What Does It Take To Carry A Gun in CA?

By Mark Fernwood, a LRWF associate member and resident of Danville who’s also a member of the Contra Costa Republican Central Committee.

Living in California it would appear that the whole world is antigun.  California lawmakers keep heaping one gun control measure on top of the many already there.  Most of the US has a very different view.

Of the states, 42, now have “Shall issue” laws that require concealed carry permits (CCW) to be issued to those that have made proper application, passed tests and had a good background.

California is a “may issue” state, leaving the decision to each county and it’s sheriff.  In the Bay Area such permits have been almost impossible to obtain.

The 42 states that have issued millions of permits have seen a decline in crime.  Even more important, we have not seen problems from misuse.  Consider, if a person has owned firearms for many years and been responsible and law-abiding all that time, why would someone act differently now?

Of the 42 “Shall Issue” states, 23 decided that was not going far enough!  These states have also enacted “Constitutional Carry.”  This allows any lawful adult to carry, either open or concealed, without a CCW.  Permits are still issued though, as often, surrounding states will have reciprocity.

Millions go armed every day and we just do not hear of any “problems.”  Occasionally, it is reported that an armed civilian saves someone.  This has created a vast market for new handguns and holsters to appeal to the civilian market.  There are even specialized insurance plans available to protect the user against civil suits and even the possibility of criminal actions.

The primary tool that has been used for denial of CCW issuance is called, “Good Cause.”  This has been used to require a unique situation.  The recent Supreme Court ruling of “NYRPA vs Bruen,” found that is an unconstitutional reason for denial.

http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/cdc-study-use-firearms-self-defense-important-crime-deterrent

The Center for Disease Control released a study that concluded that the use of firearms by intended victims significantly reduced their chance of injury and is a crime deterrent.  Even more surprising, this CDC study was initiated by former President Obama, obviously presuming a very different result.

Media Hype Questionable Gun Control Study - YouTube   5 min   Stossel