[eoszak]

Arizona is considering modifying their CCW laws to not require gun owners to pass an 8 hour DPS gun safety course and carry a CCW license to carry concealed. Currently anyone 21 and older can own and carry a firearm, but only those with a valid CCW can carry concealed. I'm curious as to everyone's laws in their states/countries regarding CCW, and your opinion on carrying a concealed weapon? LEO brass out here feels it's a detriment because that will put more uneducated gun handlers on the street with weapons, and legislators say they shouldn't be babysitting the public, it's our right to own and carry firearms, therefore it's our responsibility to learn how to use them safely. What does everyone else think? How does your state treat firearms handling/safety/training?

[billym76]

Virginia requires your take a 3 hour gun saftey class...2 hours of classroom and 1 hour on the range..i have seen however and online class you can take thats only 1 hour but some cities here will not except it do to the fact theres no proof you took the class.
you also have to be 21 and be able able to own a hand gun. you can skip the class if you were or are in the military.

[Anon626]

I'm here in IL, so we have no CCW at all, and if we're caught with a gun unless its unloaded and locked up in the trunk, we get in big trouble!

[danny]

I'm here in IL, so we have no CCW at all, and if we're caught with a gun unless its unloaded and locked up in the trunk, we get in big trouble!

Yes, and if you're in Chicago they crucify you for just thinking about guns.

[sub349]

Here in Indiana, no class is required for either the regular or the lifetime CCW permit. Now in most if not all counties you can make application most of the application on the INET though you still must go to either City or County PD for a part of the paperwork.

That said, I would urge anyone who has not had training in the military or in a law enforcement venue to take a class. I saw on my last visit to the nearby DNR range that a course was being offered there. I don't want to be around some goofball who is carrying w/o being well versed in firearm safety!

[tjbeggs]

Michigan allows CCW but requires a 5 hour class and 3 hour range course with proof of completion. I just finished the course and waiting on the county to approve my app. Michigan also allow anyone 21 or older (anyone who can legally own a pistol) can open carry. Sad part is alot of people don't know its legal including many LEO's so some who open carry get detained unlawfully. Also Michigan requires a purchase permit and registration of pistols.

I think the CCW course is a good idea. I am pretty new to pistols but not to guns. There were many scary people (handling guns wise) in my CCW class. I want those people to be trained! Possibly even trained more than the course covered!

[Capt Cook]

No politics here, this is just a statement so don't get nasty on me!

The 2nd Amendment allows for a "Well Regulated Militia".
To me, this means training. If you want to carry a gun then I think you should be trained in its use.
For CCW this can be even more important. An untrained person carrying a gun hidden on their person could really make a mess of things & a little training & knowledge of the CCW laws, etc, can only help in the long run.

[whiskeytangofoxtrot]

NC is 6 or 8 hr class and shooting $90 for 5yr

[Trinot1911]

I just took the course today here in TN. In TN it is an 8hr course. I feel it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. I would feel flat out frightened if most of the people in my class where allowed to carry without taking the class. Although some people in my class I knew they did not need the class (former cops,military, etc). However, I am still scared about some of the people after having completed the course because several of the people had, lets just say, less than stellar performance. You only had to have 70% of your rounds hit the target to pass the shooting part of the class, and several people where right at 70%(and likely coughbarelygivencough this score). This is on a target that is the size of a semi-large human from the waist up at 3yrds-25yrds. The instructor of my class said the targets he used where actually 1/3 smaller than other people in the area. I didn't take the course from others in the area because I had a feeling they other places where just there to take your money and give you a certificate, not really train you at all.

I completely see both sides of the argument with your state. I think the government really intercedes way to much with our lives and telling us what and how we can do it. Although at the same time, I know most people would not have taken any type of class if not forced to. Even if they where aware of the fact they have no knowledge of how to properly operate a fire arm, the laws pertaining to it, etc; many just because of the fact the class costs money. My personal opinion is that in order to carry a handgun people should be required to take the course. If you wan't to own a handgun to protect your home, fine. But to carry it in public I believe you need at least SOME training and in my opinion a lot more shooting training than is offered in the class.

[sirdarksoul]

No training required in GA. You fill out an app with your county's probate judge and get prints done at the sheriff's office. Pricing varies by county but not over $50. If your county does digital printing your background check can be done in a matter of minutes. Your Georgia Firearms License (not concealed carry but license to carry anyway you wish as long as you use a holster) is mailed to you. My total cost was $44.25 and I had my GFL in 3 business days