Safety stressed in gun permits

Most people call it Concealed Carry.

But officially, it’s the Concealed Handgun Law, and it was the topic of a recent presentation by Clark County Sheriff Gene Kelly and Jonathon Fulkerson from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office to members of the local TRIAD group and others.

Kelly says gun sales have soared in recent years, with big demand for ammunition and guns — including “assault weapons” and silencers. Since the law was passed in Ohio in 2004, more than 63,000 new concealed handgun licenses have been issued, including more than 3,800 in Clark County.

His office handles applications by appointment 15 to 20 hours per week at the Springview Governmental Center, and there are more women applying than men.

The law requires 10 hours of classroom training plus two hours of shooting training before a concealed carry license is issued. Kelly points out the sheriff’s office course stresses safety. Background checks are done on applicants, with varying cost levels.

Concealed licenses issued before March 14, 2007, expired after four years. Those issued or renewed after that date expire after five years. There are a number of duties that accompany holding a concealed handgun license, including carrying a valid government identification in addition to the handgun license.

There are also a number of forbidden carry zones, including private property and workplaces where owners have prohibited the presence of firearms.

Kelly also talked about the increased target shooting in rural areas, and stressed “you are still responsible for where that bullet goes.”

He also underscored the importance of being a responsible gun owner, advising people to “write down the make, model and and serial number of guns.” He added the laws says you must report any lost or stolen firearms.

Fulkerson told those in attendance he read that enough guns have been sold in the United States this year to supply the armed forces of Russia, China and India twice over.

Both men pointed out the Concealed Handgun Law has been fluid, and it has been changed seven times since it was first passed in 2004.

They recommend for the most up-to-date information on the law and carrying a concealed handgun, visit the Ohio Attorney General’s website, www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.

Contact me at Darryl.Bauer@cmgohio.com or 328-0341.

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