knives and flintlock pistols as part of their daily kit. A fixed-blade knife is a knife where the blade does not fold and is permanently extended from the handle. These were the original EDC tools, used for everything from preparing a meal to emergency defense.

1813: The First Legal Restrictions

The year 1813 marks the official beginning of concealed carry legislation in the United States. During this year, both Kentucky and Louisiana passed laws that prohibited the carrying of "concealed weapons." This was a significant shift in the legal landscape of the young nation. These laws did not ban weapons altogether but specifically targeted the act of hiding them under clothing. For a broader look at how BattlBox covers carry rules and legality, Are EDC Knives Legal? A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Knife Laws connects directly to the legal side of everyday carry.

The motivation behind these first bans was a rise in impulsive violence. In the early 19th century, the South and the West were home to a culture of "personal honor." Minor arguments frequently escalated into duels or street brawls. Legislators believed that if men carried weapons like dirks (a type of long thrusting dagger) or pocket pistols out of sight, they were more likely to use them in the heat of the moment.

• Kentucky (1813): Passed the first ban on concealed weapons to curb "the practice of wearing concealed weapons in the community."
• Louisiana (1813): Followed shortly after with similar restrictions targeting concealed knives and pistols.
• Indiana (1819): Joined the movement by outlawing the carrying of concealed weapons by anyone other than travelers.

These laws were the first time the government distinguished between open and concealed carry. For the next century, many states would view open carry as a protected constitutional right while viewing concealed carry as a practice that could be strictly regulated or banned.

Early Court Battles and the Honor Code

The first legal challenge to these bans occurred in 1822 in the case of Bliss v. Commonwealth. A Kentucky man was convicted of carrying a sword cane—a walking stick with a hidden blade inside. He appealed the conviction, arguing that the Kentucky constitution protected his right to bear arms. The state court actually agreed with him, striking down the ban and ruling that the right to bear arms was absolute.

The victory for concealed carry was short-lived. The Kentucky legislature was so frustrated by the ruling that they eventually amended the state constitution to specifically allow the state to regulate or prevent the carrying of concealed weapons. For readers thinking about the practical side of carrying daily tools, How to Carry an EDC Knife: Essential Tips for Every Adventurer is a solid companion read. This set a precedent that would be followed by many other states throughout the 1800s.

Key Takeaway: Early American courts often protected open carry as a fundamental right while allowing the prohibition of concealed carry, which was then viewed as a "deceptive" practice.

By the mid-1800s, more states began to follow this path. In 1837, Georgia passed a law banning the sale and carry of certain types of pistols and knives. However, in the 1846 case of Nunn v. State, the Georgia Supreme Court ruled that while the state could ban concealed carry, it could not ban open carry. The court reasoned that the Second Amendment protected the right to carry openly for self-defense.

The Transition to May-Issue and the Sullivan Act

As the United States became more urbanized in the early 20th century, carry laws shifted from outright bans to permitting systems. This was the birth of the "May-Issue" era. Under a May-Issue system, a person must apply for a permit to carry a concealed weapon, and a local official (usually a police chief or sheriff) has the discretion to deny the application even if the person meets all legal requirements. If you are building a monthly gear plan around that kind of responsibility, get expert-curated gear delivered monthly so your setup keeps pace with your needs.

The most famous example of this was the 1911 Sullivan Act in New York. Named after state senator Timothy Sullivan, the law required a license for anyone to possess a firearm small enough to be concealed. To get a carry permit, an applicant had to prove "good moral character" and show "proper cause" for wanting to carry. This effectively meant that only the wealthy or those with political connections could legally carry a concealed weapon in New York City.

During this era, many other states adopted similar restrictive permitting systems. These laws were often used to prevent certain groups of people from being armed. For much of the 20th century, concealed carry was a rare privilege rather than a widely exercised right for the average citizen.

1987: The Florida Shall-Issue Model

The modern era of concealed carry as we know it today truly began in 1987 in Florida. Before this time, Florida was a May-Issue state, and permits were difficult to obtain. Activists like Marion Hammer pushed for a "Shall-Issue" system. In a Shall-Issue system, the government must issue a permit to any applicant who meets the specific legal criteria, such as passing a background check and completing a safety course. That shift also changed the gear market, especially for practical carry lights like the Powertac SOL LED Rechargeable Keychain Light, which fits the modern EDC mindset.

The "Florida Model" proved that a Shall-Issue system could work without causing a spike in crime. When the law passed, critics predicted "Wild West" shootouts in the streets. However, the data showed that permit holders were overwhelmingly law-abiding. This success sparked a wave of legislative changes across the country.

• Before 1987: Fewer than 10 states had Shall-Issue laws.
• The 1990s: Dozens of states in the Midwest and South adopted Shall-Issue systems.
• The 2000s: The movement spread to the West and parts of the Northeast.

The shift to Shall-Issue changed the gear industry forever. As hundreds of thousands of citizens began carrying daily, manufacturers started focusing on more compact and comfortable gear. The Flashlights collection reflects that shift with pocket-sized lights and low-profile carry options built for everyday use. This was the period when high-quality Kydex holsters and micro-compact pistols became mainstream. Kydex is a durable thermoplastic that is molded to the specific shape of a tool, providing excellent retention and a slim profile for concealment.

Bottom line: The 1987 Florida law was the catalyst for the modern concealed carry movement, shifting the legal burden from the citizen to the state.

The Modern Era: Constitutional Carry

Today, the trend has moved toward "Constitutional Carry," also known as permitless carry. This means that any law-abiding citizen who is legally allowed to own a firearm can carry it concealed without needing a state-issued permit. This approach views the Second Amendment itself as the "permit."

Vermont was the first state to have Constitutional Carry. In fact, Vermont never had a law prohibiting concealed carry, so they have been permitless since the founding of the state. For decades, it was the only state with this "Vermont Carry" model.

The movement began to accelerate in 2003 when Alaska adopted permitless carry. Arizona followed in 2010. Since then, the number of states with Constitutional Carry has exploded. As of today, more than half of the states in the U.S. allow some form of permitless carry. This shift has placed a greater emphasis on individual responsibility and training, as carriers no longer have a state-mandated class to attend.

Our team at BattlBox has seen this shift reflected in the gear our members request. Whether you live in a permitless state or a Shall-Issue state, the focus has moved toward integrated EDC systems. The Every Day Carry collection is where that daily-ready mindset comes together in one place.

How History Shapes Modern EDC Gear

The legal history of concealed carry has directly influenced the design and function of the gear we use. In the 1800s, "concealed" meant a small pistol hidden in a coat pocket or a knife tucked into a boot. Today, we have sophisticated systems designed for comfort, access, and deep concealment. A compact blade like the QSP Tiny TOT compact fixed blade fits that evolution well.

Modern holsters are a far cry from the simple leather pouches of the past. We now use Inside the Waistband (IWB) holsters that clip onto the belt but sit inside the pants. This reduces "printing," which is when the shape of your gear is visible through your clothing. We also see the rise of "appendix carry," where the tool is worn at the front of the body for faster access and better concealment while standing or sitting.

The evolution of the "Everyday Carry" or EDC kit is part of this history. EDC refers to the collection of items you carry on your person every day to handle tasks and emergencies. A modern EDC kit often includes:

1. A folding or fixed-blade knife for utility and defense.
2. A compact, high-output flashlight.
3. A medical kit (IFAK) containing a tourniquet and hemostatic gauze.
4. A reliable way to start a fire, like a ferrocerium rod or a weatherproof lighter.

When we curate items for our subscribers, we consider this history. The transition from large, cumbersome tools to streamlined, multi-functional gear is a direct result of the legal and social evolution of carry. You can see that thinking in Mission 134 - Breakdown, where practical gear choices come together in a real BattlBox mission. Our Pro and Pro Plus tiers often feature the kind of high-tier blades and tools that represent the peak of modern EDC evolution.

Training and Responsibility

While the history of concealed carry shows a trend toward more accessibility, it also highlights the need for proficiency. Carrying a tool for defense is a serious responsibility that requires ongoing training. In the 1800s, a person might practice with their tool on the farm. Today, we have access to professional training, range time, and dry-fire practice.

The best gear is useless if you don't know how to use it under pressure. We encourage every member of our community to seek out local training. This includes:

• Legal Training: Understanding your local and state laws regarding use of force.
• Skill Training: Learning how to draw, aim, and clear malfunctions.
• Medical Training: Knowing how to use a tourniquet or chest seal if you or someone else is injured.

Preparation is about more than just what is in your pockets. It is about the mindset of the person carrying it. For a deeper dive into bleeding-control basics, What is a Tourniquet? is a useful follow-up. As carry laws continue to evolve, the importance of the "human element"—your skills and your judgment—remains the most critical part of the survival equation.

Conclusion

The history of concealed carry in the United States is a journey from unregulated open carry to strict bans, and eventually to the modern permitless and Shall-Issue systems we see today. Since the first laws were passed in 1813, the way we think about self-defense and concealment has changed dramatically. This evolution has driven innovation in the outdoor and survival industry, leading to the high-quality, reliable gear we rely on today.

BattlBox is committed to providing the gear and knowledge you need to be prepared for any scenario. From the high-performance knives in our Pro Plus tier to the essential medical supplies in our Emergency / Disaster Preparedness collection, we help you build a kit that honors the tradition of self-reliance.

Key Takeaway: Concealed carry has evolved from a discouraged practice to a widely recognized right, emphasizing the need for both quality gear and dedicated training.

Your next step is to evaluate your own EDC setup. Are you carrying the most effective tools for your environment? Adventure. Delivered. Choose your BattlBox subscription.

FAQ

What was the first state to ban concealed carry?

Kentucky was the first state to pass a law banning the carrying of concealed weapons in 1813. Louisiana followed with a similar ban in the same year, reflecting a growing concern over impulsive violence and dueling in the early 19th century. These laws specifically targeted the act of hiding weapons rather than owning them.

When did Florida start the shall-issue concealed carry movement?

Florida passed its landmark "Shall-Issue" concealed carry law in 1987. This law required the state to issue a permit to any citizen who met objective criteria, such as a clean background check and completed training. Its success in proving that law-abiding citizens could carry responsibly led dozens of other states to adopt similar laws.

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

Shall-issue laws mean the government must grant a carry permit to anyone who meets the legal requirements defined by law. May-issue laws give local law enforcement the discretion to deny a permit even if the applicant meets all requirements, often requiring the applicant to "prove a need" to carry.

Has any state always allowed concealed carry without a permit?

Vermont is the only state that has historically allowed concealed carry without a permit since its founding. Because Vermont never passed a law prohibiting the practice, it became the namesake for "Vermont Carry," which is now commonly referred to as Constitutional Carry across the United States.