Do you support MANDATORY firearms safety classes for concealed carry licensee's?

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Sure you did

YES,YES AND YES

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NOT SO FAST,, NOT-- SO-- FAST

So if you open carry, or don't carry but you own firearms you don't need any safety training? Why would you only require it for concealed carry? Why would you not require for anyone who has a firearm? Why don't they require new mothers to attend baby safety training? How else will they find out not to put peas up the kids nose, or not to put a plastic bag over the kids head?

What ever happened to being responsible for yourself and for the safety of others?

No! Not Mandatory training, but everyone should be trained in my opinion, just not mandatory.

Pete

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Don't tread on me

If they want to ensure public safety with training classes, not just for CC but also for OC, it should be FREE, available to all and not mandatory. Nor should there be any license required, which is antithetical to it being a God-given right. Should everyone be held strictly and individually accountable for what they do with any weapon? Yes. Should there still be laws enforced concerning brandishing, terroristic threats, assaults, kidnapping, false imprisonment and every kind of stupidity with a weapon? Yes. But should law abiding citizens be demonized, denied, made to wait, made to pay lots of money and jump through hoops to exercize their rights? No. Any way you want to look at it, any and all of this stuff is serious infringement!

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Very interesting...

To address your question in bold above, carrying ccw in public carries a higher degree of awareness than one might be required at home. Things like knowing not to escalate a confrontation, suck up your ego and move on; not be some sort of hero in a commercial robbery incident; learning about situational awareness; Laws and legalities; what happens next after you pull the trigger...
Though many of use see this as common sense, these are some things that need to be taught to non gun enthusiasts.

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Memory of Randy Freas-Rimfired

I agree with your assessment and I agree that I see that as common sense and understand that my perception of common sense and someone elses may be different - but my point was - why only require for CCW - many states have open carry laws so why wouldn't they be required as well and safety classes for those who buy firearms to use at home for self defence, why would they not be required to know basic gun safety rules?

Pete

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Don't tread on me

I think taking a speech class before public speaking is a good idea as is a firearms safety class, but don't think either should be mandatory.

I think gun safety should be a required school subject, with rubber or real guns. Like cars, if you keep it in the garage, no permit required. You take it out in public, training and permit required.

hard question I wouldn't want someone that has no idea how to handle a firearm or know safety aspects to carry until they were knowlegabe about their weapon. But then again MANDATORY could be a way to control who gets a lisense by making it to expensive to obtain by the dems.

I think some miminal time maybe a hour each in legalites, safety and then range time at bare cost. You cant drive, fly, or even hunt without the same. I dont like dynastys built out of these things and thats the danger. People get a goverment job testing and teaching these things and it doesnt stop there. Either due to ego, power trip, proveing their value or all three they keep adding to it and make more and more rules. Still, we are no longer the unpopulated frontier either. EVERY time you give a new pencil neck a little authority this happens. (I used to work with some myself. (Didnt effect me though). Yesterday my next door neighbor told me what he had just went through day before yesterday.
He has lived here all his life and boated forever. I seen him leave with the family and asked him how it went. First at pencil necked youth state park ranger at a reservoir wanted him to scrub the boat down. He showed him some PW he had just got with the boats regestration showing he had just done that stuff. Then the ranger wouldnt let him put the boat in because the trailer wasnt tagged. In this state that size trailer and weight doesnt need a license. He even called the DMV and got that confirmed. Before he lost it he said screw it I will go over 30 miles to this other reservoir he told his grandkids. Off to the other reservoir and the pencil neck there told him his boat only had three license numbers on it and he thought it should have four! Buddy said look I had this boat for 15 years! I think its suppose to have four, says the pencil neck. Neighbor got out a roll of electrical tape and put on 0 in front of the other three numbers! Went back and pencil neck wasnt sure because it wasnt the same color! My neighbor was pretty upset telling me about it yesterday.

I think that mandatory training would be used to limit access. If there has to be mandatory training, it should start in grade school.

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James L. "Jim" Rhiner

I would not want to require mandatory training as I'm sure politicians would seize on it as a means to limit access to firearms.

The only way I would be agreeable to any kind of mandatory training would be if an NRA approved course of training were incorporated into a countrywide program that would guarantee an individual reciprocal carry rights in all 50 states and US territories.

Don

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Laus Deo! <><

Well, you do have to take a class to get your CCW (here in Fl) Now some classes are more intense than others. Some they actually teach you "stuff" others, well it's a joke.

When I took my class it was 1 hr. 45 minutes on how to fill out all the forms and actually get a CCW the other 15 was for everyone in the class (20-30) to line up and shoot on round from a revolver to see if panic or freak out or something.

So rather than use the evil "mandatory" word, I would like to see, demonstrate proficiency in handling a firearm or something added to the class.

As in boating and driving, I would like to see some knowledge passed on and learned. Lots of idiots down here, buy a big arse boat with a lot of HP and have no clue how to operate it, they are a real danger.

I think there should be a mandatory test to become an elected official.

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Still Running Against the Wind

I wouldn't say mandatory training, but I believe just as with any licensed occupation or party some sort of test should be administered to show at least a basic knowledge.

Ability to demonstrate basic safety, handling and being able to get shots downrange in a reasonable manner..YES.

Mandatory training..?? NO!

Last time I was required to take "Mandatory Training" was in AZ and it was a joke. The "instructor" read the State regulations and then had a "practice" test and gave out the answers. Amazingly it was the same test as the real one we took later. (He was proud of the fact that no one had ever failed the written test after taking his class. He should have just sold the answers for the cost of the class and saved us a day of sitting listening to him.)
The only worthwhile part was the firing test. If I remember correctly it required that you put 3 or 4 out of 7 in a 2 foot square at 15 feet.

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

Cops are pretty well trained in firearms yet they miss quite often when the SHTF...so I would assume a totally untrained person would could be a bigger liability on the street with a loaded weapon...so I vote for some proficiency with a gun...especially if they are carrying around me.

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

Exactly. I don't want some ninja wannabe or untrained person who's going to sweep me with a muzzle applying deadly force in my vicinity.

We have a training requirement--not at all arduous or extremely expensive--in Kentucky, a shall-issue state. It's required, therefore it's mandatory if you want to carry concealed legally. Same with a driver's license: you have to pass a test, written and practical. Required, as it should be. To practice law or medicine you have to demonstrate knowledge and proficiency. Required. Mandatory, so you don't have somebody who can't find his derriere with GPS carving out your gall bladder.

Sounds to me as if "mandatory" just sounds worse to people who already have some legitimately required activities to which they don't want to apply that "ugly" word.

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Oh well, what the hell.

No.

MAYBE if it's offered for free.

It's bad enough I have to pay $20 for 5 years for a God given right, re-affirmed by the Bill of Rights. Making people pay hundreds of dollars for a right? No way.

Why should I need to bow down to the government and take a course THEY determine is necessary? I've had over twenty years of firearms training. I received the small arms expert ribbon twice (rifle and handgun). Yet I would need to take a government mandated course on firearm safety and training?

BS

Should people train? Yes. Should they seek assistance if they feel it would be beneficial? Yes. Mandate it? No.

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- The Federalist #46 -

Drivers license? Which amendment is that again? I'll leave it to the lawyers on the forum to explain why they should be licensed to practice.

I think you could certainly do something to incentivize people to get voluntary training, and set up a network and system to readily make available said training in every friggin county in the U.S. so as not to make it an undue burden to participate.

If you take the training at your expense, you get your CCW for free. And, a tax credit for the expense. Maybe even provide the training for free with the help of the NRA and volunteer trainers. And a tax credit. Surely if the libs feel that untrained CCW holders are wreaking havoc, this system would save tremendous cost in the millions of lives lost every year to this untrained menace.

Then, we should be mandated at 65 to take an expensive Skip Barber driving course before being reissued drivers licenses.

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Is it safe?

Driving is a privilege, not a right.

The right to bare arms is in the bill of rights. Unconditional.

Maybe some should pay a mandatory fee to vote.......ohh some states tried that already.

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Sure you did

[QUOTE=sipowicz;137204786]Cops are pretty well trained in firearms yet they miss quite often when the SHTF...QUOTE]

I'm afraid that I will have to disagree with you on that. Most Police Officers I know have only a superficial knowledge of the gun they carry. Others are just pathetic. Maybe it is because of the area where I work. Don't get me started.

I do support mandatory classes, with both classroom and hands on shooting with a minimum qualification to hit the target. There are several states that will issue with no hands on, and there are some out there with a ccw that may not be able to safely handle a firearm. Now, for those who are already qualified, and could furnish verification such as a NRA or IPSC Instructors certificate or a classification card showing a classification above the beginners class, there may be wiggle room on the hands on. There should be a minimum of time spent in training, such as Missouri is now cracking down on where some permits were certified with only a couple hours in the classroom. There are quite a number of MO CCW holders having their permits suspended until they retake a "approved" class.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

The NRA course took 8 hours and included the firing of a revolver and semi automatic. Even though there was only two of us taking it that day, and both of us had been shooting for the better part of 50 years, we still tried to glean all the information put forth. Gun safety is very important to help promote a sport that is sometimes looked upon as questionable.
I thought that Missouri required an 8 hour course. It was fun anyhow. I love blowing up other peoples targets.
Peace,
Gordon

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better have that checked

Who sets the training standards? Uncle Joe or some other government anti gunner??

Who pays the cost, are we going to make it where only rich people can get a permit?

Which other of the Amendments to the Constitution requires you to train and be tested before you can exercise the rights the Constitution guarantees?

Mandatory training would just be another means for limiting gun ownership and self protection.

It would eliminate low income people the same rights we enjoy.

A while back some ladies in town were looking for some training. The best they could do was $250 for a four hour shooting class, nothing about Self Defense.

So I started a weekly Ladies Firearms Safety and Self Defense Class. Two hours every Wednesday night.

I don't charge a thing. Even provide most of the ammo.

I have single mothers who couldn't afford to attend, they could barely afford to feed and house their children. Not to mention, its on going, no limit on how often they can show up.

I've gotten excellent reviews on my classes. Only problem is I might have to go to two nights a week to be able to keep my class size down.

The government, Fed, State and Local have spent a lot of money making me a firearms instructor. I figured I might as well give something to the tax payers who paid for my training.

I'm all for training, I'm against government mandatory training. Lets not make shooting sports and self defense a rich man's game.

A lot of women, more so then men, are afraid of guns, we can change that. A bunch of good old boys out shooting doesn't do much, getting women involved does. But if it comes to learning to shoot vs. feeding their kids, they choose the latter, and rightfully so, but they also are prevented from the ability to protect those same children.

If you believe people need training, then step up and provide the training. We want to grow our sport, and increase involvement in shooting, then we need to STEP UP.

If you can afford a gun, you should be able to afford training that will make you safe. If you have to choose between feeding your kids and buying a gun, then the choice is quite clear.

Maybe we should require a credit check before we allow people to buy guns? Or maybe you feel that poor people who live in high crime areas don't deserve the right to buy a cheap gun for self protection?

I guess for some people only the wealthy deserve the rights enumerated in the Bill of Rights. Or at least one of them.

Please....spare me with the self-righteous indignation act. We're not talking about your FICA scores, the topic is making choices when it comes to feeding your kids or buying a gun; and yes, if you can afford a gun, you have no excuse to take a firearms safety course, and the safe use of the handgun you possess; I don't care if it's CCW, open carry, or Mexican carry...you want to own a gun, then prove to me and every American who values their safety as well as the safety of their family that you have the legal and practical knowledge that should be "mandatory" when possessing a firearm.

10-4 Joe Biden

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Sure you did

If you want to vote, prove to me that and every American who values their safety as well as the safety of their family that you have the legal and practical knowledge that should be mandatory with going into a voting booth.

If you want the right to demand a search warrant before the police search your house, prove to me that and every American who values their safety as well as the safety of their family that you have the legal and practical knowledge that should be mandatory with having a right to be secure in your possessions.

If you want the right to counsel before the police question you with regard to a crime , prove to me that and every American who values their safety as well as the safety of their family that you have the legal and practical knowledge that should be mandatory with having a right to not to incriminate yourself.

If you want the right to trial by a jury of your peers, prove to me that and every American who values their safety as well as the safety of their family that you have the legal and practical knowledge that should be mandatory with having a right to be tried by fellow citizens.

Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

I hope that your chains bear lightly on your shoulders. Give in to one "common sense" restriction on a right, and when that doesn't work, they'll just be back to ask you to give up "just one more" because that one will cause criminals not to commit crimes.

I think you are displaying a certain degree of LEO elitism and "Us vs. the civilians" attitude here. Now you have gotten it down to not just carrying a gun, but simply possessing a gun should require mandatory training. Just how much proof do you suggest? Who do you suggest to be in charge of the mandatory "legal and practical knowledge" education you would require for simply owning and possessing a gun? What kind of government documentation would you require?

Might I also assume from this particular post that you would also favor universal background checks as well as universal registration, just so enforcement authorities can be sure those you deem unqualified can be prevented from acquiring a weapon?

Sounds like it to me.

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Georgia On My Mind

Prove to me you have the public speaking training to come on here and spew that nonsensical drivel!

That's one if the most un-American, anti-bill of rights, freedom suppressing BS I've heard!

PROVE TO ME YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS?!

TO OWN A GUN?!

First you prove to us you have the right to freedom of speech.

Looks like another gun control supporter has been revealed.

I really hope that just came out wrong.

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- The Federalist #46 -

Whoa there...looks like your true colors are showing.

Nancy..Joe..BHO...is that you on here??

Don

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Laus Deo! <><

The Constitution is where I find my answer to the original question, but for sake of discussion...

If you want to mandate something upon others, isn't the burden of proof upon you?

For example: Prove that Georgia permit holders have a significantly higher frequency of missed shots during self defense shootings resulting in innocent bystanders being shot than do each of the other states requiring training. Also, is the frequency of such incidents greater than being struck by lightening?

I don't pretend to have this information, but I'd like to see if the fear of risk from lack of mandatory CC training is measured and real, or is it delusion?

I'm not trying to anger you, I'm really not.....but do you realize just how snobby and elitist this reply is??

Don

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Laus Deo! <><

I, too, hate to use the word "mandatory". But I don't really see an efficient way around it either. My CCW class was eight hours with classroom time(including basic legal aspects)& range time. The instructors were thorough, & the class was enjoyable. I think people need to know the consequences of deciding to carry, as it is not something to be taken lightly. They need to know that they're not becoming LEO auxiliaries, & the dreaded mall ninjas need to be weeded out. Its not something done to be cool, its to provide real world protection for someone that actually needs it.

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Lounge Lizard Extraordinaire

I support training but nothing mandatory, especially if administered by a gov't agency.

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Sure you did

Plus one...

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RIP Shipmate

Most people who own a gun have had some sort of training, whether it be a father, friend, or safety course. It might not be government mandanted training, but it's training. I am not sure this mythical person exists who goes out, buys a gun, and starts carrying it. Most people who are unfamiliar with guns are afraid of them.

This IS why I was pondering how to vote. The word Manditory word was killing me.

I've seen first hand, over the last year or two, many MANY first time buyers with absolutely no prior experience in shooting, come in and buy. Turn right around and sign up fow a CCW class. "Mostly" but not all either women, or couples that decided they wanted to start a new hobby.... and carry too.

I hate selling a gun to people that have never shot a gun in their life. They come in, pass the backround check, buy a gun and a box or 2 of ammo, then leave with nothing but one more question."Where'd you say that shooting range was again?" (I moonlight sometimes at a local shop)

I would rather do a 15 minute crash course before they leave. They would at least have 5 or 6 pointers to take with them.

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RIP Shipmate

From my experience, not true.

I am an instructor and was at the range just yesterday doing a private class with a guy and his wife.

While I was there, no less than three (3) people showed up with new guns they had purchased, and not a single one of them had ever handled a firearm of any kind, before. None of them had any training, whatsoever.

I see this all the time, and it's kind of scary.

I do not think training should be mandated by the government any more than I think a license should be necessary to "bear arms".

I do not believe in the premise of your question, therefore I don't know how to vote in the poll.

Constitutional carry. Some states have it right.

I just checked the Bill if Rights and found out we only have freedom of speech if we take a public speaking course.

Next time I'll let this guy do his own poll

Concealed Carry

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Sure you did

That's just scary!

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Lounge Lizard Extraordinaire

I was hoping to see him with his baby bonnet playing with his blinky but the poll is not cooperating.

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Sure you did

Spending allot of time around a friends gun shop, I see ALLOT of people come in to buy a handgun with the intention of carrying. To be honest, some of these people scare me. They know little about guns and less about gun safety. Others, want to carry for the wrong reasons. ( Read: Can't wait to save a maiden or play James Bond.) Considering one of these hoopleheads might pull his hi cap forty in a crowded mall to thwart the robbery of a snow cone, I want to be sure that he has some basic instruction on firearms safety, liability and control before he pops a cap into an innocent bystander in the background.
Many, including myself ,will argue that CCW is a right. However, I believe with that right comes the responsibility to act appropriately and shoot straight and safely. Lives depend on it.

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Dave

Just curious:

People on this thread seem to be in favor of training, but not mandatory training. Again, just curious, don't pick up your flamethrower yet, But if the training isn't mandatory, how many people do you think will even bother with it? What kind of standards should & could be set for this non-mandatory training?

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Lounge Lizard Extraordinaire

I do like classes for CCW, but I would get behind school courses on firearm safety. Its to bad politicians are required to go though ethics and political classes in order to be an elected official.