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Government

What Are the Best and Worst States for Second Amendment Fans?

Feb. 22, 2013 11:28am Mike Opelka

Do you live in a state that still holds high regard for the Second Amendment?

Image: Brady Campaign

The map seen above comes from the Brady Campaign, a group pushing for more stringent gun laws. Based on Brady’s scoring system, red states have the most relaxed laws when it comes to gun ownership. Green states are those with the toughest limitations for anyone hoping to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed gun rights.

The Brady group scores states on a variety of topics - things like state license requirements and background checks on all purchases. No state scores a perfect 100 with Brady, but California gets an 81, and that is before any new laws that will get put in place following the Sandy Hook massacre.

Image: Brady Campaign

At the top of Brady’s “best” (the most restrictive) states are:

California
Connecticut
New York
New Jersey
Massachusetts
Hawaii

Leading the “worst” list (according to Brady) are three states that might be considered the “best” states for gun owners. All three scored a ZERO on the Brady checklist. Getting a zero is probably like scoring 100 in the eyes of a firearms fan. Meet the “zeros”:

Arizona
Alaska
Utah

Rounding out the rest of the top 10 best states for gun ownership (based on Brady) appear to be:

North Dakota
Oklahoma
Florida
Wisconsin
Texas
Wyoming
Mississippi

If you are a gun owner, it is likely that you already know the laws in your state because you had to jump through whatever hoops required in order to secure a firearm. But what do you know about gun laws in the rest of the country?

If you have to move to another state, will you be able to bring your guns with you?
What about traveling with a gun? Can you drive across country with a weapon? (Air and train travel have specific limitations.)
If you have a concealed carry permit in one state, is it recognized in other states?

Considering concealed carry rights, unlike a drivers license, not every state respects or acknowledges the concealed carry permits from other states. If you are planning on moving or traveling to another state, and you want to bring your weapon(s) with you, it is wise to constantly look into the laws of the place you are going. At least one website is attempting to stay abreast of the changes in the laws.

The map below is all about “concealed carry” rights. The light blue colored states “shall issue” permits, the khaki-colored states are those that “may issue” ccw permits, the yellow states require that you be a resident of the state in order to get a carry permit. And the red states (there’s only one state – Illinois and the District of Columbia) are places where citizens cannot even apply for a carry permit.

Image: Handgunlaw.us website

(We do realize that the Illinois ban was overturned in December of 2012, and the state has 180 days to come up with a new plan. An appeal is expected soon.)

There’s even an iPhone and Android app called “legal heat” that you can download on your phone to carry every state’s concealed carry laws with you.

As changes to gun laws in states are constantly evolving, we recommend that you always keep up with the laws in your state and community.

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

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Comments (266)

Guitar Master
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 2:33pm
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From THE REPORTER
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Continuation > > >

Sen. Mark Udall 202 – 224 – 5941
” Tom Udall 202 – 224 – 6621
” Mark Warner 202 – 224 – 2023

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Guitar Master
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 2:30pm
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
From THE REPORTER
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

“There are 20 U.S. senators, in particular, who hole the fate of your freedom in their hands,” – Chris Cox, Executive Director NRA.

Folks if you believe in your 2nd Amendment rights please take the time to call, email or write the following senators. These senators are facing huge pressure from the gun ban lobby to support Mr. Obama’s gun control agenda. If you want to contribute a simple phone call, letter or email is what you need to do.

Sen. Max Baucus 202 – 224 – 2651 Sen Mark Begisch 202 – 224 – 3004
Sen Susan Collins 202 – 224 – 2523 Sen Joe Donnelly 202 – 224 – 4814
” Kay Hagan 202 – 224 – 6342 Sen Martin Heinrich 202 – 224 – 5521
” Heidi Heitkamp 202 – 224 – 5521 Sen Tim Johnson 202 – 224 – 5842
” Tim Kaine 202 – 224 – 4024 Sen Angus King 202 – 224 – 5344
” Mary Landnieu 202 – 224 – 5824 Sen Joe Manchin 202 – 224 – 3854
” Claire McCaskill 202 – 224 – 6154 Sen Mark Pryor 202 – 224 – 2353
” Harry Reid 202 – 224 – 3542 Sen Jeanne Shaheen 202 – 224 – 2841
” Jon Testar

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Klem Kadiddlehopper
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 2:29pm
I take exception to the labeling of folks who are defenders of The Constitution and The Bill of Rights as “fans.”
I am a “fan”of hockey. I am a “fan” of football. I am a “fan” of baseball.
Being an advocate and proponent of the basic principles upon which this great nation was founded is not a sport.

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2WarAbnVet
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 2:29pm
The basic mistake is any belief that more gun laws reduce violence. One need look no farther than events in Chicago to observe the imbecility of that premise.

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Ross Blankert
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 2:27pm
The Veterans Administration has declared that they can declare a veteran incompetent and take over his finances for him without any due process. It is also now for this same veteran to own a gun legally. If he is caught with a weapon, he can be fined and /or sent to prison if the VA declares him to be incompetent. Anyone who has issues with the government could be declared incompetent and therefore loses his second amendment rights. Can you see how this could be used to take guns away from any and all veterans of the United States? Would the Obama administration violate the constitution and/or waive due process for American citizens? They have many times and will do it in the near future.

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sanvitodeinormandie
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 2:20pm
P.S.: That is unless you’re a politician in IL., and DC!!!!!!!!

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sanvitodeinormandie
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 2:20pm
Do you think it is a coincidence that Illinois, and DC have THE highest homicide rates in these United States. The criminals know you’re NOT packing!!!!!!!!!!!

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Skearit
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 2:13pm
Okay, I guess this is sort of a survey question. I currently live in Utah (yes I have a CCW permit) but I graduate from college here in two months and my wife and I kinda want to move away and experience more of the country. I don’t, however, want to move to a state where I’m just a subject instead of a citizen. What states have the best combination of carry laws and castle doctrines? IMO the castle doctrine is nearly as important as the carry laws. Maybe you can answer this Ghost?

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- GhostOfJefferson
  Posted on February 22, 2013 at 2:57pm
  Wyoming is an easy move, and near you so no culture shock. Texas has great castle doctrine, however, good luck open carrying. Florida is great castle doctrine, same issue with open carry though. General list of “excellent” castle doctrine:
  
  Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, and Washington
  
  Ohio has “ok” castle doctrine (we can’t shoot at a guy stealing our car out of our driveway, but if he steps in our home we own him and his future). We can take out a thug who tries to assault us on the street, but we have a vague “duty to retreat” that is a fuss sometimes. Basically if we can get away without endangering ourselves, we should do so. So for example, a guy goes on a mall shooting spree, and we could have easily slipped out of the front doors of the mall, and didn’t, that’s an issue I think (need to check up on that, there may have been changes there that I don’t know about). Other midwest states are similar.
  
  The best of the best are the combined strong castle doctrine/unlicensed open carry states, such as Arizona, Wyoming, etc. It all depends on your goals and attitudes regarding carry once you know the castle doctrine.
  
  Good luck!
  
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- Skearit
  Posted on February 22, 2013 at 4:34pm
  Thanks for the info Ghost
  
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The Rattler
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 2:10pm
Vermont allows concealed carry without a permit at the age of 16, with parental permission. And they are not in the top 5?

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- GhostOfJefferson
  Posted on February 22, 2013 at 2:57pm
  Because Wyoming pwned your butts. Age 14 there. :)
  
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pkoning
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 2:09pm
You said, in the description of that second map “the yellow states require that you be a resident of the state in order to get a carry permit”. Not true. If you read the description of the map at handgunlaw.us, you’ll see the actual meaning. It means that the state will recognize other state’s carry permits only if that carry permit is for a resident. For example, NH recognizes 15 or so other states. So if you’re a resident of such a state and have a resident permit, that’s good in NH. If you have a nonresident permit, then that doesn’t help.
The most important point is that yellow does NOT means the state only issues resident permits. Again, using NH as an example, they very definitely issue both resident and non-resident permits.
Other than that glitch, great article!

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ktmrider1
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 2:05pm
may issue a ccp in california? yeah right, only if you are about to be murdered. you might as well color that one red

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DontTreadonAlaska
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 2:03pm
Alaska is by fare the most supportive of gun rights and the 2nd. im proud to call my self a Alaskan.
now that said, if you are Californian and are thinking of moving here DONT! its bitterly cold, the mosquito’s are the size of a small bird and we might eat you if we get hungry….. so dont bother.

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Not_Much_To_Say
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 2:03pm
I am curious: Of the states with strong anti-gun policies, what is the murder rate by guns per capita? In other words…. do all those restrictions really make the state any safer? (hard data – NOT opinion)

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dish-aw1959
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 1:57pm
Illinois ….. suprise, suprise. And yet they are a high murder state. Only the criminals (and cops) have guns, it’s like shooting fish in a barrel.

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@SoquelCreek
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 1:52pm
As a native Californian, I find it interesting that nobody questions state policy. No doubt, we have stringent gun laws. Yet strangely, these stringent gun laws don’t seem to be protecting some people in some neighborhoods. Why is that? Is it possibly that more gun laws are NOT the solution to the problems affecting these neighborhoods?

Homicide Rates for Various California Cities
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nW_AjEj1ouE/URSExM2YfFI/AAAAAAAAB2k/dOKi0yWvg28/s1600/California+City+Homicide+Rates.png

Perhaps the most revealing is the difference between Palo Alto (lowest) and neighboring East Palo Alto (highest).

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thegreatcarnac
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 1:39pm
What we must keep in mind is not only do the democrats want your guns the UN does too. That means this is a world issue. We will not comply with the democrats nor the world. What does the world care if Americans are armed UNLESS they all have designs on us and our country. It is not the democrats business, the marxists business, nor the UN’s business if I have a gun.

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Judeo_Christian
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 1:39pm
Kansas has a bill that almost definately be passed by one of the most conservative filled congresses in Kansas History.

This bill declares that the tenth amendment guarantees to the states and their citizens all powers not granted to the federal government and reserves the right of the State of Kansas to protect it’s citizens from federal impingement on your Second Amendment rights.

This bill also declares that firearms, accessories, parts or ammunition that is owned or manufactured commercially or privately in Kansas and remains within the borders of Kansas is not subject to any federal firearm or ammunition law, treaty, regulation, federal executive action or registration program. It declares that any act, law, treaty, order, rule or regulation of the federal government which violates the Second Amendment is null, void and unenforceable in the State of Kansas.

In addition it makes it unlawful for any official, agent or employee of the federal government to enforce or attempt to enforce any act, law, treaty, order, rule or regulation and provides for felony charges if attempted.

Another provision within this bill prohibits inquiry by any physician, other than a psychiatrist, as to ownership or possession of firearms and prohibits treatment being denied for refusal to submit to such questions.

Kansans understand a Constitutional Republic.

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sparkyrules
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 1:35pm
Always PROUD to be a gun owning Michigander.Brady can toot my root.

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BrooklynRon
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 1:32pm
After a little research, I discovered that the top 5 scoring “Brady approved” states are also the bottom 5 states in Firearms death rate per 100,000. http://www.statemaster.com/graph/cri_mur_wit_fir-death-rate-per-100-000. Maybe a bit of regulation isn’t such a bad thing, n’est pas?

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AngelAuthor
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 1:17pm
WINNER!!

Proud Arizonan here.

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wilbstal
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 12:50pm
Infringers will get hurt big

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Uechi
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 12:42pm
The reality is that in every state where the laws have been changed to allow Licensed Concealed Carry there has been a reduction in violent crime. Interesting that the states with the most restictions are also the ones with major crime and financial problems. Could it have anything to do with the Progressive/Marxist political elite in those states?

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2GodBeTheGlory
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 12:40pm
Virginia is an unlicensed open care state and a shall issue for concealed permit. Not sure why VA is not red? Anyone know?

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- GhostOfJefferson
  Posted on February 22, 2013 at 1:10pm
  Asked the same thing about Ohio. Apparently the true test of firearms liberty, open carry, isn’t taken into consideration. They’re using the Brady “who *allows* this” rules to gauge liberty. Ironic isn’t it?
  
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satotbs
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 12:36pm
NC, be loud, be proud. Gun control at its best is what the majority of normal people do. Don’t shoot anyone unless they need it. Practice puking or peeing on command, which works better right?

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liberalhuntingseason
Posted on February 22, 2013 at 12:26pm
Militia people Militia!!!!!!!!

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- progressiveslayer
  Posted on February 22, 2013 at 1:30pm
  Right of the people
  
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