Constitutional Carry VS. Carry Permit

Constitutional Carry VS. Carry Permit

Constitutional Carry VS. Carry Permit – As of writing today, there are currently 25 states that have decided that the Constitution states that everyone has the right to self-protection without a permit and allows for carry in those states for those of age. While there is still work to be done, such as a soldier can sign up at 18 to carry a Squad Automatic Weapon in combat but can’t carry unless 21 years old, this is a good sign that people recognize the right to inherent self-defense. This development, however, has brought up an interesting conundrum, is it worth it to still get the licensing?


Is it worth it to still get the licensing?

When I got my CHL from the great state of Texas about 12 years back, at the time, I was not allowed to carry without going to class or the shooting range to verify knowledge of firearms and make sure I was safe. Despite my ability to skip the range (I had range cards from the military that could substitute), I also chose to do the range. It was a wide range of folks, and my range partner was a woman who had never carried before and was, to put it nicely, very unsure and almost scared of her firearm, with little knowledge of its operation. This was incredibly beneficial to her as she was able to get more familiar with the platform and get some trigger time. Compared to Constitutional Carry, where I can carry as soon as I am of age, it does leave some room to be desired. I still think as starting out, formal education from a knowledgeable instructor (NOT YOUTUBE) is best. The class I was in there didn’t allow for drawing from a holster, but we practiced holster placement and drawing from a holster when empty in the classroom. I wish I had the holster I do today, an Original Holster from JM4 because my cheap holster was quickly identified when I drew it, and it came with the gun…not optimal.


Another benefit to getting the class and the license is that you go over the most current laws and regulations for carrying. This includes off-limit establishments, if your state has printing laws (where your firearm can be seen through your shirt) or if you have a castle doctrine. This is supremely beneficial as otherwise, you get to decipher the 100s of laws and regulations on your own, which is not fun.


Finally, the benefit of the license is recognized in multiple states, so if you carry, you are not breaking the law by crossing the border. Texas has a great website that talks about the reciprocity agreements with other states and carrying, making it legal to carry in those recognized states.


Bottom line…

I think it is more beneficial to have one and not use it. You can dawn your tinfoil hat and say that the government will know you carry and make you a target, which may be accurate, but if that comes to pass, a license won’t matter anyway.


Author: Ian Bolser