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Have you ever watched gun fail videos on YouTube and been appalled at the stupidity of some gun owners? One of the most tragic incidents occurred in 2019 when a man whose restored WWII Army jeep was on display at a show left a loaded, Condition 0 1911 in the jeep and allowed children to climb around in it. An 8-year-old found the gun and shot his mother with it, killing her. Fortunately, not all irresponsible incidents are that serious, but there is no need for irresponsible behavior of any kind.

Guns and gun ownership are constantly in the public eye and the crosshairs of the anti-2A crowd, and it is our duty as gun owners not only to maximize the safety of ourselves and those around us but to present an accurate picture of what a responsible gun owner looks like to the world. That should not be all that difficult to do, but it can be easy to get in a hurry and forget something important. Here are some reminders of the things we should avoid to neither look like nor be an irresponsible gun owner.

This is one of the worst things a gun owner can do. There are far too many tragic stories of people shooting themselves or someone else because they were careless. These people not only cause suffering, they give all legal gun owners a black eye that the media and the anti-2A types will capitalize on shamelessly. 

Some of the worst offenses are:

Never assume the gun is unloaded, even if someone tells you it is. Whether you pick it up or it is handed to you, check for yourself.

Nothing makes responsible gun owners more nervous than seeing someone else handling, pointing, or loading a gun with their finger on the trigger. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire. Anything less brands you as an irresponsible gun owner and a safety hazard.

This is a major rule of gun safety: never point a gun at anything you do not intend to shoot. Even if someone does everything else wrong and has a negligent discharge, if the gun is pointed in a safe direction, the harm will be minimized.

BBQ guns aside, pulling your gun out to show it off or look cool is not smart. Neither is handing it to a friend to casually check out, especially if they are not experienced with guns. All sorts of things can go wrong, ranging from a nervous bystander seeing it and freaking out to someone getting shot. Keep it in the holster where it belongs until you need it.

Gun laws are ridiculously complicated and many are inconsistent as well. Magazine limits, prohibited locations, and transport laws can all vary considerably. It’s on you to know the state and local laws for where you live or anywhere you travel. 

I know some people will disagree with me on this one, and that’s fine. You can do your own thing. Posting on gun forums is one thing, but to me, posting photos of your guns on social media platforms like Facebook is asking for trouble, especially if you add comments like “We don’t call 911.” Irresponsible postings can be used against the gun owner community as a whole, and you, in particular, in the event you are involved in a defensive shooting.

This one should go without saying, but let’s go back to those gun fails videos. How many of the stupid people in those videos are obviously drunk? It is just as great a sign of poor judgment as driving under the influence and can turn deadly in the blink of an eye.

I don’t know about you, but it makes me angry when I see a video of someone letting a skinny young girl or youngster shoot a shotgun or a .50 AE handgun. It is dangerous, and it gives the shooter a very negative experience. Show some responsibility and ensure anyone you let shoot a gun is ready for it.

Only leave a gun unsecured or unattended under very specific circumstances. For example, my wife and I live in a house with no children, so we have guns on our nightstands and a few other places where we both know where they are. But if we lived in a situation where children, or even other adults, were around, we would handle things differently. An unattended gun where someone who shouldn’t have it can reach it is irresponsible and a ticking time bomb.

Holsters secure your weapon, cover the trigger, and keep it in place. Shoving a gun down your pants like some gangsta’ is taking a chance of losing it or having it go off. The same is true for sticking one in your pocket, or in a purse or backpack. Stories of guns going off in pockets and purses abound.

Leaving a gun in your car is an invitation to arm a criminal. In some places, having a gun stolen from your vehicle will actually get you charged with a crime. If you must leave your gun in your car because you are going somewhere it is illegal to take it, use a car safe or some other method of securing it so that it cannot be stolen.

Most everyone has stories of people they saw at the range who either made them nervous or else made fools of themselves. Every range has rules, and they may differ. Know what they are and follow them. Show respect, be safe, and if there is an RSO, follow their commands. They are trying to ensure everyone has an enjoyable and safe range day.

Just owning a gun, or even having a concealed carry permit, does not mean you are an expert. This is especially true for first-time gun owners. Proper training will teach you how to handle your gun safely and effectively. Training can be expensive, so if you cannot afford formal training, try asking for some guidance at a range or gun shop. Most experienced gun owners are more than happy to assist a newbie. Just be sure the person you are talking to knows what they are doing.

I understand that some people may not like keeping a record of their guns for reasons of their own, and again, that’s fine. I keep a record of all my guns just in case they are stolen or lost in a fire. It is not in the same place as my guns, and I still have the option of deciding what I disclose to whom. But in the event a gun is stolen somehow, I want to be able to give the police its serial number.

When I was a kid, no one used ear and eye protection. Fortunately, I never had any incidents that could have damaged my eyes, but I’m sure the tinnitus I developed after the military and my time in Iraq started on the family farm, shooting shotguns at tin cans and rabbits. Using proper protection is good for you, and it sets a good example for others.

Guns are both fun and practical tools that can literally save your life. They are powerful and deadly, but they do not do anything all by themselves; they rely on a human being to make them work. You are that human being. Respect them and use them responsibly, and you will not only be safer, but you will set a good example of what a responsible gun owner is.

Read the original story: How Not to Look Like an Irresponsible Gun Owner

WASHINGTON, DC — In a bold move to safeguard Second Amendment rights, Congressman Tony Wied (WI-08) introduced the Freedom from Improper Regulation and Enforcement (FIRE) Act on July 17, 2025. The proposed legislation would ban federal, state, and local governments from restricting firearm magazine capacity, effectively eliminating a patchwork of regulations that limit magazine size across different jurisdictions.

The FIRE Act prohibits any federal agency from implementing magazine capacity restrictions and blocks state and local governments from enacting or enforcing such laws. The bill has already gained support from several House Republicans, including original cosponsors Reps. Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Mike Collins (GA-10), Dave Taylor (OH-02), Sheri Biggs (SC-03), and Russ Fulcher (ID-01).

“For too long, the federal government has infringed on Americans’ Second Amendment rights while maintaining a confusing, inconsistent system that lacks a uniform national standard and invites legal disparity,” Wied stated. “The FIRE Act ensures that law-abiding gun owners can access magazines of any size, no matter where they are in the United States. It’s well past time we take the Founding Fathers’ words ‘shall not be infringed’ seriously.”

The bill is a direct response to a wave of state and local laws that restrict so-called “high-capacity” magazines, often defined as those holding more than 10 rounds. These laws vary by jurisdiction and firearm type, creating legal uncertainty for gun owners traveling across state lines.

A 2024 report by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) revealed that of the 973 million detachable magazines produced between 1990 and 2021, approximately 718 million held more than ten rounds. This data, including production during the 1994–2004 Federal Assault Weapons Ban, underscores that magazines with capacities above ten rounds are the industry standard, not the exception.

“The Fire Act protects law-abiding gun owners and keeps state and local governments, as well as future administrations, from infringing on your Second Amendment rights,” said Rep. Tom Tiffany. Rep. Dave Taylor added that the bill “will not only enshrine Americans’ right to self-defense, but it will also remove confusion about permissible magazine capacities.”

The legislation has been endorsed by major national gun rights organizations, including the National Rifle Association, Gun Owners of America, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation.

NRA-ILA Executive Director John Commerford noted, “Because Americans lawfully own hundreds of millions of magazines that hold over 10 rounds, bans on such magazines violate the Second Amendment.”

GOA’s Aidan Johnston emphasized that the bill is a “common sense solution to ensure gun owners are not criminalized for owning a mere firearm accessory.”

NSSF Senior Vice President Lawrence Keane stated, “Gun control activists and lawmakers in states who push restrictions on magazine capacity are doing so in direct conflict with the Constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans.”

The FIRE Act reinforces that a citizen’s right to self-defense should not be limited by arbitrary magazine capacity restrictions.

While the path to passage remains uncertain in the Senate, the FIRE Act adds significant momentum to ongoing legislative efforts to strengthen federal protections for lawful gun ownership.

The introduction of the FIRE Act reflects a broader push to restore consistency to firearm laws and prevent legal jeopardy for responsible gun owners who carry what the industry defines as standard-capacity magazines. As support grows, it signals a continued commitment among lawmakers to reaffirm the unambiguous protections of the Second Amendment.

Read the original story: Congressman Introduces FIRE Act to End Magazine Capacity Restrictions Nationwide

CHEYENNE, WY — House Bill 0172, known as the Wyoming Repeal Gun-Free Zones Act, officially went into effect on July 1, 2025, removing most location-based restrictions on concealed carry across the state. Here’s what gun owners and the public need to know now that the law is active:

Under this law, individuals lawfully carrying concealed weapons in Wyoming may now carry in:

Additionally, Wyoming’s permitless carry law allows residents to carry concealed without a permit—and they too may carry into most government buildings as specified.

Despite widespread expansion, several sensitive locations remain off-limits:

Courthouses and law enforcement buildings are explicitly exempt. Public school employees and volunteers must adhere to school district rules and training if carrying on school grounds.

With HB 0172 now law, Wyoming has largely eliminated gun-free zones in public spheres, giving law-abiding citizens carrying concealed weapons increased freedom and responsibility. Exceptions remain for highly sensitive and federally regulated spaces. A misdemeanor penalty ensures compliance from institutions, and structured training—especially for school personnel—adds checks and balances.

HB 0172 is fully active, with clear rules, exceptions, and enforcement mechanisms. Law enforcement and local officials are now implementing the practical aspects of the law.

Read the original story: Concealed Carry Expanded: Wyoming Officially Ends Most Gun-Free Zones

A body cam video from 2023 shows just how quickly things can spiral when emotions override judgment — especially when you’re armed.

In the footage, a man is confronted by police after being fired from his job. Instead of leaving the premises as requested, he insists on getting a “valid reason” for his termination. The officer calmly explains that Florida is an at-will employment state, meaning no reason is required to terminate employment — and refusing to leave is trespassing.

Unfortunately, the man continues to argue. When the officer attempts to detain him, he resists. A taser is deployed, and a brief struggle follows. During the takedown, the man admits to having a knife in his pocket and a concealed firearm on his person.

Whether the man was legally carrying under Florida’s permitless carry law, had a valid permit, or was carrying illegally due to a prior felony is still unclear. But that detail, while important, misses the larger point:

When you carry a firearm, emotional control becomes a non-negotiable part of the responsibility.

Concealed carry isn’t just about holsters, draw speed, or gear. It’s also about mindset. If you allow frustration, anger, or pride to dictate your actions while armed, you’re increasing the risk of a legal disaster — and possibly losing your gun rights entirely.

According to the video and reports, the man was charged with:

Bond was set at $40,000. If he’s convicted of a felony, he may lose his right to possess firearms under both Florida and federal law. Even a misdemeanor conviction could affect his ability to carry concealed in the future.

This video isn’t just shocking — it’s instructive. It’s a case study in what not to do. As concealed carriers, we owe it to ourselves and our community to be the calmest person in the room, especially when tensions run high.

You don’t just carry a gun. You carry responsibility.

Read the original story: When Emotions Take Over: A Concealed Carrier’s Arrest Caught on Camera

BISMARCK, ND – We recently received a question from a reader that prompted a deeper look into North Dakota’s reciprocity laws for concealed carry. Specifically, the question was whether North Dakota recognizes non-resident concealed carry permits from other states. The answer, as it turns out, is more complicated than it should be.

A reader reached out to point out a potential error in our concealed carry reciprocity maps, stating:

“North Dakota does not recognize a CCL license/permit from another state unless there is reciprocal reciprocity and the licensee actually resides in that other state.”

This sparked an immediate review of North Dakota’s laws, and I found conflicting information.

On the North Dakota Attorney General’s official website, the reciprocity section clearly states:

“North Dakota will honor a valid concealed carry license/permit (resident and non-resident) issued by a state that has agreed to recognize a North Dakota license.”

However, House Bill 1293 passed by the 67th Legislative Assembly in 2021 includes this language:

“An individual may carry a firearm concealed under this chapter if the individual qualifies for reciprocity under section 62.1-04-03.1 and the individual has the equivalent of a class 2 firearm and dangerous weapon license from the state in which the individual is a resident.”

So which is it—resident permits only, or both resident and non-resident permits?

To clear this up, I contacted the North Dakota Attorney General’s office directly. Here’s a portion of the response I received from the Concealed Weapon Licensing Unit:

“I believe there is some contradiction in our reciprocity between 62.1-04-02(3) and 62.1-04-03.1. 62.1-04-03.1 appears to allow individuals who possess non-resident concealed licenses from other states with reciprocity to carry in our state. However, 62.1-04-02(3) says they must be a resident of the other state. We may look at amending one of these statutes in an upcoming session…”

They went on to clarify that due to the rule of lenity—a legal principle requiring that unclear criminal statutes be interpreted in favor of the defendant—they do not believe someone could be prosecuted for carrying under a valid non-resident permit in North Dakota.

They also reminded us that anyone with a valid driver’s license or ID can legally carry under the state’s permitless (constitutional) carry law.

Given this explanation, we’ve updated our reciprocity maps to show that North Dakota accepts both resident and non-resident permits from states with reciprocity agreements. While the legal text is still in conflict, the Attorney General’s office has made it clear they do not consider carrying on a non-resident permit to be a criminal offense under current law.

We’ve also added a note below the map linking to this article to provide transparency about the change and ensure our readers understand the nuances behind North Dakota’s policy.

I’ll continue to monitor this issue and update our content if any laws are amended or policies shift.

If you ever spot something that doesn’t look right on our reciprocity maps or in any of our guides, reach out to us—we investigate and verify every tip that comes in.

Stay safe and stay informed.

Read the original story: Does North Dakota Accept Non-Resident Carry Permits? Here’s What We Found Out

BATON ROUGE, LA — In a major win for Second Amendment advocates, Louisiana has officially enacted House Bill 407, removing residency restrictions for concealed handgun permits. Signed by Governor Jeff Landry, the new law—effective August 1, 2025—enables non-residents to apply for and receive Louisiana concealed carry permits. This legislation is a direct result of the Firearms Policy Coalition’s lawsuit, Mate v. Wescott, which challenged the state’s previous residency limitations on permit issuance.

Since July 4, 2024, Louisiana has recognized permitless carry, also known as constitutional carry, allowing law-abiding adults—including non-residents—to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. However, carrying under constitutional carry does not grant access to certain restricted areas where permits are required by either federal or state law.

Most notably, a permit issued by the state where a school zone is located is required under federal law to legally carry a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school zone. Additionally, Louisiana has designated specific “firearm-free zones”—such as certain government buildings and posted locations—where carrying is only allowed if you possess a valid Louisiana concealed handgun permit. Non-residents carrying under constitutional carry do not meet this requirement. HB 407 closes that gap by allowing eligible non-residents to apply for and obtain a Louisiana permit, enabling legal carry in these otherwise restricted zones.

Under the new law, any eligible adult, regardless of residency, can apply for a Louisiana concealed carry permit—granting them additional legal protections not covered under constitutional carry alone. This includes enhanced reciprocity benefits and the ability to carry in areas off-limits to permitless carriers.

The Firearms Policy Coalition celebrated the passage of the bill, with FPC President Brandon Combs stating, “We are thrilled that Louisiana has made this critical change to improve access to the right to bear arms.” He also urged lawmakers in Washington to advance H.R. 38, a bill that would establish national reciprocity for concealed carry permits.

For those who travel frequently or maintain property or family connections in multiple states, this reform is especially significant. While non-residents could already carry under constitutional carry, they previously had no way to obtain a Louisiana-issued permit. For example, I split my time between Nevada and Louisiana, and having a Nevada resident permit allows me to legally carry in Louisiana because the state honors it. However, this new law provides the option to obtain a Louisiana permit as well—something previously unavailable to non-residents. You can verify reciprocity status using our concealed carry reciprocity maps.

With the passage of HB 407, non-residents who meet eligibility requirements will soon be able to apply directly for a Louisiana concealed carry permit—an important option for those looking to stay compliant with federal school zone laws, state-defined firearm-free zones, or expand their reciprocity coverage.

Those interested in applying or learning more can visit our Louisiana concealed carry permit information page for up-to-date application procedures and eligibility requirements.

Read the original story: 2A Victory: Louisiana Opens Concealed Carry to Non-Residents!

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — In a unified move to support Second Amendment rights, 24 state attorneys general, led by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond and West Virginia Attorney General John B. McCuskey, have formally urged Congress to pass H.R. 38, the “Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act.” The letter, dated May 21, 2025, was addressed to House and Senate leadership and outlines strong support for nationwide concealed carry reciprocity for law-abiding citizens.

The letter argues that the measure respects state sovereignty while protecting constitutional liberties. H.R. 38 would allow individuals permitted to carry concealed handguns in their home state to do so in any other state that allows concealed carry, without violating local laws. The bill applies strictly to law-abiding citizens and explicitly excludes individuals prohibited from firearm possession under federal law, including felons, domestic abusers, and those with adjudicated mental illness.

The attorneys general refuted several common criticisms of the bill. Contrary to claims that the bill infringes on state rights, the letter clarifies that H.R. 38 does not override any state’s authority to set its own concealed carry issuance criteria, designate off-limits areas, or regulate the conduct of armed individuals. It also permits private property owners to ban firearms if they choose.

In addressing concerns from law enforcement, the officials pointed out that constitutional and permitless carry are already in effect in the majority of states. They cited the U.S. Supreme Court’s Terry v. Ohio decision as evidence that officers retain the authority to investigate suspicious behavior by armed individuals, ensuring public safety remains intact.

Another major point addressed was the disparity in licensing standards among states. The letter argued that some states deliberately obstruct lawful carry through excessive fees and long wait times, rather than using those processes to screen for dangerous individuals. The attorneys general cited examples in New York and Los Angeles, where past corruption and federal investigations undermined claims of superior safety screening.

Ultimately, the group argued that H.R. 38 would enhance public safety by ensuring that responsible citizens are not criminalized for legally carrying across state lines. “Criminals do not wait for permission to carry guns,” the letter states. “H.R. 38 is not for them. It is for honest and law-abiding citizens who deserve to have the means to protect themselves.”

The letter concludes with a call to action for Congress to protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners and ensure consistent legal protections nationwide.

The attorneys general who signed the letter represent Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming, in addition to Oklahoma and West Virginia.

By championing H.R. 38, these attorneys general are reinforcing a central Second Amendment principle: the right to self-defense should not vanish at state borders. Reciprocity would protect lawful carriers from inadvertently breaking unfamiliar laws while traveling, without sacrificing local control over gun safety standards. Ensuring consistency in how rights are recognized across states aligns with the Constitution and provides peace of mind to responsible gun owners nationwide.

Read the original story: 24 Attorneys General Unite and Demand Congress Pass National Concealed Carry Law

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced this week that a new reciprocity agreement has been finalized with Virginia, officially allowing Virginia concealed carry permit holders to lawfully carry in Pennsylvania. While Virginia has long honored all valid out-of-state concealed carry permits—including Pennsylvania’s—Pennsylvania had not previously recognized Virginia permits, creating a one-way arrangement that this agreement now corrects.

The agreement, reached in cooperation with Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, makes Virginia the 30th state with which Pennsylvania holds a mutual concealed carry reciprocity agreement.

“Shortly after taking office, I asked my staff to review opportunities to maximize reciprocity agreements with willing states, and ensure all existing and future agreements protect and respect standing law and constitutional rights,” AG Sunday stated. “Our research of law in both states revealed nothing conflicting that would disallow permit holders to carry in both states.”

Pennsylvania’s legal team initiated contact with the Virginia State Police in early April to renew and update the Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) outlining “mutual recognition of a license to carry a firearm issued by the Commonwealth and a license or permit to carry a firearm issued by another state.”

Under the agreement, concealed carry license holders from both states are permitted to carry a concealed handgun on their person or in their vehicle while visiting the other state, so long as they meet the following criteria:

The agreement applies specifically to handguns.

This move represents a step forward for lawful gun owners and ensures that responsible Virginians traveling to Pennsylvania are now equally protected under the law. It also underscores the continued efforts by pro-2A officials to expand lawful carry rights across state lines.

At USACarry.com, our Concealed Carry Reciprocity Maps have already been updated to reflect this change. These maps are essential tools for staying informed on where your permit is honored, helping concealed carriers remain compliant and confident as they travel.

While Virginia had long done its part in respecting out-of-state permits, Pennsylvania’s decision to reciprocate ensures a more balanced and fair treatment of lawful concealed carriers. This agreement is a welcome correction to a previously lopsided arrangement and a strong win for Second Amendment rights.

Read the original story: Concealed Carry Expanded: PA and VA Finalize Firearm Reciprocity Agreement

If you’ve seen the viral clip floating around where Indiana State Representative Jim Lucas says “I’m carrying right now,” you’ve probably also seen the meltdown that followed. Headlines screamed about him “brandishing” a firearm in front of students. Social media exploded with outrage. And, as always, the anti-gun crowd clipped the moment out of context to make it look like a threat.

But here’s what really happened.

On January 30th, 2024, Rep. Lucas was having a calm, face-to-face conversation with high school students from Burris Laboratory School in Muncie. The students were at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis for a “Students Demand Action” event — a group that advocates for more gun control.

The discussion? Civil. Respectful. Honest. Lucas was engaging with the students, not berating them. He was answering questions — and when asked if he carried a firearm, he replied simply and factually: “I’m carrying right now.” He then briefly revealed the legally holstered handgun on his hip — no threats, no escalation, no drama.

Except, of course, in the minds of people who want it to be dramatic.

Because facts don’t trend — outrage does. That’s why the internet clipped the moment and ran with a narrative: “He threatened children.” The full video, which we’ve embedded above, tells a completely different story.

One of the most powerful lines in the exchange?

“People who want to kill you don’t care about your feelings.”

That’s not bravado. That’s the hard truth.

Lucas wasn’t there to intimidate students. He was there to tell them something they might not hear in an echo chamber: bad guys exist. Gun laws don’t stop them. And being armed — trained and prepared — isn’t about ego. It’s about survival.

And if that makes someone feel uncomfortable? Well… that’s kind of the point.

Let’s talk legal definitions for a second.

Under federal law, “brandishing” means displaying a firearm in a threatening or intimidating manner. It’s about intent — waving it around or using it to scare someone. Indiana law doesn’t even use the word “brandishing,” but it does prohibit pointing a firearm at someone, which Lucas clearly didn’t do.

(4) For purposes of this subsection, the term “brandish” means, with respect to a firearm, to display all or part of the firearm, or otherwise make the presence of the firearm known to another person, in order to intimidate that person, regardless of whether the firearm is directly visible to that person.

He simply opened his jacket to reveal a legally carried, holstered handgun. No threats. No pointing. No coercion. Source: 18 USC § 924(c)(4)

This entire incident is the perfect example of how Second Amendment supporters are mischaracterized every day. Context gets erased. Nuance gets ignored. Legal, responsible carry gets painted as “dangerous,” while actual violence — committed by criminals who don’t follow laws — somehow gets less scrutiny.

So watch the full clip. Share it. So the next time someone throws around the word “brandishing,” remind them what it actually means — a threatening or aggressive display of a firearm. What happened here? Not even close.

Read the original story: “People That Want To Kill You Don’t Care About Your Feelings”

RALEIGH, NC — Senate Bill 50, titled Freedom to Carry NC, continues to advance in the North Carolina House. On June 3, 2025, the bill was reported favorably and re-referred to the House Rules, Calendar, and Operations Committee after narrowly clearing the House Judiciary 2 Committee earlier that day by a 6–5 vote.

The legislation would allow law-abiding U.S. citizens 18 and older to carry concealed handguns without a permit, while preserving the existing concealed handgun permit system for those who want it for reciprocity or personal preference. The bill also increases penalties for certain firearm-related crimes and establishes a scholarship fund for children of first responders who are killed or disabled in the line of duty.

During the committee hearing, supporters pointed to longstanding efforts to bring constitutional carry to the state. Rep. Carson Smith (R-Pender) stated, “I appreciate y’all bringing this before us, and there’s been a willingness in the House for the past several years to make this happen.” Sen. Danny Britt (R-Robeson), one of the bill’s sponsors, explained that, “a lot of things change around here from session to session… we believe now that this is necessary to get this done,” according to reporting by The Carolina Journal.

Opposition to the bill remains strong, particularly among Democrats who voiced concerns over public safety. Rep. Deb Butler (D-New Hanover) said, “I don’t understand why in the world we would do this… For the life of me, I don’t understand it, and I certainly cannot support the bill.”

The bill has drawn support from gun rights organizations like Grass Roots NC, while groups advocating for stricter gun control, such as Moms Demand Action, continue to oppose the measure.

Constitutional carry simply recognizes the right of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves without being forced to obtain government permission to exercise a constitutional right. With 29 other states already enacting similar laws, North Carolina would be aligning itself with the majority of the country. Criminals, by nature, do not follow permitting requirements, leaving law-abiding citizens at a disadvantage when forced to navigate unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles. This bill removes that barrier for responsible gun owners while maintaining strong penalties for those who misuse firearms.

Governor Josh Stein has indicated he is likely to veto the bill if it reaches his desk. Speaking to reporters, Stein said, “My standard reviewing any piece of legislation is, will this make us safer? If it doesn’t make us safer – and the previous version certainly did not – I cannot support it,” The Carolina Journal reported.

Contrary to Governor Stein’s concerns, this bill would enhance public safety by allowing more law-abiding citizens to carry concealed and be prepared to defend themselves and others if faced with a threat. When responsible individuals are armed, it serves as a deterrent to criminals who prefer unarmed victims. Expanding legal concealed carry ensures that more citizens have the ability to respond immediately in dangerous situations, rather than waiting for law enforcement to arrive.

Senate Bill 50 now awaits consideration in the House Rules Committee. If it clears that stage, it will move to the House floor for two additional votes. After passing the House, the bill would head to Governor Stein for final consideration.

Overriding a potential veto will be challenging. Senate Republicans hold a supermajority, but House Republicans are one seat short. Any override effort will require full attendance and some bipartisan support to meet the required three-fifths majority in both chambers.

If ultimately enacted, the law would take effect December 1, 2025, making North Carolina the 30th state to adopt constitutional carry.

Read the original story: North Carolina’s ‘Freedom to Carry NC’ Bill Advances in House, Faces Possible Veto