From legislative wins and losses to a tragic shooting that put permit questions back in the spotlight, it’s been a busy week in the world of concealed carry. Here’s the rundown.
Can Your Carry Gun Be “Outdated”? TFB Says No.
The Firearm Blog’s weekly Concealed Carry Corner tackled a question that gets a lot of airtime in online gun forums: is your carry gun outdated? The short answer is no. While the industry churns out new micro-compacts with ever-increasing capacity, classics like the Glock 43, S&W Shield, and even snub-nose revolvers remain entirely viable defensive tools. Carry what you shoot well and trust — not what the internet says you should.
Oklahoma Capitol Carry Bill Dies in Committee
House Bill 3094, which would have allowed Oklahomans with a valid Self Defense Act permit to carry inside the state Capitol, failed to advance out of the House Civil Judiciary Committee on a bipartisan 5-4 vote. Rep. Molly Jenkins (R-Coyle) argued that citizens shouldn’t have to surrender their Second Amendment rights to exercise their First Amendment ones. The opposition came largely from law enforcement, with Department of Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton arguing it would create manpower issues — and ironically acknowledging that bad actors could already circumvent the existing no-carry policy. An Oklahoma Republican supermajority that can’t pass carry rights in its own Capitol is something worth noting.
West Virginia Passes Permitless Carry for 18-20 Year Olds
The West Virginia House of Delegates passed HB 4106 by an 87-9 margin, extending the state’s existing permitless carry framework to adults aged 18 to 20. Under current law, this age group can open carry freely but must obtain a provisional license to carry concealed. The bill eliminates that inconsistency. Young adults can still opt in to the permit system for $15 to maintain reciprocity with other states. The bill now heads to the Senate, where a companion bill (SB 30) already passed 33-1. This one looks like a lock.
Missouri: Concealed Carry on Public Transit Headed to Committee
The NRA-ILA is calling on Missouri gun owners to contact their state senators ahead of a February 23rd hearing on Senate Bill 1078, which would allow permit holders to carry on public transit. Under current Missouri law, carrying on buses and at transit stations is prohibited even for those with valid concealed carry endorsements. If you’re in Missouri and ride the bus, this one affects you directly — contact your senator and urge a yes vote.
Iowa: School Pick-Up/Drop-Off Carry Bill Advances
Two pro-gun bills moved forward in Iowa this week. HF 621 passed the House Education Committee and would allow permit holders to have a concealed firearm in their vehicle while picking up or dropping off a student at school — as long as the gun stays in the car and the vehicle stays in the driveway or parking area. A companion bill, SF 2263, passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and would protect the right to keep a firearm secured in a vehicle in university and municipal parking lots. Both bills now head to their respective full chambers.
Rhode Island Hockey Rink Shooting: A Concealed Carry Angle
The horrific shooting at a Pawtucket, Rhode Island hockey arena this week — in which Robert Dorgan killed his ex-wife and adult son during their son’s hockey game before taking his own life — has generated some concealed carry-related questions. Police confirmed Dorgan was carrying a Florida firearms carry permit when he was found, but said they were not aware of any Rhode Island concealed carry permit in his name. Subsequent searches of his Maine apartment and storage unit turned up a sawed-off shotgun, an AR-15 style rifle, a handgun frame, and ammunition. The incident is also a stark reminder of why armed bystanders matter: three good Samaritans physically wrestled the gun from Dorgan, almost certainly saving additional lives.
Concealed Coalition Launches “Behind the Holster” Podcast
Concealed Coalition, a nationwide concealed carry training organization, has launched a new podcast called Behind the Holster, hosted by instructor Jody Picou. The show focuses on carry laws, state reciprocity, defensive mindset, and real-world preparedness — without the politics or sensationalism. Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Worth a look for carriers who want ongoing education beyond their initial certification.
The fight never stops — and neither do we. We’ll be digging deeper into several of these stories in the coming week, so stay tuned.
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