Concealed carry weapons (CCW) permits are down, in large part because Missourians no longer have to have them. But if you are a gun owner, you still should consider going through the process.
The Missouri Legislature changed the definition of "unlawful use of a weapon" to apply only when a person carries a weapon into a place that is off limits. This change essentially allows concealed carry anywhere in the state that is not off limits.
Some places are off limits, even with a permit/license. Those places generally include law enforcement offices, within 25 feet of a polling place on Election Day, prisons/jails, courthouses, meeting places of governmental bodies, bars, parts of airports, schools/colleges, child-care facilities, gambling boats, gated areas in amusement parks, churches, hospitals, large sports arenas and private properties that post no-firearm signs.
The laws can be confusing, especially if you're a Missourian visiting other states. Many, but not all, of the other states honor Missouri's CCW permits. Illinois is one that doesn't, but you can have a concealed weapon if you're a "transient" just driving through the state.
The number of people issued CCW permits in Cole County has dropped from up to 339 last February to a low of 14 last October.
Sheriff John Wheeler recommends that gun owners still get permitted. He plans to, even though he's not required to as a law enforcement officer.
"I think once people find out this does not allow you to carry a conceal-and-carry gun anywhere, more people will want to go through the permit process," he said.
Why should they? Wheeler said there are several benefits. The biggest is the training.
Going through the course gives you valuable gun training that also includes not just gun safety and marksmanship, but knowledge of the laws regarding justifiable force. It also helps prepare you to make a quick decision in that instance.
Wheeler said he's never had to fire his weapon in the line of duty, but he came close - when he worked in Sikeston, he had to draw his weapon on a youth.
"I pray that no one in a position like that has to pull the trigger," he said. If you do, he said, it can be difficult, even disturbing. Gun owners need to be mentally and physically prepared to quickly make the right decision.
"That CCW training can help you," he said.
Having the permit also can mitigate possible legal action, he said. In a civil or criminal case, it could help your cause to be able to show a court that you received the training.