Concealed Carry Permits in Nevada

People buy weapons for all kinds of reasons. Personal protection is usually at the top of the list when buyers are asked their reason.

The issue gets a little stickier when it comes to permits to carry concealed weapons. Not all states recognize permits issued in another state; gun control advocates disagree with the idea of concealing weapons in public, and hard-core 2nd Amendment enthusiasts believe that any required permitting is seen as “another step” towards the federal government revoking gun rights.

A pre-Christmas incident is being used by both sides of the concealed carry permit debate.

Craig Alan Vandewege was arrested just before Christmas and charged with speeding and failure to provide the cop with proof of insurance.

While the 35-year old was posting bond at Garfield County Jail in Colorado, law enforcement picked up on a warrant for Vandewege’s arrest and he never even got out of the door before being back in custody.

Fort Worth police had issued a capital murder warrant for Vandewege’s arrest for the murder of his 36-year old wife, Shanna and their 3-month old son. The pair were found dead December 15 at the family’s home.

When Vandewege was pulled over, he told officers he was going to Las Vegas. Vandewege, a holder of a Colorado concealed handgun permit, told cops the intended to “go shooting to get rid of stress.” Law enforcement found numerous guns in his car before taking him to jail.

Besides a handgun, police found boxes of ammunition, camouflage clothing, an AR-15 style rifle and a .22 revolver.

If Vandewege had not gotten stopped in Texas, he might have been detained in Nevada as The Silver State does not currently honor concealed handgun permits according to Nevada’s Department of Public Safety.

Nevada is a “shall issue” state when it comes to concealed carry. Each county sheriff issues a concealed weapons permit to individuals who meet state and federal criteria, file an application and complete an approved firearm safety course.

States which recognize a Nevada permit include Alaska, Arizona, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas*, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan*, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah.

Nevada acknowledges these states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho Enhanced Permit, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and  Wyoming.