CCW for Wisconsin?

[eclark53520]

I know this can be a very heated debate, and i do NOT want this to get into a yelling match. We are all adults and we should be able to discuss a subject calmly.

I simply want to know where people here (Especially since we have quite a few from wisconsin) stand on the issue of concealed carry laws being passed in the state of Wisconsin.

Which one did you pick and why?

[ThatCanadianGuy]

I'm not an adult, nor from Wisconsin however I will throw in my opinion.

If you want to carry, fine. Just don't let anyone see it. Concealed means exactly that -- CONCEALED.

People could get a little freaked if they see your Glock, and no badge.

Lets see if I can find a good story I came across on a police forum..

[warbirdlover]

Concealed carry. That way all the "thugs" who are always carrying anyway (legal or not) won't know who is carrying and who isn't and will be less apt to pull out their heat...

[Wi-Golfer]

I don't fear anyone & would never carry on a day to day basis. But I do pack the Ruger 9mm as well as a S&W .357 when we go on trips, especially if we are on the bikes. Have heard too many stories over the years of someone having mechanical difficulties & being stranded on the side of the road, a supposed "good samaritan" pulls up to help & proceeds to rob you.

That being said, I am all for concealed carry, as WBL pointed out, the bad guys are already carrying so why should we allow them to have the upper hand?

[mddubya]

I voted for and believe in CC. I live in Ms. where it's legal also, and I take advantage of it.

[sssmokin]

It's been proven that the crime rates drop dramatically in areas which allow concealed carry. The majority of criminals are cowards who pray on the weak. When they aren't sure who are the weak, they tend to move elsewhere.

[Pa Jayhawk]

I voted pro, but probably need a little more info on the laws being passed and where it currently stands in Wisconsin.

Not sure where they stand but agree that if you have a License or Permit to carry a concealed Firearm then you should be permitted. On the other hand, if the are saying anyone that anyone who owns a firearm can carry a concealed weapon with no prior consideration, then I would probably not be so enthusiastic.

I think for me, the key is concealment. I have no problem with people carrying firearms to any degree, but if it is concealed I think you should be required to have a permit or license. Then again, I think it depends on the region and area. While in AZ it was nothing to have a holstered firearm. In Philadelphia or NY I would feel a little uncomfortable seeing the same. Probably be more worried of some drunk pulling it off of someone.

[Fitzpatrick]

I voted pro, but I the concern I have for CC is that many of the people who choose to carry may not have the mental toughness to effectively use a firearm when the situation arises. Not every situation when a carrier is attacked and draws their own weapon ends up with shots being fired, but when shots are fired, my concern is that either party (attacker or carrier) may wind up doing more damage to a third party.

But, in general, I'm all for allowing people to defend themselves.

[eclark53520]

Wow, i am really liking the reaction!

Currently wisconsin deny's its residents any type of concealed carry. Its a class A misdemeanor if you are found with any type of concealed weapon.

However, since that is restricted and the constitution allows the people to keep and bear arms the only legal way to practice my constitutional right is to open carry. So technically we can open carry without any prior training what-so-ever.

I personally wish it were illegal to open carry and permits issued for concealed carry like the rest of the united states(besides illinois). I currently have a florida non-resident permit wich allows me to carry in about 27 different states i believe.

The big problem with passing concealed carry in wisconsin is the fact that the laws concerning firearms in vehicles would have to be overhauled completely or at least have a complete new set of laws wrote for the people with a permit.

I carry in my own home and when i am out at my uncles farm, basically to get myself used to carrying so that when we finally are allowed to carry concealed in this state i will already be ready.

[Clugnut]

Definitely voted yes. IMO, the more armed, responsible citizens, the better.

[goatster]

i voted pro.i know there are concealed laws here in NY my father has one.

he used to carry all the time when he ran a truck stop.because he was always carrying large amounts of cash and a few times had vehicles follow him home.its easy to tell he was being followed because he was the last house on a dead end road.

now he only carries during hunting season.

plus there is a little piece of paper that says everybody has a right to bear arms.

[Pa Jayhawk]

Originally Posted by Fitzpatrick

I voted pro, but I the concern I have for CC is that many of the people who choose to carry may not have the mental toughness to effectively use a firearm when the situation arises.

I think alot of it is a psychological issue. "Mental toughness" or simply being educated enough to realize the finality of shooting someone which likely leads to hesitation in non-criminals. Probably a big reason I like the idea of a license or permit in order to do so, you have to give alot of prior thought towards what your intent is on carrying a firearm, where in that time you are likely to realize if you will hesitate. Where IMO the person who does not give prior thought in order to obtain a permit is also likely the person who will hesitate and in all likelihood would be better off not possessing a firearm.

I also agree that I like the idea of criminals not knowing who is armed, this in the same sense may give them that same hesitation on the consequences, which they may otherwise not have. I think it also give law enforcement some background on the persons intent, if you do not have a permit then I would question your intent. It is unlikely most criminals would obtain a permit even if the met the criteria of having no record.

Personally I am certain I would have no issue with using a firearm to protect myself or my family, but on the flip side I feel more comfortable not possessing a firearm outside of my home. However naive it may sound, I like to think that I feel more comfortable believing that the places I go and the life that I lead, and the caution that I use, that I will be able to stay out of a situation that would require that I carry a firearm. Simply put, to me a firearm is in no way meant to be a crutch and so far even though I have visited, traveled through, and even worked in some pretty tough and shady areas in 42 years using my mind has kept me alot safer than any firearm. Then again, should someone break into my home, then they better hope they do not hesitate on running the he!! on out of my home when they see me standing there, because I will not hesitate so their only thought should be praying I do not shoot them in the back out of spite.

[VtDivot]

Do not own, will never own or carry a weapon.

I guess I am in the minority here... but then again I'm from rural Nova Scotia and live in VT, not exactly crime hotspots. I'd like to believe that I would never need a gun, so why carry one? If someone wants my wallet or my car and is willing to use force, they can have them.

[mddubya]

VT, I've been robbed at gun point, and trust me, it makes you so angry at the world and mankind in general. I know if I had been carrying, things would have turned out differently. At least I'd have had the satisfaction of having the ability to defend myself instead of feeling so helpless in that situation. It's not a good feeling.

[zaphod]

Rather than concealed carry why not REVEALED CARRY? Not many police officers are confronted with armed robbers. Or is concealed carry rather than revealed carry a social acceptance issue. ie you don't want to be scary to the general public? If your argument of safety is truly valid then be overtly confident and announce to the general public your willingness to protect yourself.

Voted against also. The proposal was incomplete. When the law also includes adequate training program and yearly refresher courses I will vote affirmative. I need to separate the wheat from the chaff. Hunting with guns has a goal of shooting at game. Concealed weaponry has a end goal of shooting people. I need a training and education program better than driver's ed here. Both physical and psychological.

Questions for those positive voters. At what age would you allow CC. Military service decreases age? Any restricted areas? Do private businesses, property owners have the right to post no concealed weapon requirements? How intrusive is the screening process? Weapon type restrictions? Once theses issues are addressed it is easier to decide.

No sure if I was a criminal with the mind set of armed robbery-mayhem in mind CC would deter me. If I already made that decision I just may be quicker to shoot if I feared my victim.

Without training I would be second guessing my psychological fitness to kill another human. At what point have I exhausted the effort to preserve life. And can I make that decision in a timely fashion? Those that have gone through military or law enforcement training have been addressed this issue. How many hours did that take. Look at the support mechanisms in place.

Finally think of all the people you formally know. Are there some who you would not trust with a Concealed weapon? Why? How would they be separated from the process? I know a number. Drinking problems. Anger management issues etc. Yet the have been able to skirt the law and have clean records.