Lawmakers and gun rights activists are dueling over a bill to allow folks with concealed weapons permits in other states to come into South Carolina packing.

Lawmakers have received more than 500 phone calls from gun owners worried their Second Amendment rights might get clipped if the bill becomes law.

The problem, senators say, is that the legislation could open the borders for people carrying guns they aren't adequately trained to handle. Gun owners say such a law could hurt their rights to carry guns in other states.

"Our people deserve to be able to travel and provide safety for their families when they travel," said Robert Butler, vice president of Grassroots Gun Rights South Carolina, the largest pro-gun organization in the state. "Training is good, and people should practice, but the state is trying to affect the people's right of self-defense."

Training is what this fight comes down to. Since 1996, South Carolinians have been able to get concealed weapon permits if they complete eight hours of training in how to use a firearm. Currently, the State Law Enforcement Division recognizes similar licenses from nine other states.

SLED Chief Robert Stewart said the concealed weapons program in South Carolina has been virtually problem-free, but he understands concerns about allowing untrained gun owners to bring their weapons into the state.

"Safety is our big issue, so I understand the Senate's concerns," Stewart said.

The House version of the legislation, from state Rep. Mike Pitts, would allow permitted gun carriers to bring their guns into the state if their home state allows the same privileges to South Carolina residents.

The catch has come in the Senate, where lawmakers added provisions that require incoming gun carriers to have gone through at least the same training as locals. Many other states don't require training for people to carry guns.

Sen. John "Jake" Knotts has trained more than 5,000 people for a concealed weapons permit, a good number of the more than 40,000 licensed to carry firearms in the state. Knotts proposed the amendment to require out-of-staters to have some training.

"It's just common sense," Knotts, R-Lexington, said. "People in South Carolina are comfortable right now with people carrying guns in this state because they know they are trained. I want to keep that same comfort level."

Knotts, Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, and a few other lawmakers have been targeted by gun owners who received one of the 44,000 "alert" postcards sent out by Grassroots Gun Rights. Knotts said most people have calmed down when he explains his reasoning, but Pitts said he will not agree to the change.

"The reciprocity bill is no good with that amendment," Pitts, R-Laurens, said. "We have reciprocity on pilot's licenses, driver's licenses, nursing licenses and doctor licenses. The House will not go along with this."

After House members voted against concurring with the Senate change, the bill is headed for a conference committee. There, three House members, likely including Pitts, will face a showdown with three senators.

Pitts said the House won't budge, and Knotts said the bill would not have passed the Senate without the training requirement.

So this fight might be headed for a draw.