CCW 

Carry Concealed Weapon. (CCW) Concealed Weapons Permit. (CWP) Concealed Firearm Permit. (CFP) States have various names for the privilege to carry a weapon on your person, concealed. The laws for obtaining a permit varies from state to state. California, for instance, has a generic "standardized" application for use by it's citizens when seeking a CCW. Other states allow counties to issue through the Sheriff.   

Let's assume for the sake of the article that you have a valid permit in your state. You have your Glock 23 safely holstered on your body.  One question that comes up is where you may legally carry a weapon. Each state has various limitations on the right to carry.  Most federal buildings and court houses are off limits. These are pretty straight forward.  What about churches?  Schools? Bars? State Park? The answer is complicated as each state may have different restrictions. You need to know what the rules are for the particular state you may be operating in.

A larger issue arises when you travel. Is the CCW you have valid in another state?  You need to become familiar with the terms Reciprocity and Recognition.  For instance, if you have a California CCW and you travel to Nevada for a few days in Las Vegas....can you carry legally?  No.  Nevada does not recognize the California permit.  How about if you live in Arizona and want to head over to Sandy Eggo to cool off in the summer, does California recognize your Arizona permit to carry?  No. What if you hold an Arizona CWP and you want to travel to say Florida....can you carry through each state along your route?  The short answer is yes. So long as you have a resident issued Arizona permit. If it is a non-resident issued permit, you might want to stop just short of the Florida state line. Confusing?  You bet.

As you can see sorting out the requirements of each state and determining if you can legally carry with an out of state CCW is complicated.  Fortunately, someone smarter than the average bear has assembled some tools for your use.  The good folks over at USA Carry have a page that allows you to enter your permit(s) state and learn through color coding where you can expect to be able to carry and more importantly, where you cannot.

Another resource is found in an application for the iPhone.  CCW-Concealed Carry, version 2.2.1, can be installed and allows you to have the information at your fingertips.  The program also lists the restrictions applicable for each state. The interface is straightforward and the information is regularly updated. That is important as the various state legislatures change laws in reaction to national events.

You made a big decision to carry a weapon concealed. Keep yourself apprised of the law and make sure you are legal when you move about the state and country.  These resources will assist you in knowing the legality of your permit in the states you travel in. 

Be safe out there!