Passing CCW tests - too easy or too hard?

[GoldenLoki]

We "shouldn't" have to get a permit to exercise our rights, so obviously no test should be required.

That having been said, everyone should get training on their own in the laws of the land and the safe and proper use of their firearms. Then get more training

GL

 

[GSB]

Interesting question. Philosophically, I'm opposed to any permitting or test at all. On the other hand, some of the people who took the FL CCW class with me literally couldn't get lead on paper at three yards. I really hope I am never in the general vicinity of a bad guy if one of these crack shots has to defend him or herself (although the bad guy will likely be perfectly safe).

 

[Ryder]

I have the opinion that all first time gun owners should be required to take a class, not just for ccw unless they've never owned a gun before. I don't like the idea of somebody who doesn't know how to respect a firearm or hasn't learned the simplest safety rules being anywhere near me with a gun.

On the other hand it's beyond rediculous to mandate these classes for someone who already knows these things. I learned gun safety though parents, high school, and the military. I am in the gov't registration system for over 30 years now. What do they think I've been doing with all those guns for all those years? Yeah right, they make great coffee stirrers.

At the class I took about half the people there had never shot a gun in their life and several didn't even own a gun yet. Listening to all those ignorant questions was about as much help as the "expert instruction". The course outline was obviously written by an anti. It was for sure the state's attempt to brainwash people into their version of gun ownership.

Now I have to retake this class everytime I want to renew the permit? Give me a freaking break! If I have to defend my life with a gun nothing they said at that class makes any difference until I get to trial. :banghead:

 

[Baba Louie]

Whereas I feel (don't ya love that word?) anyone who owns a firearm of any type should receive some training in its proper use and maintenance, the requirement for mandatory training is one of those lawyer CYA things just so's the good and kind hearted STATE can quickly point out that everyone THEY issued a "license" was "trained"; therefore THEY aren't to blame if someone who had their mug shot, fingerprints and FBI background check decided to go Postal and the inevitable ensuing lawsuits begin.

And so it goes.

As to the "mug shot, fingerprints and FBI background check "... future criminal information already on file, thank you very much.

I'm surprised they didn't want a DNA sample to boot. "Just a small snippet of hair and fingernail clippings Mr. Baba Louie. Its for the good of the community."

I do think its a good thing to know about some of the laws on the books as to WHEN "lethal force" may be applied and more importantly, when lethal force MAY NOT be used.

Our CCW class instructor video taped all of the classroom lectures ala LFI just in case someone actually had to use lethal force, they could be introduced into a courtroom setting as part of your training... a good thing I think. Ya can't lawyer proof enough nowadays it seems.

Personally, I thank my Dad and Uncles for bringing me up right and inprinting proper firearm use training into my young mind from the getgo.

Adios

 

[Sharpie1]

I live in Virginia, and to obtain a CCW permit here - the statute says that some counties may require that the applicant prove that he has "shown compentence" with firearms handling.

Virginia is shall-issue, and most counties require this.

The Virginia Hunter's Education Safety Course, which is required for all new hunters seeking a hunting license -- qualifies for this "training" -- even though there is no gun handling in this class.

Some people choose to take private training courses, and NRA courses.

When I teach an NRA course that does not have a test, I make a test up for it anyway. If someone is going to take a class from me and they are just there to get their permit, I still want them there with the right attitude, and listening...that is why I give a test.

I can't stand it when someone signs up for a class, then just doesn't pay attention or participate in the class because he thinks he knows it all.

TD

 

[Oleg Volk]

Seems to me that we shouldn't even need CHLs (see Vermont, Alaska). If a test is required, I'd be inclined to make it "Draw and point at the target without sweeping bystanders with the muzzle! Done." Even a person who cannot shoot well ought to be able to carry as it may take nothing more than a contact shot to save that person's life...and who is to establish the standards? 75% with a .380 of better cuts out l'il old lady who can't shoot anything over a .22 and the guy whose eyesight is lousy but still adequate to hit center mass at 10ft, though not at 75ft.

 

[Andy Stedman]

I voted for the last option, since I couldn't see anywhere to vote for "Vermont Carry".

 

[Logistar]

I was intending to post the poll saying "If you HAD to be tested before getting your CCW".... but then I threw the last option in....

I think I get the idea though. No tests to begin with (I agree) but if you HAVE to have them, then at least make them realistic.

I guess I hate to see all the hassle of the "tests" when all they seemed to prove was that you could read (open-book test) and could shoot... well... kinda shoot. I think ANYONE with decent vision should have no problem - even with improper grip... improper stance... bad sight picture... flinching... eyes closing... etc..etc...

 

[dav]

I took tests all through school. I didn't mind.
So, if they taught proper gun handling in second/third grade and had us memorize the four rules, and tested us on it, I think that would be good.
But for an adult to have to prove to a government flunky that they (the adult) know what they are doing, when the government flunky may not even know what is correct or what is not, is pretty dumb.
On the other hand, I would prefer taking a test and being given my CCW than doing everything I can and still being denied, as is the normal case here in the PRK.

 

[CB900F]

I wouldn't know. I've never had to take a test to qualify. I've held a permit in more than one state though. I'm really thinking that I should take one of these classes just to find out what goes on.

900F