Concealed Carry

If you choose to get a concealed carry license it's incumbent upon you to follow the laws and regulations as set forth in your state, county, and municipality. Currently there is no nationwide uniformed set of regulations governing the obtaining of a concealed carry license (hopefully that will change soon). Different states have different requirements. For example, here in New Mexico to get your license you need to complete a 15-hour training course which includes a qualification shoot to apply for your license. The training class and qualification must be administered by a state licensed firearms instructor. In other states the requirements are simply a four-hour class and no qualification shoot.

Once you have your concealed carry license it again is incumbent upon you to know which states you can now carry concealed in. Many states have a reciprocity agreement for concealed carry licenses. With that said not all states accept licenses from all states, for example; New Mexico will accept a concealed carry license from Arizona however will not accept a concealed carry license from Montana. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse! Take the time to do the research and educate yourself.

Another situation I have seen recently that has the potential to make things more complicated than they need to be are adds for “online” concealed carry courses. They advertise that all you must do is take an online test and they will send you a concealed carry license. On its face the idea is so silly it's dangerous! As I stated before each state has specific requirements for getting your permit, outside of those that do not require a permit to carry concealed. Again, I will use New Mexico as an example, here you must take the required training and shoot the qualification course with a state licensed instructor. As with everything in life you need to be weary of strangers selling a quick fix.

I am a big supporter of your right to defend yourself, I am also a big proponent of concealed carry. With that said I understand that carrying a firearm for self-defense is not for everyone. If you choose to get your concealed carry license make sure that you take the time to do some research. Find a state certified instructor and don’t be afraid to chat with them before you take their class. There is nothing wrong with asking an instructor what their background and experience is and then having them tell you a little about their class. Make the decision that’s right for YOU.