Concealed Carry Reciprosity
The last state to not allow some form of carrying a loaded concealed handgun has finally relented (sort of) and has begun issuing (sort of) permits for concealed carry weapons (CCW). However, state laws vary widely and more importantly for the CCW permit holder, it’s important to know where you can take your roscoe when you cross your state line.
Where I live, in Pennsylvania, of the 50 states in the USA only 30 reciprocate with Pennsylvania’s CCW permit. Only two border Pennsylvania- Virginia and West Virginia. So, if I’m headed to the Jersey shore for some beach time, or Baltimore for the National Aquarium, or Delaware for the NASCAR race in Dover, or New York to see Niagara Falls I better not be packin’. Likewise, if I’m going to visit friends in Colorado I can bring all the heat I can carry (in a discreet IWB holster in either fine leather or durable and fashionable Kydex). Go shootin’ with my Buddy Dave in Nebraska? Gotta use his guns cause I’m a felon the minute I cross over into that state if I’m carrying.
Just ask Ms. Shaneen Allen, a Philadelphia resident and working mother of two and a legally armed citizen, about when she was pulled over for a routine traffic stop in New Jersey. Being a good compliant citizen she informed the officer she had a handgun in her car along with her PA permit to carry it. Bad luck- New Jersey has some of the most stringent gun laws in the country. New Jersey requires guns being transported to be in a closed and fastened case or locked in the trunk, how guns are transported is strictly regulated, and NJ does not recognize any state’s carry permit. Ms. Allen was arrested on felony charges and at that time faced up to three years in prison…a high price to pay for being a good guy, a law-abiding citizen, and a responsible gun owner. It pays to know the law.
National reciprocity laws have been back and forth in Washington for years and none have yet to pass but there is always hope. Believe it or not Supreme Court decisions in the last few years (Heller v. District of Columbia and McDonald, et. al. v. Chicago) have affirmed that the right to keep and bear arms is an individual right. Other victories at state and local levels for gun owners have also led the way. As far as concealed carry rights are concerned, we’re winning. Until national reciprocity becomes the law of the land, a good place to get more information on which states have reciprocity with yours regarding CCW permits, go to http://www.usacarry.com/concealed_carry_permit_reciprocity_maps.html.
While on the subject of where we can carry, it’s good to be aware of local laws regarding concealed carry. In short, Federal buildings are off limits, including the Post Office. Running errands on Saturday and need to mail a package at the Post Office? Better unstrap buddy because post office personnel are serious about having guns in their building whether a warning is posted or not. Courthouses are usually no-no’s but in some places it’s okay. If you have to carry into a court house call ahead and ask about the rule…get it in writing if you hear it’s okay to pack in your particular Hall of Justice.
Be sure you know your jurisdictions’ laws regarding bars, liquor stores, retail stores, houses of worship, etc. You could literally be legal on one threshold of a business, cross over that threshold and immediately commit a felony. Don’t be that guy.
