In the United States approximately six million people have a concealed carry permit. Each of the fifty states allows concealed carry to varying degrees. States allow the use of concealed weapons in part because guns are proven to reduce crime rates by an average of five and two-thirds percent (Concealed Weapons). Although firearms are permitted in all states, they are not permitted 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 often restrict concealed carry in schools, government buildings, and establishments where alcohol is a major revenue generator. The government should allow the use of firearms in schools and federal buildings if the individual meets qualifications and passes rigorous tests governed by experienced lawmen. All fifty states allow concealed carry, but some, such as California and New York, may restrict who carries based on local law enforcement (concealed weapons) discrimination. All states should issue concealed carry permits and be barred from matters based on discrimination of lawmen due to the possibility of unfair discrimination based on race or otherwise. There are four categories of state regulations regarding concealed carry. The former is a non-issue, which means the state prohibits hiding guns. Since Illinois allowed concealed carry in 2012, there have been no states that prohibit concealed carry. The only place in the United States that bans concealed carry is Washington DC. In Washington DC the only people who can carry concealed weapons are retired and currently working cops... middle of the paper... just having a concealed carry permit should be able to provide as long as they meet strict requirements . State and federal concealed carry laws should restrict firearms but not prohibit them. Concealed weapons are an effective form of self-defense as they can save lives and prevent tragedies. Qualified individuals should be allowed to carry concealed weapons if they choose. Concealed handguns are effective and should be allowed for qualified adults to carry on most public property. Works Cited Carson, Rob. “About 1 in 12 states, adults are allowed to carry concealed handguns.”Thenewstribune.com. February 3, 2013. Web November 3, 2013 "Hidden Guns." ProCon.org Headlines. October 31, 2013. Web November 3, 2013 McCarty, Ciara. "Concealed Weapons Were OK in the 50th State". WinnipegFreePress, July 12, 2013 Web November 3, 2013"Concealed Carry Students" Concealed Carry Students. November 1, 2013. Web. November 3 2013