So I believe that we are on the eve of an opinion in
New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen concerning very restrictive laws in certain parts of the country that make getting a CCW a near impossibility. Based on the seniority of Justice Thomas and that there is a desire to spread out the work issuing opinions, it is likely he will be the one to be the author. What gives my position more credence is that he was a close friend with Justice Scalia who authored
Heller. As such, Justice Thomas not only has the sonority, the chance, and motive to write the opinion.
On to the opinion, I believe that Justice Thomas who follows the beliefs of the late Justice Scalia will not read a right to conceal carry into the Constitution. Rather, they will hold the right to carry a firearm in some manner is in the Constitution. One only needs to look to the laws around the first 13 states to come to this conclusion, where carrying hidden weapons were illegal in some areas. With Amy Coney Barrett being an acolyte to Justice Scalia, I believe she will join Justice Thomas in his opinion.
This right to carry a firearm will not be extensive as we here would like as they will allow an imposition of time, place, and manner restrictions similar to the 1A. Such, expect New York City to restrict guns in the subway, parks, and city owned facilities. It's unlikely that New York will allow open carry and will settle for concealed carry. Even with the ability to carry without good cause, New York will likely adopt a stringent training requirement, medical assessment, lengthy application process, and perhaps a psychological exam. These restriction will be in line with the restrictions found in
Heller.
Such, it will be a victory but a minor one for the pro-gun side.