Some states require you to have a permit to carry, be it open or concealed. Even if your state doesn't require one, having one will allow you to carry in other states that honor your permit. Check
handgunlaw.us for information about reciprocity.
In the open vs concealed debate in general, I prefer concealed for a few reasons:
- The power of surprise is a significant advantage in a fight.
- You don't want to be drawing unnecessary attention to yourself.
- Carrying open might dissuade a mugger, but if he really wants to get you he'll just get some of his friends after he sees you have a gun, then you're in a lot more trouble than if he didn't know you were armed and attacked you by himself.
- Carrying openly lets the bad gun know where your gun is so he can plan to trap your drawing arm or grab your gun when he attacks you.
- If you ever have to walk through a dense crowd and you're carrying openly, you risk having someone take your gun and you might not even see it coming.