Full Meaning of CCW

[brekneb]

Noober question.

So I'm wondering. What are all the ways in which someone might/can refer to a CCW/handgun? Like for instance would the following phrase make sense:
I am carrying a CCW. What about this; I had to bust out my CCW on some fool.
Isn't it that CCW is like military acronyms? Meaning: Where the description of the object is first determined, then a further description is applied. Like CCW is Concealed Carry, Weapon. And for instance (just for an example) a common Navy acronym is Patrol Boat, Light. Wherein first you have the description of what you're talking about, then AFTER the comma is the ancillary OR primary designation of the item in question. So therefore . . .

I guess what I'm really asking is: Are the terms interchangeable? One word basically meaning the other?--CCW means handgun and handgun means CCW?
I guess CCW doesn't entirely apply ONLY to handguns but anything which is concealable, yes.
And yeah, I understand CCW also applies to the legality of it as well (as in CCW permit.) But mainly I'm focusing on the meaning of the above mentioned.

Anyway thanks for any input. Hope this post makes sense?

 

[usp9]

I just say "gun".

 

[brekneb]

Hah-ha Yes, but I am still curious.

 

[ceetee]

Most states have different acronyms to cover the law or permit granting the bearer the "right" to carry a concealed weapon.

The acronym "CCW" is a generic term used most often to mean "Carry a Concealed Weapon". Since different states define the word "weapon" differently (some use it to describe anything from pepper spray on up), you really can't use the term "CCW" any other way than generically.

 

[sm]

What guns?

 

[antsi]

Seems to me that people use CCW when talking about legal and political issues. Examples:

"The people in Wisconsin are trying to get a CCW law passed."
or
"I applied for my CCW permit."

You also see CCW used in terms of the activity of carrying a gun, like:

"I need a good holster for CCW."
or
"What is a quality, compact-sized 9mm for CCW?"
or
"I'm looking for a wheelgun to use for CCW."

But I don't think I have seen people using the term CCW when they are talking about the actual firearm, like "My CCW got all rusty when I moved to Florida." Not a common usage. Nothing wrong with it I guess, but I don't think most people use it that way.

 

[Old Dog]

Actually, I have heard the term CCW used in reference to the actual handgun, as in: "What is your usual CCW [concealed-carry weapon]?"

In this state, when one refers to the actual license (those who actually know the correct term), call it the CPL (concealed pistol license), although law enforcement officers, gunshop commandos and the media occasionally use the abbreviation "CCW" and the terms "CCW permit" or "CCW license") even though the abbreviation CCW, or the words spelled out, appear nowhere in the RCW (Revised Code of Washington) ...

 

[palerider1]

in New York state we call it a pistol permit.

 

[geekWithA.45]

I'm not on the use of the term "CCW" for handgun bandwagon.

(Incidentally, PA's CCW is the LTCF, which is License To Carry Firearms, where firearms is statuatorilly defined as handguns and SBR, SBS)

I was also taught to avoid the use of the term "gun", especially when interacting with officials. "Handgun, pistol, revolver, or the generic 'sidearm'" are preferred.

For example, when pulled over in traffic, "Officer, here's my carry permit. My sidearm is holstered on my left side" is much less alarming than "Uh...I've got a gun!"

Or, when traveling interstate, "Yes, officer, my lawful _arms_ are stowed in my trunk in conformance with Federal Peacable Travel regulations."

 

[Fred Fuller]

IMHO the less it's talked about the better.

lpl/nc (where it's a CHP, concealed handgun permit)

 

[Stickjockey]

+1 Lee, usually.

Like CCW is Concealed Carry, Weapon.

IANAS, but if we're talking military nomenclature, wouldn't it be WICC, as in Weapon, Individual, Carry, Concealed?

 

[model 649]

Here in Michigan CCW is the name of the crime or charge of "Carrying a Concealed Weapon". It could be anything from a gun to a pointed stick. The license we get to pack a pistol is called a CPL or "Concealed Pistol License".
Josh

 

[DMK]

What about this; I had to bust out my CCW on some fool.

First of all, no concientious carrier of concealed weapons should ever use such a phrase. If you ever need to draw your Concealed Carry Weapon, it had damn well better be as a last resort in a matter of life or death, ie. self defense. And if that happens, you'd better not be talking about it at all except to or through your legal counsel, and certainly not in such a casual, sophmoric, and testosterone charged manner.

I don't mean this as any personal offense to you scoob_i_e, but if a person wants to act like a gangbanger/rapper wannabe with a firearm, don't even bother applying for your concealed permit. We don't need that kind of public image put on those of us who go through all the hoops and red tape just to legally carry a weapon in order to keep ourselves and families safe. Never brag about how you had to use deadly force.

Concealed means a lot more than just hidden from view. You need to be safe, smart and discrete with your concealed weapon.

 

[DMK]

I guess what I'm really asking is: Are the terms interchangeable? One word basically meaning the other?--CCW means handgun and handgun means CCW?
I guess CCW doesn't entirely apply ONLY to handguns but anything which is concealable, yes.

Yes, you are correct. My CCW is a handgun. My state, North Carolina, does not allow me to carry any other type of weapon concealed. However, some states do not specify handgun on the permit like NC does. Like you said, a CCW could be a rifle, a knife, or some other weapon.

To be technical about it though, a CCW is a weapon regularly carried concealed. If you own a handgun, but never carry it concealed, then it is not your CCW. If you live in a state that does not allow you to legally carry a concealed firearm, but you carry a 3" pocket knife in your pocket for self defense then the knife is your CCW.

The name of the licence itself varies from state to state. It could be CHL, CWP, CCL, etc

 

[Standing Wolf]

English has been so much more exciting since verbing was promoted to an indoor sport.