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So...I've been debating this for the past few months. Should I apply for my concealed carry permit, or not. First, a little background:
My permenant residence is in one of the most firearm friendly counties in Iowa. So friendly that "demonstrated proficiency and responsibility" is a good enough reasoning for the Sheriff to issue a permit. Unfortunately, the current Sheriff has decided not to run for re-election, which I believe is next fall. If you pass an 8 hour course that includes firing about 50 rounds, pass the NCIC background check, and pay your $11, you're pretty likely to get a permit to carry. The class costs $75, so the grand total for a permit to carry in Polk County, Iowa is a measly $86.
Now here is where I run into my dilemma. I'm very new to firearms. My M&P is my first firearm and I've only had it about 5 months, and am by no means a great shot. However, the shooting portion of the class consists of shots at a full size shillouete target ranging from 5 to 25 yards. I've also been told that they pretty much have you shoot until you achieve the 75% required to pass. The permit is valid state-wide, with the usual alcohol and drugs restriction.
On the other hand, I spend 9 months out of the year in a different county, going to school. This is where I really have to question myself. I spend most of my days in class or at work. I'm not allowed to carry on campus or while at work, since I work on campus. I live off-campus, but aside from the usual runs to the grocery store and the occasional odd errand, I wouldn't really have much need to carry. The problem is I just can't justify it at this point. I know some of you might think that there's always a reason to carry, but I live in a quiet neighborhood, I never have large amounts of cash on me, and I'm kind of an intimidating figure so I don't have too many people messing with me when I'm out.
I am thinking I would like to take the class in order to become better acclimated to the proper handling of firearms, ammunition, etc. Then if I pass, I would still have the certificate from the class needed to apply for my permit, depending on how long the certificate is good for. The earliest I am looking at taking the test is January, as I have a 4 week long winter break, and I'll need something to do for a few days.
The bottom line is, for $86, it would be nice to have, if I ever end up in a SHTF type of situation. It would be nice to have the security of my M&P by my side, but I just can't come up with the justification for it. Help me out here guys, let me know what you think.
My permenant residence is in one of the most firearm friendly counties in Iowa. So friendly that "demonstrated proficiency and responsibility" is a good enough reasoning for the Sheriff to issue a permit. Unfortunately, the current Sheriff has decided not to run for re-election, which I believe is next fall. If you pass an 8 hour course that includes firing about 50 rounds, pass the NCIC background check, and pay your $11, you're pretty likely to get a permit to carry. The class costs $75, so the grand total for a permit to carry in Polk County, Iowa is a measly $86.
Now here is where I run into my dilemma. I'm very new to firearms. My M&P is my first firearm and I've only had it about 5 months, and am by no means a great shot. However, the shooting portion of the class consists of shots at a full size shillouete target ranging from 5 to 25 yards. I've also been told that they pretty much have you shoot until you achieve the 75% required to pass. The permit is valid state-wide, with the usual alcohol and drugs restriction.
On the other hand, I spend 9 months out of the year in a different county, going to school. This is where I really have to question myself. I spend most of my days in class or at work. I'm not allowed to carry on campus or while at work, since I work on campus. I live off-campus, but aside from the usual runs to the grocery store and the occasional odd errand, I wouldn't really have much need to carry. The problem is I just can't justify it at this point. I know some of you might think that there's always a reason to carry, but I live in a quiet neighborhood, I never have large amounts of cash on me, and I'm kind of an intimidating figure so I don't have too many people messing with me when I'm out.
I am thinking I would like to take the class in order to become better acclimated to the proper handling of firearms, ammunition, etc. Then if I pass, I would still have the certificate from the class needed to apply for my permit, depending on how long the certificate is good for. The earliest I am looking at taking the test is January, as I have a 4 week long winter break, and I'll need something to do for a few days.
The bottom line is, for $86, it would be nice to have, if I ever end up in a SHTF type of situation. It would be nice to have the security of my M&P by my side, but I just can't come up with the justification for it. Help me out here guys, let me know what you think.