In the United States, approximately six million people have concealed carry permits. Each of the fifty states allows concealed carry to varying degrees. States allow concealed weapons in part because guns have been proven to reduce crime rates by an average of five and two-thirds percent (concealed weapons). Although guns are allowed in all states, they are not allowed in most government and school buildings. Qualified adults should be allowed to carry concealed handguns because firearms are an effective form of self-defense. State and federal laws should allow the carrying of concealed handguns for personal protection. Laws frequently restrict concealed carry in schools, government buildings, and establishments where alcohol is a primary source of revenue. The government should allow firearms in schools and federal buildings if the individual meets the required qualifications and passes strict tests regulated by experienced lawyers. All fifty states allow concealed carry, but some, such as California and New York, may restrict the carrying of weapons based on whether males are discriminated against by local law (concealed weapons). All states should be required to issue concealed carry permits and should not be allowed to resolve issues based on law enforcement discrimination due to the possibility of unfair discrimination based on race or other factors similar. There are four categories of state regulations regarding concealed carry. The first is not an issue, meaning the state bans concealed handguns. Since Illinois allowed concealed carry in 2012, no state has banned concealed carry. The only place in the United States that prohibits concealed carry is Washington DC. In Washington DC, the only people who can carry concealed handguns are retired and currently working police officers... middle of paper ...... and just have a a concealed carry permit should be able to be issued provided it meets strict requirements. State and federal concealed carry laws should restrict handguns but not ban them. Concealed weapons are an effective form of self-defense because they can save lives and prevent tragedies. Qualified people should be allowed to carry concealed weapons if they choose. Concealed handguns are effective and should be permitted for use by qualified adults on most public properties. Works Cited Carson, Rob. "About 1 in 12 states adults can carry concealed pistols".Thenewstribune.com. February 3, 2013. Web November 3, 2013 “Concealed Weapons.” Headlines from ProCon.org. October 31, 2013. Web November 3, 2013McCarty, Ciara. “Concealed Weapons Allowed in the 50th State.” WinnipegFreePress, July 12, 2013 Web November 3, 2013 “Concealed Carry Students” Concealed Carry Students. November 1, 2013. The web. November 3 2013