Concealed carry poll

[MrSandman]

There are several approaches to Concealed Carry of handguns(CCW) in the U.S. Range from no license required(Vermon, Alaska) to no CCW except for police.

What is your choice?

[-..__...]

1. As much as I like the idea of "Vermont" style CCW....

I could easily go along with a permit and training requirement for CCW only ... not for possession or purchasing.

However, it would be conditional in that...

Holders are not subject to public record accessibility and random publishing of names.

Permits would be "shall issue".

Fees should be reasonable and subject to nominal costs.

National reciprocity should be recognized (easier said than done).

No listing of individual weapons on the permit (some states require this).

No insurance requirement.

[MrSandman]

3. I would go along except for the national reciprocity

I would like universal recognition, but the struggle for CCW, I fear, would be harmed at this time to take the prerogative from the States. I do like the idea of using NICS for CCW screening and doing away with background checks for CCW holders. I think 6 states do this. Don't ask me which ones. GA?

[-..__...]

5. Before national reciprocity can happen...

there would have to be some sort of equally accepted standard of training and qualification. Granted, it's far from reality, but it's something that could potentially happen as the playing ground changes.

For right now, until all states recognize some fashion of CCW on a "shall issue" basis, it ain't gonna happen. The closest thing I can think of right off hand is S 253 (check http://thomas.loc.gov).

To amend title 18, United States Code, to exempt qualified current and former law enforcement officers from State laws prohibiting the carrying of concealed handguns.

Personally, I think this sort of legislation is abhorrent... extending certain rights to certain individuals that others can't share in.

What's surprising about this legislation, is the names of some of the people who have co-sponsored it.

Sen Boxer, Barbara - 3/3/2003
Sen Clinton, Hillary Rodham - 5/13/2003
Sen Feinstein, Dianne - 1/30/2003
Sen Kerry, John F. - 6/2/2003
Sen Landrieu, Mary - 1/30/2003
Sen Mikulski, Barbara A. - 5/14/2003
Sen Schumer, Charles E. - 1/30/2003

(people who have never met a gun control law they didn't like).

Alongside names like

Sen Alexander, Lamar - 4/3/2003
Sen Chambliss, Saxby - 2/5/2003
Sen Frist, Bill - 7/16/2003
Sen Hatch, Orrin G. - 1/30/2003
Sen Lott, Trent - 2/11/2003
Sen Santorum, Rick - 1/30/2003
Sen Specter, Arlen - 11/5/2003

It seems like both sides are catering to a select group of individuals.
Although whatever their reasons may be, I suspect in the case of Feinstein, Schumer, Boxer and Mikulski, it's to garner support for an extension of the AWB.

Much to his credit, Ted Kennedy is leading the charge against this bill (although for entirely different reasons).

To a certain degree, many states currently recognize out of state permit holders (but, as you mention, it's at each states prerogative).

I think 6 states do this. Don't ask me which ones. GA?


http://www.atf.gov/firearms/bradylaw/permit_chart.htm

[MrSandman]

7. There is H.R. 990

http://thomas.loc.gov/


Sec. 926B. Reciprocity for the carrying of certain concealed firearms

`Notwithstanding any provision of the law of any State or political subdivision thereof, a person who is not prohibited by Federal law from possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm, and is--

`(1) carrying a valid license or permit which is issued pursuant to the law of any State and which permits the person to carry a concealed firearm; or

`(2) otherwise entitled to carry a concealed firearm in and pursuant to the law of the State of the person's residence,

may carry in any State a concealed firearm in accordance with the terms of the license or with the laws of the State of the person's residence, subject to the laws of the State in which the firearm is carried concerning specific types of locations in which firearms may not be carried.'.

[MrSandman]

8. IIRC, part of the CA AWB got tossed...

That exempted former police officers under equal protection.

[-..__...]

9. Silvera .vs Lockyer.

9th circuit. I distinctly remember that portion of the decision. I also remember the Gov being apologetic and pissed that retired LEO's had the carpet yanked out from underneath them on that issue.

http://www.rkba.org/ca/sb23-analysis-psc.html#leo

[Stoker]

15. Vermont style for me...

If I have to ask permission to do something then my right to do that something has been infringed.

Man, threads like this make me so happy and optomistic. It's great in the face of those nameless few here who spout so many anti-gun sentiments. It's good to know how small a minority they really are here.

Stoker

[MrSandman]

2. No CCW getting more votes than the police...

Tough crowd

[alwynsw]

4. I like the Vermont model

[FeebMaster]

6. I prefer Vermont Carry,

but I'm willing to compromise to Alaska Carry and leave a carry permit system in place for people who would like to visit less enlightened states.

[slackmaster]

10. I went for screened and trained

Because not all states have naturally low rates of violent crime like Vermont and Alaska.

[Baclava]

11. Vermont is ideal...

Well, since I had to get fingerprinted and pass all the required background checks to get mine + cough up $117 to the state of FL, I guess reciprocity (and the fact its good for 5 years) makes it worth it.

[jhfenton]

12. There is no evidence...

that permits or training requirements improve public safety. States like Indiana or Pennsylvania with no training requirement to get a permit have no discernible effects other than an increased number of permits. High fees and onerous training requirements are a "compromise" desired by CCW opponents as a burden to reduce the number of permits issued. Naturally, no permit requirement at all is the least onerous.

[MrSandman]

13. As there is no evidence of increased crime rates...

Let liberty prevail.

[FatSlob]

14. I like VT/AK style, but believe each state should make its own choice

If there are permits, I support national reciprocity, same as with driving licenses.