Nine reasons why you still want the CCW permit in Arizona....

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed a bill into law, allowing Arizonians 21 and older to carry a concealed weapon without a permit, background check or training class. Of course you’ll still have to legally be able to own and carry a firearm in order to take advantage of the new law.

If no permit were needed, then why does the CCW program still exist, and why are so many people still applying for CCW permits? Even with the passage of the Constitutional Carry law in Arizona, there are many benefits to obtaining a CCW permit. Here are a few

1. Reciprocity -An Arizona CCW permit allows you to carry a concealed weapon in over 30 other states that have a reciprocity agreement with Arizona. Without a permit, Arizona citizens cannot carry in these states.
2. Restaurants Serving Alcohol -An Arizona CCW permit allows you to carry a concealed weapon in restaurants that serve alcohol for consumption on the premises (as long as you don't drink and the restaurant doesn't post a sign forbidding the presence of firearms). Without a permit, Arizona citizens cannot carry in establishments that serve alcohol (for example Chili’s, Applebee’s, Z-Tejas, Pea Wei, Chipotle).
3. National Parks - Congress approved a new law allowing loaded firearms in national parks starting Feb. 22, 2010. That means people can openly carry legal handguns, rifles, shotguns and other firearms and also may carry concealed guns as allowed by state statute. But if I read it right you need a permit to carry a concealed firearm in national parks unless you have a state-issued CCW permit. Without a permit, Arizona citizens cannot carry concealed in Federal Parks (i.e. the Grand Canyon, etc.).
4. Near Schools - Ability to carry a concealed weapon within 1,000 feet of a school. It is almost impossible to travel through the Metropolitan Phoenix area without crossing a 1,000 foot boundary of a school. You will need a permit to conceal carry throughout the valley. (Federal Gun-Free School Zones Act)
5. City of Phoenix ordinances prohibits the possession of a firearm in a city park of 1 square mile or less where posted "Carrying a firearm in this park is limited to persons who possess a permit issued pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-3112." Without a permit, Arizona citizens cannot carry in these city parks.
6. Background Checks -A Concealed Weapon Permit streamlines the purchase of a firearm in that no background check is required.
7. Distinguishing the White Hats from The Possible Black Hats - Law Enforcement nationwide currently uses concealed carry permits across this country to immediately identify a lawful citizen. Having an Arizona CCW helps law enforcement officials determine who to be a good guy because they know you have a CCW permit when they run your plate or license. This not only tells them that you are trained in gun safety and knowledgeable on gun laws, but it also tells them that you have passed Federal background checks and are not mentally unfit or a convicted felon.

8. Legal Defensibility - If you ever had to use a firearm in self-defense, the fact that you have gone through firearms training may help your case if you go to trial.
9. Benefits of Training - The training you receive helps you become a more responsible gun owner by making you aware of the legal ramifications of carrying a firearm, training you on safety issues, and giving you an awareness of the proper mindset you should have if you choose to carry a firearm.

The heaviest part of a gun is the weight of responsibility you must carry for the safety of yourself and bystanders.