Review by Larry S. Sterett | Contributing Editor
LEGALLY ARMED: A Concealed Carry Gun Law Guide, by the Editors of the 2nd Amendment Media. Photography by Oleg Volk. ©2013. Published by 2nd Amendment Media, Whitman Publishing, LLC, Dept. TGM, 3101 Clairmont Road, Suite G, Atlanta, GA 30329. Price: $14.95, plus shipping. Available at many bookstores.
This 192–page flexible-bound, large pocket-size guide is just that, a guide to the concealed carry laws of all 50 states and the District of Columbia. It contains eight chapters, from Carrying a Firearm, to Before Carrying a Firearm, plus a color–coded reference map, and coverage of, in alphabetical order, the carry laws of the states. There are also a few parting words.
The color-coded map verifies that just more than half the states are firearm friendly, with another eleven fairly tolerant toward firearms. The states are given a grade, from A+ down to F, and the 37 out of 51 (50 + DC), are ranked in the A or A+ range. Most of these states are in the West or South, with some exceptions—Alaska, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Minnesota, and a few more. Only three areas—Connecticut, Illinois, and the District of Columbia—received F grades in the Firearm Friendly category, although New York City by itself could be so rated, even though the state received a C grade. It’s not surprising Illinois received an F grade, being the last to enact a concealed carry law, having the worst financial status of any state, according to the national news media, and having an Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, and St. Valentine’s Day Massacre complex from the Chicago era of Prohibition some fourscore years back. It was no surprise to see California with a D rating, or even Massachusetts or New Jersey, but Hawaii?
Illustrations in this pocket-size reference guide are full color, and scattered through the various chapters. The material on the individual states is thorough, with two to four pages allotted per state. There is also a sidebar with the contact name, address, and telephone number for additional information.
This is one handy little tome. It’s labeled as Volume 1, but it hasn’t missed much on the subject. An updated version could be necessary in a few years, but “as is” this volume can be an excellent reference guide for any shooter thinking about concealed carry or using their permit in another state.
