�A proposed bill that would allow law-abiding Colorado gun owners to carry a concealed firearm without a concealed carry permit would be dangerous and would shoot down important gun training, two local firearms instructors said Sunday.

� Leonard Jimenez, president of the Pueblo Municipal Shooters, and Patrick Watts, a retired Arizona sheriff's deputy and firearms instructor, said education is the only safe way for people to understand concealed weapons laws.

� Watts held a four-hour seminar on the subject at the shooter's club Sunday.

� The state's current law prohibits carrying a concealed weapon and carrying a weapon on school, college or university grounds with certain exceptions.

� HB1092, introduced by Rep. Kevin Priola, R-Henderson, on Jan. 17, would allow anyone who may legally possess a handgun and who carries a concealed handgun the same rights and is subject to the same limitations as a concealed handgun permit holder.

� Jimenez said about 90 percent of the people who have firearms � other than avid hunters and sportsmen � know very little about how to handle them safely.

� "There is more to shooting a gun than just pointing it and pulling the trigger," Jimenez said.

�"I feel that if the Legislature allows everyone to carry a gun without any type of training, it could present a major problem."

�Watts also said he was against the proposed bill.

�"I was against a similar law that was passed in Arizona a few years ago. Training and education is a necessity," Watts said.

�"People need to be educated and just having a gun doesn't necessarily solve problems, but it damn sure creates them if you don't have proper training."

�Jimenez, also a firearms instructor, said most of the students he teaches own firearms and have decided to take a class to better prepare themselves should the occasion come that they need to defend themselves.

�Jimenez said by removing the education step to allow people to carry firearms, more people may be apt to carry a gun in their car or in their pocket and feel that they are adequately prepared.

�"But what would one do in a stressful situation should a need arise to protect themselves and their home or if they are somewhere out in public?" Jimenez asked.

�Watts, who has lived in Pueblo for the past five years, said there are several professional and well-educated people who think they know a lot about guns and the law, but don't.

� He said the average person who is concerned about crime and wants to carry a concealed weapon have a false mindset.

���They think, �I got a gun, don't screw with me. I'll show you who's boss,���� Watts said.

�"They don't know what the law says about when you can and can't use a weapon in self-defense."

�� Watts said people have a very stilted view based on what other people say.

�"They believe everything that is on the Internet," Watts said.

�"I am the most pro-Second Amendment person you will ever talk to .�.�. But when it comes to carrying a weapon with the mindset you are going to use it for self-defense, you better make sure you know how to use it properly and by the law."