Concealed weapons classes offered at MCC
Chase Johnson
The U.S. Constitution guarantees “the right of the people to keep and bear arms,” and students at MCC have used that right.
Many students have begun to exercise this right by going through classes to receive their concealed carry weapons permit. The permit gives private citizens the right to carry a handgun or other weapons in a concealed manner, either on their person or in close proximity to their person.
“I just got married and my wife and I do not live in the best of apartments, that’s when I decided I needed to get my CCW to protect her from anything that could happen and I’m glad I did,” said student Keith Lewis.
MCC offers two classes in firearms training. Firearms I will help in receiving a CCW permit and teaches the use of deadly force. Firearms II is an advanced familiarization with handguns and legal and civil liabilities.
“I took firearms I and II here at MCC to get my eligibility to get a concealed weapons permit and I’m glad that I did. I just feel safer, and smarter with a knowledge of how and when to use a gun if necessary,” said student Hal Johnson.
However, a CCW permit does not mean free reign to take weapons anywhere.
“From the class, I learned that you cannot carry your weapon concealed into stores, hospitals, banks, school grounds or a hundred yards near school grounds and to any place that has a sign saying you can’t carry,” Johnson said.
In 2008, a bill proposed by state Sen. Karen Johnson to allow students and faculty with CCW permits to carry their personal weapon onto campus. However, it was killed in the senate the same year.
CCW permit requirements include that the applicant must be at least 21 years of age, willing to submit to fingerprint testing and pay a fee determined by the Department of Public Safety. No one who is determined as a convicted felon, adjudicated mentally incompetent or is an illegal alien can receive a CCW permit.
