Concealed Carry on Campus

Your guide to self-defense, should you ever be allowed to defend yourself

By: Newbaum Turk

Posted: 1/23/08

Virginia Tech, University of Arizona, Case Western, UNC, Delaware State, University of Memphis, Appalachian State; one would suppose that after dozens of multiple-homicide campus shootings around the nation, administrators would be looking to help students help themselves. However, one should not underestimate the cowardly "progressive" anti-gun activists. These extremists would rather have students and faculty cowering beneath a desk as a killer ends the lives of their peers than allow proactive students to take action. Until these types of attacks hit them personally, they will continue to do all sorts of mental gymnastics to make excuses for deranged maniacs, and will attempt to rationalize why law-abiding citizens shouldn't be permitted to carry weapons to protect themselves.
However, believing as I do, that someday these individuals will come to their senses and responsible students will be permitted to carry a concealed weapon on campus, we need to educate ourselves. If such an epiphany occurs, and we are one day ready to ditch our society's victim mentality, it would behoove you to know how to obtain a concealed carry permit.

The Basics
The first step is a visit to the Attorney General's website (www.ag.state.oh.us) where you can obtain all of the literature regarding concealed carry, including the "Concealed Carry Publication" booklet. The requirements you must meet are well defined:
• You must be a legal resident of the US and of the State of Ohio and you must be at least 21 years old.
• You must complete 10 hours of certified training (I highly recommend the New Albany Gun Club - and no, I'm not on their payroll). But, whoever you choose for the training, make sure they are reputable. The going rate is about $150 for ten hours, but is likely to vary.
• If you have never handled a weapon before, go above and beyond the minimum 10 hours of instruction to make sure you are comfortable with firearms. Safety is paramount. Get to know the folks in the Pistol or Rifle Team here on campus (Converse Hall), they will be glad to give you tips and pointers as well as allow you to practice.
• You cannot have a criminal record (with few exceptions), you must be mentally competent, and you cannot be under a protection order.

Application is the next step. Bring your training certificate, a passport-like photo and $55 with you to your local sheriff's office. There, you will fill out a concealed carry application which will be reviewed, and an in-depth background check will be performed.

So You Have Your Permit
Congratulations, you have the right to leave your gun at home! Seriously, check out this list: you cannot carry in government buildings, police stations, airports, and schools (including "safety zones", or as I like to call them "multiple-homicide zones"). You cannot carry at universities, unless it is "locked in a motor vehicle or in the process of being locked in a motor vehicle." You cannot carry in premises that dispense liquor, or any private space that posts a sign that concealed weapons are not allowed.
You can, however, carry in your car (unless you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol) as long as "the loaded handgun is in a holster secured on the person" OR "the loaded handgun is securely encased by being stored in a closed, locked glove compartment or in a case that is locked" OR "the loaded handgun is in a closed case, bag, box, or other container that is in plain sight and that has a lid, a cover, or a closing mechanism with a zipper, snap, or buckle."

The Weapon
Many considerations come into play when selecting a weapon for self-defense; how comfortable is it to shoot? Does it fit your hand properly? Is it light enough to carry all day? Should you get a revolver or a semi-automatic?
I am a big fan of revolvers because they are ultra-reliable. Its disadvantage is that it only holds 5-7 rounds (but studies show that people defending themselves rarely use more than two bullets) and it doesn't have a "safety." Semi-autos can be useful because they hold more rounds and have a wider range of calibers from which you can choose. However, the biggest factor should be your level of comfort with the weapon. You should feel in complete control so that you maximize safety and should you ever need to use it, effectiveness.
Caliber is another consideration when selecting a weapon. Bigger is not always better. For men, I recommend up to the 45ACP. For women, who typically have smaller hands and frames, 9MM or .40 is the highest comfortable caliber. Stay away from small calibers like the .22 because their stopping power is minimal.

The Ammunition
You want ammunition that penetrates as it hits and then expands; this produces "stopping power." That means you should stay away from full-metal jacketed bullets which have too much penetration or simple soft-lead bullets which have too little. There are several manufacturers in the Market for self-defense ammo: Speer's Gold Dot, Federal's Hydra-Shok, and Winchester's Silver Tips, to name a few.

How To Carry
Will you use a holster or carry in a case, bag, or purse? There are many holsters to choose from; belt style, underarm, leg, or within a tactical jacket or shirt. If you use a holster of any type, you must get used to it and practice with it using an empty firearm. A concealed weapon is no use if you cannot access it quickly and safely, negotiate the holster and get on target. If you use a case or bag, you must make it a part of you; never leave it unattended.
There you have it; armed with information, you are now ready to take the first steps to defend yourself and God forbid the need ever arise, your fellow students. For more information about concealed carry check out www.concealedcampus.org.