Gun rights have been a hot topic of debate in the United States for decades. The Second Amendment of the US Constitution guarantees citizens the right to keep and bear arms, but how much of that right that citizens can take advantage of legally can vary widely from state to state. Some states have more relaxed gun laws, while others have stricter regulations. In this article, we will explore the states in the US with the best gun rights, and the factors that contribute to their rankings.

To determine which states have the best gun rights, we will be looking at a number of factors. These include the state's gun laws, the ease of obtaining a firearm, the ability to carry a concealed weapon, and the general attitude towards gun ownership in the state. Based on these factors, the following states are among the top when it comes to gun rights based on the research that I’ve done, however, it is worth noting that at the time of writing, the country is now over 50% in terms of states that feature Constitutional Carry laws and this is always a huge positive - and there are more on the way.

 

Luke’s Top 5 States for Gun Rights

●Arizona

●Alaska

●Wyoming

●Idaho

●Montana

 

Arizona has some of the most relaxed gun laws in the country, with no waiting period for firearms purchases and no requirement for a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Alaska and Wyoming also have very permissive gun laws, with open carry allowed without a permit in both states. Idaho and Montana have similar laws, although Montana does require a permit for concealed carry.

It is worth noting that these rankings can change over time. For example, in 2021, Texas passed a new law allowing residents to carry handguns without a permit, making it one of the most gun-friendly states in the country.

There are a number of factors that contribute to a state's ranking in terms of gun rights. One of the most important is the state's gun laws. Some states have stricter regulations on the sale and ownership of firearms, which can limit the ability of citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights. Other states have more relaxed laws, which can make it easier for citizens to purchase and carry firearms. Another important factor is the ease of obtaining a firearm. In some states, there are waiting periods and background checks that can delay the purchase of a firearm. Other states have no waiting periods and allow citizens to purchase firearms immediately.

The ability to carry a concealed weapon is also an important factor. In some states, citizens must obtain a permit before they can carry a concealed weapon. Other states allow open carry without a permit, while still, others allow concealed carry without a permit. States with more permissive concealed carry laws tend to rank higher in terms of gun rights which is why Texas, Alaska, and Idaho are in my top 5 list.

Finally, the general attitude towards gun ownership in a state can also play a role. Some states have a culture of gun ownership and are more accepting of firearms. Other states may have more restrictive laws due to concerns about gun violence. One example I can point out that probably should be on the list but isn’t in New Hampshire. New Hampshire has some of the best gun laws in the state but if you’re anywhere near major metropolitan areas then you’ll be hard-pressed to know that you’re in a state that literally embodies its state motto: "Live Free or Die.” New Hampshire suffers from its close proximity to more restrictive states and regions like Washington D.C., New York State, and Vermont.

In general, the states with the best gun rights tend to be those with more permissive gun laws, easier access to firearms, and more relaxed regulations on carrying concealed weapons. However, it is worth noting that rankings can change over time as laws and attitudes toward gun ownership evolve. It is important for individuals to stay up-to-date on the laws in their state and to exercise their Second Amendment rights responsibly so that we can become better stewards and representatives of one of the core rights of this great country of ours.

Sources:

"The Best States for Gun Owners in 2021." Guns & Ammo, 18 Jan. 2021, https://www.gunsandammo.com/editorial/best-states-for-gun-owners-2022/463592

"State Gun Laws." National Rifle Association, www.nraila.org/gun-laws/state-gun-laws/."

Open and Concealed Gun Carry Laws by State." USA Carry, www.usacarry.com/concealed-carry-permit-reciprocity-maps/