Hey Fellas, I've had quite a bit of experience here. My family has owned a gun shop for over 37 years, and I've carried a handgun since I was 18 (before the federal law was changed to 21). State laws can vary dramatically from one to another and counties within the state can have there own version as well. Carry permits in the state of Alabama are for "concealed weapons" and there are other states that require it to be "in plan sight". My dad went on a hunt in southern Texas and the Sheriff was happy to honor his carry permit but he had to wear his pistol in an exterior holster. Most permits have "Reciprocity States" listed on the back. However, my experience has found that information can be outdated or misinterpreted. My suggestion is to first go to your states website and look up the Reciprocity States from there...then go to the state in question and verify the information. I do try my best to educate myself and follow these laws but personally...I'd rather be caught with it, than without it.
~G
P.S. Nugent for President!