MN CCW Laws

The Revised Minnesota Personal Protection Act     Laws Relating to Concealed Carry

In 2003 Minnesotans were finally granted the right to apply for a permit to carry a concealed weapon without having to justify a need. Prior to this law going into effect anyone wanting to carry a concealed weapon had to apply with their local law enforcement and show proof that they had a justified need to carry a weapon for self defense. Of course with each agency the "need" varied. Some agencies would issue them to anybody who asked and passed a background check. Some made it all but impossible even for those whose lives had been threatened.

When the media caught wind of the change in availability of permits they had a field day. One police chief was quoted as saying that he would need waders for his officers because of all the blood running in the streets. Hope that city saved it's receipt on those waders.

In 2004 a highly charged debate over how the law was passed came to head. A group of Minnesota churches deciding that they knew what was best for the entire state regardless of their beliefs came to our aid and successfully suspended the law. Their claim was that because the bill was attached to another unrelated bill it was passed unlawfully. Guess the Circus Permit/Abortion Waiting Period bill was ok though. Nice how when it goes your way it's ok.

In 2005 the debate ended. The Minnesota legislature passed a revised Personal Protection Act with an even greater margin than the first. And this time it was on it's own. While the original detractors of the bill still shouted in protest and stated that they would get this one repealed as well it has been very quiet on the front lines. Minnesotans are again free to legally obtain permits to carry weapons to defend themselves.

Like in most other states who are "shall issue", Minnesota has it's own unique laws and regulations. Anyone wishing to carry a firearm for self defense MUST know these laws intimately. So far we haven't had any major incidents with our newfound rights. Let's keep it that way by being informed.

At Collectables and bullets one of our major strengths in training is our in-depth coverage of the laws. We WILL be reading through the law with you. We WILL be explaining the law to you. We also will be coving what the laws leave unspoken to give you an idea of some of the pitfalls of concealed carry.

Please take a few moments prior to our class to read these handouts on the laws. Even if you chose not to attend one of our classes this is information that everyone who owns a firearm should know.