Changing the face of firearms instruction

NORWALK — Ohio's new "Constitutional Carry" law stands to change the way firearms instruction is carried out across the state. On June 13, residents and non-residents will be allowed to carry concealed handguns without a permit in the State of Ohio, and that will likely open up a number of new options for firearms instruction, according to Matthew Dotson, of Maple City Firearms. Dotson holds a federal license to conduct concealed carry permit (CCW) courses. The new law does not eliminate the Ohio CCW course, but makes it no longer mandatory. Ohioans may still opt to receive an Ohio permit, which may aid in compliance with carrying a concealed firearm into other states. "Given that the law hasn't gone into effect yet, it has not yet hurt my business," Dotson said. A usual spring uptick in class sing-ups is going on now, due to the warming weather, he said. "Believe it or not, in the last several weeks or so, I've had an increase in the interest in taking my class." He added, however, the number of CCW courses in the state is likely to drop, forcing firearms instructors to offer differing and varied courses, rather than most clients concentrating on the single Ohio CCW course. The instructor explained that due to cost and time constraints, many shooters, wanting the legal ability to carry their handguns concealed, chose simply to take only one course. The CCW course incorporates eight hours of basic handgun instruction and legal requirement in the classroom, followed by on-range live-fire shooting instruction. The course, he said, is very broad in scope and seeks to address the needs of students from the least experienced to the most. Dotson said he sees the potential for clients to opt for smaller class sizes and classes in more diversified and specialized areas of firearms instruction. While many may still opt for the CCW course, others may want basic firearms and safety instruction, while those with more experience may look into courses in cover and concealment and other aspects of shooting, he said. According to the Buckeye Firearms Association, little will change regarding the existing Ohio requirements for carrying concealed handguns. A key difference, however, involves the requirement for informing police officers of the presence of a concealed weapon, if stopped. The new law no longer requires a concealed weapons carrier to "promptly inform" all individual police encountered in a stop of the gun's presence, according to the association. Under the new law, a person carrying a concealed handgun need only inform police when questioned, and is only obligated to inform the first questioning officer. Another change regards carrying the CCW permit card itself, according to BFA. The state-issued card need no longer be carried, if possessed, under the new law. Other states, however, may require the permit to be carried. Additionaly, the licensing process will not change, which will allow Ohio to maintain existing reciprocity agreements with some other states. The new law applies only to handguns and only a "qualifying" adult, over 21 years old, the association's website shows. Such a person will be allowed to carry a concealed weapon, no matter his or her state of residence. Those who do not qualify include fugitives from justice, those adjudicated incompetent, those in substance abuse, convicted felons, those with restraining orders against them, those having been dishonorably discharged from the United States military and others.