Why Should I Get My CCW?

Why getting your concealed carry permit has value as a responsible gun owner.

Why should I get my concealed carry license or permit? Especially since I live in a constitutional carry state?

That's a valid question considering almost half the states in the U.S. are considered constitutional carry states which don't require a permit to carry:

1. Alaska

2. Arizona

3. Arkansas

4. Delaware

5. Kansas

6. Kentucky

7. Louisiana

8. Maine

9. Mississippi

10. Missouri

11. Montana

12. Nevada

13. New Hampshire

14. New Mexico

15. North Carolina

16. Oklahoma

17. South Dakota

18. Tennessee

19. Texas

20. Utah

21. Virginia

22. West Virginia

23. Wyoming

Let's take a look at some advantages that come from going through the process required to get your concealed carry permit.

• If you don't live in a constitutional carry state, then you were going to need a permit to carry concealed.

• Even if you do live in a constitutional carry state, the training and vetting might afford some additional protections under the law should you need to rely on your firearm for defense.

• CCW holders are statistically more conscientious about their firearms than even cops. Take a look at the infographic on this page and you'll see CCW holders are six times less likely to have firearm violations than even police officers.

• Carrying concealed offers some tactical and social advantages vs. open carry.

• Knowledge you gain from the program in your state provides you with valuable information of the variations in the laws and policies that are particular to your state. For example, do you know if your state has magazine capacity restrictions? Despite all the news on "stand your ground" laws, do you know if your state is one of the 13 in the U.S. that still require a duty to retreat before using lethal force? Your CCW course will provide you with a valuable overview of the peculiarities of your state.

• Having your state permit also opens up the opportunity to carry concealed in a number of different states which have reciprocity with your state.

• Finally, training with -- and carrying --- your defensive firearm provides additional measures of safety and options for defense for you and your family.

The level of violence is rising as our world continues to fracture along social, cultural, and political lines. Being prepared and well training could be a life saver now and during the next decade.