Should there be requirements for people who want to conceal carry? This issue is left to the state governments to decide, some require training and a license before being able to carry a concealed pistol. Some states have Constitutional Carry where permitless concealed carry is allowed. It is interesting to note that the government does not administer the required class, but allows the free market to provide the class. Does this forced government training produce competent concealed carriers? The answer is NO.
Many people have a negative attitude towards attending a government required CPL class. One obvious objection is that their 2nd Amendment rights are being infringed. The 2nd amendment does not prescribe any requirements that must be met before someone can exercise that right, for this reason alone some people resent having to take the class. People who begrudgingly take the mandatory class usually develop a schools out mentality, they are done learning and will not take any further courses. People need to be curious and want to learn more of their own volition. Perhaps more people would hire a personal shooting instructor or take a practical course that would benefit them if they didn’t have to expend their resources on a mandatory class.
Some people may have to take a day off from work to attend and they must pay for the course and the cost of ammo. If that wasn’t enough, there are fingerprinting fees, identification photo fees, and license fees. As you can see, the mandatory CPL class and the licensing process takes time and money, so there is a great opportunity cost; this can cause hardship for many people, as it may be a strain on their available resources. Having to jump through so many hoops can feel like an infringement upon rights. All of these requirements and costs are significant barriers to entry that keep people from being able to defend themselves and their families. People with the most urgent self defense needs are often the ones with the least ability to take the class and pay all the fees.
I doubt states where a CPL class and license are required are any better off than states with Constitutional Carry. When people are given freedom, they generally enjoy it responsibly and don’t bother other people. I haven’t heard of any serious problems in states with Constitutional Carry. If there were, you would see those states moving towards licensing. We see the opposite of that happening, where states are considering adopting Constitutional Carry. Besides the obvious, of allowing people to defend themselves and their families as they see fit without having to take a required class and obtain a license, it would solve travel problems for concealed carriers who want to travel across state lines. Currently you have to delve into the laws of each state you travel to in order to make sure you are compliant with their concealed carry laws. If all states adopted Constitutional Carry, it would be much easier for concealed carriers to travel.
Find a reputable range with a thorough CPL training class if it is required. The class should encompass both classroom learning and range time. You should learn about firearm safety and function, marksmanship fundamentals, firearms and the law, and range time firing at least 100 rounds. The most important thing to bring is a positive attitude towards learning. You will learn something from the class and that will be a positive takeaway. Your time and money is being spent, if you feel like you are being forced to be there, be positive and get everything you can out of it! Meet other like minded people, ask questions, be involved, help others, forge friendships. Sign up for additional training of your own free will and maybe some of your new friends in class will do the same. Let us know what you think in the comments!