Pro & Cons of Conceal to Carry
The Second Amendment ensures that Americans have the right to own guns. U.S. citizens can apply for a concealed weapon permit in 48 states as of March 2010, according to ProCon.org. Alaska and Vermont do not require permits to carry concealed weapons, however, according to Fox 16 News. Wisconsin, Illinois and Washington, D.C., allow only active and retired law enforcement professionals to carry concealed weapons.
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Pros
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Concealed-weapon permits discourage criminals from attacking someone. Because the weapons are concealed, the general public itself is safer since criminals don't know who is carrying. A study by John Lott, Ph.D., author of "More Guns, Less Crime," found an 8.5 percent reduction in homicides, 3 percent reduction in robberies, 5 percent reduction in rapes and 7 percent reduction in aggravated assaults each year for states with conceal-to-carry permits. Concealed weapons also help individuals feel safer when going outside at night or into undesirable areas. Permit carriers are typically law-abiding citizens.
Cons
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Although homicides are reduced with conceal-to-carry laws, gun-based homicide increased by 4.5 percent according to a study by David McDowall, Ph.D. of Northwestern University. Also, concealed handguns do not effectively defend people, because if you are found with a handgun, you are 4.5 times more likely to be shot, according to a study by Charles Branas, Ph.D., from the University of Pennsylvania. Although the Constitution does allow the right to bear arms, it does not allow the right to carry them concealed. Accidents happen, and in 2001 more than 50 individuals were shot unintentionally each day by concealed weapons carriers, according to a July 2001 study in "Accident Analysis and Prevention." Training may not be sufficient for handgun permit holders. Other citizens may also feel threatened by concealed weapons holders.
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Permit Requirements
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Before considering an application for a concealed weapon permit, visit your state's website to identify all the requirements, but here are some examples. Permit holders must be at least 21 and legal citizens or residents of the United States. State identification or driver's licenses are required. Florida and some other states require applicants to complete a firearms training class. No concealed weapon holder can have a criminal record. In some states, including Michigan, concealed weapon carriers must be registered to vote prior to applying for the permit. Michigan applicants also cannot have been dishonorably discharged from the military.
Choosing Your Weapon
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Choose a reliable gun. A high-caliber gun is worthless if it jams or doesn't shoot properly. The reliability of your gun will give you the confidence you need to carry it. Choose a gun that is comfortable. Test the way it fits into your hand. Purchase a gun that is easy to conceal. Visible guns attract attention that you may not want, so choose a gun that works with where you want to conceal it. Choose a caliber of gun that ensures accuracy when you shoot it.
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References
- Handloads: Carrying a Concealed Weapon
- Fox 16: Arkansas Consider Pros and Cons of Conceal and Carry
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Licensing: Concealed Weapon or Firearm License Application Instructions
- State of Michigan: Concealed Pistol License Guide
- ProCon: Concealed Guns
- Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology; Easing Concealed Firearms Laws; David McDowall; 1995
Resources
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