Why Get a CCW in a "Constitutional Carry" State?

I am asked quite frequently why one should get their CCW, especially in a "constitutional carry" state (which there is really no such thing anyway). If it were truly constitutional carry, there would be no restrictions. What it really means is "permitless carry". The explanation below pertains primarily to Arizona but some of it applies nationwide. OK, technically you don't HAVE to, but you are somewhat limited as to where you can carry.

There are 5 pretty much indisputable reasons and 3 of them are very, very good reasons. Those reasons are:

FAMILY

The permit gives you the legal ability to have that weapon with you virtually everywhere you go. That means when you're out with the family, you should have your gun. I know more than one person that has said that they wont risk carrying their gun without a CCW sometimes when they're out with the family because they don't want to put the family through the trauma of the trouble they may get into if they are caught. Is that not about the dumbest thing you've ever heard?

There are also a certain number of people out there that like to beat their chest and proclaim that the "2nd amendment is their CCW". Well, to some degree, I agree with that but here's the deal... there are a number of places where carrying without a permit may be a felony. In some states, carrying at all without a permit is a felony. What that means is you are risking a very expensive ordeal and possibly a lengthy prison term for "exercising your rights". Each and every thing we do ever day of our lives can be summed up in 3 words - "risk versus reward". You have to decide in every conceivable decision that you make whether what you are about to do is worth it or not. Eat? If you don't you'll eventually die. Walk across the street against the light? Drive a little over the posted limit? Say something or be quiet? Pack a coat today? EVERYTHING comes with a consequence. Is it worth risking a felony to prove a point, especially when your family is involved? You get caught and one more patriot is out of the fight and who's going to protect your family then?

LEGAL DEFENSIBILITY.

If you ever actually had to use that gun what do you think would look better to the jury; the guy who says the "2nd amendment is my CCW" or the guy that went the extra mile and took professional, certified training even though it really wasn't required?

RECIPROCITY

We all travel, at least a little. The AZ permit gives you the freedom to legally carry virtually all over the country, I think 36 or 38 states now. Even if you dont use it here, its nice to have when you go to another state to visit, vacation or for business. Some states take a very dim view of carrying a gun without a permit.

PLACES THAT SERVE ALCOHOL

"Well, I dont drink anyway"
Do you eat? How many restaurants do you know that serve alcohol? Wanna just dash into Pizza Hut and pick up a pizza for tonight? They serve beer. You're illegal as soon as you step through the door UNLESS you have a permit. If the place doesn't have a sign prohibiting guns, you are perfectly legal with a CCW. However, if they have a state-prescribed "No Guns" sign, all bets are off and you cannot legally take your weapon in there, CCW or not.

PURCHASING A WEAPON

With a CCW, the feds don't have to know you bought that new gun. Just fill out the Form 4473, pay the man and walk out. No muss, no fuss.

AFRAID YOUR NAME WILL BE PUT ON A LIST?

Your name is already on a list. If you have ever bought a gun from a dealer, or bought a hunting license, subscribe to certain magazines, gotten into political discussions on social media, if you're a veteran, if you've ever been to a gun show or preparedness fair, your name and likely your face is already on a list.

Lastly, if you are not on a list, you are not doing your part to defend liberty!

OK, if anyone had any questions, that should answer most of them. There are a few additional little details but that's it in a nutshell.