Thought on CCWs

by
posted on October 10, 2012
wiley-clapp.jpg

Apparently, enough American gun owners are making their feelings known to the politicians, because the majority of states have enacted laws that permit some form of CCW permits. Better yet, there is a bill under consideration that would require all states to honor permits issued by other states. This is a positive step forward and is much closer to the day when every American can be licensed to carry if he or she so chooses. I have no trouble understanding the intent of the 2nd Amendment, but politicians sometimes have difficulty fully grasping some very simple language. So we have to spend all kinds of time and money. OK, so be it—but we are making progress.

Depending on where you live, there is a certain amount of expense and effort involved in getting your license. Do you want to do this? Is it important enough for you to put up with the hassle? You'll have to answer this one for yourself, but I would like to offer a different perspective on the now common CCW permit. I believe that all Americans who treasure their rights should go through the process. And that applies to every gun owner, whether they need or desire to carry a handgun. In other words, go get the permit, renew it as often as is needed and you are always legal. This is not necessarily done to benefit you personally, but it will have a positive effect on the system. Simply stated, the more handgunners who have a CCW, the harder it will be to take it away from them. If you support the idea of a CCW permit, go get yours.

Understand that having a permit does not require you to carry a concealed handgun at all times, but does permit you to do so when you feel the need. You may live in a community that is essentially peaceful, so guns are not routinely required. But when some perceived threat comes along, it may be comforting to drop a quality handgun into pocket or purse—legally. I would be a lot happier knowing that there are many more armed citizens with a working understanding of the limits of power.

Latest

NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, Atlanta
NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, Atlanta

The Rifleman Report: New Developments

Our official coverage of new products for the current year is set for next month, but we included two substantial new developments in this issue that have the potential to make significant ripples in the firearm business even before then.

Arkansas To Begin Mandatory Gun Safety Lessons In Schools

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed into law requiring public and open enrollment public charter schools to provide age-appropriate firearm safety instruction beginning during the 2025-2026 school year.

Adams Arms Set To Relaunch

Alexandria Pro-Fab, a contract machine shop based in Minnesota, announced that it has purchased the assets of Adams Arms, along with all of the company’s intellectual property, and it plans to relaunch the company in the second quarter of 2025.

I Have This Old Gun: Bayard Auto Pistol

The Herstal, Belgium, firm of Anciens Etablissements Pieper was apparently expecting big things when, in 1908, it named its new semi-automatic pocket pistol “Bayard.”

The Armed Citizen® March 31, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

New For 2025: Benelli USA Nova 3 Tactical

This latest update to Benelli’s pump-action shotgun gives users a few upgrades over previous generations, making the new NOVA 3 the most exciting pump-gun yet to come from the Italian maker.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.