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Writer's pictureBuddy Smith

Permitless Carry, Concealed Carry, Enhanced Carry; What's the Difference?




I have been asked several times why someone should obtain a permit when it's not required to have one in Tennessee and, if I do get one, what's the difference in a concealed carry permit and enhanced carry permit. So, in a nutshell, here is the difference.

To obtain a concealed carry permit, you take a class that lasts between 90 minutes and 3 hours, depending on how much information the instructor puts into the class and You take a short written test at the end (effective January 1, 2023). You do not have to show proficiency with a handgun; as a matter of fact, you are not reqired to have even held a gun in your hands. You must carry your pistol concealed. You may carry in most places where handguns are not banned. You cannot carry in rest areas and certain other places. Some states with reciprocity agreements with Tennessee will allow you to carry usinig this permit. Some require an enhanced permit to carry in their state.


To obtain an enhanced carry permit, you take a class that's divided into two parts. The first part is the classroom. There you receive the same liability training as the concealed class plus more. You are also required to demonstrate the ability to properly function your firearm, whether it be a revolver or semi automatic. You are also required to complete a written test to demonstrate your knowledge of Tennessee laws on handguns and knowledge of your weapon. You are allowed to carry openly or concealed. The second part of the class is the range. Here you will be required to pass the qualification portion of the class. To do that, you will show that you meet the minimum qualifications to obtain the permit. ++++


There is one more type of carry that I should mention. That is the permitless carry or "Constitutional Carry". This means that, as long as you meet certain requirements, such as not being a convicted felon, domestic violence offender, etc., that you can carry your handgun on your person concealed or not. You cannot carry anywhere that's posted for permitted carry only, parks, rest areas, greenways, and many others. It's also only good in the state of Tennessee. This does not require a person to know anything about how, when and where to use a weapon. Nor does it require the person to be able to function their weapon. It simply allows one to carry. This, in my opinion, is the least safe way to carry.


I'll not go into other aspects of the permit process for the state. That's part of the classes. I'll just leave it here: AS A RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNER/PERMIT HOLDER, YOU HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO YOURSELF, YOUR FAMILY (ESPECIALLY CHILDREN) AND EVERYONE ELSE YOU COME INTO CONTACT WITH, TO BE PROFICIENT IN THE SAFE STORAGE, MAINTENANCE, CARRY AND USE OF YOUR FIREARM. Only this way can we start to see a decline in accidental shootings of children and adults.


You can contact us about individual or group training opportunities, weapon maintenance classes, women's self defense classes and other training.



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