There are many folks out there with many misconceptions about the act of carrying a concealed handgun as well as the people who decide to exercise this right. I hope this article will clear up some things.
Let's go over some advantages to carrying a concealed handgun. First, as the economy continues to face-plant, there will be more incentive for evil-doers to commit acts of larceny and thievery. Many times, these acts are done in tandem with assault, assault with a deadly weapon, etc. This is a clear example as to when a concealed handgun might come in handy.
"But aren't you just being paranoid", I am constantly asked. I guess that person does have a point. But I also wear my seat belt and pack a reserve chute when I skydive. I don't believe that when I go out, that harm will come my way. I often try to steer clear of areas that seem to be a bit dodgy as well. However, I do take precautions. If not for me, at least for the sake of my family. Many women who have their concealed carry permit have been victimized in the past and now want to protect themselves. In their cases, they weren't being paranoid enough!
You can't turn on the evening news without hearing about how somebody was shot and killed, or was robbed by a criminal with a gun.
Many Sheriffs such as Sheriff Chuck Wright of South Carolina, are now telling citizens to obtain a concealed carry handgun. The reasoning is, because of budget cuts, policemen are being laid-off and response times will vary. This goes back to the age-old saying that "when seconds count, police are only minutes away".
The fact is, if you go out in public and walk by any number of people, odds are you've just walked by a few people who are carrying a concealed handgun and you did not even know it. Could be your grocer, the guy selling eggs at the local farmers market, the lawyer you just met with, etc.
There are current 36 states that have shall-issue permits and another 11 that are may-issue. Roughly 3% of Americans have a concealed carry permit. The average Facebook user has 130 friends, so statistically speaking, 4 of your friends have a concealed carry license.
Many states have laws that dictate how you can carry a handgun in an automobile. Usually these laws are quite cumbersome and confusing for anyone who hasn't gone to law school. The good news is that if you do obtain a concealed carry permit, then often times, how you transport your handguns in a vehicle becomes much easier because you are exempt from the aforementioned laws.
These are all illustrations as to why having a concealed handgun license for the state you reside in is beneficial. Now let's look at Ohio specifically.
With an Ohio Concealed Handgun License you can
1. Carry your firearm in your car, in any manner you choose. It doesn't have to be holstered or in a lock box or anything like that. Unlicensed handgun owners have stricter laws.
2. You can carry into a bar or restaurant that has a class-D liquor permit, as long as you aren't consuming. Unlicensed handgun owners are not allowed to do this.
3. You can carry into a school zone, assuming that you are actively picking up or dropping off your child.
4. The Ohio Concealed Handgun License is good in 30 states. So if you are traveling from state to state, the Ohio concealed handgun license is very beneficial.
In conclusion, an "Ohio Concealed Handgun is Worth Having" because it can, at the very minimum, save your life.
Just one last point... It's a shame that our country has got to the point that your "Right to Life", as declared in the Declaration of Independence, can only be obtained with a license.
Firearms Education Institute
If you live in Ohio and are thinking about getting your Ohio concealed handgun license, you should check out Ohio Gun Law.
If you already have your license, the fact is, Ohio Law is confusing. To get a breakdown of the law in an easy to follow video format, check out Ohio Concealed Carry Law
