Outdoor Adventure USA

Getting Your Concealed Firearm Permit (CCW)

We believe that we possess certain inalienable rights, not granted by any government nor capable of being abrogated. Among these is the right to self defense, the right to stay alive and not live in fear of evil people. The Second Amendment to our constitution protects this right, and our United Stated Supreme Court has done so as well by it's ruling in the 2008 Case of District of Columbia v. Heller. The court said:

The Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home.

Both before and after the Heller decision, many States restricted or completely denied the right of self defense by prohibiting citizens from carrying concealed handguns in public. These States were known as "may issue" jurisdictions, meaning that they could refuse to grant permits, for any reason. This refusal was always based on the purported lack of “good cause”, an thoroughly arbitrary standard, bearing no relationship to the right to self defense. The ultimate idiocy of these arbitrary “good cause” requirements meant that an individual with no criminal background could apply for a concealed carry permit in one part of a State and be denied, but granted in another part of the same State. It was even the case in several counties within the same State. This was all despite the clear confirmation of the Second Amendment's guarantee of the right to self defense. in the Heller decision. Fortunately, the matter finally came to a head and was resolved in the 2022 US Supreme Court case of New York State Rifle & Pistol Assn., INC. v. BRUEN. Justice Thomas, writing for the 6-3 majority, said this:

The constitutional right to bear arms in public for self-defense is not “a second-class right, subject to an entirely different body of rules than the other Bill of Rights guarantees.” We know of no other constitutional right that an individual may exercise only after demonstrating to government officers some special need. That is not how the First Amendment works when it comes to unpopular speech or the free exercise of religion. It is not how the Sixth Amendment works when it comes to a defendant’s right to confront the witnesses against him. And it is not how the Second Amendment works when it comes to public carry for self-defense.

No longer can any government impose arbitrary conditions in order to obtain a concealed carry permit. The "good cause" is the protected right to self defense. And, for those interested in obtaining a permit to carry concealed, this will be the subject of our net this week.

YOUR RESPONSABILITIES AS A CONCEALED PERMIT HOLDER

A sad reality, a fact not a theory, is that crime will never be eliminated. No society in the recorded history of mankind has ever eliminated crime. For those whose head experiences sunshine, it is painfully clear that crime here in the US has been on the rise in the last several years. And, this fact has not been overlooked by the American public, as reflected in the massive increase in firearms purchases. Background check requests, as reported by the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System, have nearly tripled in the past 20 years. The Stats for Background checks:

2020 - 7.5 million
2020 - 21.6 million
2021 - 18.8 million

The new face of American gun buyers:


Studies indicate that Americans use their guns in self defense between 65,000 and 2.5 million times yearly. Only a politician could ignore the reality that Americans want and need to defend themselves. By no means is this a cheap shot at our law enforcement departments, but the truth is that they cannot be everywhere at all times. Americans are also smart enough to see the end results of a broken criminal justice system and the defunding of many law enforcement departments.

Along with a significant increase in gun sales has been a similar increase in the number of Americans who have obtained concealed permits (where required.) One of the results of the New York State Rifle & Pistol Assn. case has been a significant increase in the number of permit applications (and a lot more Americans carrying concealed firearms.) This raises a huge issue that must be addressed before people ever take even one step towards getting a permit. Carrying a firearm for self defense is NOT for everyone.

There is an excellent sobering article, entitled, "Using a Gun in Self Defense, After the Smoke Clears" and it is highly recommended reading for all who are thinking of applying for a permit, have applied for a permit, or who already have one. Find it here: https://gunandsurvival.com/2022/12/24/d ... ke-clears/. '

Once you have decided to get the permit, then the next big step is realizing that obtaining it 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 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 legally carry concealed firearms.

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 Law Schield (https://www.uslawshield.com/)

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

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

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, educated, and trained. 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 link below is not complete, it gives a good view of what the USCCA makes available to their members.

• Training and Range locations - https://academy.usconcealedcarry.com/

MULTI-STATE PERMIT HOLDERS

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 result 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.

EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING

Discussion topics:

• Training

• Practice. practice, practice

• Knowledge re use of force rules in your State

• Selection of the best firearm (size/concealability, caliber, recoil, history of reliability, capacity, etc.)

• Best holsters

• Best ammunition

• Best concealment clothing

• Handgun familiarity (clearing jams, reloading, safe re-holstering and drawing)

• Firearm maintenance and cleaning

• Plans if there is a self defense shooting (what to do and what not to do)

• How much ammo to carry

• Type of sights

• Back-up gun

• Knowledge on how to avoid a gun fight, if possible

• How to protect family or others

Example CCW Process for Los Angeles County

Application

CCW Application.jpg (93.43 KiB) Viewed 1378 times

• Answer a number of questions regarding your legal history
  • Identifying information
  • Traffic violations
  • Restraining orders
  • Domestic violence incidents
  • Prior CCWs allowed and denied
  • Reason for desiring a CCW license
    • With the Supreme Court's Bruen decision, "good cause" is not necessary; write something polite
  • Details of firearms you intend to carry
    • Make
    • Model
    • Caliber (but not specific ammunition)
    • Serial Number

Different localities have different regulations regarding the number and possibly type of firearms you are allowed to carry. For example, Los Angeles County limits you to three firearms while Orange and Ventura Counties have no limit. In my opinion, a limit of three firearms is significant as you may select a firearm based on season, clothing, location, environment, potential threats, etc.


Submit Application

You will submit you application and associated fees most likely to a county or city clerk.

At this point, the waiting starts!


Interview

Some days, week, or months after you submit your application, you will be contacted about scheduling an interview. This interview will most likely be conducted by someone affiliated with the police department, and possibly but not necessarily a law enforcement officer.

Ostensibly these interviews could potentially involve some very tough questions, maybe even similar to a polygraph, but I have not heard of such. The interviews seem to be primarily going over your application to ensure it is filled out correctly, and then describing the subsequent process to you. You will be requested to get a Live Scan, which is the process of submitting your valid photo identification and getting your fingerprints taken (by a third party) for criminal history record checks with the state (California Department of Justice) and federal (FBI).

The Live Scan will cost you around $150.

Live Scan Service.jpg (139.46 KiB) Viewed 1378 times

You will be able to check a web site to determine when the checks are completed, often within a handful of days.


CCW Course

Provided your agency permits or requests it, you can at this point go ahead and schedule a CCW Course, possibly risking the time and money involved if for some reason your CCW license is denied. Alternatively, you might be able to wait until your CCW license is approved before taking the course, though this would of course delay the final awarding of your license.

Some agencies require a course provided by one of a selected set of organizations, while some don't seem to care who provides it. The courses appear to vary greatly in quality though cover the essentials of firearm safety and concealed carry.

In addition to around 8 hours of classroom instruction, the courses include a "live-fire" shooting qualification using each of the firearms you listed in your application. You must show a basic level of proficiency using a standard B-27 silhouette target. In Los Angeles County, you must score 70% (17) or 24 shots within the 7 ring, an oval roughly 22" high by 12" wide at varying distances, the maximum being 7 yards. This is a relatively huge area at a very close range for anyone who shoots regularly.

I've heard that the city of Redondo Beach has applicants use their police training (shooting) simulator. Great idea in my opinion!


B-27 Silhouette Target 45" high x 24" wide

Shooting Proficiency.jpg (137.75 KiB) Viewed 1378 times

The CCW course will cost you around $200 to $300. Some courses include training and forms for applying for Utah, Arizona, and/or Florida carry permits which are recognized by many other states (see post #3 Multi-State Permit Holders).

Note that California does not honor any other state's concealed carry permits.


Psychological Evaluation

Perhaps because my friends outwardly appear sane, I am not aware of anyone who has had to undergo a psych eval.


Approval

Once your CCW permit has been approved and your course with qualification completed, you will be issued a temporary CCW card, with your picture taken for a more permanent card to follow in a few weeks. This may cost an additional $100 or so.

In California, the entire process can take anywhere between six months to two years, quite a bit slower than many other states which might take only a few days or weeks, or zero days in the 25 "constitutional carry" states.


Renewal

Oh, and remember, your permit must be renewed every year or two or more depending on location. Expect to repeat the process and fee payment for each renewal cycle.

After Bruen, many people have become interested a acquiring a CCW permit, thus the agency you apply with might make a big different on how long your process takes. Many CCW courses fill up well in advance.

Check in please - Thanks - Bernie

Please check in Randy, KF6KOC and Becky KF6RGR, Thanks!

KK6CTT for the online check-in please: 01/12/2023

I will be listening in but I will be at a community meeting where I am providing similar information for those who are just starting out:


Following a meeting with the California Rifle and Pistol Association (CRPA) on 25 JAN 2023 @ 1800 with Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco; the next day there will be a seminar discussing the process of purchasing your first firearm. What to expect and what you can do to make your 1st purchase a better experience.

We will provide general information concerning the following questions/situations:
o The Firearm Safety Certificate (required for purchase)
o Forms of California ID (required)
o Nuances between the purchase of pistols, rifles and shotguns
o The Dealer Record of Sale (DROS), 4473 Form, and the 10-day waiting period


For the women who are just starting their journey into responsible firearm ownership and familiarization programs like this exist to help.


NRA of California Members' Council event information here:

Please check me in tonight.