Read and find out what Constitutional Carry needs to address and why it's a step in the right direction.
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Constitutional Carry: What You Need to Know
Citizen's Right to Carry
Just this past week, another state entered the realm of constitutional carry. We applaud West Virginia for sticking it to the man and allowing her residents to carry a firearm if they are legally allowed to have it to begin with.
This is a growing trend and one that we all hope continues to catch on more and more in the future.
Having said all of that, there are some issues with Constitutional Carry that need to be addressed. While this is a great step in the right direction, we need to remember that this does screw some people out of carrying a handgun in other states.
At least, it does for now. You see, there are currently only a handful of these states that require no permit/license to carry a firearm.
So, until there is a law allowing 50-state carry, this will continue to be an issue for some people.
Different Gun Laws in the Other States
The main problem is at least one of these states does not issue a permit at all. Therefore, there is no reciprocity between that state and those who require a license/permit (and DC).
Therefore, if you feel like going on vacation, you could be screwed if you want to bring your firearm with you for self-defense (if you're from a state that doesn't issue a permit).
For example, Vermont does not issue a concealed carry permit at all. This is great when you're in Vermont because the 2nd Amendment is basically your permit.
But, what if you want to take your kids to see the giant mouse down in Florida?
You can still go but you just can't bring your gun with you for self-defense. In fact, because seven other states don't require a permit/license to carry, there are only seven places where you can legally bring your firearm—and even then, you've still got to get to those places, which ain't exactly easy.
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Or, you can apply for a non-resident concealed carry permit in one of the many states that will give you one. Now, I know what you're thinking.
One of the best things about living in one of those constitutional carry states is that you don't have to incur the expense of getting a permit.
That is very true. However, if you get a non-resident permit from one of those states, you can legally go on vacation with your firearm to a lot more places than you can now.
Several states offer a non-resident concealed carry permit/license. Furthermore, we recommend that even if you have a concealed carry permit or license in your home state, you still apply for another, in one of these states.
Heck, I'll be starting the process in Utah, very shortly. That way, you can carry it in as many places as you possibly can. Some of the more popular ones are as follows:
- Arizona
- Utah
- Florida
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
It should be noted here, that some of the above-listed states require that you have a concealed carry license/permit in the state you are from. However, you may still meet the criteria if your state does not issue one, to begin with.
Even better, some of those states on the above list can be applied for via snail mail—making it even easier to get.
Know more about constitutional carry in this video by USCCA:
Constitutional Carry is a great thing. However, until more states come on board, it'll, unfortunately, prevent some people from protecting themselves while on vacation.
One of the best ways to combat this is to apply for a non-resident concealed carry permit/license in a state that offers upwards of 30 other reciprocal states to broaden your vacationing horizons.
Do you have a non-resident license to carry? If so, which one do you have and why? Let us know in the comments section below!
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on March 7, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
I agree with some of the other comments, if you are given a conceal/carry permit from the state you live in then it should be good in all the states in America. Heck the investigation that is done on you to get this permit is extensive and the government has your fingerprints and picture.