Man Shot, Killed in Attempted Robbery of Concealed Carry Owner

Christmas Eve is usually filled with hustle and bustle and last-minute running around. For one 31-year old man on the south side of Chicago, it also meant protecting himself from a would-be robber with his concealed weapon.

The man, who police would not identify, was leaving a store in a strip mall in the 1200 block of South Jackson in Chicago’s Loop at about 6:15 PM on December 24^th when he was allegedly approached by 37-year-old Corey Haggard. Haggard pulled out a gun and announced his intent to rob the man, demanding his money.

After Haggard stole the man’s property, the 31-year-old pulled out his own gun and shot Haggard in the chest before he could flee with the man’s belongings.

Haggard was taken to Stroger Hospital of Cook County, only minutes away from where the shooting took place. The medical examiner reported that Haggard was pronounced dead at 11:37 PM on Monday, December 25^th.  An autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday.

Haggard had lived in the Lawndale area of Chicago before the incident.

Police have opened a death investigation. The robbery victim has a valid concealed carry permit from the state of Indiana.

However, this may prove to be a complication for the 31-year-old man. While Indiana is open to concealed carry permit holders from other states within their borders, Illinois famously is not.

As the 50^th state to allow a concealed carry permit, Illinois shares no reciprocity agreements with any other states. To legally carry a concealed weapon in Illinois, you must have an Illinois issued permit.

Indiana, on the other hand, accepts permits issued in Colorado, Florida, Michigan, and New Hampshire. Twenty-nine other states accept Indiana’s permit. While Illinois does not recognize Indiana permits, other Midwest states, such as Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan, do.

Because of the lack of reciprocity, the robbery victim may face challenges with the Illinois court system, if not for the shooting, then possibly for illegally carrying a concealed weapon according to state laws. No charges have yet been filed.

The article Man Shot, Killed in Attempted Robbery of Concealed Carry Owner originally appeared on Clipdraw

Delaware Residents Sue, Win for Right to Carry in State Parks

Since the 1960s and 1970s, it has been illegal to carry a gun onto the ground of state parks or forests in Delaware. But all that changed on Thursday, December 7^th, 2017.

Calling the rules unconstitutional, Delaware’s Supreme Court lifted the more than 50-year-old ban.

The court made its decision based on the precedent set by a case involving the Wilmington Housing Authority.  That case, in which the rules of the housing authority prevented residents from carrying guns in common areas, was overturned in 2014. In that case, the court ruled that individual agencies do not have the right to set rules that counter state-granted rights.

After the ruling, the two agencies responsible for the rule, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Department of Agriculture, no longer have legal grounds to enforce the bans.

The case was brought forward by a number of citizens interested in protecting their rights and the rights of others. One of the plaintiffs, Jeff Hague, is treasurer for the Bridgeville Rifle and Pistol Club and president of the Delaware State Sportsmen’s Association. Hague’s interest was not just for himself, but for members of these organizations and visitors to club functions.

For instance, during club competitions, members faced challenges when looking to camp near these events. “A law-abiding citizen from out of state couldn’t bring his gun or couldn’t camp, so he had to sacrifice one or the other,” Hague said.

Hague was clearly pleased with the decision. “They did the right thing. This reaffirms the constitutional right that Delawareans have … to self-defense and the right to keep and bear arms, not just in hunting and fishing and sporting, but in defense of their family and home.”

The ban, while in place, did allow for exceptions for hunting activities on state lands. But for residents who wanted to carry their legally owned weapons for protection, there were no provisions allowing them to do so.

Delaware has thousands of concealed carry permit holders in the state, despite the rigorous process employed by the state. The ranks of permit holders have swelled in the last few years, with the states seeing a 188 percent increase in permit applications and renewals in 2016 over the previous year.

Both the DNREC and the Department of Agriculture are taking time to review the ruling before responding publicly to the court’s decision. It’s anticipated that the agencies will rewrite the rules in the coming months.

The article Delaware Residents Sue, Win for Right to Carry in State Parks originally appeared on Clipdraw

National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Moves Forward

The U.S. House Judiciary Committee this week will be reviewing a bill that would allow those licensed to carry a concealed weapon in their home state to do so while traveling through or visiting other states as well.

The bill was initially introduced back in January by Republican Richard Hudson from North Carolina. The bill, slated to be reviewed on Tuesday, November 28^th, seeks to alleviate what has been referred to as “onerous” civil suits that have stemmed from licensed owners from one state carrying their weapon into another.

“For me and the vast majority of Americans who support concealed carry reciprocity, this is welcome progress,” Hudson said in a written statement on Monday. “I want to thank Chairman Bob Goodlatte for his strong leadership to protect our Second Amendment rights. I will continue to work with my colleagues and President Trump to pass this common-sense legislation to protect law-abiding citizens.”

Proponents of the bill claim that many of these gun owners don’t even realize they are violating the law because they are legally allowed to carry their weapon concealed in their home state. As they cross state lines into areas where gun laws differ they unintentionally break the law.

All 50 states have provisions for allowing guns to be carried concealed, but the challenge comes in the differences in licensing and the lack of reciprocity from state to state. “Currently, the patchwork of reciprocity laws and agreements between states is confusing and has caused law-abiding citizens to unwittingly break the law and suffer arrest and detention,” Hudson said.

Some states have created agreements with others that have similar carry laws. Other agreements are only one way. And still others have been recently changed or rescinded. At the end of 2015, for instance, Virginia ceased to recognize CCW permits from other states it previously had an agreement with. In all, residents of twenty-five states that previously could legally carry their weapon into Virginia had that right removed.

Supporters also claim that without reciprocity across the U.S., the 2^nd amendment rights of lawful gun owners are being violated.

It is expected that the bill will pass the Judiciary Committee and move on to consideration by the entire House of Representatives. However, no date for a vote by the entire House has yet been set.

The article National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Moves Forward originally appeared on Clipdraw

Alaskans See Uptick in Concealed Carry Courses as Response to Crime, Shootings

It’s difficult to turn on the TV, listen to the radio, or log on to the Internet without hearing about another tragic mass shooting or reports detailing an increase in violent crime.

As the public discusses how best to handle these tragedies, some individuals are taking their security into their own hands by taking concealed carry classes.

Not all states require coursework to have a CCW permit. In Alaska, anyone over 21 that can legally carry a firearm can carry it concealed with no class or special permitting required. But that doesn’t seem to be stopping Alaskans from choosing to learn the best and safest ways to have their weapons on them at all times.

Instructors that teach the specialized classes from all over the state have reported a surge in class registration and attendance. James Henry, founder of Anchorage-based Spectre Tactical reports an uptick in class registrations starting as far back as 2015. Henry also notes that other instructors in the area have seen the same rise.

Usually, Spectre Tactical keeps their classes at 12 students or below, but recently the increased demand has forced them to allow more students to attend.

Despite the class not being required, the safety aspects are bringing in more interested parties. For many participants, they have purchased a gun but never owned or shot a weapon before. The classes give them confidence with their weapon and an understanding of the safety precautions needed when carrying it in public, out of sight.

CCW classes have similar curriculum regardless of where they are given. Since the laws surrounding concealed weapons is different for each state, most courses incorporate information about the laws in the state the classes are being given in.

In addition to the safety elements of carrying your weapon in public, classes typically also include information on the regulations for the use of a weapon in public. There are many things owners can and can’t do depending on situations and location.

These classes also help students understand exactly what is required of them when they are pulled over by a police officer when carrying their weapon. There are states that require that you inform a peace officer if you have a concealed weapon, while others have no such laws. However, even in states that don’t require the information, many officers indicate that they prefer to be informed so that they can take the appropriate precautions.

If it’s not required, it’s up to the individual if they feel they will benefit from the knowledge and training included in the class. Clearly, however, the residents of Alaska are looking to build confidence with their weapons.

The article Alaskans See Uptick in Concealed Carry Courses as Response to Crime, Shootings originally appeared on Clipdraw

Las Vegas Concealed Carry Owner Prevents Kidnapping

It started with a loud noise.

Justin Pearson was in his home in Las Vegas on October 5, 2017, when noises on his street drew him outside.

“I opened up the door,” Pearson recalls, “and this big BMW goes flying by — 60 mph in a 25 mph zone. I dialed 911 immediately.”

The next thing Pearson did, though, was pure instinct and habit. Before leaving the house to investigate and keep police apprised of the situation, Pearson put his Heckler & Kock VP9 pistol on.

“I carry a concealed firearm everywhere I go,” Pearson said.

Moving down the street to get a license plate number for the 911 operator, he saw the car nearly lose control. Then the driver turned the vehicle around and stopped in front of a house where a 6-year old boy was playing in the front yard. As Pearson continued to move closer to the situation, the driver got out of the car.

He described the driver as a “solid” 6’ 4”, 250-pound man. Although of a similar height, Pearson’s body type is wirier.

“He was a very big dude, and I’m not a menacing person by any means,” Pearson said. “I don’t think I could have physically stopped the guy. It would have been super ugly if it was just me versus him.”

What happened next is what made Pearson begin to add up what an altercation would look like in his head. The driver, now out of the car, grabbed the 6-year old and began shoving him into the BMW. Luckily, his firearm evened the playing field.

Pearson yelled “Hey, stop!” at the driver, and at the same time lifted his shirt and placed his hand on his weapon, without drawing. That was enough. The sight of the gun made the would-be kidnapper pause just long enough for the young boy to jump from the car and run.

With the boy no longer in his control and facing an armed citizen ready to draw, the driver left the scene. The police would not arrive for 17-minutes.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police confirmed that the driver was the boy’s biological father who had neither permission to take the child or parental rights. Without Pearson’s quick actions, the boy would have become another of the thousands of people each year who are abducted by someone they know.

In the end, Pearson credits his firearm for being able to intervene. “If I didn’t have a firearm, I don’t think there’s much I could have done.”

The article Las Vegas Concealed Carry Owner Prevents Kidnapping originally appeared on Clipdraw

Oregon Vet, Concealed Carry Owner Stops Knife Attack

On September 28^th an Oregon veteran and concealed carry permit holder, Mica Smith, stopped an assailant who had pulled a knife on another man.

As Mica Smith sat having dinner with his wife and some friends on the patio of Conversion Brewery in Lebanon, Oregon, he witnessed an argument between two men in the parking lot. One man, Elizah Bullock, was in his car. Smith’s full attention was drawn to the altercation when the other man, Michael Ryan VanGelder yelled “What did you (expletive) say to me?” at Bullock. Then VanGelder pulled a knife.

Smith reacted to VanGelder’s threatening posture by leaping from the patio to the parking lot and pulling his concealed Glock 42 .380 and instructed VanGelder to drop the knife.

When VanGelder ran, Smith and Bullock gave chase. They caught VanGelder, and although Bullock was injured in the pursuit they were able to hold VanGelder until police arrived. VenGelder was arrested for unlawful use of a weapon, menacing, second-degree disorderly conduct, and fourth-degree assault.

Linn County Sheriff Bruce Riley praised Smith and how it was clear that his previous weapons and concealed carry training turned a potentially dangerous situation into a positive outcome. “That’s a good example of what concealed carry permits are intended to do,” said Riley.

Riley emphasized that the concealed carry training gave Smith awareness and discipline that an untrained citizen might not have.

Smith concurred. When asked about the details of the incident, Smith said “I did not put my finger on the trigger. I do not put my finger on the trigger unless I’m going to fire.” Smith added as he discussed his responsibility in the situation, “I knew that somebody’s life was in danger and that others could be threatened too.”

For other concealed carry permit carriers, Smith recommends having a high familiarity with your weapon is important before carrying it out in public. He says he doesn’t carry a weapon that he hasn’t put 50 to 100 rounds through at the range. This allows him familiarity with the weapon and how best to fire it.

Smith hopes never to fire his weapon outside of the range, but says “It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it”. But he also feels that concealed carry is better than open carry beyond the training requirements. “I think with open carry, you could end up with someone picking a fight just to see if you’re a badass,” he said.

The article Oregon Vet, Concealed Carry Owner Stops Knife Attack originally appeared on Clipdraw

Arkansas Law Maker Looks to Expedite Permits for Domestic Violence Survivors

In an effort to protect survivors of domestic violence, Arkansas senator Trent Garner (R-27), has begun drafting a bill that would expedite concealed carry permits for this group.

Although the bill will not be up for review until lawmakers are back in session, the intent of the bill is to provide a mechanism for these survivors to quickly obtain a concealed carry permit so that they can protect themselves in the aftermath of the violence they experienced.

“I’ve seen a lot of other states do this, and the thing that jumped out to me – we want to make sure these brave women and survivors don’t become a statistic, that we don’t come back and see that they were gravely injured or murdered when they could have protected themselves,” said Sen. Garner.

The bill would allow domestic violence survivors to participate in an expedited process to obtain their permits. While a background check would still apply, as would the associated fees for a permit, the required concealed carry training would be given a 45-day grace period. This would allow survivors to begin protecting themselves quickly, while also maintaining the standard of concealed carry training.

Sen. Garner points out there is some evidence to support the idea of providing survivors with guns in an expedited manner. “In testimony in Indiana, a firearm expert said that he had trained hundreds and hundreds of women and they all said the same thing, ‘He stopped coming for me when he saw the gun.’”

The will is likely to see some opposition from survivor advocates groups. The concern, as Angela McGraw, Executive Director of Women and Children First, comes from the willingness and ability of the survivor to protect themselves, and the reaction of the attacker.

“They get the gun, and the person that’s the perpetrator comes toward them or whatever, they’re going to beat the crap out of them just trying to get the gun from them. It’s going to be a worse beating than it was beforehand,” said McGraw.

Sen. Garner, however, is sensitive to the need for adjustment and open discussion around the bill, which is why he started drafting it so early. He has indicated a desire for feedback, and an openness to adjusting the training grace period if needed.

The article Arkansas Law Maker Looks to Expedite Permits for Domestic Violence Survivors originally appeared on Clipdraw

Wisconsin Sees Surge in Concealed Carry Permits in 2017

As the state legislature continues to consider permitless concealed carry, Wisconsin sees an increase in the number of permits being applied for across the state.

So far in 2017, the Wisconsin Department of Justice has processed 68,000 concealed carry permits. More than 24,000 of those applications were for new concealed carry permits, while the remainder were for renewals of existing licenses.

According to the state’s Department of Justice spokesman, Johnny Koremenos, the state has 331,323 active permits for concealed weapons as of August of 2017.

Nearly 65% of this year’s applications come from renewals, which should be expected. The original law allowing for concealed carry in the state required license renewals every five years. That law was passed in 2011, putting many permit carriers at the 5-year mark.

Gun shop owners across the state report that those seeking permits come from all walks of life, despite the time commitment involved for the current training required.

Under the existing laws, those looking to carry a concealed weapon must complete associated training as part of the permit process.

While the current requirements for training have many supporters, there are those who feel that the stipulations for licensing and training are too restrictive. Since the original concealed carry permit law was passed in 2011, new laws pushing for permitless carry within the state have been introduced twice.

The first law was failed to pass during the 2013 legislative session. The second attempt is currently being considered by Wisconsin state law makers.

As previously reported, the new law would allow anyone legally allowed to own a gun to carry it as a concealed weapon without additional training or licensing. The permitting process, however, would remain in place. This would allow residents who wish to transport their weapons across state lines to do so into states that recognize a Wisconsin permit.

Exceptions to the current training requirement include individuals who have completed hunter safety training and those who have served in the military.

The article Wisconsin Sees Surge in Concealed Carry Permits in 2017 originally appeared on Clipdraw

Utah Doubles Concealed Carry Permit Fees

Members of Utah’s Administrative Rule Review Committee began reviewing a recent fee increase by the Bureau of Criminal Identification regarding fees associated with concealed carry permits in the state. The fee went into effect on August 1^st, 2017.

The addition to the cost for fingerprinting and background checks as part of the permit process effectively doubles the cost of these checks, adding $20 to what was previously a $25 fee.

The Bureau of Criminal Identification believes that the increase is within their authority based on a law based in 2015 regarding fee increases for background checks for school teachers. However, critics claim that stretches the meaning of the law and oversteps the bounds of the bureau.

Under review is the “legislative intent” of the 2015 law, which legal review by the bureau claims includes the ability to increase the costs of background checks for concealed carry as well as teacher checks.

Only recently did the bureau realize that the law could be applied to both. And while they agree that the original bill’s author may not have meant for the law to be used this way, the language doesn’t preclude it. In fact, according to Sen. Jim Dabakis, D-Salt Lake City, the law explicitly allows for a concealed carry fee increase.

Opponents, on the other hand, claim that Rep. Steve Handy, R-Layton, who originally authored the bill, only meant to give the bureau the power to increase the fee for teacher’s background checks.

Rep Brian Greene, R-Pleasant Grove, spoke with other lawmakers about the original law and said that despite being sympathetic to the bureau’s financial needs, this isn’t the correct interpretation of the law.

NRA lobbyist Brian Judy also opposes the hike. Judy said that the NRA would be interested in working with the bureau to ensure the correct fees are paid, but not more. “If the fees are necessary, we will pay the fee that is required to conduct the entire process,” he said.

But according to Lt. Ryan Van Fleet, the fees will be put to good use. The additional funds will help pay for the bureau to place background information in a multi-state identification system known as the Western Identification Network.

The article Utah Doubles Concealed Carry Permit Fees originally appeared on Clipdraw

Concealed Carry Reciprocity Agreement Reached Between Wisconsin and West Virginia

In an announcement made over the weekend, West Virginia and Wisconsin now have concealed carry reciprocity for permit holders from both states.

In a statement released on August 20^th, 2017 from West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, the states have agreed to recognize concealed carry permits from the other. This is an extension of the existing recognition, whereby West Virginia permit holders were allowed to carry in Wisconsin, but Wisconsin residents did not enjoy the same privilege when visiting West Virginia.

“I take protecting the Second Amendment rights of legal gun owners seriously,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “Residents of West Virginia and those who visit here should be able to exercise their right to bear arms.”

The two states recently began talks to consider a reciprocal agreement for concealed carry permit holders. Statutory notice was provided to West Virginia from Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, formalizing the request for reciprocal recognition of permits.

The agreement points to the importance of a concealed carry permit, even in states which do not require permits for residents. Residents of West Virginia are allowed to carry a concealed weapon within the state without a concealed carry permit. Similar legislation is currently being considered by Wisconsin lawmakers.

Both states, however, still have an optional permitting process specifically for residents that desire to bring their weapon with them while visiting other states.

West Virginia has had a progressive stance on allowing residents of other states to carry within their borders. The state has full reciprocity agreements with Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wyoming, and now Wisconsin.

In addition, West Virginia residents can carry their weapons in Montana, but a mutual agreement does not exist between those states. Some residents may also carry without a permit in Maine and Vermont.

Wisconsin, however, is catching up to West Virgina’s 37 states, with a current total of 32 states with permits honored in Wisconsin. Those states include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Permits from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are also recognized.

The article Concealed Carry Reciprocity Agreement Reached Between Wisconsin and West Virginia originally appeared on Clipdraw

The Fastest Growing Group of Concealed Carry Permit Owners May Surprise You

A recent study conducted by the Crime Prevention Research Center had some interesting data on the subject of concealed carry in the United States. Of the statistics the CPRC reported was the rate at which Americans are applying for concealed carry permits and the crime statistics associated with CCP holders.

Possibly the most surprising and enlightening part of the report is which group is quickly growing as those seeking CCP permits. The study found that women, and in particular, black women, were far outpacing other gender and ethnic groups in their interest in acquiring permission to carry a concealed weapon.

Continued Increase in Permit Applications

Despite recent reports that concealed carry permits are declining in places like Illinois, the CPRC study showed a continuing increase in permit applications across the country. From 1999 to 2007, permits increased by close to a quarter of a million a year. But from 2008 to 2011, there was a huge surge in issued permits, increasing to roughly 850,000 a year.  The years following saw record increases in permits, with 1.69 million in 2015 and 1.73 million in 2016.

Demographics and Speed of Permitting

Because some states have moved to permit-less concealed carry, while others don’t record demographic information from CCP applicants, the study was able to extrapolate the groups who are seeking permits in greater numbers than before.

The study found that women, and in particular black women, are applying for concealed carry permits in greater numbers than ever before. According to the study, today women account for roughly 36 percent of permit holders. From 2012 to 2016, women were obtaining permits 326 percent faster than men.

In the same time period, states that record race as part of the permit process showed blacks obtaining permits 30 percent faster than white applicants in areas where permits were not up to the discretion of a politician.

In these discretionary regions, some were noted to show bias based on race or gender.

“There are also significant differences in not only the number of permits issued but also who gets them when politicians have discretion in granting them,” CPRC President John Lott Jr said. “Los Angeles County provides a vivid example of how women and Hispanics are given few permits when politicians decided who can defend themselves.”

Crime Rates Among Concealed Carry Permit Holders

The study also revealed that concealed carry permit holders were an exceptionally law-abiding group. The CPRC study reported that the number of permit holders charged with felonies or convicted fell even further than the previously recorded data. In 2015, a mere 0.0123 percent of CCP holders were charged or convicted. That number dropped further in 2016, down to 0.0092 percent.

The article The Fastest Growing Group of Concealed Carry Permit Owners May Surprise You originally appeared on Clipdraw

Concealed Carry on Campus Begins in Two States

Both Ohio and Texas saw the expansion of concealed carry last week as universities and community colleges in both states began allowing weapons on campus.

Ohio – Cedarville University

In December of 2016, Ohio Governor John Kasich signed into law a bill that allows college campuses to permit concealed carry on their campuses. The law leaves up to the college’s board of trustees whether or not the campus will allow weapons, where they can be carried, and who can carry them.

As of August 1^st, 2017, faculty, staff, and trustees of Cedarville University who have a concealed carry permit will be allowed to bring their weapons with them on campus, after being granted permission from the college’s president, Thomas White.

Many public universities in Ohio have come out against allowing weapons. Cedarville, a small, private university of 3,300, was the first in the state to grant access to any part of its population.

While administration members with concealed permits can carry their weapons, students cannot. The college isn’t ready for that step according to White, especially since permit requestors must be 21 or older. The trustees and White have a concern with only half of the students being allowed the opportunity to carry, while the other half wouldn’t have access to equal measures.

Texas – Community Colleges

Following in the footsteps of their 4-year university brethren, students, staff, and faculty of community colleges across the state of Texas can carry their permitted weapons with them on campus as of August 1^st, 2017.

Texas Senate Bill 11, also known as the Campus Carry Law, was extended last week to include the 2-year institutions. The law went into effect for universities one year ago, in August 2016. The law allows private universities to opt out of allowing weapons on campus.

The institutions are allowed certain gun-free zones, specifically places like science labs, patient care facilities, individual offices, intercollegiate athletic events, and child care centers. Libraries may be gun-free during children’s events.

A valid concealed carry permit is required to be able to carry on the campuses, meaning only those 21 and over are allowed to do so. However, weapons must be concealed, placed in a backpack, purse, or under clothing. Openly displaying a handgun anywhere on a campus will remain illegal.

 

The article Concealed Carry on Campus Begins in Two States originally appeared on Clipdraw

Federal Appeals Court Overturns D.C. Concealed Carry Law

Last week, the D.C. circuit court blocked the District from requiring that concealed carry permit applicants provide a valid reason for requesting the permit, following in the footsteps of the previous 2008 landmark D.C. v Heller ruling.

Until last week, residents seeking a permit to carry a concealed weapon were required to provide a reason that the weapon was needed. The D.C. Metropolitan Police had received 606 permit applications as of the beginning of June, but only approved 125, or roughly 20% of the applications.

Living and working in a dangerous part of the District did not count as a valid reason to receive a permit.

The 2-1 ruling was made by the U.S. Court of Appeals, and ordered lower courts to issue permanent injunctions against enforcement of the limiting law.

In the majority opinion, Judge Thomas B. Griffith said “At the Second Amendment’s core lies the right of responsible citizens to carry firearms for personal self-defense beyond the home, subject to longstanding restrictions.” The opinion continued, saying, “These traditional limits include, for instance, licensing requirements, but not bans on carrying in urban areas like D.C. or bans on carrying absent a special need for self-defense.”

Furthermore, the majority opinion pointed out that requiring a good reason for a permit “is necessarily a total ban on most D.C. residents’ right to carry a gun in the face of ordinary self-defense needs, where these residents are no more dangerous with a gun than the next law-abiding citizen.”

In essence, the ruling said that the restrictive application process was similar to the ban struck down by the Supreme Court in 2008.

In the dissenting opinion, Judge Karen LeCraft Henderson agreed with previous court rulings on the subject, believing that the Second Amendment does not protect the right outside of the home, and further that because of the number of federal buildings and unique nature of the District the decision should be left to the judgement of the D.C. council members.

While the Supreme Court has previously turned away similar cases, it’s likely that the higher court will now hear a “good cause” case due to the division on the subject in the lower courts.

It is expected that the D.C. council will request the Supreme Court to review the lower court’s ruling.

The article Federal Appeals Court Overturns D.C. Concealed Carry Law originally appeared on Clipdraw

Florida Fast Tracks Concealed Carry Permits for Active Military and Veterans

In the midst of heavy demand for concealed carry permits, the state of Florida has been fast-tracking permit applications for active-duty military and honorably discharged veterans. In the last two years, the state has provided over 82,000 permits to current and former members of the military.

The focus to push through these permits came as a reaction to the attack on a Chattanooga military base two years ago. The attack resulted in the deaths of a Navy sailor and four Marines, as well as the gunman.

The attack, which took place on July 16, 2015, motivated Florida to change the rules for military personnel seeking a permit. National guard and other members of the military can receive their permit prior to the age of 21, unlike civilians applicants.

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam cites the extensive training members of the military receive as reasoning for the separate rules. “When I look at the firearms training, the discipline and the character of the 82,000 men and women who have served this country, and continue to serve this country, they are a force multiplier for law enforcement,” Putnam explains.

Under Putnam, the state has seen an increase in the number of concealed carry permits applications. Since first winning a state-wide office in 2010, the number of permits has swelled from 800 thousand to more than 1.78 million.

The rule changes for active military, combined with the fast-tracked application for current military members and honorably discharged veterans, continues a commitment by Florida to those who commit their lives to serving our country.

“This is just one example of what we do through our department to make Florida the most veteran and military friendly state in the nation,” Putnam said.

The article Florida Fast Tracks Concealed Carry Permits for Active Military and Veterans originally appeared on Clipdraw

No Crime Increase in Idaho After One Year Permitless

In the first half of 2016, Idaho dropped their century long concealed carry permit requirement. Much like the process that Michigan is now going through, Idaho sought to remove the danger that a legal gun owner could be charged with a felony for putting on a coat.

Under the new law, gun owners 21 and over are allowed to carry their weapons concealed without an additional permit and training.

Concerns around the bill were called out in a number of ways. But two of the most significant concerns – that permits would decrease, and that crime would increase – seem to have been disproven to this point.

No Apparent Increase in Crime

A concern from Idaho police chiefs while the new law was being considered was the removal of a significant tool in keeping firearms out of the hands of felons – the concealed carry background check.

In a letter last year on the subject, Ada County police chiefs Bill Bones, Jeff Lavey, and Rick Allen said: “We believe dismantling the longstanding and effective permitting system without taking additional precautionary steps will weaken public safety.”

Yet to date, this concern doesn’t seem to have materialized. Some law enforcement officials acknowledge the concerns in removing the background check, but also haven’t found there to be an increase in crime as a result.

“It hasn’t been a topic of discussion,” said Detective Jared Reneau from Coeur d’Alene. “We haven’t noticed a significant increase.”

 

No Decrease in Permits

Other concerns centered on a decrease in the number of permits sought, but that is another concern that hasn’t proved out.

Concealed carry permit trainers have, in fact, haven’t noticed a drop in the number of permits being sought. “We’ve actually seen an increase,” says Ed Santos, owner of Center Target Sports in Post Falls.

Santos and other trainers speculate that the permitless concealed carry law has led gun owners to become accustomed to having their weapon with them. Because the Idaho permit is recognized by several other states, owners are seeking their permits so that they can legally carry when leaving their home state.

Training Still Recommended by Police

Still, there is some concern around the removal of the training requirement.

In Post Falls, the police department offers free concealed carry training to residents intended to encourage responsible gun ownership. Their concern is that inexperienced gun owners may carry their weapon in unsafe ways because of their lack of training.

“People get complacent,” Police Chief Scott Haug said. “They don’t understand how quickly that gun can be used against them in a matter of seconds.”

The article No Crime Increase in Idaho After One Year Permitless originally appeared on Clipdraw

Ohio House of Representatives Reviews Several Concealed Carry Bills

If you are a current concealed carry permit holder in the state of Ohio, and you carry your weapon into a gun-free zone, you face considerable jail time, a stiff fine, and a felony on your record.

But if a new bill is passed, all that will change.

A legislative committee has reviewed and decided to advance House Bill 233, a bill sponsored by Republican John Becker of Union Township, Ohio.

HB 233 Reduces Penalty for “I Forgot” Scenario

According to the current law, concealed carry permit holders who enter a designated gun-free zone could face up to 12 months in prison, a $2500 fine, and a fifth-degree felony on their record.

But if the new bill should become law, those who enter a gun-free zone but have a legal concealed carry permit will be given the opportunity to leave – without any penalty. This allows a permit holder who forgot they were carrying their weapon to remove themselves from the property without facing a felony charge.

If the gun owner refuses, they would face a disorderly conduct charge – a misdemeanor – as well as a $250 fine and up to 30 days in jail.

Opposition to the Bill

The Ohio Chamber of Commerce opposes the bill, stating that it removes the owner’s private property rights in deciding if concealed weapons are allowed in their establishment or not. Don Boyd, of the Chamber of Commerce, pointed out that the bill protects those who forgot about their weapon, as well as those that knowingly bring their weapon into a gun-free zone.

But the bill’s sponsor responded that “It’s tough for a prosecutor to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that someone intended to enter a gun-free business with a handgun”.

The Ohio Prosecuting Attorney’s Association also opposed the bill but were more open to the possibility of working with lawmakers to adjust the bill and further define the distinction between those who knowingly carry their gun where it’s not allowed, and those who have done so unwittingly.

Additional Bills Delayed Until After Summer Recess

Two additional bills, however, created more controversy, and won’t be reviewed until after the summer recess.

HB 142 removes the requirements that those with a valid permit to carry a concealed weapon inform the police they have a weapon when stopped. HB 201 also drops the identification requirement while expanding concealed carry without a permit. Both bills require additional review and debate before moving to the House floor.

The article Ohio House of Representatives Reviews Several Concealed Carry Bills originally appeared on Clipdraw

Glock Trigger Guard Slow Motion Breakdown

https://youtu.be/GxqFLIM8WsI Clipdraw

Florida to Reduce Concealed Carry Permit Fees – Again

The state of Florida has announced that effective July 1^st, 2017, they are reducing the concealed carry permit fees by $5 for both first-time applicants and permit renewals.

The office of Adam Putnam, Commissioner of Agriculture for the state of Florida, released a statement regarding the fee change, which Putnam’s office worked on with state legislators.

For new concealed carry permits, the fee will drop from $60 to $55 at the beginning of July. License renews will now cost $45 instead of $50. The fees are the same for active law enforcement, correctional, and correctional probation officers according to the statement.

Additional fees associated with applying for a permit will stay the same. These fees include a $42 fingerprinting fee, and a convenience fee for tax collectors that process licenses that could be up to $22.

Putnam, who is planning a run for the governor’s office in 2018, expressed his support for the fee reduction. “I’m a proud supporter of the Second Amendment and am dedicated to making our concealed weapon license application and renewal process as convenient as possible,” he said. “By reducing the concealed weapon license fee yet again, we can put the savings back in the pockets of Floridians.” Putnam’s campaign platform will include support for gun rights.

This is not the first year that Florida has dropped the fee for concealed carry permits. The permits cost $75 in 2012, dropping by $10 in 2016, and another $5 this year. Previous fiscal analysis by state budget officials noted that even with the budget cuts the program could still be fully funded.

Some of that can be assumed from the sheer volume of permits. As of the end of May 2017, there was roughly one permit for every 13 residents or over 1.7 million permits.

The costs of permits are directly related to the number of permit holders, according to a 2016 survey completed by the Crime Prevention Research Center. According to the survey, every $10 increase in the cost of a permit results in roughly half a percentage point fewer adults who have concealed carry permits.

The costs of permits vary greatly from state to state. Florida’s permit fee sits roughly in the middle of the range. On the low end, a concealed carry permit in South Dakota costs $10, where on the other end of the spectrum an Illinois permit costs $150.

The article Florida to Reduce Concealed Carry Permit Fees – Again originally appeared on Clipdraw

Delaware Bill Aims to Speed Up Concealed Carry Process with New Commission

In an attempt to alleviate the workload on the Delaware Department of Justice and speed up the application process, the state of Delaware is currently considering a bill that would remove consideration and issuance of concealed carry permits to an independent commission.

As the process currently stands, the DOJ reviews each application and then forwards that application on for final approval from a local county judge. Under the new bill, the Commission on Concealed Weapon Licensing would be created to take over the responsibility of vetting applicants.

Thanks in part to an increase in concealed carry permit requests, the legislation calls the current situation “unsustainable” for the DOJ. There were 8,500 permit requests in 2016 alone.

For those that have completed concealed carry training and the associated application paperwork, the wait can be exasperating. Under the current system, some applicants are waiting months to get word on the approval or rejection of their application.

“People do complain because they have invested money in the training … they have all their signatures ready and then they don’t hear anything for months and months, and it is frustrating,” Thomas D. Shellenberger, spokesperson for the Delaware State Sportsman’s Association, said.

The bill also moves to protect the identity of those applying for a permit. Currently, under Delaware law, those seeking a concealed carry license must have their intent posted in the local paper, including their name and address.

While opponents raise concerns over the lack of transparency this would create, supports of the bill say the current publication requirement makes it easy for criminals to target gun owners when looking to steal firearms. They also point out that some officials and judges have refrained from applying for concealed carry licenses because they do not wish their home addresses to be published publicly.

The DOJ supports the idea of moving the permit process to another department or entity, and the bill itself attempts to make the commission self-funded through increased application fees.

DOJ representatives, however, do feel some of the language in the bill changes Delaware from a “may issue” state to a “will issue” state. The concern of the DOJ lies in wording that could be interpreted as removing discretion on the granting of a permit. The current process requires concealed carry training, a written reason for requesting the permit, and five witnesses who can vouch for the moral character of the applicant.

But Shellenberger disagreed that the language implied the removal of discretion on the part of the commission. “(The commission members) have the right to say no if they feel you don’t have the appropriate character to carry a weapon,” Shellenberger said.

The article Delaware Bill Aims to Speed Up Concealed Carry Process with New Commission originally appeared on Clipdraw

Clipdraw Concealed Carry Belt Clips

https://youtu.be/ND4mTSDuKZw Clipdraw

Armed Bystander Stops Assault in Fairbanks, Alaska

In early June, an armed bystander in a Walmart parking lot stopped an assault, preventing significant injury to the alleged victim and allowing for the arrest of the alleged assailant.

Late in the evening of June 3rd in Fairbanks, Alaska, the victim and his girlfriend were driving down Steese Highway when they were passed by a truck containing the alleged assailant, identified by Fairbanks police as Cedric Davon Davis.

As the truck passed the couple, several of its occupants reportedly made rude gestures at them. The couple then followed the truck as it turned into a Walmart parking lot.

Once in the parking lot, Davis exited the truck and approached the victim, who was seated on the passenger side of the vehicle. Davis proceeded to then punch the victim through the window of the car. At that point, the victim left the car after grabbing an oar from the back seat, presumably to continue the fight.

Once out of the car, Davis picked up the victim and threw him to the ground. The impact with the ground caused the victim’s head to be cut and bleed. Davis then began to punch the man repeatedly.

It was at this point that a bystander saw the altercation. He removed his weapon and pointed it at Davis, instructing him to stop, which he did. Davis ceased the assault, and the victim left the scene to contact the police.

After securing his weapon in his vehicle, the unnamed bystander secured his weapon and waited for the Fairbanks police to arrive.

Davis confessed and was arrested on fourth-degree assault. The bystander was not charged. Instead, Fairbanks police referred to him as a responsible gun who stopped a violent altercation.

“We had a victim that was slammed to the ground and another individual was over the top of him just kind of one-twoing him, basically. When you have an active assault like that taking place, the fear is that (the victim) is going to be overcome, knocked unconscious or worse,” Welborn said. “He wasn’t right up next to him pointing (the gun) at his head. He was at a distance, pointing it and making the guy understand, ‘you need to stop.’ And it worked.”

This did not appear to be a random encounter. As described by the police, a few of the people in the truck knew the victim and his girlfriend.

The article Armed Bystander Stops Assault in Fairbanks, Alaska originally appeared on Clipdraw

Concealed Carry Laws and Gun Owners in the News

Update: North Carolina – PASSED!

House Bill 746, which allows gun owners to carry a concealed weapon in the same places they can currently open carry, passed the North Carolina House of Representatives on June 8^th, 64-51.

The bill now moves to the state Senate for review and vote.

Update: Michigan – PASSED!

The Michigan bills intended to remove the requirement for a concealed carry permit has passed the Michigan House of Representatives on Wednesday, June 7^th.

The bill package spanned 3 bills, 4417 which passed 60-48, 4418 which passed 59-49, and bill 4419, which passed 61-47.

The bill removes the requirement for legal gun owners to obtain a separate concealed carry permit, what proponents of the bill have called a “coat tax” – referencing the fact that simply putting on a coat can turn a legal gun owner into a felon.

The law now moves to the Michigan state Senate. If approved there it would move to Gov. Rick Snyder to be signed into law.

Gun Owner Saves Twins in Oklahoma

A neighbor was alerted to a dangerous situation by a 12-year-old early last week, prompting him to investigate, and as a result, stop a potentially violent crime and tragedy.

Cash Freeman, of Ada, Oklahoma, rushed to his neighbor’s home and discovered Leland Foster allegedly threatening a woman with a knife and attempting to drown the woman’s 3-month old twins.

Although concerned at the consequences, Freeman addressed the situation, shooting Foster twice in the back and killing him. When asked, Freeman indicated he did what he thought was right.

Although he will be required to go before the District Attorney, the Ada police released Freeman after questioning.

The twins were flown to Oklahoma City for care. They were released and are in good condition.

 

Ohio Bill Proposes Removing Retreat Before Self-Defense Requirement

Ohio House Bill 228 would remove the existing requirement that someone under attack retreat before shooting in self-defense, unless in their car or residence.

The bill is heavily supported, with 2 sponsors and 35 co-sponsors. If it passes, the law would bring Ohio into line with surrounding states on this issue. It is currently in review with the Federalism and Interstate Relations Committee.

 

Philadelphia Man’s Conviction Vacated to Lesser Charge in Self-Defense Case

In October of 2012, Timothy I. Highsmith stepped in to stop a physical fight between a man, Willie Scott, and his girlfriend. Highsmith drew his gun during the altercation but did not fire. Afterward, Scott, who outweighed Highsmith by 100 pounds, began following Highsmith and grabbed him. Highsmith shot Scott once, then twice more when Scott lunged at him.

Afterward, Highsmith was charged and convicted of third-degree murder, with a sentence of 7 ½ to 15 years. Last week, the Pennsylvania Superior Court vacated that ruling.

In a majority ruling, the Superior Court concluded that Highsmith should have been convicted of voluntary manslaughter. The case has been returned to the county courts for resentencing under the new charge.

The article Concealed Carry Laws and Gun Owners in the News originally appeared on Clipdraw

Clipdraw Concealed Carry Belt Clip for Springfield XD Pistols

https://youtu.be/rhKpU69sliA Clipdraw

Clipdraw Concealed Carry Belt Clip for M&P SHIELD

https://youtu.be/mocBWB-b8tg Clipdraw

Clipdraw Concealed Carry Belt Clip for S&W Bodyguard Pistol

https://youtu.be/ZUK8nv5c9Hc Clipdraw

Concealed Carry Bills Continue to Move Forward

Concealed carry laws in multiple states continue to wind their way through the legislative system. Several of them have made progress in just the last week.

North Carolina: Update

A bill to eliminate the need for a concealed carry permit, in most cases, passed the North Carolina House Committee on Finance just last week.

The bill would permit those legally able to able to carry their weapon openly to do so in a concealed fashion without requiring an additional permit or classes. Currently, to qualify to carry a concealed weapon you must first pass an 8-hour safety and handling class.

The bill would likely eliminate the concealed carry reciprocity that North Carolina has with other states as it is currently enforced. However, residents would be able to, for a fee, obtain a license that would allow them to carry their concealed weapon in other states.

In addition to the CCP portion, the bill also proposes lowering the minimum age of purchase to 18 from 21 for pistols. Long gun purchases are allowed currently at the age of 18 in the state.

Wisconsin: Update

Wisconsin state Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee held a public hearing last week on Senate Bill 169. Like the North Carolina bill, the Wisconsin bill looks to remove the requirement of a separate permit to carry a concealed weapon, and the training currently associated with it.

Unsurprisingly, the public hearing drew impassioned comment from both sides of the issue. Proponents pointed out that 12 other states, ranging from conservative to liberal, already allow permitless carry.

What sets the Wisconsin bill apart is the provision to allow gun owners to carry their weapons in a concealed fashion onto school grounds, and the associated penalties for doing so.

The school would still retain the right to declare their buildings a no-carry zone. But as part of the bill, the penalties for disregarding a school’s ban would become a misdemeanor, not a felony as it is under current state law.

Michigan: Update

The Michigan bill to remove the permit requirement for concealed carry gained ground last week when the state’s House Judiciary Committee approved the 4-bill package. The bill now moves on to the Republican-controlled Michigan House of Representatives.

Referring to the current law as a “coat tax”, many proponents of the bill point out that the simple act of putting on a coat turns the legal act of carrying their weapon into a felony.

Like the Wisconsin bill, the proposed Michigan bill would lower the age requirement from 21 to 18.

The bill now progresses to the House Finance Committee. A financial component must be added to the bill at this point because the deadline for non-budget-related bills has passed.

The article Concealed Carry Bills Continue to Move Forward originally appeared on Clipdraw

Clipdraw Concealed Carry Belt Clip for Ruger Pistols

https://youtu.be/gbihVvl3hPI Clipdraw

Clipdraw Concealed Carry Belt Clip for S&W J Frame Revolvers

https://youtu.be/7Cr8hyKt8s4 Clipdraw

Clipdraw Concealed Carry Belt Clip for Model 1911 Handguns

https://youtu.be/Jo_6Dr360p0 Clipdraw

Data Breach in Florida Exposes Concealed Carry Permit Owners’ Data

It seems no one is immune to data breaches in the modern world, not even concealed carry permit holders.

State officials in Florida have released that the names of thousands of concealed carry permit holders may have been leaked when an online payment system was breached earlier in May. The names associated with just over 16,000 permits were exposed.

And while this represents less than one of the total permit holders in the state of Florida, there is some concern that as many as 469 customers had their social security numbers compromised as part of the breach, as well.

At this time is does not seem that any financial information was disclosed as part of the break in that appears to have originated from overseas, despite the compromised systems having been part of a payment gateway for concealed carry permit renewals.

Only those concealed carry permit holders who renewed through the online system are at risk of having had their names compromised as part of the breach. The systems were used for the application, registration, renewal, and permit fees.

“Only concealed weapon licensees who renewed online may have had their names accessed,” the announcement from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) said. “The department’s Office of Inspector General determined that there is no risk of identity theft to these licensees.”

Thanks to recent changes to the system and the reduced amount of information requested by the state, the exposure of data that could be used for identity theft has been kept to a very small number.

“The social security numbers that may have been obtained had been entered in an online field where either a social security number or Federal Employer Identification Number could be entered,” the statement said. “In 2009, the department began only to request a FEIN in this field and stopped the prior practice of requesting either a Social Security number or FEIN.”

Regardless of the minimal risk, the state is offering a year of credit protection, free of charge, to the users whose social security numbers were exposed.

The department, as part of their statement, assured users that cybersecurity remains a top priority for their department and that it was this close attention to security that allowed them to quickly shut down access to the system, minimizing the potential damage.

“The department takes cybersecurity seriously and acted quickly to mitigate the effects of this breach. The privacy of the department’s customers is a top priority and will remain so,” the statement from FDACS said.

Nevertheless, the Agriculture Commissioner, Adam Putnam, has ordered a review of the department’s cybersecurity policies and measures to reduce the chance of a similar compromise.

The article Data Breach in Florida Exposes Concealed Carry Permit Owners’ Data originally appeared on Clipdraw

Reciprocity and Constitutional Carry Bills Move Forward in Several States

We’ve covered several stories in the past few weeks about various concealed carry and reciprocity laws moving through the systems in a few states. This week, we’ll bring you an update on a few of those stories, as well as give you some information on a new bill in South Carolina that joins others seeking to provide reciprocity arrangements for gun owners who can legal carry a concealed weapon in their own states.

Update: Michigan

We’d previously reported on the bill moving through the Michigan state system that would allow gun owners to carry a concealed weapon without an additional permit. Hearings were held this week on the bill, with continued discussion anticipated in the next week.

Proponents of the bill point out that a gun owner can legally carry their weapons openly, without a permit or classes. But the simple act of putting on a coat makes that carrying their weapon illegal.

The focus for gun owners is that the cost of getting a permit to carry a concealed weapon appears to be an arbitrary tax on gun owners, while opponents of the bill claim that not requiring training for gun owners will make increase the dangers associated with concealed carry.

Michael Thiede of the Michigan Gun Owners Association indicated his belief that responsible gun owners already understand the value of training. “I didn’t have to take a class to tell me I was going to be safer to do all of these things. I didn’t have to give the state an extra $105. Concealed pistol permits didn’t make this state any more safe. It just made it richer.”

The Michigan House of Representatives will continue hearings the week of May 22nd, 2017.

Update: Wisconsin

A bill permitting constitution carry in Wisconsin gained additional support at the end of April when the Wisconsin State Attorney General Brad Schimel said he believes that the law is reasonable.

Pointing out that Wisconsin didn’t turn into the “Wild West” when its own concealed carry laws were passed, Schimel said he didn’t think that allowing those who were allowed to carry a concealed weapon in their own state would create a drastic change for Wisconsin.

In additional concealed carry news from Wisconsin, Governor Scott Walker signed a bill at the end of April that would rectify an administrative glitch for concealed carry renewals. Previously, when a 5-year concealed carry permit was renewed, it was extended for 5 years from the date of renewal. This penalized those who renewed early. The law now requires that the renewals cover the 5 years from when the permit expires.

South Carolina House Passes Reciprocity Bill

The South Carolina House of Representatives this week voted on a bill that would allow concealed carry reciprocity with other states. The bill passed the house by a margin of 85-23 in favor.

While the bill recognizes concealed carry from most other states, it excludes reciprocity for those states that do not recognize the permits of any state other than their own. There are 10 states that only recognize their own concealed carry permits.

Having now passed in the House, the bill will move on to the state senate in the final week of the current session. If it does not make it through the South Carolina senate next week, the bill will still have another year to win passage.

The article Reciprocity and Constitutional Carry Bills Move Forward in Several States originally appeared on Clipdraw

President Trump Speaks at NRA National Convention

On the very day that President Trump wrapped up his first 100 days in office he spoke to the attendees of the National Rifle Association’s annual convention in Atlanta, Georgia.

On Friday, May 28th, 2017, the President took the stage at the NRA convention, with an expected attendance of roughly 80,000 people. Trump took the opportunity to thank the association for their assistance with his election, reassure the audience of his stance on the Second Amendment, and campaign for the Republican candidate in the upcoming Georgia runoff race.

Trump Assures Crowd on Second Amendment Rights

Speaking to the crowd of thousands of cheering supporters, Trump declared “I am here to deliver you good news: the eight-year assault on your Second Amendment freedoms has come to a crashing end.”

As the first sitting president to address the NRA since the 1980s, when Ronald Reagan spoke to the group in 1983, Trump promised to “never, ever infringe” on the rights of legal gun owners.

The President referred to the previous administration’s attempts to strengthen background checks as an “assault” on the Second Amendment. “No longer will federal agencies be coming after law-abiding gun owners,” President Trump said. “No longer will the government be trying to undermine your rights and freedoms as Americans.”

Acknowledging the NRA’s Part in the Election

Trump graciously acknowledged the role the NRA played throughout the election in his speech as well. While previously a gun control advocate himself, Trump became a supporter of gun owners rights after he entered politics.

As a result of his support for Second Amendment right, the NRA spent more than $30 million to help elect President Trump.

His acknowledgement of the role the NRA played in getting him elected was met with the loudest applause of the entire speech. “You came through for me,” he said, “and I am going to come through for you.”

The president also returned to some of his campaign promises and concerns when addressing the crowd, reiterating the importance of a border wall with Mexico and his continued commitment to remove Islamic terrorist threats.

Comments on Georgia’s Runoff Election

In addition to speaking about his own election win, Trump spoke about the upcoming Georgia runoff election to replace the recently vacated seat of Tom Price, who was placed as the Health and Human Resources Secretary in the current administration.

The previous election brought Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff 48% of the vote, just shy of the 50% needed to prevent a runoff election. The election had 11 Republican candidates represented. In the runoff the Republicans will be represented by Karen Handel.

In addition to speaking about Handel at the NRA convention, Trump appeared at a fundraiser for her immediately following his speech. During his speech he encouraged NRA members to get out and vote for Handel. “She’s totally for the NRA and she’s totally for the Second Amendment. So get out and vote,” he said.

The article President Trump Speaks at NRA National Convention originally appeared on Clipdraw

Installation of S&W M&P Shield Clipdraw

https://youtu.be/dm7KUNwCtec Clipdraw

Saf-T-Blok for Glocks Clipdraw

https://youtu.be/prD8bFnGzOY Clipdraw

Clipdraw Installation for Ruger LC Pistols

https://youtu.be/wxw4cglniUg Clipdraw

Clipdraw Installation on S&W J-Frame Revolvers

https://youtu.be/VI2EGUTr_iw Clipdraw

Clipdraw Installation for Glock Pistols

https://youtu.be/4mzcRvIV7Rw Clipdraw

Clipdraw Kydex Trigger Guard Cover

https://youtu.be/r3ZzQRiuWSs Clipdraw

NRA Announces Carry Guard Concealed Carry Training and Insurance

Ahead of their annual meeting in Atlanta, GA, at the end of April, the National Rifle Association has announced a new concealed carry program. Complete with both training and insurance, Carry Guard, the most comprehensive training that the NRA has ever offered.

“Carry Guard really is another major extension in the NRA’s efforts with respect to the concealed-carry movement. We worked that hard starting in the ’80s and turned that into a national movement.” Said Bill Powers, NRA spokesman. “And, in response to that, or as a result of that, there is a serious demand that we have felt from Americans who want this kind of top-level training and insurance program and, so, we’re proud to offer it to them.”

Carry Guard consists of two parts. The first is the training program. The program, reportedly developed by former members of law enforcement, the Navy SEALS, and Green Berets, is a concealed carry certification class that spans days, not just hours. The class goes beyond the basics of concealed carry and incorporates subjects like the proper concealed carry mindset, tactics of self-defense, and associated carry laws.

“People who have gone through the program are saying it’s the best they’ve ever seen,” said Powers. “It’s a whole different ballgame. It’s a whole different level of training.”

As of right now there has been no word as to the cost of the program, the training schedule, or locations where the training will be held.

The second part of the Carry Guard program is the insurance, intended to help gun owners with legal bills and the associated costs, as needed. In addition to covering some of the financial obligations like bail, clean up, lost pay, firearm replacement, and psychological assistance, the program reimburses members their legal fees, up to their plan amount, once a case has been dropped or the policyholder is found not guilty.

There will be three levels of insurance available with the program. Bronze is the lowest level and covers $50,000 for criminal defense and up to $250,000 for civil cases. Silver covers $100,000 for criminal and half a million for civil. And the top tier, Gold, covers up to $150,000 for criminal defense and $1,000,000 for a civil case. The insurance, underwritten by Chubb Insurance, is available immediately.

“Of our 5 million members, a lot of those folks carry and they have been clamoring for the NRA to provide an elite product with respect to training, insurance, and education,” said Powers. “The NRA has responded to our members and to the demand of the consumers, gun carrying consumers, that really wanted a first-rate elite program. NRA Carry Guard is an elite training, insurance, and education program. It is the finest in the world. For any citizen who gets up and puts a gun on their hip, Carry Guard is for them.”

The article NRA Announces Carry Guard Concealed Carry Training and Insurance originally appeared on Clipdraw

Springfield XDS Clipdraw Installation Video

https://youtu.be/4OZZcljGq6k Clipdraw

Springfield XD Clipdraw Installation Video

https://youtu.be/Eova_0mGKRY Clipdraw

3 Recent Times a “Good Guy with a Gun” Made a Difference

As the Old Saying Goes – “Don’t Mess with Texas”

In a recent story out of Tyler, Texas, a father and son, both responsible concealed carry owners, had their weapons on them on the 21st of March this year when they witnessed the robbery of a man and a woman in progress.

The father and son never had to fire a shot. Instead, they pointed their weapons and instructed the robber to get on the ground, and he complied. The man was arrested and charged with aggravated assault.

The story gets more interesting. It turns out that the robber and the woman were partners in a plan to rob the man she was with, that she’d met on the Internet. So in the end, she was charged as well.

But these aren’t the only recent instances where a “good guy with a (concealed) gun” made a difference.

San Antonio – Mall Robbery

On January 22, 2017, a concealed carry owner at a mall in San Antonio, Texas stopped an armed robber, but unfortunately not before the criminal was able to shoot and kill an unarmed man.

In the process of trying to stop the robbery of a Kay Jewelers, an unarmed good samaritan who tried to intervene was shot and killed. Another shopper, who happened to have his firearm with him, shot  and injured one perpetrator while the second ran. Police were able to capture the second suspect after his car crashed exiting the scene.

While it’s unfortunate that the unarmed good samaritan was killed, there is the possibility that many others could have been harmed or killed during this crime if the concealed carry owner hadn’t stepped in.

Estero, Florida – Gun Owner Saves Deputy

In one of the most stunning cases of a gun owner as good citizen, a passerby on Interstate 75 in Florida came across a deputy in need of assistance.

While investigating an accident in November last year, Deputy First Class Dean Bardes was passed by a car on the shoulder at a very high speed. Bardes gave chase, and eventually both he and the speeder pulled over to the side of the road.

The driver jumped out of his car and began fighting with the deputy. At one point he tackled the deputy and began beating him. The deputy called for help while the suspect was on top of him, pummeling him. Video of this incident can be seen here.

Lucky for the deputy, a licensed concealed carry owner was passing by just at that time. He pulled over, pulled his gun, and instructed the man beating the deputy to stop. When he didn’t, the owner fired, shooting him 3 times. The suspect died of his wounds. Who knows what would have happened to the deputy, though, if the “good guy with a gun” hadn’t arrived on the scene.

If you Conceal Carry, Why Not Use the Slimmest Possible Profile?

Got any more stories where a responsible citizen saved the day? Let us know in the comments below.

The article 3 Recent Times a “Good Guy with a Gun” Made a Difference originally appeared on Clipdraw