Again you would probably need a CCW to carry any thing other than a firearm that could be used as a weapon. the regulations usually state you can open carry a firearm it doesn’t usually cover anything else but that varies state to state. a concealed weapons permit allows you to carry any weapon.which means you were vetted by the state police Whereas if it's an AR-15 you are Petted by the police. If it wasn't concealed and you were just swaggering along with it in the open, like an AR-15 you wouldn't need the permit I imagine.