Is a concealed carry permit worth it ?

[southwest1]

I am a rifle guy, don't own any handguns. I was at a local gun show and bought one of those telescopic batons. In doing some research, I found out it is ok to carry the baton in plain site, but if I keep it in my car or stuff it into a pocket I need a concealed carry permit. That got me thinking, it may not be a bad idea to get one, training is probably pretty good.

For those of you that have such a permit, what are the drawbacks ? Are you put on a special list ? Do you get checked more carefully at airports ? During a traffic stop are you treated differently than a citizen without a permit ?

I gotta believe that having a concealed carry permit puts a person on the radar screen. Any thoughts ?

Is it worth it ?

 

[chris in va]

I've found no negatives to having a CC permit.

Lists? Not really, unless some stupid reporter decides to access public records and publish all permit holders in the local paper.

Airports? Not that I've noticed.

Traffic stops, I've had two officers give me a warning instead of a ticket if that means anything.

Bottom line, definitely worth it.

 

[AWorthyOpponent]

IDK about Arizona, but here in Florida, CCW permits are not public record. When I am stopped by the police (has only happened once) I hand them my DL and CWFL at the same time. The officer then asked me if I Had any weapons on me. When i said yes, that i had a handgun on my right hip, he just asked me to keep my hands in plain sight. Of course another car came (standard procedure in these parts) but i was thanked by the officer for being cooperative and was sent on my way with a verbal warning. (33 in a 25)

I the officer seemed to not care that I had a firearm, once he knew I had a valid permit.

There are NO drawbacks to having a CCW. If you don't want to carry a gun, you don't HAVE to, but if you do, you can. If you want to carry a knife, or baton, you can...It just gives you the option. I would do it...

 

[Deus Machina]

In FL here, too, so see above.

The only drawback I've found is figuring out where you can and can't have it, and remembering to leave it in the car. IE: banks are legal, but some have metal detectors. And for some reason the young child--that someone left outside with the windows shut on a 110-degree day--decides that's the time to stare at you. Hate when that happens, when I just want to slip it in the glovebox and go.

At least in FL, it's worth the price in what you can save. You can buy a gun without a waiting period or transfer, just tuck it in a bag and go. At a gun show in the county where even long guns need a waiting period, that's a good way to knock a quick $50 off.

 

[MovedWest]

As a resident of California who can't get one: YES it's worth it!

 

[loop]

I am in Arizona and an NRA certified instructor and CCW instructor.

You are treated differently by police. They know you have been checked out by ATFE, FBI, the state, the county and, if you live in an incorporated area, the local police. They know you have a clean record. I was recently stopped by DPS (wannabe CHIPs). He never even asked me to look at my gun. He did ask me to leave it in my truck while I went back to his car for him to write a warning (i'm sure without the permit I would have gotten a ticket).

In Arizona, if you have a pickup rifle scabbard built into a front seat cover of a pickup, you are carrying concealed. If you have a loaded rifle anywhere in a vehicle that isn't plainly visible, you are carrying concealed. It is very easy to get crossed up.

Further, if you have a permit there is no background check when you buy a gun. You have already been checked and DPS updates its database daily. It eliminates the phone call and dance that go on when you buy a gun.

The training is an abridged version of the NRA basic pistol and personal protection course with a heavy emphasis on state law and individual rights and consequences of self defense. But, it is worthwhile. You come away with a clear understanding of when you may use deadly force and what to expect in the aftermath.

The cost is relatively cheap in most places in the state. Considering what it cost me to get the many hours of training to become an instructor and the time investment, the classes are dirt cheap.

I run classes of different levels. For entry level pistoleros we offer a program that earns four NRA certificates and a CCW permit qualification. It costs quite a bit more than the standard CCW program, but it offers a lot more. Among what it does is it demonstrates training in four different aspects of training to be proficient with a handgun. If you ever have to go to court you can show a wealth of training and qualifications to accompany your CCW training.

Carrying a concealed weapon is a huge responsibility. I disagree with the baton for self defense, however. Depending on it as a weapon means you will engage in hand-to-hand combat if you are ever required to use it. If that is the case you will be injured. If you win you may only be slightly injured, but if you lose you will certainly be severely injured.

It's kind of like carrying a knife for self defense. The only thing it guarantees is that you are going to bleed...

 

[loneviking]

Not much negative here in Nevada. The cops know when they run your license that you have a CCW, and a number of them seem to give CCW's a break. Airports? Can't really bring them in anyway, unless you're going to check 'em and fly,so that doesn't affect me. Lists? CCW's are not public record here, so no problem there. It sure is nice to have my own PDA snugged in tight when I'm wandering around in downtown Reno with all of the drunks, homeless, gang bangers and who-knows-what hanging around.

 

[Davek1977]

As a permit holder, I've never noticed increased scrutiny at any level. I'm treated the same, for better or worse, as I have been before I was issued a permit. No increased trouble with the police, no difficulty in airports, no differences of any kind whatsoever. AS far as lists go, SD, where I'm from, as specifically made it against the law to publish any lists of permit holders. One paper's website currently has all the permits listed that were issued before the law was enacted, but that in no way affects me personally.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I was in AZ from 2005 to 2008 and had a CCW. No problems whatsoever. In fact, it streamlines the process for purchasing firearms - showing your CCW eliminates the need for the NICS phone call. Also, AZ is one of the few states where you can carry a weapon concealed, thus allowing your baton (or a long gun or automatic weapon for that matter). Other states have Concealed Handgun Licenses, Handgun Carry Permits, etc., which would only allow you to carry a handgun. It is nice to have the option.

The one time I got stopped (for allegedly speeding and weaving; I did neither) I was let off with a warning. I don't know if the CCW helped, but it didn't hurt, either. The officer was certainly not bothered by it.

 

[jackstinson]

Other states have Concealed Handgun Licenses, Handgun Carry Permits, etc., which would only allow you to carry a handgun.

Yep...in Ohio we have a CHL. "Ohio License to carry a Concealed Handgun" is what mine says on it. Doesn't mention carrying batons, bowie knives, flame throwers, ninja stars, etc. Other states have differing specs.
If stopped for a traffic thing, we are required to inform the LEO if we are carrying.

 

[CoRoMo]

For those of you that have such a permit, what are the drawbacks ? Few, if any, negligible drawbacks IMO.

Are you put on a special list ? Sometimes. It depends on locality/state/etc.

Do you get checked more carefully at airports ? Not that I know of, no.

During a traffic stop are you treated differently than a citizen without a permit ? Also depends on locality/state/etc. (whether or not the officer knows), but if he does, yes.

I gotta believe that having a concealed carry permit puts a person on the radar screen. Any thoughts ? I highly recommend anyone and everyone getting their carry permit whether or not they ever plan to carry.

Is it worth it ? Without a friggin' doubt. Yes.

I guarantee you won't regret it.

 

[Yo Mama]

Next year the push for Constitutional Carry will be pushed harder. Nowhere in the Constitution for the United States or Arizona does it state that a permit is required.

At the Constitutional Convention in 1912, mention of it was made, and shot down quickly. AZ government has held on ever since, saying it was implied. What BS.

In the end, right now, get it, as you'll eleviate other carry concerns including the batton. However, I still feel it's a way for the state to charge for a right that is guarenteed. The area I feel the strongest about as a social worker are the poor abused women, who need a gun more than any of us, and can't afford the CCW fees.

Remember, gun control is minority control. Always has and always will.

 

[texas bulldog]

i see no drawbacks at all to having a carry permit. get it.

 

[Birdmang]

I wish I could get one!

Maybe some day.

 

[cyclopsshooter]

its easy here and somewhat serves as a good ol boy card... indicating to leos that you have a clean record and are not a trouble maker

 

[Deanimator]

I can't IMAGINE a bigger downside to HAVING the legal ability to carry a defensive firearm (or other tool) than that of NOT being able to defend myself when necessary.

NOT being able to defend yourself gets you on a list. It's called the "obituary column".

 

[Schutzen]

Yes, get a permit. Even if you do not carry regularly, it tells the politicians that there are a large numbers of constituents that favor firearms rights.

 

[mcdonl]

In a word... yes.

What schutzen said in post 17

 

[LRaccuracy]

It's worth it. If you EVER want to carry a handgun, you will have your permit and don't have to wait for one if you really need one. Remember... never go to a gunfight without a gun. Most people that are in gunfights don't plan on being in one. Even cops don't plan on being in gunfights.

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I am not paranoid because I carry a gun. I don't have to be.

 

[preachnhunt]

Yes,get one. Here in Ky.we had a bad ice storm last winter(probably not as common in Az.) and were without power for 2 weeks. The roads were closed as were all stores etc. It was a good time to enjoy the comfort of being able to defend yourself. If some kind of disaster,natural or otherwise, hits your area you'll be glad you prepared ahead.

 

[22-rimfire]

I got my permit initially so that I could have a loaded handgun legally in my vehicle. I never wanted to carry daily. I still only selectively carry.

Negatives? So far I have found no negatives other than you have to pay for the training and permit. I generally feel that a concealed carry permit should not be required to carry. But in the current political climate, it is a reasonable tradeoff.

 

[TheProf]

Get the permit.

1. It allows you to carry concealead...should you need to in the future. You would not be waiting on a permit...for you already have it. Remember, when you need to carry a weapon...you really need it. And waiting for months for the paperwork to get done is way too long a wait. Get the permit BEFORE you need it.

2. Sometimes, a person may inadvertently be breaking a law without a permit. This usually happens due to ignorance. Example: A guy thinks that it is ok to carry a nunchaku because everyone knows that it is just "two sticks tied together by a rope". Surely, it is ok to carry wooden sticks in your pocket. Right?? Well, in many states, that would be considered a deadly weapon and to carry concealed without a permit is crime.

3. When stopped by LEO, most LEO consider a "concealed permit" a sign that you have been checked out and not a felon. Most mature LEO breathe a sigh of relief when drivers voluntarily produce their concealed permits during a "routine" traffic stop. (Unfortunately, as in all professions, there are rookie LEO that immaturely view their gun as a status symbol and thus resent civilians from packing. The good news is that when they gain some street experience, they start arming their wives, elderly parents, and also realize that other good citizens need to be armed too.)

In summary....get a permit.

 

[ThrottleJockey72]

I am going to say YES. Additionally, did you expect anyone on a pro 2A forum to actually say anything else? Perhaps if you are looking for any minuscule downside, you may find it on the Brady site. Since you are HERE asking, I would guess you are already decided and just need a little push.

 

[glassman]

I don't think you'll find anyone on this forum who will tell you not to get it.

 

[googol]

CCW Worth It?

I gotta believe that having a concealed carry permit puts a person on the radar screen. Any thoughts ?

If you pay taxes, drive a car, or use a cell phone, you are already squarely on the radar screen. Carrying a CCW won't matter much unless the "Red Dawn" scenario goes down, in which case the Occupation Forces will track you down and put you up against a wall.

Get the permit. Mine doesn't make me feel invulnerable, but it does ease that feeling of utter helplessness in the face of a true threat. That comfort makes it worthwhile to jump through a few hoops and fork over a few bucks.