There are so many myths about the rules when it comes to having a concealed carry weapon in the United States that it can sometimes be difficult to remember what is fact and what is fiction. Below, we debunk a couple of the most popular concealed carry myths.

Myth 1: You Need a Holster

Some people believe that you need to have a gun holster to have a concealed carry weapon on your person. However, this is not the case. Legally speaking, you could very well keep the gun in your pocket or your belt.

However, while keeping a gun in your pocket or on your normal belt is a legal option, it’s not necessarily the best choice. Holsters help to keep gun owners, and the people around them, safe. There are numerous reports of people who have kept their guns in their pockets accidentally shooting themselves. To avoid this problem, it’s best to invest in a concealed weapons holster to protect yourself and your firearm. As a bonus, using a holster tends to be more comfortable than just keeping a gun in your belt.

Myth 2: Every State Requires a Concealed Carry License 

Gun laws vary greatly by state. Some states are required to give anyone who applies a concealed carry permit, some have rules as to who can and cannot have a concealed carry weapon, and some states don’t require a permit at all! As of 2020, the states that do not require a concealed carry permit include Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, West Virginia, Alaska, Arizona, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Mississippi.

Keep these debunked myths in mind so you can better remember what is fact and what is fiction when it comes to concealed carry laws. You never know when this information might be able to help.