Should you get your concealed carry permit?

A few days ago, I received an email from a website visitor names “John”. John’s email read :

James, I have completed the concealed carry weapon course. All that is needed to get fingerprints and mail in the paperwork. As of today, I’m hesitant to follow through due to my name being put on various lists (more than I am currently on). Your opinion I would value. What are some of your thoughts on civilian concealed carry in these times and/or does it matter? I live in Texas and have never carried a firearm, ever.

I tend to believe that John is not alone in wondering whether or not he should go ahead and get that license. We live in a world where our privacy and confidentiality is under increasing attack by the government, by the media, by corporations, etc. I completely understand John’s hesitation. I also understand his concern about being placed “on a government list”.

We have all heard about children somehow ending up on the “No Fly List”. And more and more folks are becoming aware of increasing government surveillance that Edward Snowden brought to our attention. This is certainly stuff that we need to pay attention to. It has me concerned greatly.

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That being said, I guess I do not have a fear of being placed on a list because as a law enforcement officer with a Federal commission, I’m already on every government list known to man…lol. Well except the No Fly list.

My state, (Oklahoma) has Constitutional Carry. So as long as you are not a convicted felon, charged with domestic assault, under 21 years of age, or have been adjudicated as having some sort of psychotic mental illness, you can carry a firearm in the state without having any sort of license. And as an Oklahoma law enforcement officer, I applauded when this state’s Constitutional Carry was signed into law.

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That being said, I still recommend getting the Civilian Carry Conceal permit to those who ask me about it. Especially if you interstate travel regularly. Many states will recognize those Carry Conceal cards from other states. (Click this link to get more information on which states recognize other CCW licenses.) But they may not recognize your state’s Constitutional Carry.

And should you find yourself in a self defense situation, having that card shows that you have at least some training with your firearm. You took the time and effort to get the card. In my state, that matters in court.

Like I said, I understand the hesitation. However, you were most likely put on “a list” when you filled out the ATF 4473 form when you purchased your firearm.

I am happy that I live in a Constitutional state like Oklahoma. And I am always happy when more states pass the same sorts of laws, limiting what the government can restrict. I believe in the Constitution. I believe fully in the Bill of Rights. The increasing draconian laws I see other states passing greatly concerns me.

In the end, you do what you feel is best for you. But as I mentioned previously, you made a list somewhere when you completed the 4473 form.

Good luck. Always carry, and keep your powder dry!

Do you have your Concealed Carry permit? Do you live in a Constitutional Carry state? Let us know in the comments below.