Hi all!

I am new to these forums as I have just purchased my first handgun ever which is a FS M&P 9. I love it so far, I knew S&W made great guns because I used to shoot my mother's S&W .38 Special all the time. My next purchase is going to be a M&P Shield or .45, I haven't decided. Haha.

Anyways I have been lurking these and other forums dedicated to firearms, concealed and open carry laws, etc and I know any CCW badges are a bad idea. I work for a private security company but I only wear my gun and security badge when going to and from work and in full uniform. Off-duty of course I conceal carry (I do have my license) and my question is where should I keep my CC License? In the wallet, on my neck (under clothes), in an ID holder (under clothes of course), and how would I advise Law Enforcement I that do have a license in case of being questioned or god forbid I actually have to use it?

I know in Alabama open carry is legal and CC is legal with a license. I cannot carry in hospitals, private property that is marked with "no weapons", and court rooms. Do any of you all know if I'm missing anything? Any tips for a new CC guy? Any gun recommendations for CC and/or home defense and competitive shooting?

I keep mine right behind my DL ... if I contact an LEO Ill produce both my DL and CCW permit thus informing the officer

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it just needs more voltage

First off, welcome from Iowa.
I'm glad you realize the CCW badge is a bad idea. I've been seeing those in gun magazines for years. They say "This badge could save your life!" Yeah, right. No LEO is going to do anything but think somebody with one of those is a cop wanna-be.
As far as carrying your permit, I would just keep it in your wallet. That's what I do with mine, and in over 27 years of carrying there has been exactly one time an LEO has asked to see it, and that was when I was a bodyguard for a celebrity, and he was part of the team. Unless your state has a law that says you have to advise law enforcement in a traffic stop, it is highly unlikely you will have to produce your permit. Just keep it handy, keep your weapon concealed, and act appropriately at all times. Which means, by the way, you now have to take FAR more **** from people than you did before you were armed. You have much more responsibility. Take it seriously.
Jim

Congrats, JazzyJ, and welcome aboard from a fellow Alabamian.

I agree that you aren't required to show your concealed-carry permit (often referred to in my County as simply a "pistol permit") if involved in a traffic stop here; however, in the handful of instances I've been pulled-over, I've always handed over both my driver's license and permit and have advised the officer that a firearm is present - I've always been thanked by the officer and, once, even got into a "what-are-you-carrying-oh-that's-cool" discussion ha-ha!

I'm glad Alabama is such a predominantly "gun-friendly" state. Also, as you may already know, we share reciprocity with a good number of other states with regard to concealed-carry. Check out the State Attorney General's website for more detail:

http://www.ago.state.al.us/Page-Gun-Reprocity-Law%20

As for competitive shooting, opportunities abound. If you're near Birmingham, have a look at the Brock's Gap Shooting Facility in the Hoover area. Among other things, they have a thriving IDPA element:

http://brocksgapidpa.com/

Feel free to send me a PM anytime and again, welcome aboard!

Thank you for the informative responses and warm welcomes! I plan on joining the Tri-County shooting range in Montgomery as it is the closest to me although I've heard good things about locations in Birmingham and I'll definite check those out, SixgunFife.

There is a nice indoor range in Lawrenceville, GA called Bullseye that I occasionally use when I'm in town visiting relatives. If anyone is near that area I recommend a visit. Once again, thanks!

First, welcome to the Forum. One thing I would recommend, in addition to what others have posted is to get a copy of Mass Ayoob's book on CCW for civilians (I forgot the title).

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

If you haven't taken the CCW classes this should be covered when you do. And if it isn't you should ask why.

As you probably already know, carrying a firearm is a great responsibility and knowledge of the law is essential. In addition to Federal laws each State has its own twist.

This is one good resource:
Handgunlaw.us

And another:
Alabama Legislative Information System Online

Yet more:
http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/alabama.pdf

Yeah I plan on furthering my handgun education soon with professional or experienced shooters and defense courses even though I did qualify with my issued weapon for my job and have previous shooting experience with the .38. You're never done learning!

I'll have to check up on that book, thanks Old Cop and thank you for your service as a LEO.

ALSO, can anyone tell me what a "Gold Star" open carry state means? I am assuming it is the best kind of open carry state but what is the criteria? This is just to satisfy curiosity as I don't plan to open carry off-duty. Open Carry | OpenCarry.org

Go to Evan Marshall - Handgun Stopping Power click on commentary, and read Evan Marshall's comments on the 'Dangers of Intervention'.

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the world is round everywhere

A very good read, thanks.

Nobody on the "Gold Star Open Carry State" thing? I wonder what criteria constitutes this.

JazzyJ,

CARRYING, whether OPEN or LEGALLY CONCEALED, is an awesome responsibility.

Being PROFICIENT with YOUR firearm is most definitely a GOOD THING.

The MOST IMPORTANT THING is to be FULLY LEGAL within your STATES or US laws with its carry or use in an incident.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY is to KEEP CURRENT on the ever changing statutes.

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NRA Pistol/Rifle Inst. RSO

JazzyJ,

Google Gold Star Carry States.

It's kinda like a state that JUST GENERALLY ALLOWS OPEN CARRY,

without any permits or such.

Many restriction on palaces DO APPLY THOUGH.

Ohio would be such a state under those definations.

OPEN CARRY in the populated Midwest, Northeast, & Southeast would tend

to be more concerning to the folks than in parts of the SOUTHWEST.

Law Enforcement tends to be overwhelmed with 911 calls concerning "MAN WITH A GUN", so you can see their point.

You may even be charged initially with OTHER CRIMES, such as,

INDUCING A PANIC!!!!!"

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NRA Pistol/Rifle Inst. RSO

I googled Gold Star States and it didn't come up with an exact definition. I get the gist of it, however.

Thanks for the help.

In the opinion of this old fart, is to get a copy of "In Gravest Extreme' by Massad F. Ayoob.

I first read this book about 30 years ago, and have used it for training since then. Mas is the best trainer I have ever met, and I have trained with many of the 'old masters'.

In Gravest Extreme, is not a 'how to book'. Rather it is a when to, and when not to, and a consequences book.

Go slow and stay safe out there

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the world is round everywhere

I'll give it a read, GLVO. Thanks for your service!