Michigan Bill Would Require Carry Training to Buy Any Gun

A Michigan lawmaker wants anyone buying a firearm, even a bolt-action deer rifle, to first complete the same training currently required for a concealed carry license.

Snapshot

Democrat Rep. Sharon MacDonell has introduced House Bill 6477, which would require Michigan gun buyers to complete concealed carry training before they could purchase any firearm, including long guns. Bearing Arms reports the bill was filed ahead of the 2027 session, and with Michigan Democrats now holding a governing trifecta, it has a real shot at passage.

Key points

• Training mandate: Buyers would need eight hours of concealed carry training, including five hours of classroom work and three hours of range time firing at least 30 rounds, before getting a license to purchase.
• Long guns included: The requirement applies even to hunting rifles and shotguns, which Bearing Arms argues makes no sense since concealed carry law has nothing to do with those purchases.
• Penalties stay in place: Current law already makes skipping the purchase-license process a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $100 fine, a penalty Bearing Arms says the bill would make easier to trigger.
• Domestic violence concern: Bearing Arms points out the added steps and wait time could leave someone facing an immediate threat, like an abusive ex-partner, without a quick path to buying a defensive firearm.

Quick take

Bearing Arms argues the bill is self-defeating even on its own terms: forcing home-defense buyers through carry training may just push more of them to get carry licenses, while others frustrated by the hassle could turn to unlicensed sources instead. Whatever you think of the politics, piling concealed carry requirements onto someone buying a turkey gun is a stretch worth watching closely.

Read the full story: bearingarms.com