How to Get Concealed Carry for Liberty University: A Guide for the Gun-Toting, God-Fearing Student
Alright, so you’re thinking about getting a concealed carry permit for Liberty University, huh? You want to be ready for the apocalypse (or maybe just a particularly rowdy tailgate). Well, buckle up, because this journey is more complicated than a “Left Behind” novel.
Let’s get the basics out of the way:
- Yes, you can conceal carry at Liberty. You just need a valid Virginia concealed carry permit, and you better be able to flash it like a pro if asked.
- Liberty University has a gun range. It’s called the Liberty Mountain Gun Club, and it’s open to students, faculty, and staff (and maybe a few angels, who knows?). You gotta take a firearms safety course before you can touch the trigger. Think of it as “Shooting 101” with a heavenly twist.
But it’s not just a walk in the park, my friend. Here’s the breakdown:
1. The Virginia Concealed Carry Permit: The Gateway to Gun Ownership
You need a Virginia concealed carry permit before you can even think about bringing your trusty Glock to campus. Think of it as your passport to the land of responsible gun ownership.
- Here’s what you need:
- Proof of Firearms Training: You’ll have to prove you’ve taken a firearms safety course in person. Virginia Code §18.2-308.02 lists acceptable training options. Good news is, Liberty Mountain Gun Club offers a course specifically for this purpose.
- Government Issued Photo ID: You’ll need to show your driver’s license or something similar. No fake IDs, folks! This isn’t a frat party.
- Application Fee: It’s a non-refundable $50. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. This ain’t free, even in the land of the free.
2. The Liberty Mountain Gun Club: Your Path to Range Time
Now that you have your Virginia permit, it’s time to get some hands-on experience at the Liberty Mountain Gun Club. This is where you go to learn how to handle a firearm safely and responsibly.
- You need to take the General Firearms Safety Course: It’s a prerequisite for range time. Think of it as your initiation into the world of responsible gun ownership.
- Dress code: Crew neck shirt and closed toed shoes – no flip-flops or tank tops. This ain’t a beach party.
- What you get: The course includes firearms, eye and ear protection, and everything else you need. They’re basically handing you the tools to become a responsible gun owner, but remember, with great power comes great responsibility (and maybe a little bit of fear).
3. The Liberty Concealed Weapons Permit: The Key to Carrying on Campus
You’ve got your Virginia permit, you’ve taken the firearms safety course, now it’s time to get the Liberty Concealed Weapons Permit. This is your final hurdle before you can carry on campus.
- Application: You need to fill out an online application for the Liberty CWP.
- Documents: You’ll need your driver’s license and your Virginia concealed carry permit.
- Approval: The Liberty University Police Department (LUPD) will review your application and decide whether to approve it. Think of it as a final test to see if you’re worthy of carrying on campus.
4. The Rules of the Game: Don’t Be a Fool, Follow the Rules
Now, you’ve got your Virginia permit, you’ve taken the firearms safety course, and you’ve got the Liberty Concealed Weapons Permit. You’re ready to carry on campus. But before you go running around like a cowboy in the Wild West, remember, there are rules.
- Always keep your weapon concealed: This is pretty obvious, but don’t be that guy who’s walking around campus with his gun hanging out like it’s a fashion statement.
- Don’t bring your weapon to the dorms: Dorms are considered off-limits for concealed carry. So leave your gun at home or in your car.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Just because you have a gun doesn’t mean you can relax and forget about your surroundings. Stay aware of what’s going on around you and don’t let your guard down.
5. The Ethical Dilemma: Is It Responsible?
Okay, here’s where things get a little more controversial. Is it responsible to carry a concealed weapon on a college campus?
- Pro-carry arguments: Some people believe that it’s a right to carry a weapon to protect yourself, and that it can deter crime. They argue that it can give students a sense of safety and security.
- Anti-carry arguments: Others believe that carrying a weapon on campus is dangerous and creates a more hostile environment. They argue that it increases the risk of accidental shootings and that it doesn’t actually make students safer.
The bottom line is, it’s a complex issue with no easy answers. It’s up to you to decide what you believe and what you’re comfortable with.
6. The Bottom Line (and a Little Humor):
Getting a concealed carry permit at Liberty University is a process, but it’s not impossible. It requires you to take a firearms safety course, obtain a Virginia concealed carry permit, and get approval from LUPD. And once you’ve done all that, remember to always follow the rules and be aware of your surroundings.
Now, if you’re planning on bringing your gun to a football game, make sure you’re not wearing that “Go Flames” shirt that says “I’m ready to shoot for the win” on the back. You might just get the wrong kind of attention.