LarryP wrote:I know, I know. But if I would very seldom carry, I can't see getting a permit. And the permit to buy is free.
But Things can change. I haven't made up my mind yet.
Right now I'm looking at home protection.
You live in a dwelling, which I agree should be protected, but when people say they are "protecting their home", "home" (to me) means protecting myself and my family, loved ones. "home" and dwelling are two differnt things. I agree that both should be protected, but of the two, "home" is much more important to me, so even when I'm out in public, I'm "home", so therefore I, my family and loved ones should be protected.
Here's why I vote for you getting a PTC vs only a PTP....
1) It's another PTC holder in MN. The more of those we have (which are also responsible gun owners), the better for us, the state of MN, and everyone - except criminals. I also recommend if you do get a Permit To Carry, carry all the time. Not carrying is like having the brakes on your car only work sometimes and not others. Better to carry and NOT need it, then to need it and NOT have it.
2) You are required to get training and qualify for a PTC, not so with a PTP. The more trained people with guns, the better. I realize it's not extnesive traning and one should pursue further more in-depth training, but it's a start at least.
3) Yes, it costs, but since a PTC is good for 5 years, if you do the math and break it down... $110 or so for a PTC class + $100 for the permit, $210 total divided by 60 months = $3.50 a month to be able to carry and buy a pistol whenever you want within that 5 years. $3.50 a month is expensive?
To each their own, but I have a PTC and definately do the "C" part.
4) Regarding training....do the PTC training (I recommend Don Larson aka Don L on this board), but also do other training as well in various areas to mentally and physically prepare you to the best of your abilities. Don also has some holster classes and defensive training I plan on taking as well.
Lastly, as all of this is my own personal opinion, try to qualify with the caliber you are going to shoot, and ideally with the gun you are going to carry - and carry it, practice with it, and have one main gun for that purpose. Again, to each their own, but there is something to be said for muscle memory if you have and only use one gun for PTC vs swapping out belts, holsters and "The Gun Of The Day" because you own 50 handguns.
On a side note, MN permits are honored in the 5 state area (except for North Dakota) as well as honored in other states, so you can always add another PTC for Florida, Arizona, etc, if you plan on traveling and need coverage in a state or states which does not have reporocity with MN. Some instructoers will charge more money for "Multi-state carry", but you can just go for the MN one and be fine. IF you want a Utah PTC, that requires a separate PTC class. Also, Florida's PTC is good for 7 years. there's some good websites out there which show maps of who honors what, where, etc. If you wanted a second PTC, I recommend Florida and/or Arizona, You could get both if you wanted, or even add on Utah as well. theo nly way you could carry in all states is an H.R. 218 which is for ex-LEOs.
Do as you will, I'm just an opinionated dude on some Internet message board, but I believe my advise is sound. Regardless of what you do, I'm glad you're purchasing, but buying it is the easy part.