How About Your State?

[Frailer]

I maintain my Kentucky permit for travel purposes; it also simplifies gun purchases, as it serves as a substitute for a NICS check.

There is no need to re-qualify upon renewal. The initial qualification is just about as easy as it can be: 11 out of 20 hits anywhere on a full-size silhouette at 7 yards. Since receiving my permit—around 20 years ago—the law was changed to skip the classroom and qualification portion if the applicant met other requirements, such as military subject.

The easiest permit I’ve ever received was from Alabama, back when it was a “may issue” state. I didn’t live in Alabama at the time, but my father was the sheriff’s department chaplain. I walked up to the counter with my father in tow, paid my $5, and had a license in my hand as quickly as the nice lady could type my name on it.

 

[OutAtTheEdge]

And really appreciated the then Gov allowing state employees to carry (supposedly anomalously)

Another interesting side note, is that the WI permit #0001 went to none other than the state attorney general, J.B. Van Hollen. This was one pro-gun AG. When the chief of police of Milwaukee (IIRC) said anyone found open-carrying (in accordance with state law) would be cited for disorderly conduct, this AG essentially said "like hell they will."

 

[Oldsalt66]

I'm in Fl. Renewed my permit a couple months ago. Drove to permit office handed lady my current permit and in about 2 minutes she had my new CWP printed. Don't need a CWP here. I have one to avoid the 3 day wait to pickup a gun after passing BGC. Guns are not listed on permit like NYS.

Yes, the renewal process here in Florida is a breeze, with fast and courteous service my wife and I are out the door in minutes with our renewed licenses in hand.

 

[alwslate]

Indiana became Constitution Carry not long ago but I already had a lifetime permit. Open carry also. No training required ever that I know of.

 

[Rob613]

I asked this very question 2 years ago. The answer was that if the new permanent address is NOT in NY, the permit will no longer be valid. There was no balking or hesitation - that's the local judge's rule. Maybe different counties work differently.

Besides having to have a permit to even own a gun in NY and that permit is a de facto gun registry. This biggest issue in NY is the laws seem to have been written by 4th graders and are so vague no one understands them. Then, on top of that, you have rogue judges and sheriffs that just make up their own rules as they see fit.

PP rules vary so much county to county it’s insane.

 

[GypsmJim]

Besides having to have a permit to even own a gun in NY and that permit is a de facto gun registry. This biggest issue in NY is the laws seem to have been written by 4th graders and are so vague no one understands them. Then, on top of that, you have rogue judges and sheriffs that just make up their own rules as they see fit.

PP rules vary so much county to county it’s insane.

I agree with 100% of what you said. Nevertheless, it's been our family's home since the 1800's.

If you saw our mountain cabin and private hunting and fishing preserve that we bought in 1986 for a mere 3 grand, you would understand why we still live here.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

LEOSA imposes no duty to act. I use it to keep myself as legal as possible in as many places as possible. I also have FL/UT non-resident. Whatever and wherever I might be, I want to be armed. I also want to be discreet and unperceived.

I started in the 1970s we were encouraged to act when off duty.

Now most cops do the minimum while on duty so it is safe to guess that they are not going to act off duty.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

I don’t disagree. I have zero intention of enforcing any laws. But, when I travel, I like having that card in my wallet.

So if you witness a murder; i.e. woman being attack by her ex with an axe in public; you just go to another Starbucks?

 

[LVSteve]

So if you witness a murder; i.e. woman being attack by her ex with an axe in public; you just go to another Starbucks?

To quote my last CCW instructor here in NV, "Every bullet you fire has at least $10k in lawyers' fees attached, no matter how much in the right you are when you pull the trigger." Not enough judges have the stones to shut down BS lawsuits in the first ten minutes.

As for CCW, we have to renew and requalify every five years. Renewal is supposed to require 8 hours of instruction just like for new applicants, but usually there is never enough new law or even old law to fill the time.

Some things have been made better here. Used to be you had to list your guns on the permit. That went away just before I did my first class. The state does not specify a type of target, there is no time limit, and there is no weak hand shooting or any requirement to shoot beyond 7 yards. The shooting qualification standard seems to be left to the judgement of the instructors. Just as well for about a third of the people at the first class I took. The general standard varied from mediocre to appalling. Shoot a nice target and all you get are sideways looks and, "Damn, what does he do for a living." SMH

Biggest problem is that it is prudent to start the renewal process 3 months before your permit runs out. The jokers at Las Vegas Metro lobbied to be given 120 days to do your paperwork and background check, and they make damned sure they use most of it. Then, when they send you the new permit, it does not line up with the date of your old one, so you can easily get conned out of a week or more of time. 120 days? I've known people get a DoD clearance in less time.

For a while, our CCW was not good enough to avoid a background check (state provided, not NICS) when buying a gun. Apparently, the ATF discovered that in certain rural counties renewal of a permit involved little more than fogging a spoon at the front counter of the sheriff's office. No shooting qualifications or background checks were being done. Nevada got told to put its house in order and was required to redraft a bunch of its CCW laws.

One other wider and beneficial change was made about 10-15 years ago. NV got rid of its handgun registration scheme, known as the Blue Card. Apparently, it was originally set up in Vegas in the mid 60s, probably so the mob snouts inside local LE could keep Meyer Lansky et al informed about who might be a problem. Rumor was that in its ~50 year history, the Blue Card scheme helped solve precisely one assault or murder involving a firearm. As you might guess, the Brady crew went into orbit when the scheme got ditched and the legislature also passed state preemption on gun laws to stop cities and counties coming up with carry restrictions.

 

[growr]

All of these state requirements mentioned make me really appreciate Montana!!
Randy

 

[ladder13]

Lots of people moving here from CA, MI, MA, NY, NJ, CT, etc…….First thing they ask on local gun boards is “do I have to register my guns”.

Well, no.

 

[biku324]

So if you witness a murder; i.e. woman being attack by her ex with an axe in public; you just go to another Starbucks?

In 70 years I haven't seen anything like that. Been to quite a few murders after the fact.

 

[Frailer]

So if you witness a murder; i.e. woman being attack by her ex with an axe in public; you just go to another Starbucks?

This is an excellent question, and, IMHO, one that anyone who carries a weapon in public should think long and hard about.

In my own state use of lethal force in defense of myself is justified if I believe I am at risk of death or grievous bodily harm.

Use of lethal force in defense of others is a different story altogether. What I *believe* isn’t relevant; the actual facts are. If the guy I see assaulting a female turns out to be a plainclothes cop detaining a suspect, I am screwed. Likewise if the person I believe is being assaulted by a violent partner tells a different story when questioned.

If I am traveling I will almost certainly be unfamiliar with local laws, so I have no intention of using deadly force (including drawing and brandishing a firearm) unless I am genuinely in fear for the life of myself or my beloved.

If I see a guy run into an elementary school carrying an AK I might have to re-think my position.

 

[pharmer]

I’m in the pawn shop waiting on a transfer. Approval used to take a minute but since adding my middle name it has taken up to 2 hours. Without the CWP I’d need to come back on Thursday. Also, the 1st 2 digits on it are “88” so I have been behaving since then. There was a training/proficiency requirement (8 hours) when I got mine but that went away long ago. Florida is great although I wish there was a “customs check” to come here.

 

[Dvus]

Oklahoma is a Constitutional Carry state, but permits are still offered. The actual rules for Constitutional Carry, in my opinion, in Oklahoma are clear as mud and vary depending on who you ask. I've not heard of anyone charged with possession of a firearm without a permit for several years, but I won't say it can't happen.

 

[Bald1]

Nope. Just do a recertification when due with NYSP and put your new address on the form. Some county clerks may balk, I lived in Putnam, the county clerk is very pro 2A. NY permits haven’t been for life (north of Westchester County) since 2013 and SAFE.

To add…..if you or someone in your family owns property in NY, you can use that address if that makes you feel better.

Private sales legal, permits qualify as NICS in NC.

Good to know. I live in Erie Co. Home of the Queen ahhhh I mean governor herself. When I leave I’m sure I’ll be back to visit family and friends. Good to know I can keep it. Maybe I’ll reduce guns to 2 or 3.

 

[Jon651]

This information is based on my understanding as was taught to me during my concealed weapons permit class. Here in the Gunshine State of Florida, to concealed carry you neither need a class, range qualifications, nor permit. Anyone who is a legal adult and is not prevented by either a court ruling or doctor's order can carry a concealed pistol. Period. Yes, there are restrictions (bars, schools, etc.) but our state government relies on the wherewithal of the individual to learn the rules for themselves.

Open carry is generally NOT allowed except in a very few, very specific circumstances. These are times such as carrying a firearm to and from your car and a gun range, a campsite or fishing spot, etc.

You can still get a state permit to concealed carry even though it is not required to do so. It is a short class (a few hours) and possibly some range time that is at the instructors discretion (5-6 rounds only, no requirements for size, type or caliber of the firearm). The benefit of a permit is it allows you to bypass the mandatory 3-day waiting period when purchasing a firearm from a dealer who performs a background check. A background check and waiting period are not required if you are purchasing directly from a private individual or receiving a firearm as a gift.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Texas used to have rules for CHL holders - you could qualify on any handgun over .32 caliber, as I recollect, but you could only carry a revolver if you tested on a revolver but you could carry any gun if you tested on a pistol. That's what I recall, anyway.

Then the CHL became an LTC because open carry was permitted to licensees.

Presently, Texas is a constitutional carry state so no LTC is needed.
However, for purposes of state reciprocity and because the police recognize that an LTC holder has undergone a background check and training I encourage folks to get an LTC.

The current rules are that .22 caliber or higher is required, any handgun, pistol or revolver, "the applicant must pass a shooting proficiency test using a B-27 target, firing a total of 50 rounds with a minimum score of 70% to pass; red dot sights are permitted, but lasers are not allowed; no specific restrictions on the type of handgun itself are listed beyond caliber requirements."

So, any gun, any time after you qualify.

 

[fiasconva]

All these different qualifying standards make national reciprocity very difficult but hopefully it will eventually happen. Here in VA, once you get your CHP, concealed handgun permit, you can carry anything you want and there is no real qualifying with any of them. I guess we are pretty lucky after seeing some of the above posts.

 

[Sixgun100]

So if you witness a murder; i.e. woman being attack by her ex with an axe in public; you just go to another Starbucks?

Sarge- I can think of many scenarios where I would take necessary action, but I wouldn’t be doing it as a LEO enforcing the law. I’m retired and would be doing what I felt was necessary and appropriate. And, I don’t patronize Starbucks……