Concealed carry is the practice of carrying a weapon in public in a concealed manner. Not all weapons falling under CCW laws are lethal, such as pepper spray.

No federal statutory laws regarding CCW permits exist. Each state is allowed to pass laws allowing individuals to carry — or not — within the state, creating a national patchwork of legislation.

Some states release statistics about the number of residents holding permits; others don’t.

Florida, for example, has issued just over two-million permits since approving its law in 1987 and had a little more than 843,000 authorized permit owners as of July 31, 2011.

Nevada, on the other hand, doesn’t issue their figures. Experts estimate there are just over 1-million CCW permits in Nevada

“With solid numbers or estimations from all but three of the 49 states having laws permitting issuance of carrying permits, the Government Accountability Office reports there are approximately 8 million current permits in America.

Complicating the idea of a count are the reciprocity laws, groups — such as personal weapons owned by military troops for off-duty use — and the ease with which guns can be transported within the state.

Repeal CCW Permit Effort

In March 2015, Nevada Republicans proposed a bill repealing Nevada’s requirement for a permit to carry a concealed gun.

The effort was led by State Senator Don Gustavson from Sparks, Nevada and a group of Republican legislators supported Gustavson and his legislation, SB 143.

A parade of gun lobbyists who testified before Gustavson’s committee claimed the bill would permit residents who can lawfully have a firearm to avoid going through a lengthy — and expensive — process to apply for a concealed permit. Nevada has always allowed legal gun owners to carry openly without a license.

“Most people who have guns know how to use them,” said Gustavson.

Opposition To The Bill

Airport officials in Reno and Las Vegas testified as well. They were against the bill. Their concerns centered around safety in airports and flights.

Through a spokesman, Las Vegas’ Metro PD said it opposed the bill as it adds a level of uncertainty for officers and the agency believes concealed-weapon holders require additional training which is required by the state.

While the bill failed to be brought to the floor for a vote, Gustavson committed to pressing onward and bring it up shortly.