ASHLAND, OH As debates continue across Ohio concerning constitutional carry versus traditional concealed handgun licensing, instructor JJ Bittinger aims to provide clarity amidst the confusion. With over 31 years of law enforcement experience, he leads informative and practical CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) courses at Hot Shots Shooting Center. Located at 2112 S. Baney Rd., these courses do not just meet the state's minimum standards; they incorporate Bittinger's extensive real-world policing experience alongside cutting-edge simulator technology, enhancing legal comprehension that could mean the difference between maintaining safety and unwittingly breaking the law. Bittinger emphasizes a crucial misconception: Constitutional carry allows you to carry without a permit, but it doesnt guarantee you understand the law, he warns. This legal nuance is vital for anyone considering the implications of carrying a firearm under different state laws. Since June 2022, Ohio has adopted what is commonly referred to as a permitless carry law under Senate Bill 215. This law permits eligible adults, ages 21 and older, to carry a concealed handgun without a license. However, Bittinger highlights the ongoing legal distinctions that constitutional carry fails to address, such as restrictions around carrying firearms in school safety zones. Under Ohio Revised Code 2923.122, possessing a firearm in a school safety zone without a concealed handgun license constitutes a felony. Alternatively, individuals with a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) can legally enter the zone while keeping firearms secured within their vehicles. This alone is a compelling case for pursuing proper training and certification. Bittinger further stresses the importance of interstate reciprocity. Not every state recognizes constitutional carry, he points out, but many states honor Ohios CHL, which can help avoid serious legal troubles while traveling. Currently, Ohios Attorney Generals Office reports reciprocity agreements with more than 35 states. As a result, CHL holders have the privilege of carrying concealed in jurisdictions that may not extend the same courtesy to constitutional carry proponents, who might find themselves in precarious legal situations. Hot Shots curriculum is immersive and practical. Students engaged in Bittingers CCW class benefit from hands-on learning experiences utilizing the MILO interactive simulator. This technology allows trainees to navigate through high-pressure scenarios such as home invasions and public robberiesactivities designed to replicate the immediate demands of real-life encounters. Bittinger asserts, We can teach anyone how to shoot, but the critical question is when can you use your gunand when shouldnt you? A standard class is comprehensive, typically running 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month. The program meets state requirements of six hours in the classroom and two hours in live-fire situations, covering firearm safety, proper storage, legal obligations, and live-fire qualifications. However, Bittinger emphasizes that the classroom portion is where the most significant learning occurs. One recent participant, Cameron Guegold, commented on the class, stating it was highly educational, with a focus on real-world responsibilities and scenario-based trainingenhancing both confidence and decision-making capabilities. Additionally, the educational offerings at Hot Shots go beyond CCW training. Bittinger and his team also provide courses on situational awareness, unarmed self-defense, and the use of non-lethal defense mechanisms like pepper spray and Taser training. Not every situation calls for a gun, Bittinger asserts. Sometimes the right tool is just good judgment. They even host youth gun safety sessions, teaching young participants what to do should they ever encounter a firearm, emphasizing the principle that education removes curiosity. As JJ Bittinger aptly puts it, Ignorance of the law isnt an excuse. The significance of formal training cannot be overstated; it enhances the safety of both the individual firearm owner and the surrounding community. With ongoing discussions about gun laws and responsible ownership in status quo, engaging in advanced CCW training becomes ever more crucial. It is pertinent for all gun owners to understand the legalities and responsibilities that come with armed self-defense, underscoring Bittingers mantra of education.