Concealed Carry

What It Means

When you can legally carry a concealed firearm in public, that is Concealed Carry. It gives you the opportunity to protect yourself and your loved ones from threats without anyone being aware you have a handgun. Being prepared in a life-threatening situation can and will make all the difference. The opposite of concealed carry is called open carry. This is when you can carry a handgun that is fully or partially visible to others. Before you can conceal carry, in most states, you will need to take some training classes. In class, you will learn the laws for your state, when you are able to use lethal force, how to be a successful carrier, and the basics of safety and operation of handguns.

Once you get the right training, you will earn your Concealed Carry Permit or CCW. It is important to attend other training classes after you earn your CCW, such as a beginner pistol class and personal defense class, so please keep that in mind. You can never be prepared enough for unexpected situations, and it is always best to de-escalate the situation if possible.

The Classroom

Concealed carry classes are for individuals of all skill levels. The classes are designed to educate you on the laws surrounding concealed carrying. For example, there are places where you are allowed to carry and where you are not. During the classes, you will hear about real-life situations that were encountered while carrying. This will give you a better understanding of what is expected of you as a concealed carrier. Highly trained instructors with extensive knowledge and experience will properly show you how to handle firearms and prepare you for training. However, you will not receive extensive training here, as these classes are primarily about the laws and situations of being a concealed carry individual.

The Firearm

Once you take your class and earn your CCW, you will most likely be excited to get to the range and try out a variety of handguns. This is the best way to find out which handgun fits you and your abilities. It is important to do this so that you know which gun is more comfortable for you to hold and shoot. You can scour the internet, ask friends and family for recommendations for the best-concealed carry gun, but nothing will beat getting in that range time and seeing what works for you. It can sometimes be very overwhelming for a new carrier to buy their first gun. Don't worry. Once you get in your range time, there are knowledgeable people to help guide you through your gun buying experience.

You will also need to take into consideration how you will want to holster the gun. There are many options: belt holster, purse, vest, belly band. The list goes on. Whichever way you choose, make sure to practice. Oftentimes, long-time concealed carriers can spot novice conceal carriers because they are fidgeting with their gun. Maybe it isn't holstered comfortably, so they are constantly touching and shifting it around. Other people will notice this behavior also and it is the surest way to let others know you are carrying a firearm. If you feel that your holster or firearm has shifted, it is best to wait until you are in a private area to adjust. Some other valuable items you will want to carry are a spare magazine, a knife, and a flashlight. These items all serve a purpose when you are a concealed carrier.

Start Your Concealed Carry Journey

If this is something you are interested in doing, Vance Outdoors offers CCW classes all throughout the year. They even offer a Ladies Only Class, if that's something that makes you more comfortable. In Ohio, you must be at least 18 years of age to attend a class. The great thing about taking your classes with us, is that we offer a full 8-hour class or two 4-hour classes to help with your busy schedule. You will get your class time and then qualify for your CCW in our advanced indoor shooting range.

The topics covered in the classroom are:

• Basic fundamentals
• Safety of handling and storage of handguns and ammunition
• The meaning and importance of Concealed Carry
• The moral and legal issues with the use of lethal force
• An extensive review of the Ohio Revised Code on Concealed Carry
• Hands-on experience of proper trigger press, sight picture, sight alignment, grip, and shooting stance

To view our current CCW Class options and pricing, visit www.vanceoutdoors.com.

Constitutional Carry State

Starting June 13, 2022, it will be legal in Ohio to carry a concealed handgun without a license. Senate Bill 215 was recently signed into law, making "permitless" carry or "constitutional" carry legal for all Ohioans 21 or older to legally possess a handgun. If you are currently a CHL holder, you will no longer be required to carry your license. This law only applies in Ohio, therefore when you cross state lines, you must obey that state's firearm laws.

The rules for concealed carry without a license are the same as concealed carry with a license. You must be at least 21, not be charged with or convicted of a felony or violent misdemeanor, must not have been committed to a mental institution or anything similar as defined in O.R.C., or have a suspended concealed carry license or temporary restraining orders. Finally, a person must not have been dishonorably discharged from the U.S. military. When stopped by law enforcement, you will not have to "promptly" inform the officer about the gun, unless asked and then you will only need to notify the first officer. If an officer asks about a concealed firearm and you refuse, it will be a second-degree misdemeanor.

That being said, there are no changes made to legal carry locations. No person shall carry a firearm into police stations, detention facilities, secured areas of airport terminals, a courthouse, or other buildings with courtrooms, regardless of whether they have been issued a concealed carry license. Federal law still requires a CHL to conceal a gun in your car in a school zone. Additionally, property owners retain the right to ban firearms on their premises.

The conclusion to Senate Bill 215 is that it does not substantially change the current regulations of firearms. The people who would be banned from obtaining a CHL will still be prohibited from carrying a handgun after the new law takes effect on June 13. The most significant change applies to law enforcement stops, where the responsibility becomes the officers instead of the gun carrier. Time will tell if this was an appropriate move by our Governor Mike DeWine.