Concealed guns at a glance

Q: How soon may I apply for a permit to carry a concealed gun?

A: That depends upon the sheriff. After Thursday's ruling from the Missouri Supreme Court, which effectively upheld the legislature's power to pass last year's law allowing concealed guns, many sheriffs said they were waiting for more information from lawyers. But a few sheriffs said that since the state's highest court allowed the law to stand, they would start accepting applications on Friday, and they did. Other sheriffs said they expected to accept applications starting next week.Q: How do I get a permit?

A: The applicant completes paperwork at the sheriff's office in the county where they live. The applicant must be at least 23 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a Missouri resident for at least six months or a member of the armed forces stationed in Missouri or that service person's spouse. They must pay a nonrefundable permit fee. They must also pass state and federal criminal background checks, and must be certified in having undergone training specified in the law.Q: What disqualifies an applicant?

A: An applicant must not have been dishonorably discharged from the military, must not be a fugitive, a felon or facing felony charges. The person must be mentally competent, must not be the respondent in a valid full order of protection and must not have been convicted of a violent misdemeanor. The applicant may not have been twice convicted of driving while intoxicated in the previous five years. And no permit may be issued if the person is believed by the sheriff to be "a danger to himself or others."Q: How much does a permit cost?

A: It costs up to $100 for a three-year permit. A renewal after that period costs $50. Fees are nonrefundable, even if the application is rejected.Q: Must I demonstrate shooting skill to get a permit?

A: Yes. The law requires a "live fire" test at a silhouette target from a distance of at least seven yards; backers of the law suggest that beyond this 21-foot distance, the permit holder should consider whether it's preferable to try to evade or escape a life-threatening situation.Q: When may a permit holder use a concealed gun?

A: Only in self-defense. The permit doesn't make the holder a police officer and carries no right, for example, to intervene with a firearm in disputes between other parties. Q: How does the law apply to people who don't have a concealed gun permit?

A: The law allows any person -- not just a permit holder -- who is over age 21 and is not otherwise disqualified from owning a handgun to conceal a weapon in a vehicle, such as in the glove compartment. But if the gun is in a briefcase, for example, that is removed from a vehicle and the owner isn't permitted to carry a concealed gun, the person could be breaking the law.Q: Where is the permit valid?

A: Permits issued by Missouri sheriffs are valid in all Missouri counties, and in other states allowing concealed weapons that have reciprocity -- meaning recognition of the permit's validity -- with Missouri. Q: Where are concealed guns barred?

A: They are prohibited in police stations, prisons, courthouses, hospitals, airports, amusement parks and sports arenas that seat at least 5,000 (this doesn't mean the seats must be filled). Guns also are prohibited, unless those in charge grant exceptions, at schools, colleges, child-care facilities, churches, casinos and bars. Gov. Bob Holden has issued an executive order barring concealed guns in state buildings, including the Capitol. Concealed guns are allowed elsewhere, unless private property owners conspicuously post signs prohibiting them.Q: Can I find out if my friend or neighbor has a concealed gun permit?

A: Perhaps not unless they tell you. The law closes records of concealed gun permits to public inspection, and sheriffs are barred from releasing the information.