Apocalyptic Prepping

Utah and Montana are likely about to become the next two states to become a constitutional carry state. This opens up a lot of people to the option of carrying very quickly. This can lead to a lot of questions- Should I carry? What happens to concealed carry permits? When does this go into effect? And will this make things unsafe? If you’ve asked these questions, I’ve got some answers for you in regards to Utah Constitutional Carry.

I’m nervous about carrying a weapon

This is a real and healthy concern. It’s better to be nervous and careful and cautious than over eager and careless. There are millions of people that concealed carry, but you hear about the cases of people who have their firearms go off. If this is your concern I would start with concealed carrying something less dangerous and less regulated. I would put some pepper spray in your pocket, or better yet in a holster much like on you’d use with a firearm and practice with that. It is dangerous and deserves care, but it is much more forgiving than a firearm. This can connect to a belt and can be concealed, much like a holster for a gun. Try it.

Get Comfortable with Your Firearm

If you’re uncomfortable carrying, another thing you should do is to get extremely comfortable with your firearm. I would recommend shooting it, cleaning it, taking it apart, and perhaps taking a shooting course with that firearm. If you can take apart your gun, know how everything about it works, if you’re comfortable and accurate shooting it, you become more comfortable carrying it.

I don’t know if I could live with myself if I shot someone

This is a real concern and is understandable. I feel bad whenever I hear that anyone had to shoot someone, even in self defense. It’s not easy. It’s not something I ever want to do. Some people say they would rather get shot than to take someone else’s life. I can understand that. What you should consider though, is that dangerous person might not be trying to shoot you. I wouldn’t be ok if someone, no matter who, were to shoot my wife, child, family member, friend, neighbor, or even a stranger while I know that I could have been carrying a gun to do something about it. That is what answered this concern for me. It would still be hard, but this was my thought process when I thought about this.

Can you still get a concealed carry permit in Utah?

Yes. The state is still offering them. Utah’s concealed carry permit is also accepted in 37 states, which is pretty good. If you frequently travel to one of those 37 states, you’ll want to consider it. There are also several legal differences which I discuss further below. Also, concealed carry classes offer great legal training, which is really important, especially when you start to carry. It’s a high stakes thing with big consequences if you mess up. I’m saying you shouldn’t carry, but you should definitely educate yourself, and a concealed carry class is a great way to do that.

What’s the difference between constitutional carry and carry with a concealed carry permit?

I’ve primarily been studying the Utah law primarily with this question. There are a few legal differences.

1. Without an actual concealed carry permit you cannot have a loaded firearm within 1,000 feet of a k-12 school on public property. That’s all elementary schools, middle schools, junior highs, or high schools. Essentially, that’s about 3 football fields. If live within a quarter mile of a school, you still should get a permit. If you have a permit, you can legally concealed carry even inside a school. It’s unclear on if you can carry on a college or university campus.
2. With a concealed carry you can have a loaded rifle or shotgun in a vehicle. With constitutional carry you cannot, though you can carry a loaded pistol/handgun in a car.
3. This does not apply to anyone under age 21. You cannot concealed carry under constitutional carry OR with a concealed carry permit if you’re under 21.
4. You do not need to pay for a background check when you buy a gun if you have a concealed carry permit. A background check IS required still under constitutional carry. A background check is about $8, so it just might make financial sense to get a permit if you plan to purchase a few guns. From a practical standpoint, because of the background checking that goes into getting a concealed carry permit, many private sellers only like to sell to people that have the permit.

When does this go into effect?

Governor Cox has given every indication that he will sign this bill, but he hasn’t yet. Assuming he does though, this law would take effect on May 5, 2021.

Will this make things unsafe?

No. The top 3 safest states according to the US News and World Report, Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire are all constitutional carry states. Also, according to Rand Research and Legal Heat, the national murder rate has been about cut in half in the last 20 years while at the same time concealed carry laws have been loosened significantly.

I don’t think this this lets the individual off the hook. People are only safer when they know the laws and are prepared for a situation and are trained for it as well.

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