Don’t mess with Ohio gun law

Columbus Dispatch: In the 11 years since Ohio’s concealed-carry law went into effect, hundreds of thousands of Ohioans have taken and passed the class required to receive a permit.

Despite predictions that mayhem would result from concealed carry, Ohio’s permit holders have overwhelmingly proved themselves responsible, safe and law-abiding.

This should not be a surprise. First, because most gun owners already are safe, responsible and law-abiding. But also because Ohio’s concealed-carry permitting process includes background checks to weed out criminals and the mentally ill, guidance in basic gun-handling and safety, and instruction in self-defense law.

Because this system works, there is no reason to change it.

PROPOSED CHANGE

But state Rep. Ron Hood, R-Ashville, has introduced a bill that would allow anyone 21 or older who is legally permitted to own a gun to carry it concealed with no need for a permit or training.

This would eliminate the current safeguards for no good reason. Ohio’s concealed-carry requirements are not onerous: Classes are widely available, convenient and affordable. Not only do they provide a basic introduction to gun handling and gun safety, but the instruction in self-defense law — outlining the narrow circumstances in which deadly force is justified and the dire consequences for unjustified use — is sobering for anyone who assumes the responsibility of carrying a gun for self-defense.

Hood’s proposal should be dropped.