National Concealed Carry Reciprocity: Why It Matters for Law-Abiding Citizens

The right to bear arms isn’t just a cornerstone of the Constitution — it’s a matter of personal safety, liberty, and self-reliance. This is why the recent move by 24 attorneys general to support the National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act should be applauded by every American who values their Second Amendment rights. For responsible gun owners, the patchwork of conflicting state laws has been a major obstacle. If you legally carry in your home state, you should not become a criminal by simply crossing state lines.

States Standing Up for the Second Amendment

In a powerful move, 24 attorneys general from across the country have signed a letter of support for H.R. 38, the National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. This legislation, introduced by U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), aims to treat concealed carry permits like driver’s licenses — valid across state lines. The Attorney General of Montana, Austin Knudsen, spearheaded the letter, emphasizing the absurdity and injustice law-abiding citizens face when traveling between states.

This isn’t just bureaucracy — it’s an infringement on American rights. The Constitution doesn’t say, “you have the right to bear arms… but only in your home state.” As Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, South Carolina, continues to emphasize in our training programs, firearms competency and legality should be universal for responsible gun owners.

Why Reciprocity Is Essential for Firearms Freedoms

Current laws are a patchwork nightmare. A mother traveling to visit family in another state could unknowingly break the law just by transporting her concealed firearm — something completely legal in her home state. The National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act aims to fix this inconsistency by doing the following:

• Recognizing state-issued concealed carry permits nationwide
• Ensuring lawful gun owners don’t become criminals simply for traveling
• Restoring consistency and upholding Second Amendment liberties

Supporters rightly argue that the uncertainty of concealed carry laws in different states adds stress — and potential legal risk — for those who exercise their rights responsibly. In many cases, confusion about these laws leads to hesitation or total disarmament while traveling, leaving good people vulnerable and unsafe. At Fortress Firearms Training, we believe citizens should never have to choose between safety and compliance.

Standing Against Overreaching Gun Control Policies

Gun control advocates have pushed back against this bill, clinging to the idea that localized control can better “prevent violence.” But data and experience show that criminals don’t care about permit laws — only law-abiding citizens do. These laws only hamstring the responsible and empower those who operate outside the boundaries of the law.

Consider this: If someone has gone through all the requirements—background checks, training, safety courses—just to get their concealed carry permit, is that really who the law should target? The answer is simple: No. The efforts by 24 attorneys general to support the National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act highlights the pressing need to protect lawful gun ownership and promote safety through responsible carry.

A Safer, More Empowered Society Through Education and Training

Supporting national reciprocity doesn’t mean compromising public safety — in fact, the opposite is true. When responsible people are armed and trained, society is safer. At Fortress Firearms Training, we provide top-tier concealed carry classes, emphasizing real-world safety, accuracy, and judgment. Our philosophy aligns with this reciprocity movement because:

• Training creates responsible, safety-conscious firearm carriers
• Legal consistency fosters confidence in travel and everyday readiness
• Reciprocity encourages more Americans to get trained and properly licensed

A national standard for recognizing concealed carry permits is a legitimate answer to the chaos that inconsistent state laws have caused. It empowers the good and deters the bad.

Pro-Second Amendment, Pro-Freedom: What This Means for South Carolina

For residents of South Carolina, this legislation offers clear benefits. Currently, our state has reciprocity with several others — but not all. Fortress Firearms Training serves students from across the state who often travel for business, family, or vacations. Many are shocked to learn that their permit doesn’t hold weight in numerous states.

With the National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act in place, South Carolina permit holders could carry legally wherever they go, easing unnecessary stress and uncertainty. Our trainers are often asked, “Where is my permit valid?” The honest answer: It’s complicated — but it shouldn’t be. This Act would simplify that answer into a single word: Everywhere.

The Left’s Backward Logic

Gun control advocates continue to push anti-gun legislation under the guise of “public safety.” From red flag laws to banning standard-capacity magazines, the focus has time and again been on removing rights from law-abiding citizens, not cracking down on actual criminals. The attacks against concealed carry permit holders are attacks against a proven group of law-respecting individuals.

In fact, studies show that those with concealed carry permits are among the most law-abiding segments of society. So why are they being punished while repeat offenders walk free? It’s time to stop accepting fear-based legislation and start standing up for logic, liberty, and lawfulness.

Conclusion: A Win for Freedom and Common Sense

With 24 attorneys general supporting the National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, we’re witnessing a powerful stand for individual liberty and common sense. This proposed legislation would finally streamline the confusing mess of state-by-state concealed carry statutes and honor the rights of responsible firearms owners.

At Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC, we’ve always believed that freedom, responsibility, and education are inseparable. Supporting national reciprocity isn’t controversial — it’s constitutional. Whether you’re preparing to defend your family, exploring new cities, or simply exercising your rights, your capacity to protect yourself shouldn’t stop at a state border.

Let’s continue to speak up, train, and responsibly carry — all in support of the liberties that make this nation great. For information on concealed carry classes and firearms training, visit us at Fortress Firearms Training.