Do you have a conceal and carry permit? Are you thinking about getting one?

2015-07-02T00:11:38-04:00

If you answered yes to either of these questions and even if you didn't but you're in possession of a firearm you should educate yourself on gun law. Firearms Law Seminars are available for you to attend. U. S. Law Shield hosts seminars that provide face-to-face time between experienced lawyers, firearms instructors, and experts in numerous areas of firearms law. Do you think you know the "Castle law or the Make My Day Law?" Do you think you are protected under it? It is much harder to meet the standard set forth in them to successfully invoke them as a defense argument than you think. In fact these are not laws to begin with they are doctrine and doctrine is not a defined law that can be invoked, but a set of principles that can be incorporated in the laws of many states. I've provided a link here you can use to see if there is a seminar near you, there are others which you may look up as well if you're interested.

http://www.uslawshield.com/features/firearms-law-seminars/

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jul 2 at 2015 12:12 AM

2015-07-02T00:12:15-04:00

Yes.

My rule is simple. Never use a gun unless there is no option to avoid it, and then be certain that whatever the court is going to do to me is not as bad as what the perp is about to do to me.

George Zimmerman was in the right; was defending his own life, was exonerated in court, and his life was ruined anyway.

Expect that. If that is not as bad as what is fixing to happen to you, then draw and shoot as effectively as possible.

Response by SSgt Scott Schwerman made Jul 2 at 2015 12:12 AM

2015-07-02T00:12:32-04:00

I wish. California is way too strict of a state.

Response by PO2 William Smith made Jul 2 at 2015 12:14 AM

2015-07-02T00:14:14-04:00

No. I don't want our government knowing that I can and shot back when they come to take my guns away.

Response by SPC Thomas Baldwin made Jul 2 at 2015 12:16 AM

2015-07-02T00:16:43-04:00

Yes I have and do carry. Its always good to attend seminars from time to time as things change. If you travel you need to know the laws in each state you travel though. some states the firearm has to be visible. So educate your self.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2015 12:18 AM

2015-07-02T00:18:05-04:00

One of the main reasons I'll stay in LE until I retire...HR 218!

Response by SGT Richard H. made Jul 2 at 2015 12:23 AM

2015-07-02T00:23:05-04:00

There are also several good apps out there that catalog gun laws in all 50 states, organized by state. They also keep an up-to-date list of reciprocity for your state. I concur with this person's assessment that "CCW Concealed Carry 50 State" is the best. It's definitely $0.99 well spent.

Top 10 Apps for Concealed Carry

We do not have reciprocity for concealed carry like drivers licenses, so your smartphone or tablet can be one of the best devices to keep you safe and out of handcuffs. Here is a list of 10 of the leading CCW apps.

Response by SSG Melvin Nulph made Jul 2 at 2015 12:29 AM

2015-07-02T00:29:03-04:00

Thank you for the information, it is something that myself and many others should take a serious look into beforehand.
Not the kind of things you can do after the use of what we believed "was our rights". & like so many things we are not really given all the facts up front.
Thanks for thr help.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 2 at 2015 12:57 AM

2015-07-02T00:57:07-04:00

I live in AZ, which is both a concealed and open carry state. Permits are not required for either concealed or open carry but they are available and I do have one. Arizona law is very clear on when/where I can carry and when I can use it in self defense and the defense of others. AZ law specifically states that I can use my gun in self-defense/defense of others when my life/their lives are in danger. I can even shoot a police officer if they are illegally assaulting me and/or others.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jul 2 at 2015 1:53 AM

2015-07-02T01:53:49-04:00

I'm a Colorado resident. We are an "open carry" state (except in Denver-proper). And of course, you can get a CC-permit should you want to conceal. Circa 1986, Colorado passed an early version of the "Make My Day" law --basically deadly force was allowed providing the body fell within the physical structure of your home. The original composition of the law has been since amended: Now deadly force is permissible when "defending life, limb, or personal property OR interrupting the commission of a felony by another when life is threatened." We've enjoyed a very good success rate in executing both the spirit and the letter of the law. To this, I guess most of us are pretty responsible gun owners.

Because I travel extensively through my surrounding states, I have familiarized myself with their laws as well. I have yet to attend any seminars on the issue... mostly as this information is available on-line. However, I do support continuing education on the issue.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Jul 2 at 2015 2:21 AM

2015-07-02T02:21:23-04:00

Many states allow grant military with a concealed deadly weapon permit with supporting documentation (weapons qualification and a memorandum from the commander that they've received training) and it is usually free of charge. I took the course and it was actually a great class and I highly recommend attending the training.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Jul 2 at 2015 5:32 AM

2015-07-02T05:32:33-04:00

I have a CWP and I use it. I'm also on the Church Security Team. Funny thing in GA, I didn't need a permit while I was "in" the military, but now that I'm retired - I do. Does that make any sense?

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jul 2 at 2015 8:12 AM

2015-07-02T08:12:12-04:00

I've had a CCP for several years and typically am armed anywhere I'm legally able to do so (and a few places I shouldn't; the joys of concealed carry). I think being educated on local laws and ordinances is a smart move for anyone who owns a firearm whether openly carried, concealed, or just kept in the home.

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Jul 2 at 2015 11:29 AM

2015-07-02T11:29:39-04:00

In Alaska a CCW permit is not required to carry concealed. But, CPT M Cannonie is exactly right when she says that the state laws must be known before carrying / using a firearm.
A good example would be the Alaska state law that states that if an individual is carrying and stopped by the Police, even for a minor traffic offense, the first thing that you say MUST be, "I am carrying a concealed weapon."
Also, an individual must think before vacationing or traveling to another state that, even if you have a CCW permit for your state, it is not necessarily valid in a neighboring state. Many states have a reciprocity agreement with other states, but it must be checked before traveling. The site below has a map showing which states have a reciprocity agreement with other states.

http://www.usacarry.com/concealed_carry_permit_reciprocity_maps.html

Response by PO1 Matthew Maxon made Jul 2 at 2015 11:45 AM

2015-07-02T11:45:51-04:00

I am attending a class next week for CC. I live in IL. The license is valid in several other states. Being in the military and having a NEC for Navy Law Enforcement helped in that I can take the shorter class if I bring in DD214. I have found that I take the classes that are given when attached to the gun stores just seem more reputable looking then some of the other places.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jul 2 at 2015 2:32 PM

2015-07-02T14:32:15-04:00

Have had one for about 17 years now... Started right after I PCSed from Fort Ord, and had one ever since.. Actually I have two right now.. one from Texas my home state and another out of state one as a backup.

My question would be.. why would someone choose not to have a tool at the ready to defend himself?

Response by PFC Ray C. Scheesley made Jul 2 at 2015 2:46 PM

2015-07-02T14:46:30-04:00

I live in NY....I have no rights left. I do have a Carry permit for NY as well as PA and Utah. I had to get all 3 as It was the only way to prevent an accidental carry over into my boarder states of PA and OH, while at work. I went thru the ringer to get my NY CCL even after being in Law Enforcement.

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made Jul 3 at 2015 4:37 PM

2015-07-03T16:37:35-04:00

If you got out of the service on a honorable you can go to the county court and or sheriff's dept with a dd214 and get a few in the state of Ohio not sure about other states that would have to be looked up that is how I got a ccw

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2015 4:39 PM

2015-07-03T16:39:22-04:00

I plan to get concealed carry. The thing holding me back is the price of a hand gun. Even the cheapest off brands cost upwards of $300 and in my current state $300 is a heck of a lot of money. So when I'm more adjusted and comfortable in life, yes, I will be getting one too.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2015 5:07 PM

2015-07-03T17:07:00-04:00

Check out http://www.handgunlaw.us

Response by SFC Benjamin Parsons made Jul 3 at 2015 7:24 PM

2015-07-03T19:24:05-04:00

The only answer I ever provide to firearms questions from persons whose motives are unknown to me is, 'no'. Any and every other answer can and will be construed as, 'yes'.
It is imperative to know the absolute current nuances of the laws pertaining to every single state and jurisdiction you expect to enter while carrying. Very tough.
Overall it's getting better though.

Response by Cpl Rick West made Jul 5 at 2015 8:09 PM

2015-07-05T20:09:02-04:00

Yes I Do and so does my wife. My whole family was trained by me and have to know how to use every weapon I own. Notice I didn't say firearms. lol... I am also a member of the United States Concealed Carry Association. It is Insurance so if God forbid, things go bad, they are their for you. They keep you up to date on cc laws in all states. Check them out. But keep in mind. It's better to be judged by 12 then carried by 6. I hope I did this right and got you all their address. Tell 'um I sent ya. Be safe out there my brothers and sisters. God Bless.
https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/uscca-membership/index.asp?id=ccr&sid=ccr-uscca-membership-pros&kmi=

How USCCA Membership Works

Your USCCA membership includes the Self-Defense SHIELD which will keep out out of jail, out of bankruptcy and with your family when you're forced to defend your loved ones.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2015 10:16 PM

2015-07-05T22:16:09-04:00

Have my CCW in VA, and I keep track of the varying state laws. I agree that "CCW Concealed Carry 50 State Guide" is the best app and website.

Response by SPC George Rudenko made Jul 5 at 2015 11:04 PM

2015-07-05T23:04:20-04:00

Totally agree with CPT Private RallyPoint Member As a civilian cop, retired from US Customs, I can say every single person that would ask me about CCW did not know applicable law. And that, is the key. From state to state, county to county, what can you do? Castle doctrine? Stand your ground? Was deadly force legal for you to use? AND can you present that case to a prosecutor? I would encourage anyone to take a course, or series of courses on firearms, law, concealed carry. I remember a scenario in a training session with CCW licensees. Wife arrives to pick up kid... kid is carried to black van by man in suit, some in this video game style training shot the man when he was clear of kid, because they thought the kid was being kidnapped. Right? Well, van had federal license plates, and if you looked closely, you saw the FBI agent wearing a badge. You can make that mistake in training, but not in life. I tell everyone, if you are in a situation where you are attacked, whatever.... separate yourself somehow with some force, gain distance, try to run/get to cover and let the pros come deal with it. That is why I love pepper spray and tasers. Even if you are found to have wrongfully used force, you are far less liable. But, if you do chose a CCW, do the right things, training, training, training, and meet a local cop or cop retiree who can give you real world expertise in your area.

Last words: IF you CCW, every fight you get into is a gun fight, because you have the gun? If it gets taken from you it can be used against you, and others.

Response by SGT Kevin Putala made Jul 7 at 2015 1:25 PM

2015-07-07T13:25:23-04:00

Definitely looking into it in the upcoming months, thank you for the link and info.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 12:33 AM

2015-07-10T00:33:04-04:00

I certainly have a CWP. I carry often. As an avid backpacker, I can find myself traveling across several states to get to a hike. Then once on a trail I can transition between states and even federal lands. Knowing the laws and authorized methods of transport for your weapon can make a big difference in a traffic stop. While I haven’t had a ticket in 20+ years, I still go through traffic stops and other interactions with law enforcement. Even checking in at ranger station means discussing the laws and ensuring you properly understand the expectations. Research where you are going, where you are, and don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call local LE where you are headed to ensure you stay on the right side of the law.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Jul 29 at 2015 12:44 AM

2015-07-29T00:44:26-04:00

Carry always, train constantly and effectively and make sure you are aware of state and local laws. Finally, pray that you NEVER need to pull it out of its concealed holster!

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Jul 29 at 2015 3:07 AM

2015-07-29T03:07:12-04:00

I don't right now but I plan too. Even if I don't use it right away it's not a bad thing to have.

Response by SGM Gregory Hoppe made Sep 7 at 2015 7:00 PM

2015-09-07T19:00:08-04:00

I do

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 13 at 2015 9:24 PM

2015-09-13T21:24:26-04:00

Thanks for sharing

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2015 9:26 PM

2015-09-13T21:26:51-04:00

I've had my CCP for more than 20 years. It's your responsibility to know the law. Good points, and good information, CPT M C!

Response by SSG Jeff Furgerson made Aug 23 at 2020 9:32 AM

2020-08-23T09:32:08-04:00

I have one here in Iowa my DD214 was enough , I would be willing to get the training if required but as a former MP and the fact that I still fire quite a bit should be more than adequate, very much worth it.

Response by SSG Paul Headlee made Aug 26 at 2020 4:28 PM

2020-08-26T16:28:24-04:00

CPT Michelle C. Its nice to see someone in a position of trust and responsibility offer help toward success instead of wanting to simply say there should be no privately owned firearms amongst service members. Thank you for your thoughtful comments.