First step: Join the NRA. The last time I counted, there are about 30 states that allow CCWs. Furthermore, why are you asking these questions?
I just came back from Switzerland a few days ago. AK-47s are legal, and the place is relatively an utopia as far as crime is concerned. So that sort of sparked my interest in the issue. I don't own a firearm myself.
There are now, I believe, 37 states that have "shall issue" concealed carry laws. Roughly eight or nine states have "may issue" (which means that only the "connected" get permits), and the balance have no CCW laws at all.
Way more than that. Only 4 states ban it entirely. Over thirty have "Shall issue" systems whereby if one doesn't have one of small fixed set of dis-qualifiers, (convicted felon, convicted of domestic abuse, non citizen, etc) one must be issued a permit/license to carry a handgun. Some states allow open carry without a permit, others ban it with or without a permit.