Concealed Carry vs. Open Carry

46 states, including Nevada, allow some form of open firearm carrying. The question is, why would you go through the hassle of getting a permit if you can simply open carry a firearm without any permit or license? Here’s everything you need to know about the open carry vs. concealed carry debate.  

Do You Need a Concealed Carry Permit? 

Whether you need a concealed carry permit depends on where you live and what the laws are in your state. Some states allow you to carry without a permit. Some jurisdictions have what are known as “Constitutional carry” laws. These laws allow you to open or conceal carry without a permit, provided you meet age requirements — usually 18 or 21 — and aren’t prohibited from owning a firearm. 

Nevada does require you to obtain a concealed carry permit to carry a firearm concealed upon your person. According to Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 202.350, carrying a concealed firearm without a permit constitutes a category C felony. 

However, you can open carry in Nevada without a permit. This means that the weapon must be openly visible and discernable as a firearm. If it’s covered by an article of clothing, it would be considered “concealed.” 

Concealed Carry vs. Open Carry Basics

Before exploring the pros and cons of concealed carry vs. open carry, it’s important to understand what each term means. Each state has very specific language defining what is considered “concealed.” For example, the Nevada Revised Statute defines a concealed weapon as a weapon carried in such a way as “not to be discernible by ordinary observation.” 

A few items that could make your weapon concealed include:

• Your shirt
• Your jacket
• A fanny pack
• A purse 

If you intend to open carry, make sure that you aren’t unintentionally carrying the firearm in a concealed manner. Something as simple as covering your gun and holster with your untucked shirt could constitute a felony if you don’t have a permit. 

The Pros of Open Carry

There are only a few advantages to open carry:

Convenience

Proponents of open carry in Nevada may like that they can skip the permitting process altogether. You can open carry in Nevada as soon as you turn 21 — or 18 if you are in the armed forces. 

Immediate Access

An openly carried firearm also provides immediate access, which can be viewed as beneficial in high-stress situations. However, the differences in draw time between concealed and open carry can be negligible with the proper training and practice. 

Deterrent Effect

Some believe that the mere sight of a firearm can deter potential threats, making would-be attackers think twice. However, open carrying can also put you at the center of high-risk incidents that you otherwise may have been able to de-escalate by simply removing yourself from the situation. 

The Cons of Open Carry 

Open carry comes with some serious concerns. Here are a few drawbacks to think about:

Unwanted Attention 

Openly carrying a firearm can attract unwanted attention from the public. People who are unfamiliar with firearms might feel uncomfortable or fearful, potentially causing unnecessary confrontations or leading to calls to law enforcement. 

The Potential for Escalation

Open carry can escalate interactions that might otherwise remain neutral. For example, if a disagreement occurs in a public setting, the visible presence of a firearm may increase tension and lead to confrontations. 

The Risk of Targeting

One of the biggest drawbacks of open carry is that it can make you a target. For example, suppose you are sitting down and having lunch with your family at a restaurant. Suddenly, armed robbers barge in with guns drawn and demand cash from the register. 

Ordinarily, they may get the money from the register and leave. However, if one of the criminals sees your openly carried firearm, you could be attacked. 

Additional Legal Liability

Carrying a firearm is a major responsibility. Nevada residents don’t have to demonstrate any safety or proficiency with a gun under permitless open carry laws. This low barrier to entry may increase the risk of firearm-related incidents like accidental discharges, and increase your liability if there is an accident.

The Pros of Concealed Carry

Concealed carry provides significant advantages over the open carry approach. Take a closer look at some of the key benefits:

Discretion

By obtaining a concealed carry permit, you can carry your firearm without alerting others. This discretion can be beneficial in public spaces where the visible presence of a firearm might cause alarm. 

After consideration, most people don’t want everyone to know that they are carrying a firearm. It’s a private decision made to protect yourself and your loved ones. 

The Element of Surprise

Concealed carry also allows you to maintain the element of surprise. Hopefully, you’ll never have to use your concealed firearm in a true life-or-death situation. However, if you do, you should give yourself every advantage possible. 

If you’re the only one who knows about your firearm, you may be able to act without drawing immediate attention to yourself. 

Legal Protection

Should you have to use your firearm, concealed carry may also leave you in a more defensible legal position. You’ll have to complete an eight-hour course to obtain your Nevada concealed carry permit. That course alone can demonstrate that you take your responsibilities as a gun owner seriously.

Additionally, carrying your firearm in a concealed manner supports the idea that you aren’t going around looking for a fight.

The ‘Cons’ of Concealed Carry

There are couple of minor drawbacks to concealed carry, such as the following: 

There’s an Application Fee

You will have to pay for your concealed carry permit. A new application fee currently costs $100.25, according to the Las Vegas Metro Police Department. Your renewal fee is just $65.25. Keep in mind that you’ll only have to pay that fee every five years. 

Comfort

Carrying a handgun in an Inside the Waistband (IWB) holster, especially full-size handguns, can be uncomfortable over long periods. Basic activities like visiting the restroom, bending over to tie your shoes, or selecting your wardrobe for the day get a little more complicated when you’re carrying concealed. 

Why Getting a CCW Permit Is Worth the Effort

If you’re asking, “Why should I bother with a CCW permit when open carry is legal?” consider the additional value a concealed carry permit brings. Here are some of the most notable reasons why you should get your permit:

Training and Preparedness

The eight-hour training course that’s required for your CCW permit will teach you some basic safety and marksmanship skills that you can use to become a more responsible and capable gun owner. 

If you want to build on that entry-level skill set, you can book one-on-one pistol training sessions at The Range 702. Our experienced instructors will be happy to help you expand your skills. 

Legal Flexibility

Many states have CCW reciprocity agreements. This means that your Nevada concealed carry permit allows you to lawfully carry a concealed firearm in other states. 

As of October 2024, there are 34 states where you can legally carry a concealed handgun with a Nevada CCW permit.

Convenience When Transferring a Firearm

In the state of Nevada, background checks for firearm transfers are conducted through the Nevada Department of Public Safety, and the wait can sometimes be hours – meaning you often won’t be able to complete a transfer which requires a background check in the same day. Valid Concealed Firearm Permit holders, however, aren’t required to wait, so you can complete your transfers right away. While it’s a fringe benefit, it is really nice to be able to buy something or receive a transfer and go home with it in the same visit.

Book a Concealed Carry Permit Class With the Range 702

Carrying a firearm in any capacity is a serious responsibility. By obtaining your concealed carry license, you can ensure you’re equipped to shoulder that responsibility to better protect yourself and others.

Ready to schedule your CCW class? The Range 702 offers group options and private lessons to accommodate participants of all experience levels and learning styles. Book your course today.