If you’ve enrolled in a concealed carry class, you share one attribute with every other participant who has ever enrolled in the course: You desire to keep your weapon on your person. It’s fine if you enter the class knowing only this truism. Still, it would be helpful to know a little bit more about the privilege you are about to earn. Read below as we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about this class, and arrive at yours with at least a cursory knowledge of what you can expect from the class itself and the privileges you are about to enjoy.
Frequently asked questions regarding a concealed carry class include:
- Will I be able to carry any weapon as long as I can keep it concealed on my person? No. There are certain firearms that are classified as able to be part of concealed carry, and then there are others, based on caliber and type, that are excluded. Some states put a limit on the amount of weapons that you may carry at once, as well as restrictions regarding where you can actually carry your concealed weapon. One reason why the concealed carry course is so helpful is to inform you about what you can and cannot do where your weapon is concerned, and as this can vary from state to state, the course proves invaluable for informational purposes.
- Must I be an expert marksman (or woman) to earn my license? An expert, no. If you have handled a firearm before and are confident that you know how to safely discharge your weapon, you should be just fine. No one is going to deny your quest for a license based solely on the fact that you did not hit a bulls-eye. It depends on the state whether or not you even have to show that you can use a firearm. If you are not sure if your state does require the showing of proficiency, do further research. If you find that the answer is in the affirmative, this will only be alarming if you are not used to handling your firearm.
- Once I earn my permit in a concealed carry class, may I carry my firearm regardless of where I travel? Many states do have some sort of reciprocity agreement with other states. However, they may require an additional training certification or other such amendment to your existing permit.
