10/07/2016
In the last few weeks I've had lots of questions about the new gun laws Missouri passed. First off I want to make it clear they did not get rid of concealed carry permits. What they passed was Missouri residents that are legally allowed to own a firearm could choose to carry concealed where it's legal to possess the firearm. I also want to clarify that this in no way shape or form gives felons the right to carry a gun. You must be legal to own a gun. So let's start to break it down
When could I carry with no permit? January 1,2017
Can I carry out of state? No. You would need a permit and be in a state that recognizes your permit.
So I could carry anywhere now? No. You could only carry where it's legal to possess. Example: you can carry in a business that is not posted as no guns allowed but you STILL can't carry in a business that does have the sign.
The great thing about this law is they expanded your rights to self defense inside the castle doctrine and stand your ground. The thing I don't like about it is they appear to have different penalties if you disobey the laws. What I mean by this is let's say a restaurant is posted no guns allowed but you carry a gun in there anyway. Without a ccw permit you'd get charged with a criminal offense if caught. If you had your permit all they could do is ask you to remove the firearm from the building. So now as a permit holder why would I bother obeying the signs unless it's a government building?
So if you never travel out of state and if you educate yourself on use of force laws is a concealed carry permit necessary after January 1? I'd argue no. But if you travel and realize it looks better in your defense that you've had some level of training on use of force if you were to ever have to use your gun in self defense. Whether you go through us or someone else, we still recommend getting training. Yes, we will continue to teach the concealed carry classes. If you're competent in the matter, think about advanced handgun training.
I'm Keith Russell with Russell Fi****ms Training. Feel free to contact us with questions.