Before you start handling a gun, a license to carry is required. The law is meant to protect both the carrier and anyone that they come into contact with. To qualify for a permit, there are a couple of things you should do to prepare. Some of these things are required, while others are just good gun ownership rules.
1. What Are Your Reasons?
Everyone has a personal reason to want a license to carry. Before you move forward, think really hard about why you want to own a gun. It is a lifelong responsibility that requires your full attention.
2. Inform Everyone in Your Household
If you share a house with other people, they need to be aware of your gun ownership. Even if your gun is under lock and key, you can still be blamed if someone gets their hands on it.
3. Scout Out A Gun Case
Before you start looking at guns, check out all of the protective cases and holsters. How well you protect your weapon is more important than the weapon type you own.
4. Find and Take Gun Safety Classes
Gun safety classes are plentiful, and won’t cost you a ton of money. In many states, it is mandatory to pass a safety class before applying for a license to carry.
5. Join A Gun Club
This is meant as a general tip to tie into gun safety classes and getting a permit. A local gun club will give you access to gun resources, like-minded gun owners, and a lifetime of friendly tips.
6. Are There Extra Restrictions?
Some counties have extra steps involved in applying for a license to carry. Check with your gun club or safety instructor about any extra carrying restrictions for getting your permit.
7. Complete the Background Check
As long as you don’t have any flags on your background check, there won’t be any problems. Background checks for gun ownership are not deep checks, so are considered much more lenient.
8. Confirm All Information on Your Permit
Once your permit arrives, sit down and confirm all information on it is correct. Even a small error can be problematic for your gun ownership. While waiting for a corrected permit to arrive, your license to carry is still valid.
9. Keep It Private
Once you are fully licensed to carry, don’t boast about it on social media. This is not really a rule, but a matter of protecting your privacy as a gun owner.
10. Obey the Law
Your permit can be revoked for breaking the law. Even if the crime is not related to gun ownership, breaking the law can lead to you losing those rights.
Wrap Up
With a carry permit, you are in a much better position to exercise responsible gun ownership. It is an important step in personal gun rights and allows you to educate others on gun safety. Once your permit arrives, take a deep breath and enjoy the rest of the journey.