Oklahoma Begins Constitutional Carry Despite Push by Anti-Gun Groups

By Chris Eger

Oklahoma lawmakers this year approved HB 2597 with broad bipartisan support, passing on a 70-30 vote in the state House and 40-6 in the Senate, before earning the Governor’s signature. Taking effect on Friday, the law has already withstood several attempts by anti-gun advocates to derail it. (Photo: Chris Eger/Guns.com)
Beginning Friday, concealed carry permits will be optional for adults in Oklahoma who can legally possess firearms.
In February, Oklahoma Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt signed HB 2597, upholding a campaign promise made last year. The measure leaves the state’s current concealed carry licensing program intact while recognizing that an adult aged 21 and up and is lawfully able to possess a gun can carry one concealed without such a permit. It also allows military service members at least 18 years of age to carry. The law will become effective Nov. 1 after shrugging off a legal challenge that made it all the way to the state Supreme Court and a petition drive backed by Moms Demand Action.
“After 112 years, constitutional carry returns the fundamental right to self-defense to every law-abiding Oklahoman,” said Don Spencer, president, Oklahoma Second Amendment Association, in a statement. “By eliminating financial barriers imposed by government permitting schemes, constitutional

Source: Guns.com