Lesson 2 – Key Definitions and Firearms Terminology
Before diving deeper into law and policy, it’s essential that you understand a few core terms used throughout this course and in Minnesota statutes.
🔑 Common Terms
- Pistol: A handgun designed to be fired with one hand.
A visual comparison of states requiring a permit, permitless carry states, and areas where no carry is allowed.
- Permit to Carry: A state-issued authorization allowing you to carry a pistol in public, either concealed or openly.
- Concealed Carry: Carrying a firearm in a way that it is not visible to others.
- Open Carry: Carrying a firearm in plain view. Legal with a valid permit in Minnesota.
- Deadly Force: Force used with the purpose of causing — or that a person knows creates a substantial risk of causing — death or great bodily harm.
- Reasonable Belief: What a prudent person would believe under similar circumstances. Often referenced in self-defense cases.
- Castle Doctrine: The principle that you may use force, including deadly force, to defend yourself inside your home under specific conditions.
- Duty to Retreat: The legal expectation to avoid confrontation, if safely possible, before using force — this varies by location and situation.
These terms will come up repeatedly — and knowing them now will help you better understand the legal standards ahead.