Mixed Feelings About Concealed Carry in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's State Assembly passed a concealed carry bill today and sent it to the governor who is expected to sign it into law.

I applaud what Wisconsin has done but take exception to the training requirements that have been reported in the media. Apparently the bill requires only classroom work, no actual range time. Bad idea.

But then, I haven't seen any state demanding real-world training for its permit holders.

Granted, many individuals who choose to carry concealed handguns already have significant experience with firearms. Unfortunately, that experience, while better than nothing, is often limited to shooting ranges at best and "plinkin' at cans' at worst. Too many people have told me they don't need or want to take even a basic class because they "know all about guns."

I was fortunate to have early police training, augmented by several advanced classes taught by the FBI. When I decided several years ago to take-up the handgun hobby again, I signed up for individual instruction in basic safety, and carrying and using a concealed weapon, as well as NRA- certified classes in everything from the basics to handgun self-defense in and out of the home. . . about 100-plus hours in all. In the next year, I hope to attend Masaad Ayoob's fine pistol training facility in Florida for more specialized classes.

Concealed carry is a deadly responsibility. It is not a game. It isn't something you do to impress your friends. States should require professional instruction and rigorous range testing before a permit is issued.

-0-

Sheriff to Students: "Ignore the Rules"

The pro-handgun Sheriff of Latimer County, Colorado is challenging Colorado State University's handgun ban in a controversial way.

Sheriff James Alderden says the ban will not reduce crime but, indeed, have the opposite effect of letting crooks know the students are helpless. The new CSU rule also covers pepper spray.

Alderden says if a student carrying one of his lawfully issued concealed carry pistol permits is arrested, he will refuse to book the student into his jail. He also says he will go to court and testify on that student's behalf.

I hold permits which allow me to carry a concealed firearm in about forty states (ironically, not in my home state which has no option for concealed carry by non-law enforcement personnel). I was trained first as a law enforcement officer and NRA-qualified handgun instructor. I have updated my training in some fashion every year since I renewed my interest in handguns and target shooting about four years ago.

I support reasonable concealed carry laws with mandated, real-world training.

All of that said, I don't agree with Sheriff Alderden's position.

The University has the right to set rules on its campuses. I don't like the fact my home state doesn't allow me to carry a concealed weapon but, it's the law. I don't like it but I follow the law.

Sheriff Alderden has told the media that students will be "okay if they don't get caught." Unfortunately, that's the way a lot of politicians look at the world. It's also the way the bad guys think. Is that the way the Sheriff encourages young people to approach life?

I believe in the Second Amendment and in laws that allow appropriately trained individuals to carry concealed weapons. I think Colorado State University officials are short-sighted in adopting a rule that prevents lawful carry by permit holders.

But. It's their campus...their rules. Work to change the rules, Sheriff. Don't urge your permit holders to break them.

Street Crime and Packin' Heat

There's a story in the Chicago Tribune today about a mugging victim who moved from the city to the suburbs because she doesn't feel safe (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-chicago-muggings-24-aug24,0,3762222.story?page=2).

Pretty common theme, actually. Not everyone who gets mugged moves, of course. Some can't, others choose not to give up and let the creeps win. All who have been victimized live with fear, however. It may just be a tiny bit that's hidden way in the back of their minds. A niggling doubt as they pass someone a little sketchy on the street. Or it may develop into full-fledged, weapon-carrying paranoia.

Pistol packin' disturbs me the most. Sure it's fine to tell your bar buddies you're ready to blow away a bad guy. The fact remains, drawing and using a handgun during a street crime requires speed, dexterity, an adamant sense of purpose and a willingness, not just to wound but to kill. If you haven't been trained properly, blowing away that "bad guy" may have catastrophic results.

We're talking about a window of opportunity that opens for mere seconds. Identifying the threat may occur when it's already on top of you. How far away is your attacker? Is he armed? What with? Who's in the shadows behind you? For that matter, who is in range of your bullets behind your attacker? Are you being attacked at all or is it your overactive imagination? In some places, merely reaching for your weapon may be construed as a crime so you'd better be absolutely certain your life is at risk.

Have you practiced with that pistol in simulated tactical situations or just on the vanilla pistol range? Do you have any idea of the legal labyrinth you enter when you take someone's life? What if it happens by accident?

I believe in the right to carry a concealed weapon and would like to see Illinois adopt a progressive new statute to allow it. I believe even more strongly in common sense.

That may be the best weapon we own . . . and one that should never be kept concealed.