Outdoor Adventure USA

Getting Your Concealed Firearm Permit

NOTICE

Net time last week was not enough to complete the topic, so we will be finishing up this week with the second session. Bring your comments, questions and posts, and join us.


ORIGINAL POSTS

INTRO

Times change, and in case you haven't noticed, we are living in very changing times. In fact in 2020, well over TWENTY-ONE MILLION Americans noticed some important changes, and 2021 looks like it is on track to duplicate (if not exceed) these numbers. These 21 million+ Americans took advantage of their rights, under the SECOND AMENDMENT, to take responsibility for protecting themselves, their families, and their neighborhoods.

Never before have we seen such an explosion in firearm ownership. The year 2020 set new records, despite the fact that there were several years in the last decade where new records were regularly set, but 2020 topped them all. And, not surprisingly, the number of Americans applying for CCWs has exploded as well.

A huge percentage of these 21 million Americans are first time buyers, and while the numbers are significant, there is one important fact that remains to be emphasized - responsible firearm ownership does not end with the purchase. Responsible firearm ownership merely begins with the purchase and MUST include the need to learn safety, the need to learn how to legally engage in self defense, the need to properly educate family and friends on safe firearm practices, the need to practice, and a whole bunch more.

NET PREVIEW

One of the fundamental rights we have as Americans (and as Californians too) is that of self defense. For those who choose to exercise this right by the use of a firearm, you must know that there are many considerations, perils, and pitfalls that you may face, and it will be your training, knowledge, wisdom, safety, and common sense that will make it possible to navigate through these deep waters. Our net this week will cover the subject of getting your concealed firearm permit (sometimes referred to as a CCW) and your responsibilities as a permit holder.

Since it needs to be said, I'll take this opportunity to begin the discussion with one of the most important truths about carrying a concealed firearm - it is NOT for everybody. There are many reasons why this is true and hopefully we will cover them during the net. And lest there be any doubt, this is a bridge you must cross before you make your decision to carry.

It won't be the purpose of this net to take you through the actual application process, mostly because it will vary from state to state, and sometimes locality to locality. But, regardless of your jurisdiction, you will need to meticulously comply with them all. In general, we will break the net discussion down into the areas listed below, although not necessarily in this order.

• Is carrying a concealed weapon right for you.

• Legal requirements

• Different means to obtain Permits

• Your responsibilities as a permit holder.

• Wise and safe practices of carrying

• How to protect yourself

• Holsters, clothing and firearms

• Should I talk to the police after a shooting

SOME STATS

Lets begin with the numbers.

Firearm Sales

The chart below was published in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette on January 25, 2021, and was based on data obtained from the National Shooting Sports Foundation. The full article is available through the following link, and it is a very good read: https://www.post-gazette.com/local/regi ... 2101250010.


Concealed Carry Permits

While firearms sales set new records in 2020, there has been a steep upward trend in gun sales for at least the last 20 years. So, it should be no surprise that there has been an accompanying and similar increase in the number of Americans who have obtained permits for concealed carry. The number Americans with permits is somewhat quantifiable, but, as explained in the Washington Examiner article of January 27, 2021, there are some factors which are not. For the full article see: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wash ... n=msn_feed.

The growth of adults holding permits to carry concealed guns has surged 34% in the past four years, and the rush to get one has resulted in long lines as some counties have faced cutbacks due to the coronavirus crisis, according to a new report.

John Lott’s Crime Prevention Research Center revealed that there are 19.48 million permit holders, 820,000 more than in 2019.

He found that women and minorities are leading in the new applications. “Permits for women and minorities continue to increase at a much faster rate than for either men or whites,” he said. That finding parallels reports from gun stores that women and minorities are buying weapons and signing up for concealed carry classes at a brisk pace.

The authority on the issue, Lott said that the growth has slowed recently as states have curbed issuing permits due to cutbacks from the coronavirus crisis.

More than 9% of the 209 million adults in the United States have a permit to carry a concealed weapon, and the number of people who carry a concealed weapon is likely much higher because several states don’t require a permit.

According to Lott’s report, “Seventeen states no longer provide data on all the people who are legally carrying a concealed handgun because people in those states no longer need a permit to carry.”

Other highlights:

Alabama has the highest concealed carry rate at 28.5%.
Indiana is second with 18.7%.
Five states now have over 1 million permit holders.
As the number of permits have gone up, violent crime has decreased slightly.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation, in a report dated October 7, 2020, found that over the last 20 years there has been a 7 fold increase in the number of Concealed Carry Permit Holders, AND, these numbers are still rising, (see this link for the entire report: https://www.nssf.org/concealed-carry-pe ... ll-rising/.)

RESPONSIBILITIES AS A PERMIT HOLDER

Obtaining a permit to carry concealed is a decision with ramifications that go far beyond the application and process of obtaining the permit. FAR BEYOND!!! The moment that you exercise your right to carry a firearm, you have a continuing obligation to yourself, your family, your neighborhood, and the public, and to do so responsibly. And, don't be misled, this obligation continues as long as you exercise your permit rights.

Responsible concealed carry does not end with issuance of your permit. Responsible concealed carry merely begins with the issuance of your permit, and MUST include the need to learn safety, the need to learn how to legally engage in self defense, the need to practice, the need to legally protect yourself against legal entanglements, and a whole bunch more.

INSURANCE

Sad as it is to say, we live in a society that is lawsuit happy, and, as a permit holder, you could easily become a defendant. It is no secret that there are jurisdictions in these great United States which are run by prosecutors who harbor a not-so-secret dislike of citizens who carry concealed firearms, whether legally or not.

Whether you face a civil action or criminal prosecution for the use of your legally concealed firearm, the results of defending yourself can be financially devastating. Times change and you need to adapt if you expect to survive. Protecting yourself with adequate insurance is a financially wise decision, just as it is with your car, your home, your motorcycle, or your health.

The significant increase in the number of concealed permit holders has created a growing market for insurance coverage. This is indeed an area where you need to do your homework, especially because the coverage and policy costs offered by these companies differ in some important ways, and which is best will not be the same for everyone. And, by the way, most of these companies will cover the use of firearms in your home as well as when you carry concealed.

For those who are willing to do their homework, there is an excellent article by Pew Pew Tactical that reviews the top 5 concealed carry companies. As it turns out, one of the "top 5" is the NRA, who has withdrawn from the market, so, it's really a review of the top 4, see: https://www.pewpewtactical.com/conceale ... son-chart/) Putting that aside, the review is well done, and offers some excellent information, all of which which should get you on your way to selecting the best insurance for you.

Here are the the biggest players in the market:

• USCCA (https://www.deltadefense.com/)

See individual review here: https://www.pewpewtactical.com/uscca-review/

• CCW Safe (https://ccwsafe.com/)

See individual review of CCW Safe here: https://www.pewpewtactical.com/ccw-safe-review/

• US & TX Law Shield (https://www.uslawshield.com/)

• Second Call Defense (https://www.secondcalldefense.org/)

• Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network (https://www.armedcitizensnetwork.org/)

Check out these other "best of" sites:

• https://www.snipercountry.com/concealed ... omparison/

• https://gununiversity.com/concealed-carry-insurance/

• https://blog.refactortactical.com/blog/ ... -insurance

• https://concealedcarrysociety.com/insurance-compared/

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

A good way to begin this discussion is to acknowledge that there is a great deal of information available to concealed permit holders which will keep you well informed, or educated. Neither time nor space allow a full discussion of the sources of this information, so we will only mention one - the USCCA. This is not intended as an endorsement or a recommendation, but rather an introduction to a good source of information. Keep in mind that there are others, and they likewise offer good information.

In addition to insurance, the USCCA offers its members a wealth of useful information, regardless of where you live. Part of your membership includes a subscription to their Concealed Carry magazine. Here is what they say (from their website:)

Your subscription gives you access to the latest techniques and concepts for both live-fire and dry-fire shooting practice. From laser-training units to the “drill of the month,” Concealed Carry Magazine delivers the finest in defensive and counter-offensive handgunning, home defense and empty-hand techniques for all kinds of firearms.

In addition to their video presentations, they also offer information on ranges and programs where actual practice is available, in your area. While the links below are not complete, they give a good view of what the USCCA makes available to their members.

• Training - https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/store/education/

• Education and Training - https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/membership/

• Training and Range locations - https://training.usconcealedcarry.com/c ... MTIxNS4yMQ

SAFETY

This post will only focus on one area of safety - re-holstering your firearm.

For perspective however, a little history is in order. Over many decades, the long standing practice, especially with exposed hammer fired guns (such as double action revolvers and semi autos), has been to re-holster the firearm with a thumb on the hammer. Any movement of the hammer while holstering would be felt and the process would be stopped, thus preventing an AD (accidental discharge.) Kind of an additional safety net. That was great for exposed hammer pistols, but today, with the huge number of striker fired pistols, there is no hammer.

The absence of an exposed hammer, in no way, changes the need to know if something is about to cause the gun to fire. Nor does it mean that gun owners should abandon the standard and safe practice re-holstering your firearm.

Recently the Tao Dev Group (TGD) designed a device that gives shooters with striker fired pistols the same input, previously available to revolver shooters, that could be used to prevent an AD. The device is commonly referred to as the gadget, but it is technically and actually known as the, "Striker Control Device" (SCD), which is also a description of what is does. At this time Tao only makes the SCD for Glock guns. With the SCD installed on a Glock (a striker fired gun) the practice of using the thumb on the back of the pistol will now offer that same additional safety net.

Before getting to a description of how it works, it is probably best to offer a generalization of what it is. In the simplest terms, it is a "safety-type device." In the words of Mas Ayoob, in reference to the SCD, he said this:

If over four decades of work in the officer survival field have taught me anything, it's that the engineer's mindset applies. The more safety nets in place, the better.

A more in depth explanation of the SCD can be found on on the manufacturer's website (https://taudevgroup.myshopify.com/produ ... rol-device) and in an article authored by Mas Ayoob in American Hand Gunner in the July/August 2017 issue. Both are highly recommended.

The safety value of the SCD applies only when re-holstering your Glock. While the discussion on the net will fill in many of the details of its function, the quick explanation is that the SCD prevents the accidental discharge of your firearm when holstering it due to an object getting into the trigger guard, such as a clothing item, hoodie string, a finger, etc.

OBTAINING MULTI-STATE PERMITS

Obtaining a permit to carry a concealed firearm (in those states which require one) is not always as difficult as it is in states like California. Many states have a simplified and quick procedure that allows the law abiding citizen to carry. Don't misunderstand this comment, as the procedures in use by these states are not a sham or a shortcut, as they require a thorough background check, complete with fingerprints, photo ID, training and competence requirements.

Most states have reciprocal or recognition agreements in place, which means that they will recognize or accept permits from other states and allow permit holders to carry concealed. This can be very helpful for those who travel from state to state and wish to legally carry their firearm concealed.

Important caveat: If you plan on taking advantage of these reciprocal or recognition agreements, you MUST check to make sure that the agreements are, in fact, still in place and that you will enjoy all the privileges that you expect. Certain States have restrictions, and you must know what they are before you enter that State with your firearm concealed. The wise traveler will check this out before he crosses state lines!!!!!

As a consequence of these agreements, several companies offer courses that will help you to get a couple of state licenses, even though you may not be a resident of those states. When obtained, your licenses can be recognized in many other states. For example, by obtaining permits in the States of Florida, and Utah, even if you are not a resident of those states, you can be legally allowed to carry concealed in as many as 35 states, by virtue of their reciprocal agreements.

The United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) maintains a current map of states which have reciprocal agreements, and the total number of States for which you will be allowed to carry, with your CCW permits. Below is a map of the states which will recognize Utah and Florida permits, for a total of 35.

Source: USCCA (https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resour ... s%5B%5D=UT)


The status of states that will offer reciprocity or recognition is a changing one and, again, if you expect to travel, check out those states where you plan on carrying concealed and make sure to determine what restriction apply. A good place to start is the USCCA, or the company with whom you have CCW insurance.

HOLSTERS

Ahhh yes, which holster is the best. Quick answer: While that question is always the stuff on which gun magazine articles thrive, the better and more appropriate question is, which is the best holster for you. Gun articles, advertisements, gun store employee recommendations, and what the Hollywood stars wear, should rarely, if ever, be your sole guide. What turns out to be the best for you will depend on your body shape and size, what is most comfortable, what affords the quickest safe access to your gun, what type of concealment clothing works best for you, and a whole lot more. And, I wish that I could sugar coat this last little bit of truth, but its something that concealed carry permit holders need to know - chances are almost 100% that you will need to buy and test out a number of holsters before you discover the one (or ones) that are best for you.

One quick OAUSA piece of helpful advice - buy quality and buy American. And, remember, withdrawing your firearm from the holster is as important as returning it.

If you are depending on your concealed firearm to protect you in a life or death situation, you might want to give some thought to a few golden rules on concealment holsters:

1. Buy quality from a reputable manufacturer. The longer they have been in business, the greater the chances are that they will be around to honor a warranty or fix a problem.

2. Buy a holster that is made specifically for you firearm - avoid the one size fits all holsters.

3. if the holster is made of leather, constant use and time will take its toll. So, keep it treated with solutions recommended by the manufacturer, and periodically check it to make sure that it still functions as it should.

4. Holsters without straps should provide a snug fiction fit capable of holding the firearm during the types of uses you expect to encounter. The last thing you want is for the gun to flop out when you bend over.

5. If your activities require bending, strenuous work, running, or the like, you may need to consider a holster with a strap or snap closure. Same thing - you do not want the firearm to flop on the ground.

6. Use a holster that provides good protection from printing.

7. It may take several holsters to finally arrive on the style and brand that suits you best. Don't be afraid to check out others.

8. Be prepared to change some parts of your wardrobe, as your clothes will need to keep that extra piece of equipment covered so you remain completely legal.

9. Regardless of the holster material, check it periodically to make sure that stitching is in tact, that rivets are still in good shape, that there are not tears or wear problems, and that it still holds the firearm properly.

10. Buy a holster that does not collapse when the firearm is removed. One hand should be all that is necessary to re-holster the firearm.

11. If your holster is to be attached to a belt, get a quality and rugged one that is the maximum width that the holster can accept.

12. Do your homework. Get educated on what types of holsters are on the market. Talk to the manufacturers, knowledgeable friends, and the like. Be careful, very careful, when getting advice from the internet or gun shop employees.

Unfortunately, time does not permit a lengthy listing of manufacturers, so I will just mention two - a belt manufacturer and a holster manufacturer. They have served me well.

Kirkpatrick Concealment Holsters (http://www.kirkpatrickleather.com/concealment)


Bianchi Belts (https://safariland.com/products/model-b ... 23f6&_ss=r)

Please check me in, AA6AZ Bob Apple Valley.

Reciprocity

Adding to Dave’s post #4, a good resource for checking whether there’s a reciprocal agreement between two states is the USCCA Reciprocity Map which shows which other states honor the selected state’s CCW permit/license.

For example, selecting Arizona shows 37 reciprocating states, though 7 restrict this to resident permits only. It’s a good choice for those of us who travel and recreate in the desert southwest, not including the “left coast”.


In fact, if you can document prior firearms training or hunter education, your training requirement is already covered. Get fingerprinted, fill out the application, and you’re basically done ... with a quick turnaround by AZ DPS.

You must attach a firearms-safety certificate of completion or document demonstrating firearm competence. This may include an NRA certificate of completion, a certificate of completion of any course instructed by a current NRA certified instructor, a certificate or card from a hunter education or safety course, another state’s permit (if approved by DPS), a governmental police agency firearms qualification certificate along with a copy of a valid LE identification credential, an Arizona armed security guard certification of training by a DPS approved instructor, a US Department of Defense DD-214 or active duty military credentials demonstrating firearms competence.

from Arizona Department of Public Safety Permit Application (Concealed Carry)

Note: The Utah CCW was, but is no longer accepted by New Mexico: New Mexico Pulls the Plug on Utah Concealed Carry Reciprocity

Rick, KK6CTT providing an NRA Members' Council of California (Inland Empire) Perspective: http://nramemberscouncils.com/directory ... and-empire

Who are the Members' Council of California? Volunteers and supporters from the NRA Members’ Councils of California participate in grassroots efforts that promote the programs, policies and objectives of the National Rifle Association. We are the only state in the union that has this support aside from the state affiliates like the California Rifle and Pistol Association (CRPA). http://nramemberscouncils.com/about-us/


Getting ready for this net I was able to get in touch with two NRA paid employees and two Members' Council Presidents, one from the High Desert and the other from LA South Bay Members Council, today, 01/28/21. I was also able to contact one of our Inland Empire instructors, Ruben Rosas concerning his involvement with the NRA CCW training program so there are proponents out there ready to help.

Get involved with an organization that meets your needs. If getting your CCW is what motivates you, then find the organization that has members who have their CCW and are willing to lend a helping hand or at the very minimum an insight into the steps they took to secure their CCW from the agency(ies) responsible for issuing a permit.

Dismiss the rhetoric by understanding the agency requirements in your area they can be very different from location to location (city/county).

The NRA has many training courses available and they have done a lot over the past year and more that IDed the need for web based, blended courses even before COVID was a thing. COVID only stepped up the time line and there has been a lot of positive feedback. Many of the resources, like training manuals, have been updated recently and the NRA is doing a good job of keeping up with trends and techniques that help new and old firearm owners the best training available.

Finding training (broad spectrum): https://www.nrainstructors.org/search.aspx
o Home Firearm Safety Course
o Pistol Courses
o Rifle Training Courses
o Shotgun Training Courses
o Personal Protection Courses


Self-Defense:
o NRA Basic Personal Protection In The Home Course
o NRA Basics of Person Protection Outside The Home Course
o NRA Defensive Pistol Course
o NRA Carry Guard Level 1 Student Training
o NRA Basic CCW

I'm good on QRZ.com (email) and more than willing to answer any questions you may have in the Inland Empire. If you would like help finding an MC near you, I'll do the best I can to connect you with dedicated 2A supporters who are ready to help near you.

Just received this as well:

QUICK GUIDE TO YOUR GUN RIGHTS

Gun Laws & More

Gun Laws: https://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/
Hunting: https://www.nraila.org/hunting/
Legal & Legislation: https://www.nraila.org/legal-legislation/
News: https://www.nraila.org/news/

Concealed Carry Issues
Here just a few of the issues for those new to concealed carry.
Let’s see if we can add to the list during the net.
1. Be discreet. Best not to show or mention it to many people. Don’t draw attention to yourself.

2. Think everyone is looking at you and can tell you are carrying concealed?
Most people don't notice. Acting uncomfortable will bring attention. If you have done your job with holster, belt and clothing, just forget you are carrying.

3. Adjusting the firearm and holster in public. It takes time for it to feel right or to get the right combination of holster and belt. If you have to adjust it, do it in private. Just standing next to your car with the car door open and your strong side facing toward the inside of the vehicle may be enough in a big parking lot. Very few people will even look your way. You could be zipping up you fly as far as they know!

4. Touching yourself every few minutes to see it is still there. It will be! As above, forget it. In 6 months, it will be second nature. Wear it at home until you get accustomed to it and the weight so it is second nature

5. Clothing – avoid clothes that are too tight, light colored, or are tactical. You don't need to start looking sloppy but you might need to add an inch to your waist size. Tactical clothes raise the thought you might be carrying.

6. Keep it well hidden but quickly assessable

7. Will you carry a reload? and if so, how it will it be concealed?

8. Have a way to secure your firearm in your car if you are not allowed to carry it with what you are about to do.

Holster Material: Leather vs. Thermoplastics

Most people are aware that in addition to the “traditional” holsters made of leather, holsters made of thermo-formed plastics such as Kydex, Boltaron, and Holstex have become very popular. The thermoplastics are available in an incredible variety of colors and prints: Thermoplastic Holster Materials.

There are also hybrid holsters available which attempt to use the best attributes of both materials, for example, https://hiddenhybridholsters.com/ and https://www.highnoonholsters.com/hybrid-holsters among others. “The retention of Kydex with the comfort of leather.”

I do not have significant experience with concealed carry holsters, so can’t offer any legitimate opinion.

Doing an Internet search on “holster kydex vs leather” and possibly adding “vs hybrid” will result in a number of web pages and videos that discuss this topic in great detail to help you decide.