no licence to conceal carry? thoughts/opinions welcome

[pwilson]

They are trying to pass a bill in my home state (WV) which would not require someone to obtain a concealed carry permit to carry concealed..

just wanted to get all your opinion and thoughts on the matter..

link!
http://www.wvva.com/story/28413926/2...d-carry-permit

[CJB]

I don't need a license to exercise any constitutional right, except for carrying a firearm what a pity

[yqtszhj]

it's good to have one if you are traveling to another state. If you dont leave the state I guess it doesn't matter.

[muggsy]

It's all about the money. Criminals carry without a permit and it's the first charge plea bargained away in court. Why should any one need a permit to exercise a constitutional right. Our rights are supposed to be unalienable.

[Ken L]

^^ exactly. Rarely do I see "felon in possession" or "concealed carry without a license" or other firearms related charges on published arrests. My feeling is that we need to enforce the laws that already exist.

[RRP]

pwilson, the downside risk is that WV will lose its reciprocity agreements and w/o a licensing structure, will not be able to cultivate new reciprocity agreements.

My state has licensing, but without any training requirement or background check. It's basically a tax. Few states will reciprocate with us. It's probably safe to say that no state is willing to enter into reciprocity with another state whose licensing requirements are less stringent than their own. I imagine that w/o licensing, the only states that would play ball with you are other states which don't require licensing. Those are growing in number, however.

[TucsonMTB]

They are trying to pass a bill in my home state (WV) which would not require someone to obtain a concealed carry permit to carry concealed..

just wanted to get all your opinion and thoughts on the matter..

link!
http://www.wvva.com/story/28413926/2...d-carry-permit

Here in Arizona, our similar law has worked very well for several years. Usually, the NRA works with the state legislators to craft a bill that will not produce too many unintended side effects. Given the intellects of even well meaning politicians, this is probably a good thing.

Not needing a permit to carry concealed is great, especially if you happen to be absent minded and occasionally head out into the desert on your mountain bike . . . armed, but without your wallet. That would be me.

Yes, in the past, I could just flip up my jersey to expose the 1911 on my waistband because open carry has never required a permit here. But, now I can continue to look friendly even when my aging memory allows me to forget my wallet.

A lot of safety instructors who were offering courses when the permit was required are still doing well because many people still get permits. Now, the biggest convenience of the CCW permit is not having to wait (or pay) for background checks at your friendly local FFL when buying a firearm from an out of state seller on GunBroker or a distant dealer like Bud's Gun Shop.

In Arizona, a CCW permit also removes any concerns if you are dining in a fancy restaurant where drinks are served while you are carrying but not drinking. Life is good.

Oh, and an Arizona CCW is still honored by other states, pretty much as before, in part because we do require instruction to qualify for the permit. For people who travel, the now optional permit is probably almost a necessity.

[xsailer]

My concern for a person CC'n with no consequent training is ME! and maybe MINE! or BYSTANDERS! that happen to be in the area if he/she starts shooting for some reason. My minimum class training (3) has made a very definite impression on me of CC.

[b4uqzme]

I don't need a license to carry concealed. I just need a lic to do it legally.

I think training is good with or without a license. But too many are too lazy...or don't get around to it...

[TheTman]

It wouldn't hurt to require a class on CC, and the legalities and perils of CC'ing. Plus make sure everyone has a working knowledge of a pistol. And knows Cooper's safety rules at least.

[b4uqzme]

^^ I just always have a problem with that word "require". A lot of the things we are so steadfast against started with well-meaning people determining that we need to make something mandatory. I take serious issue with anyone who doesn't get training but it still should be their choice. I'm really in favor of states' removing CCW lic requirements...in the spirit of individual freedom and our Constitution. But as muggsy and others put it a long time ago: with freedom comes great responsibility.

[Longitude Zero]

But as muggsy and others put it a long time ago: with freedom comes great responsibility.

Without a modicum of required training I can see righteous use of force being drawn out by the DA and possible folks being prosecuted that might not have been before.

[ScottM]

I grew up in WV. It's a gun friendly state. People still feed their families by hunting. But several hunters die every year because so much land is privately owned and unofficially shared, so it's easy for inexperienced hunters to go out without training.

So, while I'm sympathetic to the 2A argument of not requiring training to carry, I lost a couple of classmates to hunting accidents, and I know much I've learned in my 10 hours of post CC training. I feel better as a citizen knowing carriers are trained.

[RRP]

Do you remember when people did the right thing, because it was the right thing to do?

I long for a place that does not require licensing or training, but people seek training voluntarily because it's the right thing to do. It's a fantasy, I know. Too bad we put government in a position of having to legislate common sense.

[ScottM]

Do you remember when people did the right thing, because it was the right thing to do?

I long for a place that does not require licensing or training, but people seek training voluntarily because it's the right thing to do. It's a fantasy, I know. Too bad we put government in a position of having to legislate common sense.

Agreed. Besides, firearm training is freaking fun as hell! I'm at distinct risk for addiction here. I may need an intervention by summer's end.