A lot of people ask us about the different types of permits. There are two main types–Shall Issue and May Issue. As a pro 2nd ammendment organization we push for Shall Issue in every state. Shall issue basically says that the state will issue you a permit if you meet a set of standards. The state can choose their own standards, and there are several differences in the degree of the standards between states–but if you meet their criteria you can get a permit.

May Issue gives the choice of whether or not a permit is issued to some part of the local government. This may be the Sheriff or some other agency within the state, county, or city government. So this person or group basically listens to why you THINK you need a permit and then they can say yes or no. You can never be sure that you’ll be able to get a permit in one of these states. It largely depends on your personal cirumstances and the mood or judgement of the government.

May Issue leads to a lot of circumstantial decisions and uneven choices about who gets a permit. And “In order to protect myself and my family” is not a valid reason to need a permit usually unless it is accompanied with documented death threats, attacks, or another situation that I would rather not have to have in my life.  Often times, you have to escape a would-be killer BEFORE you can have the means to protect yourself. That doesn’t make much sense to me.