I have been a concealed weapons permit holder in Florida for several years. I grew up around firearms, and learned at a very young age about gun safety and how to discharge a weapon. My father and my grandfather were both avid hunters. I spent many weekends in an RV getting up at 5 am to suit up to go pheasant hunting. My parents bought me my first shotgun when I was just eleven years old. I still have that single shot 20 gauge to this day.

As many of our regular readers know, I am a huge proponent of learning self defense. I don't just believe that self defense is a human right, I believe that it is our responsibility to protect and defend our own family, and our fellow citizens. Not only am I a firearms owner and concealed weapons permit holder, I am also a second degree black belt in Taekwondo. Additionally, I recently became certified as a women's self defense instructor. There are a lot of bad people in this world that want to victimize you and your loved ones. This is reality, whether you believe it or not - whether you have been a victim YET or not.

Although recent federal court rulings have made it easier than ever to legally carry a firearm, there is still a lot of red tape. You might have read the story about a New Jersey woman that was murdered by her ex-boyfriend while she waited for her firearms permit to be processed. Let me be clear that I do believe that there should be some basic training and registration requirements, but in a lot of cases permitting has become a bureaucratic nightmare. Just like with any government license, it is costly and time consuming.

A Loophole That Makes It Easier Than Ever To Get Your Concealed Weapons Permit

I tripped across a website offering an online course that allows residents and non-residents of Virginia to obtain a concealed weapons permit. This is very unique, since many states require that you complete this kind of training in person. They also require that you go to a gun range and prove a minimum proficiency discharging your firearm. I think these are all good things to do, but it requires most people to take a day off work. In my own case, I spent about four hours going through the class (including a trip to the range). Next, I had to go to a state office and complete a bunch of paperwork and get my fingerprints and picture taken. All together it probably took about 12 hours of my time.

This map below (Source: ConcealedWeaponsPermitOnline.com) shows the 28 states in red that reciprocate with Virginia (even if you are not a Virginia resident). This is why so many people are pursuing a Virginia non-resident permit. There is a couple of ways to look at this map. You want a license to carry in your home state, but if you travel frequently you also want to consider the other 'red' states in the map below.

Even though I already have my permit, I bought this online course to be able to do an honest review before writing this article. It is a 90 minute training video and a very simple test. Of course, passing the course does not put the permit in your hand, you still have to go through some government red tape. They provide you with all that information, and also some really good advice about buying your first firearm. If you don't know what you are doing you will be sold a very expensive firearm that you don't need, and it may be totally inappropriate for your situation. For the money, this course is a bargain. They even offer a 60 day money back guarantee. 

ConcealedWeaponsPermitOnline.com

I think everyone should get some basic 'hands on' training with a firearm, but you can take a lesson at most ranges for a nominal fee. In the meantime, you can use this online course as the quickest path to your carry permit (if you are in a 'red' state). I am also a big advocate of having a quick access gun safe (if you have children in your home). Even better than a gun safe - teach your children about firearms and even take them to the shooting range. 

One other side note, the same company behind the online permit class offers an online course on how to become a federal firearms dealer. What I liked about this course (which I have bought, but yet to complete), is that it shares how this can be done as a part time opportunity (even without a retail storefront).

Lastly, on Sunday night my guest was attorney Andrew Branca. Branca specializes in self defense law. If you missed that broadcast, here is a link to the replay - The Law Of Self Defense.  He also has an online course on the Law Of Self Defense - Click Here, which he is making available to our readers at a 10% discount (use coupon code CHRISTIANMONEY). He also has a book which you pick up on Amazon - Order Book Here.

Of course, don't rely on this article as a replacement for researching the state and federal firearms laws for yourself, and consulting with your own attorney and state licensing agency.

Helping you make the most of God's money!

James L. Paris 
Editor-In-Chief ChristianMoney.com 
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