In 2010, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed a bill into law, allowing Arizonians 21 and older to carry a concealed weapon without a permit, background check, or even a training class. This is called "Constitutional Carry" or "Permitless Carry." Of course you’ll still have to legally be able to own and carry a firearm in order to take advantage of the new law.

Thus, I get a lot of questions from potentials students about why they would even bother to take a class and incur the cost to get a permit if it isn't "necessary" to conceal carry.

Here are some important reasons why:

Reciprocity:

Carry Concealed in 38 States! An Arizona CCW permit allows you to carry a concealed weapon in over 38 total states (including Arizona) if you are are a resident of Arizona. [ARS §13-3112(Q)(R)] Non-Arizona residents still have reciprocity, although some states will only recognize a permit from your resident state.

Exempt from FBI Background Check When Purchasing Guns:

A Concealed Weapon Permit streamlines the purchase of a firearm in that no background check is required. [18 U.S.C. §922(s)(1)(C)] With your AZ CCW permit, there is no waiting for the FBI since no data is transmitted to the FBI while making a firearm purchase.

Carry Concealed in MOST National Parks:

Congress approved a new law allowing loaded firearms in national parks starting Feb. 22, 2010. You will need a CCW permit from that state or a permit that is recognized by that state. [Pub. Law 111-24 §512; 123 Stat. 1725]

Exempt from Federal Gun-Free School Zone:

Without a permit you can not carry your firearm within 1000 feet of a school. Do you realize how difficult it is to avoid 1000 feet boundries of every school in the state? With the concealed weapons permit, you have the ability to carry a concealed weapon within 1,000 feet of a school. It is almost impossible to travel through the Phoenix Metro area without crossing a 1,000 foot boundary of a school and crossing a school zone. You are exempt from that 1,000 foot area with your AZ concealed carry permit. [18 U.S.C. §922(q)(2)(B)(ii)]

Carry Concealed in Bars and Restaurants Serving Alcohol:

Arizona CCW Permit holders may enter a commercial establishment which serves alcoholic beverages, while carrying concealed, provided the establishment allows firearms on their premises and provided you personally do not consume any alcohol . Without a permit, you cannot carry in establishments that serve alcohol (Texas Roadhouse, Chili’s, Applebee’s, Chipotle, Smashburger, etc). [ARS 4-229(A)] Without a permit, you cannot carry in these places at all.

Favorable Treatment from Law Enforcement:

Having a permit makes it easier for law enforcement to identify you as a person who has gone through a legal process to obtain training and education. It also proves to them that you can pass a rigorous background check, whereas people who don’t have a permit perhaps chose not to undergo the scrutiny of a background check. It says a lot about you when you find yourself in a confrontation (like a traffic stop) and you have a firearm. Law Enforcement nationwide currently uses concealed carry permits across this country to immediately identify a lawful citizen. The permit also serves as a way of informing a police office that you have a firearm without having to say the word "gun" when interacting with them. Generally, Arizona police officers have a "no hassle policy" when dealing with people who have the AZ CCW permit.

Gratitude from Your Attorney:

Your attorney will thank you. When you eventually end up in court to defend your own firearm related actions you will be more defendable from charges like recklessness and negligence.

Training and Knowledge:

This is the greatest and most important reason. Having knowledge of the laws puts in you a better advantage of knowing how to handle situations. If you don't know what you can legally do, you won't be able to effectively exerice your rights.