Carrying a Concealed Weapon

[lbr]

I am having debate with a group of friends about carrying concealed weapons? This may be a dumb question, but can anyone tell me who exactly can carry a concealed firearm and how does one become licensed to carry one?

 

[fairfax1]

The short answer is every state has different laws regarding CCW. Here are some links that should be able to answer your question:

http://nraila.org/GunLaws/Default.aspx
http://handgunlaw.us/
http://www.packing.org (out of date sometimes)

 

[mnrivrat]

As stated , each state has its own laws regarding concealed carry. I think something like 36 states now have what is called "shall issue" concealed carry permits.

In these states the general rule is that one must be 21 & take some certified training , and not have criminal records or anything that would prevent you from posessing(sp) a hangun. ( including mental disorders, restraining orders, felony charges, domestic violence record, etc )

 

[strambo]

Welcome to The High Road. Lots of info in those links for ya. In what are known as "Shall Issue" states, anyone can get a CCW as long as they are over 21, not convicted felons, no disqualifying psych issues (not sure on details) and no domestic violence convictions. You may have to take a class, then fill out paperwork, pay $$, get fingerprinted. Wait a few weeks, then license comes in mail. All states differ on where you can and can't carry.

In discretionary issue states like CA, you have to know who to bribe (I mean "donate" to) or be a gun hating liberal actor or polititian, or in a few cases have someone threatening your life for der commisar to allow you a permit. Sadly, the above was only slightly sarcastic and barely exaggerated.

 

[hso]

Welcome to THR.

Outside of the state by state variability, if you have a clean criminal record that will withstand a governmental review you can get permission from the state to carry a concealed handgun after applying for a permit. Exceptions are those states that do not require you to ask the state for permission to carry a concealed handgun and do not require you to have a permit to do so.

 

[nathan]

I noticed Texas has the most expensive license fee around $140 compared to $50 like Georgia good for 5 years.

 

[wdlsguy]

Texas CHLs are expensive, but new ones are good for 5 years, and we have fewer off-limits places than Georgia does. We still have a lot of room for improvement in the off-limits department though.

http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/USOffLimits.pdf

 

[GeorgiaGlocker]

GA is a shall issue state and it cost me only $39 for 5 years, but I had to wait 90 days to receive my Georgia Firearms License GFL (CCW). On the down side GA has some of the most restrictive laws on ther books as to where you can carry. GA does allow open and conceal carry.

 

[Lupinus]

SC is better then GA but still pretty restrictive. To take it into a doctors office you have to have expressed permision, in other words ask first. Same goes for hospitals. I dunno about you but some of the mall parking lots/decks I have been in have been some of the places I wished I had a gun the most. At least though our sign requirments are strict and I have yet to see a sign that meets the requirments (lettering AND a picture of a gun) and even then I have only seen one sign that meets the lettering requirments. It aint horrible, but still kind of restrictive and goofy.

 

[Trebor]

What state are you in? Laws vary by state.

 

[mikeyinokc]

It's pretty expensive in Oklahoma as well.

$100.00 to Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
$25.00 to County Sheriff
$10-$15.00 for passport type pictures
$60.00 for mandatory class

But it is worth it, and the license is good for 5 years. There are restrictions, but not as many as some of the other states.