So exactly what is the Deal with the Concealed Carry Permits

[DaMadman]

In VA. and PA. are they hard to get? Or is it like I have heard and all you have to do is apply, pay the fee, and not have afelony record?

I have heard that in Virginia in particular all you have to do is apply and pass the Background Check and you are good to go.

Man I really wish that Maryland was like that.

Also one other question, and I am pretty sure I already know the answer, but if you are a resident of Virginia and you have a Virginia State Concealed Carry Permit you are limited to carrying in that state only. Like if you were out of town on vacation you are not allowed to Carry your Concealed weapon even with your pemit if you are out of state?

[Adam Helmer]

DaMadman,

What you described is the BIG difference between a "Shall Issue" state versus a "Discretionary" state in the matter of issuing CCW permits. About 34 states are now SI, about 8 or 10 are discretionary and 5 or 6 have NO provision for issuing CCWs. In Massachusetts a CCW "May be issued" after you fill out the application, pass a background check and all that. If your police chief does not "feel" you are a proper person, you do not get a CCW. In Hawaii only ONE CCW has been issued the last time I checked. PA is a SI and there are about 500,000 CCWs out there.

As for Reciprocity of a CCW state to state, there is a bit of controversy there. Your marriage license, drivers license and dog licenses are reciprocal, but generally your state-issued CCW is not except for some states. There are two bills stalled in the Congress (S. 514 and H.R.950) that would give reciprocity to CCWs outside your home state. The Full Faith and Credit clause of Article IV of the Constitution states full faith and credit in each state will be given the "Acts, Records and judicial procedings of every other state." Senator Bob Smith has tried to get that reciprocity state-to-state with S. 514.

Adam

[DaMadman]

Thanks for the info. It is pretty much as I suspected..... Depends on the state you are dealing with.

Some states, if you fill out the permit and pass the BG check you get the CCW and other states you have to have an extreme reason for applying or the answer is just flat no way.

Maryland sucks on issues like this. Hopefully Eurich will facilitate some changes in the gun control laws during his term here.

I am pretty sure that you can get a CCW in Maryland but the list of reason that they will issue them is very short.


I want to Carry a Handgun under my coat Gosh Darn it!!!!

[muledeer]

Try this site: http://www.packing.org
muledeer

[7MAGinPA]

PA is pretty easy to get a License to Carry Firearms. We are a shall issue state. Some county sheriffs will not issue to non-residents however, some will. Shop counties till you find one that will issue.

[DaMadman]

Thanks for the info Guys