About Handgun Training and CCW Certification in Utah
Guns are popular in Utah, and many people opt to have a concealed carry weapons permit that allows them to have a handgun with them in most places. The permits are not difficult to get, either for residents of Utah or residents of other states.
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Benefits of a Utah CCW
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Utah's concealed carry permits are recognized in 32 other states, so it's a good investment for non-Utah residents who travel and want to carry their guns with them. Non-residents held about 50 percent of the state's quarter-million CCWs in 2010, and that rate is anticipated to remain the same or increase in the coming years.
Qualifications
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Applicants must be at least 21 years old and not have any criminal offenses that include domestic violence or violence of any kind; alcohol, unlawful narcotics or other drug use; or any offenses involving moral turpitude. Applicants also must not have been found in court to be mentally incompetent. A criminal check background check is necessary, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety.
In addition to the completed application, people need a photo, a picture ID and three sets of fingerprints, as well as having proof of completion of a certification class. The class must be approved by Utah's Bureau of Criminal Identification. A first-time permits costs $62.50 and generally takes 60 to 90 days to process. The permit is valid for five years as long as it is not revoked for criminal activity and can be renewed through the mail. If it is revoked, you may need to have another background check.
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Class Criteria
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Classes, which generally last for three to five hours, cover relevant state and federal laws, when deadly force is justified, how to appropriately conceal a weapon, the rules of gun safety, and other issues related to gun safety and carrying a concealed weapon, according to Conceal Carry America. The classes do not require live shooting, and participants don't need to own a gun. Class members will, however, be taught how to safely handle a handgun and will have to demonstrate safe handgun handling.
Because of the popularity of Utah's permit, many gun clubs and teachers outside the state offer the necessary classes and instruction in the application process for people outside of Utah. A list of those classes is available through the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification.
What the Permit Allows
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A CCW permit allows you to carry a concealed firearm in non-secured places and on or around school property. It does not permit you to carry in secure places such as airports, federal courthouses, colleges and universities, and mental health institutions, if they are determined to be secured. You also cannot have a concealed weapon in a church or a private residence after you have received notification that firearms are prohibited.
Handgun Training
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Classes and practice opportunities are available for people who want to get better with their handguns. These courses are designed to bring basic gun handlers to the next level and help more experienced gun users hone their skills. Most of the classes teach defensive gun handling, pulling and shooting a concealed weapon, how to reload, marksmanship fundamentals, and other techniques in maintaining and handling a handgun, according to UtahConcealedCarry.com. They also try to make it enjoyable, putting in obstacles, barrels and targets to give you the chance to have more practical experience and some fun.
These classes do require you to have your own gun and to bring ammunition and other gear, such as eye and ear protection.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit gun image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
