Recently passed concealed carry legislation

As some of you may already know the recent concealed carry legislation that passed will become law on or about July 17, 2010.  It, in a nut shell, “de-criminalizes” the offense of carrying a concealed firearm in the State of Arizona without a permit, as long as the individual is twenty-one years of age or older and is not a “prohibited possessor” according to the state statutes.

Things to consider before heading out to your local gun store, purchasing a handgun, and ultimately carrying  it concealed:

1. You are held ultimately responsible for that firearm and every round that leaves the muzzle.
2. Can you be held criminally responsible for any damage to another person or property resulting from you firearm being discharged?
3. Can you be held civilly responsible after being found justified in using your firearm?
4. It is your responsibility to know the law.
5. When are you justified to use lethal force?
6. Where can you legally carry that firearm?
7. Where are firearms prohibited?
8. What is the law in regard to aggravated assault?
9. What is aggressive display of a firearm and when can it be used?
10. What is the “Castle Doctrine,” and how does it affect my family and me?

These are only some of the questions concerning concealed carry that I am asked on a daily basis at my store and out in public.  That being said, these are all very important questions that one must consider before carrying a concealed firearm in public, as it is an immense responsibility.  I cannot stress enough how important it is to know the law when considering carrying a firearm. 

Firearms make great self-defense tools and have been used for decades to not only protect us as citizens from criminals but also to defend our great nation. I encourage everyone to make an informed decision on purchasing a firearm but make sure, if you do, to do it the “right” way and gain the knowledge necessary to make an educated decision on potentially using lethal force.

Although, as of the 17th of July, Arizona law does not prohibit you from carrying a concealed firearm without a permit, state lawmakers did decide to retain the permitting process to save our reciprocal agreements with other states in which you would be able to carry concealed should you maintain an Arizona Concealed Weapons Permit. 

With the Arizona permit, as of the present time, you are able to carry concealed in 30 other states; without the permit you would only be allowed to carry concealed in Arizona, Vermont, and Alaska as they are the only three states that do not require a permit to carry concealed.  There are also in-state stipulations regarding not having a CCW Permit. For example, carrying a firearm into an establishment in which alcohol can be consumed on premises such as restaurants/bars and grilles would not be allowed without a permit.

If you are considering purchasing/carrying a concealed firearm and would like to take the Arizona Concealed Carry Course, please visit www.azdps.gov for a list of training organizations in your area.

Bridger Kimball is an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor, AZ Dept. of Public Safety Certified Concealed Carry Instructor, State of Utah Certified Concealed Carry Instructor, and General Manager of Caswells Shooting Range. 

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