A few thoughts on concealed weapon permitsgreenspun.com : LUSENET : TimeBomb 2000 (Y2000) Preparation Forum : One Thread |
I thought this may belong here, rather then on "classic" where I originally posted it......I received my concealed weapon permit in the mail yesterday. I had thought about getting one for years, since here in Florida it is relatively easy, and a couple of months ago I finally decided to do it. I thought I would share a few thoughts with anyone else considering it. If you are thinking about it, time is running short to get it by the end of the year....
Advantages
Well, the obvious one..... self defense (provided you are competent in using a gun)
If you carry a gun in your car (legal with conditions without a permit in FL) having the license can insure that some over enthusiastic cop doean't haul you to jail on weapons charges during a routine traffic stop.
If Y2K causes chaos short of anarchy, it can serve as proof to the police and/or National Guard should they be unable to conduct a computer check, that you are not a felon.
Disadvantages
The fact that you have a CWP is a matter of public record (at least here in FL). Anyone can go to the state capitol and look up all CWP holders.
While the government says that they do not keep a record of gun buyers through the background check when a gun is purchased, they most certainly do keep records of CWP holders.
Having a weapon on you may make you overconfident, and you may expose yourself to unnecessary risks.
You could go to jail if you make a poor decision on using your weapon. Check out this brochure that the state sent me along with my license. It has examples of people who made poor decisions, and are now in jail. Knowing when, and more importantly when not to use your weapon is the single most important thing you need to know.
You could go to jail if you get careless on where you go with a concealed weapon. Here in Florida, it's illegal to carry in
any police, sheriff or highway patrol stationany detention facility, prison or jail
any courthouse or courtroom
any polling place
any meeting of the governing body of a county, public school district, municipality, or special district
any meeting of the legislature or a committee thereof
any school, college or profesional athletic event not related to firearms
any school administration building
any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, which portion of the establishment is primarily devoted to such a purpose
any elementary or secondary school facility
any area vocational-technical center
any college or university facility
inside the passenger terminal or sterile area of any airport (unless checking it in as baggage)
This may seem like a no brainer, but wasn't it Barry Switzer who brought a loaded gun in his briefcase to the metal detector while he was coach of the Cowboys? He forgot he had it in his briefcase! Barry may not be the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree, but I can see how someone could space out and do just that. Do you notice something missing from the list? How about banks, drug stores and liquor stores? Yup, perfectly legal.
I had given this a lot of thought before I sent in my application, but it wasn't until I actually received the permit, that the enormity of the responsibility hit me. If you are going to get a license, make sure you understand the laws, are proficient in use, and above all think before using it!
-- Bob (bob@bob.bob), August 19, 1999
We can't see the brochure. The page the link points to has links to pictures on your hard drive, not your website!
-- biker (y2kbiker@worldnet.att.net), August 19, 1999.
Oops! I *hate* it when that happens... it's fixed now.
-- Bob (bob@bob.bob), August 19, 1999.
If you're in California, here's the address of an outfit that helps you get a concealed weapons permit for a fee (tells you how to apply).http://www.caprica.com/guns4goodguys/
-- ratt (round@and.round), August 19, 1999.
Ratt,If you go to your local cop shop they will tell you how to get one for free.
-- CT (ct@no.yr), August 19, 1999.