Indiana requires a single application and fee and then you're GTG for life. I believe all of those states require CC permits that require renewal ($) and/or some training. So, if the fact that OC is prohibited w/o a license is a dis-qualifier for you, well, to each his own.Is Indiana #1? No. Not even in the top ten.
As was mentioned earlier, much depends on one's grading criteria. My top tier (in no particular order) is Alaska, Arizona, and Wyoming (Vermont gets disqualified due the prohibition on suppressors). Idaho, Montana, Utah, and a few others make up tier 2 (again, depending on your grading system).
Indiana would be hands down #1 with the elimination of IC 35-47-2-1(a).
A quick check yields some things:
- WY bans colleges, professional sporting events, and bars
- UT reqs. 0.0 BAC if carrying
- AZ - polling places off limits, can't drop your kids off at school if there's a loaded gun in the car. But, college kids can keep theirs in their locked car. "No guns" signs carry the force of law.
- MT - weird law on carrying in restaurants...
- ID - looks pretty good.
- AK - bars & other people's home w/o prior notice off limits
Personally, I prefer laws that doesn't focus on the method of carry, because in the end, what does that really matter regarding safety / public policy / effectiveness? I mean, either way, the person has a handgun. If I want to OC in MT, does that mean I have to have a gun belt that goes around my parka?
The other factor that can't be read from laws is the general public attitude. It's all fine and dandy if you can technically OC, but everyone will constantly call the cops, then in practicality, that's not so good. Pretty much the states you list are all "pro-gun", but so is Indiana for the most part.
Pretty much all these "top ten" states have a few differences, and that will likely come down to preference and habits. Since I like beer, and I often end up on college campuses, IN law suits me just fine.