As conceled carry permits increase, how many people are educating themselves enough on this important right?

I've been an advocate of the Second Amendment for a long time. Why on earth would ANYONE not want able bodied law abiding citizens to protect themselves while following the rule of law and understanding the consequences of their actions?

I hear the arguments often. "More guns kill more people", it goes. What these folks fail to tell you is that the statistics show otherwise. Articles like "Gun Ownership at All-Time High, Violent Crime Near 30-Year Low" and others tell the story. Gun ownership in America in the hands of law abiding citizens helps prevent crime! Furthermore, articles from overseas in both the UK and Australia, where they have implemented heavy restrictions on gun ownership, tell the opposite story. The concept is simple: criminals know less people are armed in those countries therefore there are more "easy targets" for crime! Not so in America, at least not if we can help it.

Still, I don't want to concentrate today on the debate pro and con. Instead, I saw a headline the other day that caught my eye about the current laws in the sate of Florida where I live. The St. Petersburg Times reported on 2/19/09 the following: "Economy blamed for increase in concealed weapon permits in Florida". The article was interesting though I am not sure it is the "economy" causing this. Nonetheless, the article got me thinking about the following. How many of these people applying for permits are taking the time to educate themselves about our firearm laws? Yes, they have to take a "course" with an instructor and there may be a short "law review" as part of that. Still, understanding the rights and responsibilities associated with gun ownership and with conceal carry requires some research for sure.

Years ago, as I went through my training, I had the benefit of a very thoughtful instructor. His "day job" was to train SWAT teams in their techniques and he was a passionate instructor for not just "conceal carry" courses but also for self defense for individuals. I don't recall his name any more (it was a long time ago,) but I do recall his warning. It went something like this: "If you ever have to draw, or worse, fire your gun - you better be very, very certain that you've done it in accordance with every letter of the law or else, regardless of your intention, the law will come down hard on you and you may loose everything you've fought for in your life!" That's the challenge every person that chooses to carry a concealed weapon faces. You have to be right every time and you may be be wrong just once - the last time!

I hope that these thousands of new applicants in Florida are thinking about this issue real hard and planning to educate themselves so that their attempt to protect themselves and their family does not end up costing them their freedom!

What is "lawful use of a firearm?" Actually, you may also ask "what is lawful DISPLAY of a firearm?"(yes there are separate laws concerning display - or brandishing - and use.) The good news for those of us in Florida is that we have a great resource. Attorney Jon H. Gutmacher has been writing Florida Firearms Law, Use & Ownership (2009) since 1993. Now in its ninth edition for 2009, this book is an indispensable resource for every Florida gun owner, especially those with conceal carry permits.

"Florida Firearms Law" presents a thorough review of the second amendment and Florida laws, but it is more than a "legal text". It is intended for every gun owner to read and understand and also provides practical knowledge on everything related to gun ownership: qualifications for purchase and possession, transportation and carrying, weapons violations, laws concerning children and self defense and the lawful use of force. It is easy to read with great examples and even practical Q&A of various situations.

If I had my way, every person purchasing a firearm in Florida should be required to read this book. At the very least, those going through the conceal carry process should definitely know this book "inside out" and make sure they understand the law and what aspects of it may be more likely to be important in their personal circumstances.

I've just ordered my 2009 edition and can't wait to review this important and unique topic yet again. After looking around the world at so many countries that are so much different than ours,
I certainly am proud to live in a country where this book, and the ideas in it, are possible!