Require more training for CCW

[Lars]

So I've recently been engaged in a conversation with a guy that is a liberal pro Bernie supporter. I won't say that he's anti gun but he certainly isn't pro gun. I can honestly say that it has been almost a pleasure to discuss this topic with him as he has been receptive to info and to seeing the other side. The conversations have been civil without name calling ( this may be because he is somewhat family however not close family)

this brings me to my question, what would be so bad about requiring a certain amount of training before getting your concealed? I know I have as I'm sure some of you have to, been around a guy that you say to yourself " this guy shouldn't have a gun let alone be caring one in public. If both sides could settle on a middle ground (and that's a big if) would it really be a bad thing? I don't see how additional trading could hurt any of us but I do see how the required part could throw a wrench into the mix.

Yes a gun is just a tool but it is a tool that can take a life that we carry with us to defend ourselves and those we love. Some of us train and practice to ensure that we are prepared to do just that while others take a class and feel that they will save the world from all that is evil. So hypothetically let's say that you are required to complete a 4 day class that involves written knowledge of laws and gun safety as well as practical shooting situations before getting your CCW. Then let's say every 5 years you have to complete a 10 hr. refresher. Obviously there would be exceptions for recently retired police and military.

just curious to hear some thoughts on this from you guys on the pros and cons of a situation like this.

[hurley842002]

The key word (and you noted it) is required, period, the end. Everyone SHOULD be getting as much training as possible, but everyone's access to training is different, and that shouldn't hinder one from being able to carry (I know folks that want to carry, but can't afford the current requirements to do so). At the end of the day, we just don't need the government (at any level) deciding what is best for us as it pertains to a God given, constitutionally protected right.

[RCCrawler]

What other right guaranteed to us by our forefathers do we have to training before we can exercise it?

[Lars]

I agree with you Hurley, and that was one of the key points that I brought up in my discussion.

[Honey Badger282.8]

I do think there should be training but not anything resembling what we have now. I'd like to see curriculum added to high schools that would teach basic firearm safety and use.

[Gman]

this brings me to my question, what would be so bad about requiring a certain amount of training before getting your concealed?

The Constitution doesn't have this limitation. I think the government giving us permission to carry flies in the face of 'shall not be infringed'. I have the natural right to protect myself and my family. If the government want's to take this away, they need to prove that I'm a criminal.

This is one of the many reasons I like the trend of 'Constitutional Carry' that is again removing the requirement of seeking the government's permission.

The founders knew what they were doing. This was in a time before birth certificates, social security cards, government ID, etc.

We are innocent until proven guilty, not the other way around.

[mtnrider]

When was the last time a licensed concealed carry person went on a Jihad shooting rampage? I don't think we are the problem here but the current administration would like everyone to think we are.

I see were you are being led but don't be fooled, it's yet more more step of taking our rights away. You are being led down the road of "compromise" (ie: confiscation)

[Fromk]

I'm going to rant about the idea of exceptions for a moment just because I read that and it's stuck in my brain.

Why would retired police and military get a pass? While working at a range I had a number of active LEO's and a military give me cause for concern. I had a state police officer remove their concealed (without warning) and place it on the counter with the muzzle pointed right at me. I had a number of marines from Camp Pendleton either fail or not even attempt a basic safety demonstration if we didn't have an M9 in the counter. Not to mention the countless officers who would come in right before they had to re-qualify because they hadn't shot their gun since the last one. I doubt a few years of retirement would help any of those folks.

I don't know why that's the part I'm getting riled up about...

Back to the topic I also realize that people have to set their own priorities but I've known many people (including myself at some points) who couldn't afford 4 or 5 days worth of training. Even if it was free that's missed work for some people. It starts to block people from their ability to carry.

[Squeeze]

I've had this discussion with many people and yes, I've seen those "types" of hoopleheads who have no business owning a gun, let alone carrying it. So we require mandatory driver's education before being trusted behind the wheel of a car right? So requiring people to pass a basic level of firearm training before responsibly owning one doesn't necessarily sound so crazy. The question rises though; "does it infringe on our 2nd Amendment right?" Technically, yes. Could it curb some of the ignorance some gun owners possess? I think so. But that doesn't trump the 2nd Amendment. These current jackwagons in the White House and other political offices (Hickenlooper, Feinstein, etc.) have been chipping away at our rights and trying to strip them away outright in some cases. Last thing we need is more regulation. I certainly do wish that more people would look into firearm training, especially among those who carry one every day. As the old saying goes though, "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink".

[O2HeN2]

In such cases I've always posed a question back along the lines of "How much should a woman have to pay, and how much time does she need to invest in training before you would allow her to protect herself from being raped or murdered?" or "Why do you wish for someone's life to be forfeit before they save enough for training?"

O2