5 Things You Should Never Say to an Arizona Gun Owner

Ratified in 1791, the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution reads:

 “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

While many states have created gun laws that many would say infringe on the right to keep and bear arms, Arizona treats the law very differently.

READ: Own a Gun in AZ? You Need to Know This Before You Travel

Arizona's Constitutional Carry Law

Arizona has a Constitutional Carry law that permits anyone aged 21 or older to carry a concealed weapon. That means you can carry a loaded and concealed firearm on your person without a permit or license, even if you live out of state.

There are a few caveats, but as long as you're not a prohibited possessor, you can legally carry a weapon in Arizona.

You might see someone carrying a holstered sidearm on their belt as you shop or go about your business.

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Unless otherwise posted, it's legal to carry a firearm in most places, with a few exceptions. Schools, airports, polling places, and correctional facilities are some of the places in Arizona where you're not allowed to carry, and anywhere carrying a firearm is federally prohibited.

READ: Recreational Shooters in AZ May Not Like this New BLM Proposal

11 Things You Should Never Say to An Arizona Gun Owner

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just beginning to understand firearms, you may be tempted to ask questions or share your opinions about guns. Here are five things you should never say when talking with Arizona gun owners.

1. Guns are dangerous. Responsible gun owners pride themselves in understanding proper handling and respect for firearms. Yes, guns can be dangerous, especially in untrained hands. Ensuring everyone is safe is priority number one, and the responsibility is taken very seriously.
2. You don't need that many guns. Many gun owners enjoy shooting for sport or on a gun range. Using a variety of weapons and sharing that knowledge with others keeps things interesting. It's all about exercising one's Second Amendment rights responsibly.
3. Guns should be banned. A lot of people think that. In many places where legal gun ownership has been banned or limited, crime has escalated. While no system is perfect, a lot of gun owners would prefer to keep their constitutional rights intact.
4. I hate guns. Everyone's entitled to an opinion but expressing it aggressively won't win any friends. It's better to start an open conversation with someone who owns a gun - ask them questions and try not to judge or frontload them with your opinion. In the end, neither of you may change your mind, but you may understand each other better.
5. I don't feel safe around guns. Anyone can be nervous about something they don't understand. If you don't know how to handle a firearm, it's intimidating. Take a class or talk to a professional about how to use a gun. A little knowledge can dispel a lot of myths.

Open-mindedness and respect can go a long way in any conversation, especially when it comes to topics as sensitive as firearms.

[USConcealedCarry.com | Wikipedia.org | VanNormanLaw.com | share.constitutioncenter.org | AZLeg.gov | Phoenix.gov]