The Eyes Have It
Hell, this country was founded by religious nuts with guns--P.J. O'Rourke
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Ranger loves guns, guitars, fast cars, dry pants, cold beer, dry toilet paper, and . . . But let's talk guns.
While conducting some bank business, Ranger's banker mentioned a recent patron who did not have any picture identification save for his Florida Carrying Concealed Weapons (CCW) permit. From the banker's perspective there was no problem as this was a valid government-issued picture i.d.
What caught Ranger's undivided attention was that the gun toting subject was legally blind and using a seeing eye dog for mobility. Turns out there are no requirements in the Florida CCW law/application that specify a person must be sighted to carry a concealed weapon. Florida -- The Rules are Different Here.
The law does mandate successful completion of a special course; however, shooting is not a component. In addition, the class requirement may be waived if one has passed the National Rifle Association's Safety Course or if one was handgun-trained in the military. Duh.
So, there is no prohibition against possession of a CCW in Florida if one is blind. Now Ranger loves him some guns, but this is one bridge too far. This legal loophole must be closed, if only for the sake of the dog.
Did Ranger mention the man's dog had only one eye? Ranger reckons that is better than having three legs.
While conducting some bank business, Ranger's banker mentioned a recent patron who did not have any picture identification save for his Florida Carrying Concealed Weapons (CCW) permit. From the banker's perspective there was no problem as this was a valid government-issued picture i.d.
What caught Ranger's undivided attention was that the gun toting subject was legally blind and using a seeing eye dog for mobility. Turns out there are no requirements in the Florida CCW law/application that specify a person must be sighted to carry a concealed weapon. Florida -- The Rules are Different Here.
The law does mandate successful completion of a special course; however, shooting is not a component. In addition, the class requirement may be waived if one has passed the National Rifle Association's Safety Course or if one was handgun-trained in the military. Duh.
So, there is no prohibition against possession of a CCW in Florida if one is blind. Now Ranger loves him some guns, but this is one bridge too far. This legal loophole must be closed, if only for the sake of the dog.
Did Ranger mention the man's dog had only one eye? Ranger reckons that is better than having three legs.
Labels: concealed carry in florida, concealed carry law permits blind to possess guns, Florida CCW
posted by rangeragainstwar at 5:50 PM
8 Comments:
"...the gun toting subject was legally blind and using a seeing eye dog for mobility."
/facepalm
Perhaps he was the Shaolin Perfect Master of Firearms?
He aims with his Third Eye.
Of course, that may also account for the whole dog thing.
Prior to my 2nd tour in the 'Ghan, there was a legaly blind fellow qualifying to get his CCW & I think he got it!
There's also a target sound gizmo for archery that allows the visualy impared to let arrows fly.
you know, this pisses me off. I am legally blind, I have been my entire life, I do not require any seeing eye dog or cane to get me around. I have been shooting guns since I was very little, and guess what? I've never shot anything but the target I was aiming for. I think its bullshit that because of my vision, I can't get a ccw. Yes I am handicapped, but I still need to protect myself like anyone else. so before you go jumping to conclusions, maybe you should think about things first. Just because my acuity isn't that great doesn't mean I am going to go around firing my gun into dogs or anything but my target. I feel you are saying the same thing as saying "well, that guy shouldn't have a gun because he's black",
Dale,
Your case is well presented and I agree that each case should/can be individually considered.There are different types of being totally blind and this we ackowledge.
I did not write this article as a personal affront to handicapped persons.
Ranger,
You have one thing incorrect: Florida law does require training with a shooting component. This is from the state licensing website:
Acceptable Training Documentation
Florida law requires you to submit proof of competency with a firearm in order to qualify for a concealed weapon license. A copy of a CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION or similar document from any of the following courses or classes is acceptable:
any hunter education or hunter safety course approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or a similar agency in another state;
any National Rifle Association firearms safety or training course;
any firearm safety or training course or class available to the general public offered by a law enforcement agency, junior college, college, or private or public institution or organization or firearms training school, utilizing instructors certified by the National Rifle Association, the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, or the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services;
any law enforcement firearms safety or training course or class offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of law enforcement or security enforcement;
any firearms training or safety course or class conducted by a state-certified instructor or by an instructor certified by the National Rifle Association.
The copy of the training certificate/document must be clear and legible. The certificate/document must include your name, your instructor’s name, your instructor’s qualifications/credentials (National Rifle Association instructor, law enforcement firearms instructor, Class “K” Firearm Instructor licensed by the State of Florida, etc.), and your instructor’s license/certification number.
Other acceptable forms of training documentation include the following:
documentary evidence of experience with a firearm obtained through participation in organized shooting competition;
active-duty military personnel may submit copies of any of the following documents that confirm your experience with a firearm gained during your service: military orders including call to active-duty letter; a statement of military service signed by, or at the direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters which identifies you and provides your date of entry on your current active-duty period;
former military personnel can submit switch to loan guaranty service a DD Form 214 reflecting honorable discharge from military service.
Anon, 29 apr.
Thanks for the input.
At the next weekend Tall/fairgrounds gun show just for grins -stop and listen to the instruction.
Does the state have a required POI-program of instruction for these courses? I've never seen or heard of one, but maybe it exists.
How many rounds do the students fire, and has ANYONE ever failed their shooting requirement? Is this anything more than firing a few rounds down range?
Thanks for your input; all positive info is appreciated.
I question the courses of instruction , but i also believe that it's unconstitutional for any legal citizen to have to pay a cash price to acquire a CCW. This is equivalent to a poll tax.
This requirement is acceptable if this cash transfer were not required. The State uses this money as general revenue and that's putting our gun rights up there with the lotto and the gambling at indian casinos.
See u at the gun show.
jim
jim
Anon apr 29,
The ccw applicant only has to range fire only once to get his ccw approved.
In the police and military we must qualify annually.
jim
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