“Concealed carry” denotes wearing a hidden (concealed) handgun in public.
There are two categories for this: legal and criminal. We are discussing only legal concealed carry here.
To legally carry a concealed handgun, one generally must obtain a license (aka permit) from the state where they want to carry, though there are exceptions which we will discuss later.
Getting a license
Concealed carry laws are passed by a state’s legislature during public sessions, where constituent input as well as floor debate are a normal course of events. When the legislation passes both legislative houses, it is sent on to the governor for approval. Once the law is enacted, a state agency is empowered to handle the paperwork and approval process. In Texas, this function is fulfilled by the Department of Public Safety.
Licensing requirements vary from state to state. Some require specific training and testing from a state-certified instructor before you can be eligible.
For example, in Texas, applicants must attend a training seminar which includes both written and target shooting tests. They must also undergo two criminal history background checks––FBI and state––to prove they are sufficiently law-abiding to be entrusted with the responsibility of carrying a lethal weapon in public. There are additional legal requirements as well. For example, the applicant must:
· Not be charged with or convicted of a felony or class A or B misdemeanor.
· Not be delinquent on tax payments.
· Not be under a restraining order.
· Not be suffering from a psychiatric disorder or chemical dependency.
Once the candidate completes state-required training, they may send in an application packet to the state’s licensing board.
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For in-depth analysis of the issues discussed here, read Howard’s book Four Hundred Years of Gun Control: Why Isn’t It Working?, which deconstructs the gun control agenda and motivates more people to support our civil right of self-defense. Autographed copies are available from the author.
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Comments
Not all may issue states rely on county Sheriffs as the licensing authority. For example, licenses in Massachusetts are approved or denied by local police chiefs, while either the local police chief or the county Sheriff can do so in California. The really irritating aspect of this "discretionary" system is that there's really very little discretion involved. Some authorities will issue a license to anyone not disqualified by statute, while the authority in the next town will deny almost all applicants.
www.usacarry.com has a very good interactive map that shows reciprocity between the states. You click on your state of residence and it shows all other states that honor your permit. It even allows you to click on other states for which you have an out-of-state permit and it updates the graphical display.
There is still a right to self defense in this country, which means you can meet force with force. Research shows that firearms are used over 2 million times per year to deter crime, often without a shot being fired. So your comment about judge, jury and executioner is way out of line. CHL holders are not trigger-happy cowboys.
Jeff,
Alex no longer lives here. He was unable to live up to my 'reasonable and intelligent' requirements.
Anyway (Ken, too), thanks for your input. It made this article better.
I live in Kentucky. I have a Concealed Deadly Weapons Permit. This type of permit allows me to carry any type of deadly weapon. Gun, knife, 10" barn nail, it doesn't matter. I am glad I took the course. Not just because I can "legally" carry a concealed weapon, but because there was alot of very important information to be learned about the reprecussions of using leathal force. It was an 8 hour course. 6 hours in a stuffy room watching and listening to Kentucky lawyers recite statutes and legal precedent. We had to prove that we were competent in our ablilities to field strip our handguns and properly clean them. The other 2 hours were spent at the firing range, 5 shots at a time, under close observation. My state also has an open carry statute.
I live in a county that issues for self protection, and in the Peoples Republik of Kalifornia no less,
Keep up the good work Sir
The rules vary from state to state.
Here in Washington, it's a Concealed Pistol License and it does not cover knives, impact weapons, etc.
However, in Florida, it's a Concealed Weapon or Firearm License, and the only thing specifically excluded from carry is a machinegun. Florida is also a switchblade legal state.
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