Tennessee Handgun Permits Changes
There has been a lot of hype over Tennessee’s announcement of a second option for concealed carry permit.
Some like the National Rifle Association applaud the less stringent rules for obtaining the new concealed carry handgun permit. Others decry the lack of hands-on instruction.
Prior to January 1, 2020, if you wanted a Tennessee Concealed/Open Carry permit, you had to go to a center where the eight-hour course was being held. You had to take instruction in classroom and on the firing range. You had to pass both tests. Then for a fee of $100 you could purchase your handgun permit. This fee includes the eight-hour course.
That permit and those rules are still in effect. This permit has been renamed an enhanced permit. With it, you can both conceal and open carry. There is no reason for anyone who holds this permit already to make any changes.
The premise for the new gun permit is to make the right to bear arms open to all eligible adults regardless of where they reside in Tennessee. They do not have to locate a center which is offering the course and rearrange work and home schedules to attend an eight-hour session.
Instead, they may log on to any computer anytime, anywhere, and take the ninety-minute instruction and test. The cost of the new permit is $65. This, however, does not include the cost of the online course.
The difference in cost is miniscule. However, the cost of travel and perhaps loss of a work day can make the new concealed carry only permit significantly less expensive in both time and money.
Testing is another major change. The new course has no hands-on component. You simply access course materials online and take an online test at the end of working your way through the materials.
There is no doubt that getting a gun permit under Tennessee’s new rules is easier, more accessible, faster, and less stressful.
Anti-gun groups have attacked the new permit as there is no hands-on component. You can get a permit without demonstrating any proficiency with shooting, maintaining your weapon, or knowing gun safety rules.
What they do not acknowledge is that there is a clause in the new concealed carry only permit that stipulates that the successful applicant must fulfill another obligation.
The legislation states that within a year of being approved for the handgun concealed carry permit, the applicant must supply proof of having completed an approved handgun safety course.
In essence, the hands-on component of the course is present. It just isn’t part of the online course. Applicants don’t have to give up eight hours plus travel time to get their permit. They can schedule the handgun safety part of the permit wherever there is an approved handgun safety course near them.
The intent of the new gun permit is not to make the course easier but rather to bring the course to every Tennessee resident who wants to exercise his/her Second Amendment right.
For more information on taking an approved online course toward achieving your Tennessee concealed carry permit, click here.
