CCW Class

[scottrussell]

I took the 4 hour class last night required by the state of Iowa. It was put on by one of the individuals instrumental in getting the old laws ammended.
I must say i came out of that class with a totally different outlook on our rights to carry a concealed or even an open carried weapon. Steve put the facts in a very clear perspective and i truely hope all who are issued this permit in Iowa understand what is being said in the instruction given in the class. It may be a right that we have as a citizen but maybe more so it is a permit that comes with a huge amount of responsibility. A few irresponseble acts or foolish displays could put the steps in motion that could lead to our right being limitd once again. If you are an Iowa resident and you are working on getting your first time issued permit or know some one who is, understand yourself or talk to the ones you know so you fully understand the responsibility you are taking on. Support our right by doing whats right. As was well put in the class....just because you CAN do something, doesn't mean it's the smart thing to do.

 

[stickhauler]

That's the concern I have often with "what if's" posted on gun forums. You can count on a regular basis seeing someone ask how they should react to a situation, usually not a direct confrontation on themselves, but someone going after another person. Or if you see a robbery in progress, or something like that. And sadly, some see a concealed carry permit as a license to defend others.

That's not the way I understand your responsibilities if you are a concealed carry holder. My instructor, the armorer & training officer for our county sheriff's stressed throughout that getting a concealed carry permit did not turn you into an officer of the law, with responsibilities to defend any and everyone from criminals. It allows you the right to carry a firearm to defend yourself and your family against attacks by people meaning you harm, and even that's limited. If the "bad guy" has a stick, putting a gun into the situation is escalating the confrontation. Your responsibility is to avoid confrontations, even walk away if necessary, to avoid having to bring a gun into play.

 

[scottrussell]

same message we got...very clearly. I hope all who take it and get the permit "get it "

 

[dovedescending]

It allows you the right to carry a firearm to defend yourself and your family against attacks by people meaning you harm, and even that's limited.

The 2nd Amendment affords that right, not the permit. Don't ever forget that.

 

[stickhauler]

We're arguing a point not in this discussion on that matter. I'd agree, the 2nd amendment puts in words that right, not granted a individual by a government, rather given to any free man by his creator.

The discussion is what responsibilities a CCW holder has, and what he doesn't. And it ain't to play Barney Fife if you see a bad guy.

 

[scottrussell]

Or some dude walking thru a mall carrying an AR-15...just because he could......dumb, very very dumb.

 

[dovedescending]

Very true, I just wanted to point that out.

I admit to feeling a slight sense of power when I started to CC, which in retrospect horrifies me. It's been an interesting journey, I think having children changed my perspective 180 degrees. I'm a lot more cautious now, and while I wouldn't say I was looking for a fight before, I am most certainly not looking now.

 

[scottrussell]

Dove...before i took that class i was anticipating a sense of impowerment. When i walked out that door last night, impowerment had been totally replaced by humility and a completely changed attitude about the ability to carry and the resonsibility that goes with it. Outstanding class.

 

[Reneage Riot]

I have a question about the CCW permit. I currently live in Iowa but may be moving whenever I find a job. Would my license still be valid once I'm no longer a resident of Iowa? I'll still have a permanent address in Iowa but I'd eventually have to get a different drivers license.

If anyone can answer this I'd be thankful.

 

[scottrussell]

if you still have an Iowa DL it will be fine...if you move, it will depend on where you move to. If you change DL you will need to check that states laws

 

[iafirebuff]

remember Iowa has never had or has a "CCW" permit. It is a Permit To Carry Weapons