More Guns = Less Crime

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I fully expect the above video to "trigger" some people I know (though I'm not sure they read this blog).

A reminder that my Concealed Pistol License (CPL) is soon to expire recently arrived in the mail. Luckily, it appears I am able to renew online.

There is also the matter of my non-resident enhanced concealed license in Idaho which expires a few months later. Not sure if a non-resident can renew online. I expect not, but it's worth checking into.

Why do I have a non-resident enhanced permit in Idaho?

Well, if you look at this map (from HandGunLaw.us, you'll see the states in red that do not honor my Washington-issued CPL.

washington concealed weapons

Too much red for my taste

You'll note that Wyoming, New Mexico, Nebraska and Nevada in particular are a problem for pistol-packing citizens from Washington (Oregon and California are lost causes for concealed-carry, and Colorado is nearly as bad).

Now consider the map below and see how many states honor Idaho's Enhanced Permit (noted in blue and yellow):

idaho concealed weapons

That's more like it!

So with the Enhanced Weapons License from Idaho, nearly all the western states are open to a pistol-packing U.S. citizen like me. As for Oregon and California… screw 'em. I don't plan on visiting those states anytime soon. Colorado (so far) allows open-carrying of a firearm in most places (there are rules on where - look 'em up yourself).

If you are interested in obtaining a concealed carry license, I highly recommend that you 1) first take a training course in pistol safety and usage, 2) memorize and apply the 4-Rules of Gun Safety (see below) and 3) look carefully into the laws pertaining to your neck of the woods, and 4) shoot safely and often so that you are familiar with your weapon and how it works.

The 4 Rules of Gun Safety (with one new addition):

  1. Treat all guns as if they are always loaded.
  2. Never let the muzzle point at anything that you are not willing to destroy.
  3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you have made the decision to shoot.
  4. Be sure of your target and what is behind it.
  5. Never give Alec Baldwin a firearm.

Too soon? Who cares? It's true!

About the Author

topdog

Topdog is Steve Merryman, a graphic designer (retired), and illustrator. Living in the woods, Steve can often be found working on portrait commissions. In his spare time he paints, writes, shoots guns, cuts trees, hikes with his dogs, savors a beer or two, and searches for the perfect cheeseburger. He studiously avoids social media and is occasionally without pants.

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