An Oklahoma State Senator has introduced a bill to reduce the age one can carry a handgun without a permit (constitutional carry) from 21 to 18 years of age.
“The people have a constitutionally protected right to keep and bear arms. Just as they have the right to vote starting at 18, they should not have to wait until turning 21 to exercise their right to self-defense,” said Senator Nathan Dahm.
He went on to say:
“The primary function and responsibility of government is to protect individual rights. This bill will allow people who currently can vote, but currently can’t exercise their Second Amendment rights to have both rights protected for them.”
This bill would allow for open or concealed carry and will be considered during the 2022 legislative session.
As usual, the concerns about allowing constitutional carry revolve around not requiring those who choose to carry a gun for personal protection to get some form of state-approved training. However, the concerns about all the problems that this could cause have not manifested in any other states that currently allow carrying a handgun without a permit.
Of course, we all support ongoing firearms training so those of you in Oklahoma should be on the lookout for new gun owners and invite them to the next class you are attending. Even just going with them to a range to help them learn the four universal safety rules is a good place to start.
Try to remember the first time you went to a range. It’s not like any of us really need an excuse to go to the range anyway, so invite a newbie and help them get started safely enjoying a new lifestyle.
