Markem wrote:
On Mon, 1 Feb 2010 06:56:48 -0600, "HeyBub"
wrote:

Only two states (Wisconsin & Illinois), plus D.C.,
absolutely prohibit concealed handguns.

The loop hole in Illinois is by joining your county Sheriffs reserve
and meeting training requirements you can conceal carry. Except for
Evanston which does not allow anyone except on duty law enforcement
officers to carry.


Good point, I didn't know that. Thanks for the info.

The twelve or so states that have "discretionary" licensing, say by the
country sheriff, are problematic. The sheriff (let's say) is often advised
by the county attorney: "If you allow someone (anyone) a license and they do
something stupid, there might be a civil suit filed against you." This
advice exerts a chilling effect on the office holder so he is loathe to
approve ANY licenses.

Still, there are advantages to having a concealed handgun license, even if
you DON'T carry a gun:

* In jurisdictions where licenses are hard to get, say NY or California,
showing one as a form of identification gets you special treatment. Hotel
clerks, baggage handlers, etc., are wired to believe anyone with such a
license is VERY well connected and they'll jump through hoops to please you.

* When asked for "two forms of government-issued identification" by some
officious bottom-rung employee, merely presenting your license, fixing your
adversary with a steely stare, and asking "Do you feel lucky, punk? Well, do
you?" usually accomplishes the desired result.

* In the event that something really bad goes down, and here I'm thinking of
the Watts riots in L.A., you can buy a firearm with no background checks and
no waiting; the FBI National Insta-Check System (NCIS) report is waived for
CHL holders.