Tennessee Permitless Carry
BY Herschel Smith
3 years, 9 months ago
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — It’s back for another round: a bill that would no longer require you to get a permit to open or conceal carry your gun in Tennessee has returned during the latest session of the General Assembly.
Gov. Bill Lee and other state lawmakers pushed a similar bill last year, but Lee tabled it at the start of the pandemic.
“We don’t have to have a permit for first amendment purposes or to worship in a church,” said John Harris, executive director of the Tennessee Firearms Association. “Regulating it or taxing it or taxing the capacity to exercise it is unconstitutional. It’s an infringement.”
Harris says the bill pushed by Rep. Bruce Griffey and Sen. Joey Hensley is the right move and would relieve gun owners from the financial burden of paying for the permit and safety classes. Tennessee permits range from $65-$300. This does not include the cost of currently required safety classes and background checks. If passed, safety classes would also not be required.
Former officers and gun instructors tell FOX 17 News they have safety concerns regarding the bill. They worry people not being required to learn how to safely handle the gun will put lives at risk.
Is anyone surprised that those who risk financial loss (instructors for state-required classes) are opposed to this bill?
On February 9, 2021 at 11:49 pm, Allen said:
It’s the same in North Carolina.
On February 10, 2021 at 12:10 am, Herschel Smith said:
As a North Carolinian. Yes. It is. CLEOs and “instructors” play a pivotal role.
I never learned anything from any of them. Nor have I ever benefited from any of them.
On February 10, 2021 at 9:17 am, George 1 said:
Same here in Idaho. When the Constitutional carry law was winding its’ way through the legislature, most of the firearms training community lobbied against it. As, of course, did the LEOs.
What the instructors should do is hone their courses to make themselves pertinent. Develop a great reputation and people will seek you out. I concur with Herschel. From what I have seen their programs are, for the most part, are not imparting useful knowledge.
On February 10, 2021 at 10:43 am, Fred said:
The Hensley bill is the best of the ones offered from last year and this. I have high confidence that something will pass, and only moderate confidence that a clean bill such at this will pass.
One thing TFA does well is tracking of bills when the legislature is in session. Check out Mr Harris’ page for all the latest bill info.
I still do, and will always recommend a basic handgun course, such as that by NRA instructors, for first time gun buyers. This is a hurdle as @George1 points out very well; make your course good, relevant and appealing to a wide range of new and beggining gunners. Word of mouth ’round these parts is still the best advertising.
And another hurdle we’ve had to ‘splain to the TN reps is that the expected revenue drop from not requireing a permit is faulty logic based upon math only and not human behaviour. Pay attention to this guys; lobbying this point has worked in TN! It’s a good talking point when interacting with state pols. People want the permit, I’ll keep it. It does at least 2 things that are appealing; recipricity and police know that you’re not a felon if they need to interact with you. Pols like this; as the words database, power, and money run through their minds.
On February 10, 2021 at 10:49 am, Ned said:
Same bunch with the same financial interest opposed constitutional carry in Arizona.
On February 10, 2021 at 11:11 am, Fred said:
@ned
it’s why the NRA is opposed to you owning machine guns. It’s big fish donors are invested them. If the mere plebes can have them on the cheap theose NRA select fire investments dry up.
On February 10, 2021 at 2:50 pm, Hoisting the Jolly Roger said:
Red State has lifetime permit for $125.
Firearms instructors?
Colonel Jeff Cooper is all that you need.
This just in from democrat voters-Permits? We don’t need any stinking permits.
On February 10, 2021 at 9:00 pm, The Wretched Dog said:
In re: “I still do, and will always recommend a basic handgun course, such as that by NRA instructors” …
Fred, with respect, I have taken the NRA course; it was trash. I knew far more than the instructor, and while I deliberately did not sharp-shoot him, it was apparent that the NRA course content, and the instructor’s preparation were both sub-standard.
Training is important; get it from a reputable source.
TWD
On February 11, 2021 at 8:39 am, VietVet said:
I’m a Tennessee enhanced permit holder and the moron who taught my class couldn’t be bothered to safety and properly handle his own sidearm. During class I called him out twice for muzzling the class. His response was “so you’re one of those”.
I was replacing my Ohio permit after moving to Tennessee for retirement. I demanded he sign my paperwork and walked out. I had my permit in hand two weeks later. Most of the so called trainers are just idiots that took a trainers class, paid their fees and think they are doing a good job. They aren’t.
I always carry openly. It’s simply more comfortable for me. I’m a smaller framed man and I print regardless of how I carry. I carried openly in Ohio for years and I don’t care who likes it or not. I carry a 3” barrel 1911 and hiding it simply doesn’t work.
I’m constantly amazed how few people truly understand what “shall not be infringed” means. I’m hoping that this bill is passed however I will continue to permit for reciprocity purposes.
On February 11, 2021 at 9:53 am, Fred said:
To whom do I recommend it? *sigh