NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Carrying concealed weapon

In the United States, carrying concealed weapon (CCW, also known as concealed carry) is the privilege or right for private citizens to carry a handgun or other weapon in public in a concealed manner, either on the person or in close proximity to the person. In some states, the law applies to only a single concealed weapon, while in other states a person may conceal multiple weapons. The choice of permitted weapon depends on the state; some states restrict the weapon to a single handgun, whereas others permit multiple handguns or even martial arts weapons to be carried. CCW is a more generalized form of what some states call a concealed handgun license (CHL). Image File history File links Broom_icon. ... A Browning 9 millimeter Hi-Power Ordnance pistol of the French Navy, 19th century, using a Percussion cap mechanism Derringers were small and easily hidden. ...

The current trend towards adopting concealed carry laws has not been without opposition; however, no state which has adopted a shall-issue concealed carry law has subsequently reversed their decision to do so. Currently, 48 U.S. states allow some form of concealed carry. (About half of the states provide for some variant on non-concealed "open-carry". In 13 states, the same permit or license is required to open-carry a handgun, but most states do not require a permit or license to carry openly; in 6 states, even with concealed-carry licenses or permits, open-carry is absolutely prohibited.) The examples and perspective in this article or section may not represent a worldwide view. ...

State laws

In 39 concealed-carry states, issuing officials may not arbitrarily deny a concealed-carry application, a practice known as Florida-style "shall issue." Nine states have "may issue" laws requiring the applicant to demonstrate specific "need." In practice, this is often a mechanism to deny licensing. Image File history File links Rtc. ... Image File history File links Rtc. ... For a shall-issue gun law, authorities (usually the local police) are required to issue a concealed carry permit to any individual who request it if he meets the states issuance criteria, often a background check and a safety class. ...

These "may issue" states range from "shall issue" in practice, such as Alabama and Connecticut; to "at the whim of local officials", such as New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and California, (where rural officials liberally issue permits, but urban officials seldom do) to "almost non-issue" in states such as Maryland; to "never-issue" Hawaii where, though state law allows for the issuance of permits, officials choose not to issue them under any circumstances.^{[citation needed]} Official language(s) English Capital Montgomery Largest city Birmingham Area Ranked 30th - Total 52,419 sq mi (135,765 kmÂ²) - Width 190 miles (306 km) - Length 330 miles (531 km) - % water 3. ... It has been suggested that this article be split into multiple articles. ... NY redirects here. ... It has been suggested that this article be split into multiple articles. ... This article is about the U.S. State. ... Official language(s) English Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Area Ranked 3rd - Total 158,302 sq mi (410,000 kmÂ²) - Width 250 miles (400 km) - Length 770 miles (1,240 km) - % water 4. ... Official language(s) None (English, de facto) Capital Annapolis Largest city Baltimore Area Ranked 42nd - Total 12,417 sq mi (32,160 kmÂ²) - Width 90 miles (145 km) - Length 249 miles (400 km) - % water 21 - Latitude 37Â°53N to 39Â°43N - Longitude 75Â°4W to 79Â°33... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

Two states, (Vermont^[1] and Alaska^[2]), allow a non-felon aged 16 or 21 respectively, to carry without requiring a permit as a fundamental right. Alaskan residents may optionally obtain a permit granting reciprocal carry privileges in certain other states, or to be exempted from the NICS background check. Vermont extends the right to carry without requiring a permit to non-residents as well as to residents, but issues no permits to residents that could function to allow reciprocal concealed carry rights for Vermont residents while in other states. Official language(s) None Capital Montpelier Largest city Burlington Area Ranked 45th - Total 9,620 sq mi (24,923 kmÂ²) - Width 80 miles (130 km) - Length 160 miles (260 km) - % water 3. ... Official language(s) English Capital Juneau Largest city Anchorage Area Ranked 1st - Total 663,267 sq mi (1,717,855 kmÂ²) - Width 808 miles (1,300 km) - Length 1,479 miles (2,380 km) - % water 13. ... A felony, in many common law legal systems, is the term for a very serious crime; misdemeanors are considered to be less serious. ... NICS or National Instant Check System is a point of sale system that Federal Firearms License holders are required by law to use when conducting a sale to somebody. ...

As of 2006, two states (Wisconsin^[3] and Illinois^[4]) and the nation's capital^[5] have no provision for legal concealed-carry privileges. There are currently movements in each of these states to pass concealed-carry laws. Legislation was passed in 2004 and again in 2005, but vetoed by the respective governors. On March 23, 2006 the Kansas legislature overrode governor Kathleen Sebelius' veto and enacted a concealed-carry law effective July 1.^[6] Official language(s) None Capital Madison Largest city Milwaukee Area Ranked 23rd - Total 65,498 sq mi (169,790 kmÂ²) - Width 260 miles (420 km) - Length 310 miles (500 km) - % water 17 - Latitude 42Â°30N to 47Â°3N - Longitude 86Â°49W to 92Â°54W Population Ranked... Official language(s) English Capital Springfield Largest city Chicago Largest metro area Chicago Area Ranked 25th - Total 57,918 sq mi (149,998 kmÂ²) - Width 210 miles (340 km) - Length 390 miles (629 km) - % water 4. ... Aerial photo (looking NW) of the Washington Monument and the White House in Washington, DC. Washington, D.C., officially the District of Columbia (also known as D.C.; Washington; the Nations Capital; the District; and, historically, the Federal City) is the capital city and administrative district of the United... March 23 is the 82nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (83rd in leap years). ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... Official language(s) none Capital Topeka Largest city Wichita Area Ranked 15th - Total 82,277 sq mi (213,096 kmÂ²) - Width 211 miles (340 km) - Length 417 miles (645 km) - % water 0. ... Kathleen Gilligan Sebelius (born May 15, 1948 in Cincinnati, Ohio) is an American Democratic politician who currently serves as the 44th Governor of Kansas. ...

Reciprocal recognition of concealed-carry privileges and rights vary state-to-state, are negotiated between individual states, and sometimes additionally depend on the residency status of the licenseholder, even when holding a permit or license. Presently, a license or permit from most states, held by a resident of that state, is recognized in approximately 30 other states. In contrast, a license or permit from most states, held by a non-resident of that state, is recognized in slightly fewer than 30 other states at present. Attempts have been made in the United States House of Representatives (H.R. 226) to enact legislation to compel complete reciprocity for concealed-carry licenses (just as motor vehicle licenses enjoy complete reciprocity.) The United States Senate (S. 388) has introduced similar legislation. Seal of the House of Representatives The United States House of Representatives (or simply the House) is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress, the other being the Senate. ... Seal of the U.S. Senate Federal courts Supreme Court Chief Justice Associate Justices Elections Presidential elections Midterm elections Political Parties Democratic Republican Third parties State & Local government Governors Legislatures State Courts Counties, Cities, and Towns Other countries Politics Portal Senate composition following 2006 elections The United States Senate is...

A licensee residing in one state may be able to carry or transport a weapon to another provided there is a reciprocity agreement between the states. A licensee is considered to have constructive knowledge of the law as it applies (that is, courts will presume the licensee knows the law, whether the licensee has troubled himself to learn it or not).

Legislation, case-law, and interpretation thereof by law enforcement agencies change rapidly and frequently in this area of law, and online sources may not be reliable or up-to-date.

Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (federal law)

In 2004, the Congress of the United States enacted the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, 18 U.S. Code 926B and 926C. This federal law allows two classes of persons -- the "qualified law enforcement officer" and the "qualified retired law enforcement officer" -- to carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of any state or local law to the contrary, with certain exceptions. The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) is a United States federal law, enacted in 2004, that allows two classes of persons -- the qualified law enforcement officer and the qualified retired law enforcment officer -- to carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of any state...

Training

Recognizing the responsibility associated in concealed-carrying a firearm, some states require concealed carry applicants to participate in a training course. Most courses have a classroom and range component, often being completed in one to two days. The classroom topics can include the following: firearm mechanics and terminology; concealed carry legislation and limitations; liability issues; carry methods and safety; home defense; methods for managing and defusing confrontational situations; and practice of techniques. These courses devote a considerable amount of time to liability issues should the licensee have to ever use his weapon. While state laws vary, generally use of deadly force must be a matter of last resort, when life or limb is endangered, when escape or retreat are foreclosed, and warnings are given but ignored. This article does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Deadly force or shoot to kill is that level of force which is inherently likely to cause death or great bodily injury. ...

During the range portion of the course the applicant typically learns and demonstrates safe handling of a firearm, how to safely operate the handgun, and accurate shooting from common self-defense distances. Most states require a certain proficiency to receive a passing grade.

Some states recognize the safety and use-of-force training given to military personnel as acceptable. These states will allow a military ID for active persons or DD214 for legally discharged persons in lieu of formal civilian training certification. A United States Uniformed Services Privilege and Identification Card (also commonly known as U.S. military ID, or less commonly abbreviated USPIC) is an identity document issued by the United States Department of Defense to identify a person as a member of the Armed Forces or a members dependent... Please wikify (format) this article as suggested in the Guide to layout and the Manual of Style. ...

Liability is present where the licensee brandishes the weapon, threatens use, or exacerbates a volatile situation, or when the licensee is carrying while intoxicated.

Motivations for concealed weapon carry

There are a variety of motivations people have for seeking a license or permit to carry a concealed weapon (CCW). Historically, judges have granted concealed-carry privileges to officers of the court who could demonstrate need (including judges, attorneys, bailiffs, and security guards). Threatened private individuals have also often been given permission to carry, e.g. "battered wives" and stalked celebrities. These historical grants rarely required firearms training. To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Bailiff (from Late Latin bajulivus, adjectival form of bajulus) is a governor or custodian (cf. ... A security guard or security officer, is usually a privately and formally employed person who is paid to protect property, and/or assets, and/or people. ...

More recently, with the growth of the concealed-carry movement, many more private individuals have sought to be armed in public. Some examples:

Genera Ailuropoda Helarctos Melursus Ursus Tremarctos Arctodus (extinct) A bear is a large mammal in the family Ursidae of the order Carnivora. ... Binomial name Puma concolor (Linnaeus, 1771) The puma (Puma concolor) is a type of large cat found in North, Central and South America. ... The shooting sports include those competitive sports involving tests of proficiency (accuracy and speed) using various types of guns such as firearms and airguns (see Archery for more information on shooting sports that make use of bows and arrows). ...

Concealed carry politics

Concealed carry laws

Legislation and debate regarding the concealed carry of firearms are a subset of gun politics. The main distinction between the topics of concealed carry and the more general consideration of gun ownership is that arguments advocating or opposing concealed carry must first assume that people can legally own firearms. This point is often lost when discussions on concealed carry give way to debates on gun ownership in general. For example, if the argument is made that concealed carry should be illegal because people should not own guns, then the topic of discussion is no longer centered on the merits of concealed carry. A firearm is a kinetic energy weapon that fires either a single or multiple projectiles propelled at high velocity by the gases produced by action of the rapid confined burning of a propellant. ... Gun politics fundamentally involves the politics of two related questions: Does a government have valid authority to impose regulations on guns? And, assuming such authority, should a government regulate guns?[1] The answer to these questions and the nature of the politics varies and depends on the national and local...

The largest topic in concealed carry politics is who can legally carry concealed weapons. Three common policies are prohibition of concealed carry, discretionary licensing, and nondiscretionary licensing. Less common is unregulated, legal concealed carry such as in Vermont and Alaska. Furthermore, minimum age requirements of 18 or 21 years are typical. In the United States of America, for a may-issue gun law, authorities (usually the local police) have broad discretion as whether to issue a concealed carry (often a background check and safety class) permit to a given individual. ... For a shall-issue gun law, authorities (usually the local police) are required to issue a concealed carry permit to any individual who request it if he meets the states issuance criteria, often a background check and a safety class. ... Official language(s) None Capital Montpelier Largest city Burlington Area Ranked 45th - Total 9,620 sq mi (24,923 kmÂ²) - Width 80 miles (130 km) - Length 160 miles (260 km) - % water 3. ... Official language(s) English Capital Juneau Largest city Anchorage Area Ranked 1st - Total 663,267 sq mi (1,717,855 kmÂ²) - Width 808 miles (1,300 km) - Length 1,479 miles (2,380 km) - % water 13. ...

Even in localities where concealed carrying is permitted, there may be legal restrictions on where a person may carry a concealed weapon. Typical examples include the prohibition of concealed carry in public schools, establishments that serve alcohol, public accommodations (theaters, concert halls, courtrooms) or public events (polling places, state fairs). This article is about three films. ...

These restrictions vary widely, particularly in the United States. For example, in Texas, one may not carry in any establishment which generates 51% or more of its revenue from the sale of alcohol for on-premises consumption. In Florida, one may carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol, but not into the bar area. Virginia prohibits concealed-carry in businesses with a liquor license, but open-carry is permitted. Pennsylvania does not prohibit carry in any establishment, whether it be a family restaurant, bar, or club. In Ohio and North Carolina, a law-abiding permit holder may not carry in any establishment licensed to dispense alcohol for on-premises consumption. Official language(s) No Official Language See languages of Texas Capital Austin Largest city Houston Area Ranked 2nd - Total 261,797 sq mi (678,051 kmÂ²) - Width 773 miles (1,244 km) - Length 790 miles (1,270 km) - % water 2. ... Official language(s) English Capital Tallahassee Largest city Jacksonville Largest metro area Miami Area Ranked 22nd - Total 65,795[1] sq mi (170,304[1] kmÂ²) - Width 361 miles (582 km) - Length 447 miles (721 km) - % water 17. ... Official language(s) English Capital Richmond Largest city Virginia Beach Area Ranked 35th - Total 42,793 sq mi (110,862 kmÂ²) - Width 200 miles (320 km) - Length 430 miles (690 km) - % water 7. ... A Liquor license is a permit to sell alcoholic beverages. ...

Further restrictions may be placed on what kind of guns may be carried and how many a person may carry at one time.

Civil liberties

It has been argued by some that CCW permits are unconstitutional. In their December 2004 article "Why Adopt a Vermont-style CCW Law?", the gun rights organization Gun Owners of America argues: It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into constitutionality. ...

...the article then goes on to cite an example of a supreme court ruling in regards to the First Amendment: The first ten Amendments to the U.S. Constitution make up the Bill of Rights. ...

"The Supreme Court held in Lamont v. Postmaster General (1965) that the First Amendment prevents the government from registering purchasers of magazines and newspapers -- even if such material is "communist political propaganda."

Research into the effects of concealed carry laws on crime

There have been many studies published in academic journals regarding the effects of various concealed carry laws on crime rate. Academics have also taken the debate outside of journals, writing books, blogs, and having debates on the subject.

The effect of various concealed carry laws are the subject of past and present research. In his book, More Guns, Less Crime, controversial pro-gun scholar John Lott's analysis of crime report data has shown some statistically significant effects of concealed carry laws. One major conclusion was that locations which enacted more permissive concealed carry laws had a decrease in violent crime, but an increase in property crime. John R. Lott Jr. ... John R. Lott Jr. ...

Don Kates summarizes the consensus reached by criminological research into gun control thus: "Unfortunately, an almost perfect inverse correlation exists between those who are affected by gun laws, particularly bans, and those whom enforcement should affect. Those easiest to disarm are the responsible and law abiding citizens whose guns represent no meaningful social problem. Irresponsible and criminal owners, whose gun possession creates or exacerbates so many social ills, are the ones most difficult to disarm."^[7]

Regardless of the interpretation of statistics, the trend in the United States has been towards greater permissiveness of concealed carry. In Florida, which first introduced "shall-issue" concealed carry laws, crimes committed against residents dropped markedly upon the general issuance of concealed-carry licenses,[1] which had the unintended consequence of putting tourists in Florida driving marked rental cars at risk from criminals (since tourists may be readily presumed unarmed.) Florida responded by enacting laws prohibiting the obvious marking of rental cars. In 1991, the Luby's massacre prompted Texas lawmakers to pass a concealed carry law. On October 16, 1991 in Killeen, Texas, a man named George Hennard drove his 1987 Ford Ranger truck into a Lubys Cafeteria in Killeen Texas, yelled This is what Bell County has done to me! then opened fire on the restaurants patrons and staff with a Glock 17...

Related literature

Who carries?

Statistics published by the various states give some indication of what type, and how many people acquire permits to carry concealed weapons. Some recent indicative statistics:

Official language(s) English Capital Tallahassee Largest city Jacksonville Largest metro area Miami Area Ranked 22nd - Total 65,795[1] sq mi (170,304[1] kmÂ²) - Width 361 miles (582 km) - Length 447 miles (721 km) - % water 17. ... Official language(s) English Capital Tallahassee Largest city Jacksonville Largest metro area Miami Area Ranked 22nd - Total 65,795[1] sq mi (170,304[1] kmÂ²) - Width 361 miles (582 km) - Length 447 miles (721 km) - % water 17. ... Official language(s) None (English, de-facto) Capital Lansing Largest city Detroit Area Ranked 11th - Total 97,990 sq mi (253,793 kmÂ²) - Width 239 miles (385 km) - Length 491 miles (790 km) - % water 41. ... NY redirects here. ... Official language(s) English, Pennsylvania Dutch Capital Harrisburg Largest city Philadelphia Area Ranked 33rd - Total 46,055 sq mi (119,283 kmÂ²) - Width 280 miles (455 km) - Length 160 miles (255 km) - % water 2. ... Official language(s) No Official Language See languages of Texas Capital Austin Largest city Houston Area Ranked 2nd - Total 261,797 sq mi (678,051 kmÂ²) - Width 773 miles (1,244 km) - Length 790 miles (1,270 km) - % water 2. ... Official language(s) English Capital Raleigh Largest city Charlotte Area Ranked 28th - Total 53,865 sq mi (139,509 kmÂ²) - Width 150 miles (240 km) - Length 560[1] miles (901 km) - % water 9. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Official language(s) None Capital Salem Largest city Portland Area Ranked 9th - Total 98,466 sq mi (255,026 kmÂ²) - Width 260 miles (420 km) - Length 360 miles (580 km) - % water 2. ...

Methods of carry

At present, only five of the "shall issue" states require concealment; however, some localities require concealment by statute or ordinance. Most licensees choose to conceal their weapon to avoid causing others to make spurious calls to the police.

Concealment is generally accomplished with a medium or small revolver or semi-automatic pistol, an appropriate holster, and a concealing garment or handbag. Changes in methods of concealment are sometimes necessary when crossing state boundaries, though reciprocal recognition of licenses exists between each states. For example, Florida requires concealment of handguns. A pocket holster (front or rear trouser pocket), inside waistband (IWB) clip or holster, or ankle holster are all legal, provided appropriate covering garments are worn. Georgia does not require concealment but does require that if concealed-carrying, the weapon be carried in some type of holster or a hipgrip/clip .^[8] Careful review of differences in state laws, despite the existence of reciprocal recognition of CCW licenses, should always be made prior to making any trips across state lines. rEVOLVEr (2004) is the fourth studio album release by Swedish thrash metal band The Haunted. ... Springfield Armory M1911A1 . ... A holster is a specialized article of clothing worn to hold a handgun about the person, most commonly in a location where it can be easily drawn for immediate use. ... Official language(s) English Capital Tallahassee Largest city Jacksonville Largest metro area Miami Area Ranked 22nd - Total 65,795[1] sq mi (170,304[1] kmÂ²) - Width 361 miles (582 km) - Length 447 miles (721 km) - % water 17. ... A holster is a specialized article of clothing worn to hold a handgun about the person, most commonly in a location where it can be easily drawn for immediate use. ...

Weapon choices for concealed carry

There is no single "best" weapon for concealed-carry usage, because the decision involves trading various pros and cons based on each user's priorities, location, etc. Points to consider include the following:

Legality

CCW Licenses for different states that require licenses do not all permit the same choices of weapons. In many states, a concealed-carry license is valid for a firearm, edged weapon or a stun gun (Taser), or multiple weapons. In other states, the license is valid only for a firearm — other weapons, chemical deterrents, and back-ups are illegal. These differences are important for licensees crossing state lines, despite reciprocity agreements. Again, a licensee is considered to have constructive knowledge of all laws that apply to him (that is, courts will presume the licensee knows the law, whether the licensee has troubled himself to learn it or not).^[9]^[10] Summary An electroshock gun or stun gun, is a weapon used for subduing a person by administering an electric shock. ...

Reliability

The paramount concern is reliability. For simplicity and reliability, a 5- or 6-shot revolver may be an excellent choice. Most revolvers will operate even if they are not maintained well or are seldom fired. Others may prefer a more complex 8- to 17-shot semi-automatic pistol, but they may malfunction if not kept properly maintained. Shooting statistics show that most revolvers are sufficient for personal-protection. Semi-automatics with single column magazines, are generally smaller with more streamlined profiles that conceal better and are less likely to catch on clothing. The choice of revolver or semi-automatic is a matter of personal preference and the owner's dedication to maintenance and regular practice.^[11] In a single column magazine, the rounds are stacked one on top of the other. ...

Safety

Any CCW handgun should have modern safety features to prevent accidental discharge, and have one or more safety devices that require an intentional trigger pull to make the gun discharge. However, the exact configuration depends on handgun type, year, make, and model. No user should carry a handgun without a complete understanding of its operation and safety features.^[12]

The different types of safety devices are discussed in the main article Safety (firearms). Close-up shot of a safety of an M16A2 rifle. ...

Tactical viability

Among handguns, the choice of type, make, and model depends on many variables, some of them tactical in nature, and each user makes his/her own choice about which is best for him/her. There is much debate about the relative pros and cons of modern double-action revolvers versus semi-automatic pistols, some of the issues being reloading speed and technique, the "tactical reload" (rapid partial reloading during narrow opportunities), the relative risk of a jam, and how to react to a jam. Each user's training, experience, and preference determine which gun gets chosen. Single-action revolvers (Old-West-type revolvers) are poor CCW choices tactically, because their thumb-cocking between shots, one-brass-at-a-time ejection, and one-cartridge-at-a-time reloading make them far inferior tactically to modern handguns for self-defense (and tactical needs should trump cowboy nostalgia for that purpose). Similiarly, black powder cap and ball revolvers are poor CCW choices tactically having both single-action slowness and even slower reloading considerations. Within the narrow range of situations where drawing and firing in self-defense are appropriate, minor differences in speed and trigger action that would be negligible in a target-range environment can suddenly become important. Having a handgun available is only a beginning; tactical considerations determine whether it is of any use when it is needed under stress.^[13]

Contents

State laws

Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (federal law)

Training

Motivations for concealed weapon carry

Concealed carry politics

Concealed carry laws

Civil liberties

Research into the effects of concealed carry laws on crime

Related literature

Who carries?

Methods of carry

Weapon choices for concealed carry

Legality

Reliability

Safety

Tactical viability

See also

Concealed carry issues of interest

External links

References

Contents

State laws GA_googleFillSlot("encyclopedia_square");

Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (federal law)

Training

Motivations for concealed weapon carry

Concealed carry politics

Concealed carry laws

Civil liberties

Research into the effects of concealed carry laws on crime

Related literature

Who carries?

Methods of carry

Weapon choices for concealed carry

Legality

Reliability

Safety

Tactical viability

See also

Concealed carry issues of interest

External links

References

State laws