Many states throughout the US have some sort of system in place to allow law abiding citizens to obtain a permit to carry a handgun, weather openly or concealed.
Carrying loaded firearms in public comes with alot of rules and responsibility. The decision to carry is one that should be thought out carefully. You must consider:
These are just some of the things you need to be prepared for.
Most states require some training, background checks, and fees to get a permit. Remember throughout this article that I reside in Tennessee, so will be using reference from my own state. Also I am not a lawyer so be sure to reference your own states laws before carrying a firearm.
In TN I had to take an eight hour class consisting of classroom and range time. The classroom consisted mostly of topics of gun safety, handgun selection, legal aspects, where we are and aren't allowed to carry, and cleaning, etc. On the range we had to shoot about 50 rounds from various distances at a state approved target to be scored.
Next I had to go to the DMV fill out and sign an application in front of a clerk and pay a $115 fee, I was then handed paperwork to go to a nearby UPS store to get digitally fingerprinted. About 6 weeks later my permit came in the mail.
Now I have no intention, desire, want, or craving, to kill or seriously wound anyone. But if I believe I, a loved one, or someone I could help, life is in imminent danger of being ended I will like to think that I would have the ability to bring that situation to an end.
In TN I don't have to worry about the legal aspects too much as long as it is a legit self defense shot, and the bullet stops where I intend for it to stop. Here in TN as long as you are cleared of criminal wrongdoing a HCP holder cannot be taken to civil court by the attacker or the attackers family. However most states are not like this so I would keep the card of a respected firearms attorney on you.
We are allowed to openly carry here but it is my belief that it is not a good idea. Most states have Concealed carry permits, to openly cary you could be arrested for brandishment. Openly carrying does several things. It scares people who are not accustomed to, afraid of, or just plain Anti gun and will want to cause a commotion. You also give up the element of surprise, say for in an armed robbery who do you think the first to be shot will be? Probably the person with the gun on their side. Also there are some Law Enforcement Officers who either because of ignorance of the law, or the ego boost will give you a hard time and could possibly rough you up. Not all LEOs are like this but it has happened several times.
This just scratches the surface of carrying. If you have questions feel free to E-Mail me at Chip@chipperi.com