By
Rick Smith,
NRA Certified Training Counselor, Instructor, and Chief Range Safety Officer.
Ohio is the 23rd state to pass constitutional carry based on the US Constitution's 2nd Amendment. This means that Ohioans no longer need a permit to legally carry a concealed handgun. The new conceal carry law is not restricted to Ohio residents. A qualifying adult from another state may legally carry in Ohio without a permit.
SCHOOL SAFETY ZONES
CHL holders are allowed to carry a firearm into a school safety zone if you leave the handgun in the motor vehicle, the handgun does not leave the vehicle and, if you leave the vehicle, you lock the vehicle.
Permitless carriers are not allowed to carry a firearm into a school safety zone. Doing so is a felony under state and federal law. Statutory reference: ORC 2923.12, 2923.121, 2923.122, 2923.126
CHL OPTION RETAINED
Ohio Senate Bill 215 provides the option to obtain a concealed handgun license (CHL) for those who want to retain the benefits of reciprocity with other states' carry laws. You are no longer required to have the physical license with you while carrying a handgun in Ohio. Most states still require you to have your Ohio permit with you while carrying in those states.
The duty to “promptly inform” law enforcement that you are carrying a handgun has been removed. You will only need to inform the first officer that you encounter when asked if you are carrying a handgun.
State concealed carry laws vary in limits and restrictions. Some states do not have constitutional carry and still require that you have a conceal carry license. Other states limit the right to carry without a permit to residents of that state. The nation’s reciprocity landscape is changing as more states adopt constitutional carry laws.
You need to exercise due diligence and understand the complexity of different states’ conceal carry laws or you may find yourself in serious legal trouble. Be sure to research and navigate through the laws for each state if you plan to travel.
THE NEED FOR TRAINING
Whether you choose to carry a concealed handgun with or without a permit, you must move beyond the “right” to carry, and train extensively with your firearm. Training beyond paper punching will always be a vital and essential part of the right to carry a handgun in public.
It’s unfortunate that many people believe buying a handgun, taking a gun safety course, and shooting expensive holes into paper targets, is sufficient training for them to protect themselves and their loved ones in a life-threatening situation. Shooting at paper targets is great practice for developing basic shooting skills but is not the same as training with a handgun to save your life.
You are more likely to be killed or sent to prison if all you do is practice shooting skills on paper targets. You must move beyond your right to carry a gun and receive the proper life-saving training from a qualified firearm instructor.
Be sure to do your homework before selecting an instructor. Certified is not the same as being qualified. There are a number of tactical teddies whose “expertise” is derived from watching YouTube videos. Don't be afraid to respectufully ask them to provide evidence of their credentials and training experience. Be prepared to walk away if they are offended or unwilling to verify their qualifications.
The responsible armed citizens must invest the time, effort and expense to develop their ability to defend themselves. Applied Freedom Academy provides the vital mental preparation and strategic skills that can save your life during a critical incident.
THE BENEFITS OF A CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE
An Ohio conceal carry license is still beneficial whether you choose to carry a handgun with or without a permit.
A basic firearms class provides the essential knowledge, skills and attitude for safely owning and using a firearm.
You will learn about the legal and proper use of deadly force.
An Ohio Concealed Handgun License (CCW/CHL) provides reciprocity should you decide to carry a concealed firearm in other states.
Additional training will develop your ability to defend yourself and increase your chances of prevailing in a critical incident.
Applied Freedom Academy’s instructors have the knowledge and experience to prepare you with the proper mental attitude and training that is paramount to being safe, responsible and proficient with a firearm. We offer group courses and private lessons designed to take you from where you are to where you need to be.
Click here to learn more about our basic through advanced training.
Click here for Answers to Common Questions about Ohio’s New Permitless Carry Law.
Click here for the 2024 Traveler's Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States.
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