It’s Still a Very Good Idea to Have a Conceal Carry Permit in Permitless Carry States.

Let’s get this out of the way first: constitutional carry should be the rule, not the exception. That being said, I don’t think conceal carry permits should go away any time soon. Even as my home state moved to permitless carry several years ago, I maintained my permit and encourage others to get theirs as well.

Why should someone put in the time, money, and effort when it isn’t required? I’d love to tell you.

Training Above Minimum Standards

There are a lot of myths about what a “typical” or “average” gunfight looks like. We won’t get into that topic now, but you’ll probably never wish you had less skill if the time ever comes to use your pistol defensively.

While standards in conceal carry classes are typically very low, they’re still standards that are recognized by the state. Having established a record of your marksmanship skill is an excellent thing to have on your side if you ever have to use your gun in self-defense.

In addition to that, the record of your written test, in states that require one, can also reflect a higher level of knowledge than that of average gun owners. That’s especially the case in permitless carry states, showing that you’ve gone above and beyond the minimum required.

While we can study and train on our own all we like, much of what’s done in private may not matter much in court. Training where an independent third party tests you will likely hold more water than your latest Instagram reel.

Take a conceal carry class, record scores on the FBI handgun qualification course, go train with people like Citizens Defense Research or FPF Training. Not only will you build your skills (and a record of doing so), but you may meet some legitimate subject matter experts along the way to go to bat for you in a worst case scenario.

Greater Knowledge of the Laws

Most states have pathetically easy tests of shooting ability as part of their conceal carry permitting process. On more than one occasion I’ve seen shooters pass tests blindfolded, even when attempting more challenging qualification courses.

The real value in these classes is often found in the legal aspects of conceal carry. Knowing where you can and can’t carry your pistol and the consequences of being caught if disobeying the law. Use of force considerations are another big topic these courses usually cover. They can help you to avoid a lot of common pitfalls you frequently spouted by couch commandos online, and may help to keep you out of prison by avoiding bad shoots.

I’ve taken three different conceal carry classes in my lifetime and I’ve taught teaching conceal carry in the past. This is always the portion that generates the most learning and knowledge transfer among students.

These classes are often the only training that many people get, especially in the legal aspects of concealed carry and the defensive use of firearms. Taking a few hours to sit through a course could be the one thing that stops you from landing in jail.

Visible Support of the Second Amendment

Accurate statistics for gun ownership can be difficult to find. Outside of NICS data, many gun owners are hesitant to answer questions about how many they own, how often they carry, and more.

It’s virtually impossible to account for how many people conceal carry on a daily basis, or at all. This is made even more complex in states which allow for permitless carry.

While I completely support data masking, having hard numbers to support gun rights is an important thing. In 2019 it was reported that nearly 19 million Americans have conceal carry permits across the country. Those numbers have only continued to grow.

This shows Americans’ innate belief in the right to bear arms, helping to secure our rights in the face of those who wish to strip them from us. Having the ability to record hard numbers is critical, and getting your conceal carry permit is one way you can help advance the cause.

Reciprocity

Half of our nation now allows for constitutional carry, though each define their versions of permitless carry slightly differently. Even with the rise of constitutional carry, though, many states — even constitutional carry states — still require a concealed carry permit for out of state visitors.

Without a permit reciprocated by your destination and other states, your only options are traveling unarmed or riding dirty. As the law-abiding citizens we are, the latter isn’t much of a choice.

While some may be content to never leave home, others don’t have that option. In more than one place in the US you’ll find yourself drifting across state lines as the road winds ahead of you, inadvertently putting yourself into another jurisdiction.

Maybe work or a training opportunity sends you away from home. A family emergency or natural disaster can suddenly strike. You may find yourself in another part of the world, asking yourself “well, how did I get here?”

Whatever the reason, there’s little purpose to not being armed when you can. Skimping on a conceal carry permit could have dire consequences, both legally and for the safety of you and those around you.

Final Thoughts 

We should continue the push for greater acceptance of constitutional carry. There are still 25 states that need to join the fraternity. The ability to carry legally without a permit is a huge benefit for safety and the Second Amendment, and helps ensure the most vulnerable populations can protect themselves.

That being said, maintaining a valid conceal carry permit offers multiple benefits, even when it’s not required. From protecting you while traveling, to educating you about legalities of carry, and more, the advantages more than justify navigating the hurdles involved in getting one.