Concealed Carry is a state problem.

Gun Owners Can Be Arrested For Concealed Carrying After Crossing State Lines — But There’s A Solution

Seven years ago, I got my concealed carry permit after attending a day-long course offered by Workman Firearms.  It was interesting and informative.  The instructor appreciated the responsibility and ramifications of having a concealed carry permit and using a firearm in self-defense.  I recommend the training.

Carrying a concealed weapon is often referred to as “CCW”, but that usually refers to the permit or license to carry a concealed firearm.

I don’t face any peril that might be resolved with a gun fight, but a friend wanted to take the course.  It seemed like it would be an engaging social activity, and it was.  After taking the course, getting the license was the next logical step.  I have never carried a concealed weapon and my license has lapsed.

Three years ago, Ohio passed “constitutional carry”, allowing most adults to carry a concealed weapon without a permit.  I didn’t think that was a good idea.  To get my CCW, an 8-hour training course and a visit to the county sheriff to file paperwork, were required.  The whole thing cost $150.  The cost of a new pistol, on average, is about $400.  The CCW permit process was not an onerous or irrational burden relative to the decision to have lethal force in your pocket

While Americans acquire training to apply for concealed carry permits, Second Amendment groups are pushing Congress to pass concealed carry reciprocity legislation so gun owners are not arrested after crossing state lines.

Ohio has reciprocity agreements recognizing CCW permits from other states.  New York, Illinois and Maryland are the only states within a couple of hundred miles, that don’t recognize an Ohio CCW permit.

A person accepting the responsibility of carrying a concealed firearm is obliged to understand the limitations.  CCW is not permitted in some places, like government buildings or schools.  In Ohio, a person without CCW permit can have a loaded gun in a car, but a person with a CCW permit must have the loaded gun in a holster.  Laws are like that. 

The bill, introduced by Republican North Carolina Rep. Richard Hudson, would enable individuals to concealed carry across state lines. The legislation would allow an individual with a valid government permit to carry in another state, providing that state also recognizes concealed carry.

States rights are relevant to more than slavery and the Civil War.  The Supreme Court declared that abortion was left to the state legislatures.  Death cults aren’t happy with that, but it’s a workable solution for everyone else.  The same is true of concealed carry.  Let the states handle it.