Need input regarding CCW permits?

[click clack]

I've been planning on getting my permit probably before I had my drivers license. I've been of age now for over a year and now that I have the time and money I am reconsidering. Here's what some of the naysayers (mostly my friends and roommates) have been putting in my head:

1. I can have it in my car w/ no permit (SC)

2. I am in college and the roomies and I do go out pretty often. Not only the local watering holes but also out to eat or whatever, but 90% of the places serve booze anyway so that eliminates a huge possibility to carry.

3. This is a more recent argument but "the paper trail it leaves". Assuming I, as a permit holder would be one of the first doors they knock on.

None of this was news to me beforehand but like I said; now that it's time it's got me thinking. They are all valid points (maybe not #3) but #1 and 2 really do carry some weight in the decision. SO,

What say you THR?

 

[wgaynor]

I advise you don't refer to friends or the Internet concerning legal matters. I'd ask the Local Sherrif/Police concerning local laws and statutes. I also think a CCW class would be a good idea.

As for confiscation and doors being knocked on... your post on here would give them a clue. (i'll put my tin foil hat away for the time being).

 

[MedWheeler]

I'm not sure what you're asking of us. Do you want us to help you decide whether or not to even get your carry license? You say you "have the time and money" already, so you have to ask yourself why you're considering even getting it.

Yes, SC is far more restrictive than where I live (Florida.) That may, however, be subject to change. Some other states have already taken initiatives to loosen restrictions on carry-permitted conditions.

Another reason to get it is to be "counted". Not as a potential target of governmental confiscation, but as part of a statistical group that weighs in favor of the pro-2A discussion. The higher the number of licensed carriers a state has, the easier it becomes to argue that law-abiding citizens carrying firearms do not cause the reckless mayhem and pandemonium the "other side" keeps warning of.

 

[USAF_Vet]

If you spent all of your waking hours either in your car or in a bar, they have (somewhat) valid points. But you don't, I can almost guarantee that.

Most CCW naysayers I have ever met have never been victims. They are indoctrinated into a system that teaches guns are bad, and only the cops and military should have guns, etc.

One or the other has to change for them to ever consider changing their position.

 

[click clack]

I'm not sure what you're asking of us. Do you want us to help you decide whether or not to even get your carry license

Sort of. I would like to hear advice specific to my scenario but also things to consider from people who actually have permits and possibly had the same thoughts I am having.

Most CCW naysayers I have ever met have never been victims

None of them are victims but none of them are anti gun in any way. They all have firearms and we shoot together often.

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

For any given scenario, a nay-sayer can come up with a reason not to.

This is for anything, not just concealed carry.

Getting a CCW permit ALLOWS you to legally carry your weapon concealed, within the laws of the state it is valid in.

It doesn't do anything more for you than that.

YOU have to be up to speed on not only the laws of the state you are carrying in, but also wise to the saying "don't do stupid things in stupid places with stupid people at stupid times"...as well as maintaining situational awareness at all times.

Curiously, these apply when you're NOT carrying concealed as well.


You say you're in college. You must also comply with all laws and rules with respect to firearms while in college as well.


YOU decide whether or not to get the CCW permit. YOU decide how to legally carry, store, and secure your firearm at all times.


(Might I also advise, as a word of caution, that college is not necessarily a place chock full of people loaded with common sense and integrity. Concealed means concealed. Don't advertise and make darned sure your weapon is ALWAYS secure, especially when you aren't carrying it.)

 

[Steve CT]

So if you don't get your Permit, and ever want to carry, you can't (legally)

If you do get your Permit, and never carry, you've lost a little money and time. Big deal

My wife is applying, and pretty clearly says she does not think she will ever carry, but she wants to have the legal ability to do so "just in case"

 

[click clack]

Exactly, Steve. thanks

 

[Mr.510]

I won't tell you what to do, but if I were in your situation I would get the permit and carry everywhere I legally could. I would also keep it on the down-low so 'everybody' doesn't know about it. In any attire doing nearly any activity there is almost no way that anyone could know I'm carrying a concealed weapon unless I told them: Concealed means concealed!

 

[Bigkrackers]

I don't think there is a downside of getting a permit to carry - other than you shouldn't have to constitutionally speaking but that's an aside. You don't have to carry if you don't feel ready to do so. Also, in some states, it can speed up the gun purchase process.

 

[packpike]

1. In SC you can have a loaded handgun in your car without a CWP, as long as it's 1 latch away from you. You can't have it on your person, under the seat, etc. With a CWP you can conceal it on your person in the car.

2. There is a proposal going through right now that would allow CWP holders to carry in all restaurants, but you can't drink while carrying.

3. There will be a paper trail that you have a permit, but there is no gun registration in SC, so the paper trail for actual firearms is a different matter. With the # of people getting CWP's in SC right now I wouldn't worry about being on that very long list.