This is timely. I was at Gwinnett Justice Center this morning getting my weapons permit renewed.
I was in and out in 20 minutes and when I mentioned that, the clerk said they are working to make the renewal process completely online.
Not to hijack your thread, but I agree with what Mike said: it’s absolutely your right to carry a firearm. At the same time, I would have no problem with a proficiency test just like getting a drivers license. It’s a huge responsibility to carry that weapon around public just like its a huge responsibility to drive a vehicle in public. You should know how to operate it.
Also, taking your significant other shooting is a really good date night. Sometimes it goes over better doing sporting clays first because it’s just a more relaxing environment being outside. Taking someone into an indoor range that has never shot a gun before can be extremely intimidating to the point where they never get comfortable enough to enjoy it.
For those that were lucky enough to grow up with access to firearms and some land to learn how to shoot over many years, it’s not a big deal to go to an indoor range. That later scenario is becoming less and less common in this country. That’s one reason why I support a proficiency test. By all means, go get your permit. I think everyone should have one. But I also think that if you’re carrying you should know how to use it.
I got to go to Yakutat, Alaska a few years ago and it was the most open carry I have ever seen. If I had to guess, around 1 out of every 3 people I saw on that island had a pistol on their hip walking around in public. Probably more had them concealed.
That was the safest I have ever felt when thinking about others around me carrying guns. And it wasn’t just because there were guns around me that I felt safe, I got the sense that these people were carrying out of necessity (there are a LOT of big ass bears up there) and I could tell that they knew how to use them just by talking to them or watching their mannerisms. Granted, it is a different world up there and it’s something I really appreciated. In general I think there were a lot less stupid people there and that probably added to it. It’s essentially just a fishing village.
We were packing during this trip as well.. bears like fisherman, or at least their fish.
On the other hand there have been times when I thought “this person does not need a gun.” Whether they wear it just to intimidate people, to fit in with their crowd, or God forbid they are packing and hoping everyday that they get a chance to use it on someone.
On the days that I do carry I pray to God that I don’t have to use it and I hope that’s the attitude of everyone else: to protect yourself and to protect those that need your help.
My wife hasn’t expressed any interested in getting her carry permit but I would be proud too. Now get your wife hitting some bulls eyes, Mike!