Atty. Ralph D. Sherman

Last month I said would discuss how to stay out of trouble with your pistol permit. Maybe it would be more interesting to tell you how to lose it—or how others have already lost it.

Here’s my Top Ten List (in no particular order) of ways to get your permit REVOKED:

1. Carry a handgun in such a way that it falls out of your holster or pocket in front of strangers. This is especially effective in a bar, although shopping malls work, too.

2. Speaking of bars: If you really want to lose your permit, try carrying in a bar, having a few drinks, and getting into a fight. To make sure you get into trouble, try a bar with erotic dancers; the mix of guys under 25, topless women, alcohol, and guns is as explosive as nitroglycerin and gasoline. You’re the match.

3. Try to carry a handgun past the metal detector at an airport.

4. Try to carry a handgun past the metal detector at a courthouse.

5. "Carry" your handgun by leaving it in plain sight on the front seat of your car. This works well on the interstates, where truckers can spot the gun as you pass them. You should expect that another driver will report that you threatened him.

6. Speaking of driving: A bad driving record probably won’t get your permit revoked in the first place, but you may have a hard time getting the permit back if your record makes you look like a scofflaw. I mean the kind of record that has, say, one violation a month, and at least one driving under suspension.

7. Store your gun where it is easily stolen—for example, in plain sight on the front seat of your unlocked vehicle. When the gun is stolen, and you report the theft, expect a revocation letter.

8. Cause an accidental discharge in, say, your kitchen. This is more effective if you live in a condo or apartment, where neighbors will call the police immediately.

9. Threaten, stalk, or hit your girlfriend, your wife, or almost anybody.

10. Get yourself arrested for almost anything.

What’s that you say? You did one of these things, you weren’t even arrested, but your permit was revoked? Well, the statute says you can’t have a permit if you were convicted of a felony or of certain misdemeanor crimes. But the statute also says you have to be a "suitable" person to hold a permit. If the issuing authority (local or state police) deems you unsuitable, you’ll have to convince the Board of Firearms Permit Examiners otherwise. If your behavior (criminal or not) is listed above, you may have an uphill battle.