Concealed Carry Comparison

As I was looking at the KY laws for concealed carry, I got to wondering about other states, both for reciprocal carry and their requirements.  Kentucky recognizes any permit from another state.  Most are fairly similar, written test, class, shooting requirement.  But within that framework there is a fair bit of variation.  I wanted to talk about this variation, but there is not feasible way for e to look at all 50 states.  So, I opted for the states my family lives in, where I've lived previously, and a couple places I travel to regularly.

Map of States that do and do not honor a KY CCDW permit

GEORGIA

The Georgia law is fairly similar to KY, with one big exception.  Open carry of a handgun requires a permit.  There is a single weapons carry permit that when obtained allows a person to carry open or concealed, and you must be fingerprinted to obtain it.  Though there does not seem to be a requirement for a safety course or proficiency test. 

The exception to the carry license requirement is if you are actively hunting, you can carry a handgun without a license.  Long guns can be carried without the permit.  Also of note, a Georgia carry license exempts the holder from the NICS background check when purchasing firearms.

FLORIDA

Florida's law is a lot like Georgia's.  A permit is required for open of concealed carry of handguns.  In Florida, this is overseen by  the Dept of Agriculture.  All you have to do is meet the age requirement (21 as everywhere) and the background check.  No fingerprints, course, or range time.

NORTH CAROLINA

In North Carolina there is no state law specifically prohibiting the open carry of firearms. But some local governments have no open carry laws, thus the regulation change based on where you are.  Concealed carry is by license only.  These are regulated by local sheriffs.  There is a safety and training course requirement.  There is a  shooting requirement which requires 21 or 30 rounds to hit the target at 3,5, and 7 yards.

TENNESSEE

Tennessee is like FL and GA, there is a carry license that covers both open and concealed carry.  A handgun safety course is required, with a shooting requirement of forty-eight rounds: 12 rounds at three yards, 24 at seven and 12 at fifteen.  The minimum passing score is 70%.

OHIO

Ohio requires a concealed carry permit.  There is a 12-hour course (most other states have been about 8hours or 1day).  There sis a requirement to show safety and proficiency, but this does not seem to be defined by the law and is left up to the individual instructor.

OKLAHOMA

Oddly, Oklahoma specifically prohibits open carry.  Oklahoma's CCW licenses are overseen by the state Bureau of Investigations.  They require an 8hour class, including range time.  Like Ohio, there is not a specified course of fire, the instructor just signs off on safety and competency.

CALIFORNIA

Most places will honor my KY CCDW, but not California where my brother lives.  In fact, as far as I can tell, California doesn't honor concealed carry permits from ANY other states.  In fact, to get a CCW permit in California, you "must articulate a situation or circumstances whereby the department can determine you have a need, not a desire, to carry a concealed firearm."  So I have to prove that my life is in danger?  Interesting.  In addition, a safety course is required, proficiency must be shown with the weapon you intend to carry (and they can limit the number of weapons you are allowed to qualify with), no modification other than a grip are allowed (including trigger jobs)...  Oh, and these requirements/restrictions can vary city to city!  Honestly, there are way too many picky little things about CCW permits in California to go into here.  It could be a post all on it's own.  Open carry is also unique in California, only unloaded and with magazines visible, etc.  If you are interested, this is a good place to start.

Whew, quite the variety of rules and requirements.  As John told us in class, even if you have reciprocity, you must abide by the local laws.  If you intend to travel with a gun, check the rules for where you are going and every place between here and there.