On July 8, 2011, Wisconsin became the 49th state to allow concealed carry. Wisconsin citizens who go through training and obtain a permit will be able to carry a concealed handgun in most public buildings and private businesses (including bars and churches) unless establishments post a sign forbidding it starting Nov. 1, 2011.

Carrying a concealed handgun in public is permitted for non-law enforcement officials in 49 states as of July 13, 2011. Illinois and Washington, DC do not allow concealed carry except by active and retired law enforcement officers.

Proponents of concealed carry say that criminals are less likely to attack someone they believe to be armed. They cite the 2nd Amendment’s “right of the people to keep and bear arms,” and argue that most adults who legally carry a concealed gun are law-abiding and do not misuse their firearms.

Opponents of concealed carry argue that increased gun ownership leads to more gun crime and unintended gun injuries. They contend that concealed handguns increase the chances of arguments becoming lethal, and that society would be safer with fewer guns on the street not more.

State regulations on concealed carry fall into four categories. The first is “no-issue” which does not allow citizens to carry a concealed handgun. The second category is “may-issue” which grants concealed carry permits at the discretion of local authorities. The third category is “shall-issue” which requires police to issue concealed carry permits as long as the applicant meets certain minimum requirements such as a minimum age, no prior felony conviction, and no recent commitments to a mental institution. The fourth category is “unrestricted carry,” where no permit is required to carry a concealed handgun.

To read the remainder of  this article and to read more “pro” and “con” arguments of concealed weapon carry, click here.