Americans don’t conceal their admiration of concealed carry laws. 46 percent of Americans say they support allowing people to carry concealed firearms in more locations.
This flies in the face of many people’s expectations, especially of liberal areas like the West Coast. You can carry a concealed weapon through all five West Coast states, but you have to follow different rules.
Where do you need a gun permit? What are the specifications you must meet to receive a concealed weapons permit? When do you have to abide by gun-free zones?
Answer these questions and you can remain in the eyes of the law while carrying your firearm. Here is your quick guide.
Gun Permits
All West Coast states except Alaska require gun permits for concealed carry. The West Coast states acknowledge each other’s gun permits. You can have a concealed carry permit in California honored in Oregon or Washington.
Alaska is a no-permit state. You need no permit whatsoever to carry a concealed weapon. As long as you own a gun, you can hide it under your jacket or in your pocket.
If you move to another state, you will need to get a permit from that state. Try to get one as soon as possible. You may have a grace period that lasts a few months, at which point you face criminal charges for your gun.
Training
Alaska requires you to receive training before you buy a firearm. You must learn how to fire, load, and holster a firearm.
The other West Coast states do not currently require training. But it is advisable that all people looking to get any gun permits should receive training. Training informs them of relevant gun laws and helps them determine when they need to use their gun.
Safety Risk
California, Oregon, and Hawaii allow law enforcement to deny permits to applicants based on safety risk. Applicants who have a track record for acts like stalking can get denied.
Alaska and Washington do not formally permit denials based on safety concerns. But they can restrict access to people who have been convicted of assault and other violent acts.
Age Limits
Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington set the minimum age for concealed carry permits at 21. Though Alaska does not require a permit for concealed weapons, you can get one when you turn 21. California’s minimum age is 18.
Federal law sets the minimum age for buying a firearm at 18. But state laws take precedence, so the minimum age can be set higher. Visit pages like https://concealedcoalition.com/ccw/reciprocity-maps/utah-concealed-carry/ so you can keep up to date on state laws.
Gun-Free Zones
All West Coast states have gun-free zones. This means that no guns of any kind are allowed, even if you have a permit. Schools, houses of worship, and medical facilities are common gun-free zones.
The Essentials of Concealed Carry Laws
You can find concealed carry laws everywhere. You need a permit in all West Coast states except Alaska to perform concealed carry. Alaska does require training in order to buy a firearm.
All states have some protocols to restrict guns to convicts. Three West Coast states restrict access to people accused but not convicted of violence.
You can find gun-free zones all throughout the country. Do not bring any weapon into a preschool or hospital, regardless of your permit status.
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