Question: Do I need a Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) permit in Arizona?
Answer: No. Effective July 29, 2010, the new Arizona Constitutional Carry Law signed by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, permits Arizona citizens the right to carry a concealed firearm without a concealed carry permit. The law allows people 21 years old and older to carry a concealed weapon without a permit, without a background check, and without any training or class. The only stipulation is that you are not a "probhibited possessor," which means that you have the ability to legally purchase and own a firearm.
Question: Why should I STILL get a Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) permit?
Answer: Here are 7 reasons why you still want to get an AZ Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) permit:
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Reciprocity - 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. Non-Arizona residents still have reciprocity, although some states will only recognize a permit from your resident state.
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Background Checks - Faster processing for firearms purchases. A Concealed Weapon Permit streamlines the purchase of a firearm in that no background check is required.
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National Parks - Ability to carry in MOST National Parks. Congress approved a new law allowing loaded firearms in national parks starting Feb. 22, 2010. You will need a permit from that state or a permit that is recognized by that state.
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Near Schools - Ability to carry a concealed weapon within 1,000 feet of a school. Exemption from the Federal Gun-Free School Zone Act. 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 concealed carry permit.
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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).
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Distinguishing the Law Abiding Citizens - 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 officer that you have a firearm without having to say the word "gun" when interacting with them.
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Legal Defensibility - Having a permit gives you more credibility if you ever have to use a firearm in self-defense. If you ever have to defend yourself in court, the more you have in your corner, the better.
Question: DO I NEED SELF-DEFENSE LIABILITY INSURANCE?
Answer: Do you need or should you have? Regardless if you defend yourself and/or loved ones with a firearm, pepper spray, your hands or a stick you could end up on the wrong side of a lawsuit, or worse, the inside of a jail cell. The self-defense liability insurance that comes with a USCCA Membership has helped over 500,000 members prepare for the before, during and after of a self-defense incident.
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