Over the past few weeks I’ve had quite a few people come to me asking if I can provide them a class to obtain their conceal carry (CCW) permit. Unfortunately I am not certified to provide CCW courses in my state, and have no intention to change that. Even worse, our state requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm. Instead I offer them some general instruction, quite a bit of advice, and point them towards those can certify them to carry concealed in this state. Here are just a few points I always make when discussing why you should obtain your conceal carry permit.
Start the Conceal Carry Process Sooner than Later
In my county, the approving law enforcement agency has up to 120 days to process your permit application. This is much longer than my previous hometown, taking up to a quarter of a year. Worse yet, they WILL take the entire 120 day period to get you your permit. Whether this is due to high volume, or by design, I’m unsure. Either way, you’re four months away from getting your permit once you submit everything to them. Currently there are NO provisions to carry concealed here legally outside of a permit.
With this in mind, I highly recommend people take a CCW class and submit their paperwork as soon as possible. Even if you don’t want to carry now, you may want or need to carry down the road. With this excessive wait period, you don’t want to be left high and dry by the powers that be. It only serves to benefit you if you have your carry permit, starting the process sooner may pay dividends later.
Official Training Records
In our state there is no training requirement to purchase a firearm. This is a good thing, as the Bill of Rights makes no carve out of limitations such as that. However, it’s always good to get some sort of formal training on the books as a gun owner. Even those who “grew up around guns” will likely learn something in a good class.
Taking a CCW class shows that you’ve passed the minimum standard set forth by the state to carry a firearm into public. It’s not everything you may need to know, but it’s a good start. This may help you should you use a firearm defensively, inside or outside the home, both practically and legally. This doesn’t mean it’s a “Get out of jail free” card, but it’s always better to have some sort of codified proof of training rather than vague comments about your own personal practice.
No Waiting Periods for Conceal Carry Permit Holders
We do not live in a state with official waiting periods to purchase firearms. However, due to how background checks are completed here, we effectively have a waiting period. I’ve never seen someone walk out of a gun shop with their firearm the same day as making their purchase.
Luckily, there’s a way to help ourselves navigate this de facto waiting period. By having your conceal carry permit you are able to complete your ATF Form 4473, then walk out with your gun, same day. Whether you’re excited to try out a firearm on the range, or have a serious threat to your safety, a CCW permit will absolutely be beneficial here.
Closing Thoughts
Get your carry permit! There are basically zero shortcomings to doing so, outside of the time and financial cost. It will almost certainly pay dividends for yourself down the road. So stop procrastinating, and find a class today!
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