Gun control laws do they work ?

[VonMessa]

You can't kill/injure dozens of people per minute with baseball bats, hammers, crowbars, or rocks. Also some food for thought.

Says who?  Some prefer axe handles, though...

[VonMessa]

Just put in for my concealed carry permit today. Should have it within 45 days.  

 

Took my wife and I a total of 25 minutes to walk out the door of the courthouse with ours...

Both of them, including the picture card.

This was after lunch break at the courthouse and we were third in line, no less...

[Flench]

WOW really VonMessa . Wonder what the deal is with mine . I was told they would mail them to me . 18 page's to feel it out .

[VonMessa]

WOW really VonMessa . Wonder what the deal is with mine . I was told they would mail them to me . 18 page's to feel it out .

Yes, really.

Pennsylvania is a "shall issue" state.  (Or commonwealth, if you want to get technical)

"Shall issue" systems require a license or permit to carry a concealed handgun, and applicants must meet meet certain well defined objective criteria. However, unlike "may issue" systems, a "shall issue" state removes all arbitrary bias and discretion, compelling the issuing authority to award the permit. These laws require that the empowered authority “shall issue” a permit to applicants who meet the criteria defined by law and that they cannot delay the process with out just reasoning.

[Flench]

First I have heard of a shall issue state .

[VonMessa]

First I have heard of a shall issue state .

There are 39.

Mississippi is one of them 

[Flench]

I'm still not sure what that means ?

[VonMessa]

I'm still not sure what that means ?

It means that issuing authorities can not deny a concealed-carry application based on nebulous, undefined criteria or personal agenda.  As long as your background does not exempt you, they are required to issue your permit in a timely fashion.  They can't drag their feet.

Some states are "May Issue"

States with these systems require a license or permit to carry a concealed handgun, issuance of such is at the discretion of local authorities, the issuing authority "may" issue a permit if the citizen meets certain criteria, and the likelihood of issuance within a may-issue state can range, for all practical purposes, from no-issue to a sure thing, for qualified applicants.

California and New York county authorities are given a lot of latitude in determining whether a license or permit will be issued. California ranges from a no-issue in areas like San Francisco, to nearly shall-issue environment in rural counties.

Connecticut law provides authorities very limited discretion in the issuance of a permit.

Maryland law allows citizens to apply for a permit, but if you don't have law enforcement or political connections it is extremely rare that one will be issued (making it effectively a non-issue state).

Illinois and Wisconsin are "Non-Issue" states (as well as D.C.).  This requires no explanation.

Vermont has no laws at all concerning carrying a concealed weapon.

[Flench]

I see . Thanks Von .

[VonMessa]

Basically it means that, unless you have something in your past that would disqualify you from carrying a concealed weapon, these states, by their own laws, are required to and shall issue the permit and cannot deny it to the applicant based on some made-up reason.

[VonMessa]

Here you go.

All 2 pages of it (only 1 page to fill out)

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&sqi=2&ved=0CDgQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.co.venango.pa.us%2Findex.php%2Fcomponent%2Fdocman%2Fdoc_download%2F388-application-for-pa-licence-to-carry-firearm%3FItemid%3D&ei=0-5NUMLAOOr00gHF8ICICw&usg=AFQjCNHr-hQ0Vq2RnujyidxQFrPsMutDlg&sig2=hKC_Vwt474QzgEKwr5wwRQ

[DaveJ]

Took my wife and I a total of 25 minutes to walk out the door of the courthouse with ours...

Both of them, including the picture card.

This was after lunch break at the courthouse and we were third in line, no less...

Wow, what state do you live in? Virginia is a relatively gun friendly state, but that is stunning! I'm not sure why it takes so long here.

Edit: Saw you live in PA. That is very, very interesting. VA is a shall-issue state too, but apparently they take much longer!

[Jayhawk]

First I have heard of a shall issue state .

Mississippi is a shall issue state as well, along with my state, Kansas.  However, there is still a lengthy application process.  After taking the class, filling out the paperwork, getting the money orders, and getting my finger prints taken, I still had to wait about 60 days to get my license.

[VonMessa]

Wow, what state do you live in? Virginia is a relatively gun friendly state, but that is stunning! I'm not sure why it takes so long here.

Edit: Saw you live in PA. That is very, very interesting. VA is a shall-issue state too, but apparently they take much longer!

Virginia is a commonwealth, as well.   



The actual application process itself is very simple and consists of acquiring an application, and a passport-sized photo, filling it out, paying the fee (which can vary from county to county) and submitting it. In some counties (such as Philadelphia) the application must be submitted in person and they may do a quick and basic interview. Once the application is received the entity responsible for handling it will do a background check on you and generally verify who you are. They may contact the references you have provided on the application although many times it will not be necessary. Pennsylvania is a "shall-issue" state in regards to LTCF's, meaning the entity processing your application is required to approve it unless they can prove you are disqualified based on the law. This is very important to prevent localities from simply denying people based on political, or prejudicial biases. Additionally by state law the application must be approved or denied in 45 days (although some offices will use "business days"). Again, this is done to prevent localities from claiming they issue permits, but never actually processing them for political or prejudicial reasons.   

They basically ran the names in the computer, got the results back, took pictures and printed the cards.

[DaveJ]

Virginia is a commonwealth, as well.   



The actual application process itself is very simple and consists of acquiring an application, and a passport-sized photo, filling it out, paying the fee (which can vary from county to county) and submitting it. In some counties (such as Philadelphia) the application must be submitted in person and they may do a quick and basic interview. Once the application is received the entity responsible for handling it will do a background check on you and generally verify who you are. They may contact the references you have provided on the application although many times it will not be necessary. Pennsylvania is a "shall-issue" state in regards to LTCF's, meaning the entity processing your application is required to approve it unless they can prove you are disqualified based on the law. This is very important to prevent localities from simply denying people based on political, or prejudicial biases. Additionally by state law the application must be approved or denied in 45 days (although some offices will use "business days"). Again, this is done to prevent localities from claiming they issue permits, but never actually processing them for political or prejudicial reasons.   

They basically ran the names in the computer, got the results back, took pictures and printed the cards.

Have you looked into getting the Utah Permit as well? Thinking of taking a class at the NRA next month so that I can get the rest of the states Virginia doesn't cover.