Ohio’s Constitutional Carry: Do I Need a CCW Now?
Ohio’s Constitutional Carry: Do I Need a CCW Now?
There’s been a lot of discussion about Ohio’s new “Permitless Carry” law (often called ‘Constitutional Carry’) and what that means. Effective this past summer (June 13, 2022) Governor Mike DeWine signed into law Senate Bill no. 215, which permits a “qualifying adult” to legally carry, possess, or conceal a handgun without a license or training requirements. According to this law, a “qualified adult” means a person who is 21 years of age or older who is not legally prohibited from possessing or receiving a firearm under federal or state law and who satisfies all of the criteria listed in Section 2923.125 (D)(1)(a) to (j), (m), (p), (q), and (s) of the Ohio Revised Code. Generally, this really does mean that most people can carry and conceal a weapon in Ohio without having a permit. At the same time, CCW permits are still being issued in Ohio. Why? What’s the point of a CCW, if the law says you don’t need one now?
There are several reasons why it’s still a great idea for anyone who plans to carry concealed to get their CCW license. The first reason is simple: reciprocity. Reciprocity means that certain other states will recognize and accept your Ohio CCW, and allow you to legally carry your weapon in their state. Currently, there are 38 states that recognize Ohio’s CCW permit and offer reciprocity. If you plan to travel and want to have your weapon with you, this is a major consideration! Without a CCW, your rights to carry in other states are more limited. Some states allow permitless carry, though some only allow open carry (not concealed carry). To give the greatest flexibility when traveling, it’s best to have the CCW license. However, before traveling with your weapon, you should always check the current laws for the states that you are going to (including all states that you will pass through). For more information on what each state’s laws are, there are a number of good websites, including https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/oh-gun-laws/#recRestricted.
As important as reciprocity is, it’s not the only reason to still obtain a CCW permit. In order to get an Ohio CCW permit, you must attend a CCW class. The training you receive in that class can be very valuable! High quality CCW classes, such as those offered at Select Fire Training Center, will give training in safe operation of your weapon, information on permissible and non-permissible usage of deadly force, and much more. High quality courses will also require the student to fire at least 100 rounds through their weapon, to give good weapon familiarization and begin building the basis of marksmanship. This training clearly has actual tactical use in the street, but also shows (in the event that the student should one day need to use their weapon in self-defense) that the individual acquired at least a basic level of training before carrying their gun, which can be of benefit in legal considerations afterward.
So to sum it up, the reasons to obtain a CCW (even in Ohio) are simple: reciprocity and training. Electing to carry a weapon is no small decision; it can have life-altering consequences. Given that seriousness, why wouldn’t everyone want the knowledge and skills that professional training can offer? Come to Select Fire, and take our entire progression of handgun courses, which include:
- Intro to Handguns
- Basic CCW (required to obtain Ohio CCW license)
- Low-Light Pistol Training
- Advanced Practical Carry
- Personalized Training
Call us at (440) 973-4350 or visit webbynsm.com/sftc240731 for details and class registration!
