Outside of seatbelt laws, there is probably more confusion among the population about gun laws than any other topic.  I routinely answer personal questions or emails regarding gun laws.  Examples include, where they go to register there gun? Where are they allowed to carry a weapon? Whether their gun can be loaded in the car?  These are just a sampling of the types of questions I have been asked in my ten years in law enforcement.  Remember, there are over 20,000 gun laws on the books in America so confusion is understandable.

This entry will focus strictly on firearms laws in Georgia and will not address self-defense issues or laws outside the State of Georgia.  Firearms laws can vary greatly between States.  Because of this it is important to become familiar with the firearms laws in your State.  An excellent source of information concerning firearms laws as well as other firearms related issues can be obtained from the National Rifle Associations website.

Georgia’s firearms laws can be found in the O.C.G.A. under title 16 chapter 11 starting at 16-11-101 and concluding with 16-11-134.

Here are the answers to some of the more common firearms questions:

How old do I have be to legally possess a firearm? - Georgia law requires that you be at least 18 years of age to possess either a handgun or long gun such as a rifle or shotgun.  While you can legally own a handgun in Georgia at 18 years of age, Federal law requires you to be at least 21 years of age before you can purchase a handgun.

Do I have to register my gun(s) in Georgia? - No. Georgia does not require anyone to register firearms.

Do I have a to have a permit to carry a firearm in my car? - Currently, without a permit, the firearm must be carried "in the glove compartment, console, or similar compartment of the vehicle" or "in open manner and fully exposed to view".  With a carry permit, those restrictions do not apply and the person "may carry a handgun in any location in a motor vehicle".  A bill has recently been introduced in the legislature that would allow you to carry a firearm anywhere in your vehicle.  We will see if this becomes law. 

Does the gun have to be unloaded when carrying it in my car?  No.  There is no requirement that it be unloaded unless it is carried in any other method than as described above, it must be "enclosed in a case, unloaded, and separated from its ammunition".

Where can I carry my handgun if I have a permit? -  Even with a permit, there are restrictions when carrying a weapon on your person such as types of holsters, etc.  The person should review O.C.G.A 16-11-126 and be familiar with this code section before carrying a concealed weapon.

The second part of the this question often deals with "where" as it pertains to location.  For this, carrying to or while at "public gathering" is prohibited.  There are also other locations that are prohibited even for those possessing a carry permit.  Public gathering, as defined in code section 16-11-127, "shall include, but shall not be limited to, athletic or sporting events, churches or church functions, political rallies or functions, publicly owned or operated buildings, or establishments at which alcoholic beverages are sold for consumption on the premises".

Where do I go to get a carry permit? - An application for a carry permit can be obtained from the probate court in your county of residence. 

How much does a carry permit cost?  The cost is $44.00 and is valid for 5 years.

Is firearms training required before getting a carry permit?  In Georgia, there is no requirement of firearms instruction or training prior to getting the carry permit.  However, while not required, it is highly recommended that the person obtain, at a minimum, basic instruction on the operation of the firearm they own as well as be familiar with the laws surrounding carrying and use of firearms.  Carrying a firearm for personal protection is a tremendous responsibility and one that should not be taken lightly.

Does your department offer firearms training?  Currently, the Dalton Police Department does not offer firearms instruction to private citizens.  However, there are several private organizations available to receive this instruction.  A few nationally recognized ones include, Thunder Ranch, Gunsite Academy, Shootrite Academy in Alabama and the closest, Bill Rogers Shooting School located in Ellijay, Georgia.