CHL, CCW, CCL, CWP.....What's Correct!

It's called a CHP here in Louisiana.

As has been said, the correct term varies by state.

I use CCW as the generic term as it seems to be the most understood, and call it a CHL if I'm referring to Texas specifically.

In Kansas, it's called a CCL (Concealed Carry License) on the actual license, but the state law as written, calls it CCH (Concealed Carry, Handgun) and means just that. Handgun only (no specified type or caliber), no knives, SBR's SBShotguns under a trench coat etc., just handguns, period. An AR-15 or AK-47 with the short barrel and no stock that's classified and marked as a pistol might be legal, but I don't think I'd want to try carrying one concealed - the local LEO's would probably have a hissy fit at first until they figured it out. Difficult to conceal under normal clothing in a position to be able to use it quickly anyway.

In qualification, the only requirement is that you qualify with a handgun. Again, no specific type or caliber unlike some states that require you to qualify with the gun you are going to carry or specify that if you qualify with a revolver you can only carry a revolver etc.

In Washington the license used to be called a Concealed Weapons Permit. Apparently there were some misunderstandings about what you were allowed to carry concealed. (It only allowed the carry of concealed handguns.) For the sake of clarity they renamed it a Concealed Pistol License.... but revolvers are OK too. :banghead: I think of a "CCW" as a Concealed Carry Weapon. The other common acronyms generally refer to either the permit to carry a CCW or a government agency that would prefer you didn't.

HG.

It should be called HG, for Hidden Gat.


Virginia issues a Concealed Handgun Permit = CHP

CCW = Carry Concealed Weapon.

CCW Permit = Carry Concealed Weapon Permit

At least in AZ it is that way. CCW Permit would seem to work in most situations although what is allowed as a "weapon" will vary from state to state. So I vote with the majority that CCW is easy and seems to cover what is going on for most of us while still allowing states to define the actual weapons to suit local law.

Just MHO

I've never thought of CCW as a term describing the PERMIT to carry a gun, but rather the gun itself, which you are allowed to carry with a CHL (in Texas).

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+1

I'm CHL and I CCW a Sig P250.

Hope that helps!

Concealed
Pistol
License

In Michigan

I think CCW is something you get arrested for.

Carrying death stars

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What kind of hollster do you use for something that large? Must be some Sith made special hollster!

In Massachusetts you get a "License to Carry Firearms" (LTC-A) for concealed handgun carry. No open carry.

Tinpig

My CO permit says Concealed Weapon Permit, so I say CWP. But that's what it says, "weapon". It doesn't specifically say gun, or handgun, or pistol, and no specific guns are registered to it, so I'm not really positive just what KIND of weapon(s) it "permits" me to carry. I prefer ones that go "bang", though.

CCW can also refer to the weapon or the act of concealing it, not just the license. So I suppose the butter is spread a bit thin. I think we're stuck with it though.

AZ is "CCW," but I always felt "CWP" was more to the point and less confusing. Also, in AZ (at least the last time I took the class), it was legal to carry ANY legal weapon concealed, which means that, if you put on your duster, I suppose you could walk around with your M-60.

funkychinaman said:

Hey, AJChenMPH, as a fellow Central Jersey expat, welcome to PA! The gun laws in this state are mindblowing compared to the crap we had to put up with in NJ.

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Thanks! I haven't even moved yet and I'm already blown away...although it's been making the planning fun on what gun to get next. Then again, my wallet is starting to cry uncle and I haven't even spent a cent!

And funny enough, I'll also be moving to Bucks County.

Virginia calls it a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) - mostly; a few counties give it variant names. The important point is that it covers only a handgun, and no other form of weapon, like knives, chemical sprays, nunchucks, throwing stars, brass knuckles, blackjacks, etc. From the replies in this thread, you can tell there are two things to consider... Do you need to be precise on a formal name? If so, check which state you are in and use their name. Do you want to communicate the concept in discussions with gun owners, like on this forum? Then CCW seems the most widely used and understood