Touchy Subject?

[Flingshot]

No I'm not talking about religion or politics.....at least not directly.
I was wondering if any of you world travelers have experience or advise about carrying a firearm while traveling?
Living here in Colorado I usually carry a handgun (lions and bears and weirdos, oh my!) during my local trail rides and sometimes if i am in an area that I know allows discharge of a firearm and its safe I will unload a few rounds.
I do not have a concealed carry permit but i always carry my firearm unloaded in my tank bag or back pack. I can get to it pretty quick if I need it but mostly it is there for fun.
I have been stopped here in Colorado and have told the officer there is a gun in the bag and they have checked it out and let me go on about my way. It has gotten me out of a few tickets because all the excitement checking out the gun makes them forget about why they stopped me i guess. That and they appreciate the honesty.
I know you can't enter a National Park with a firearm so I leave it at home during those trips.
Now that I am wanting to travel into other states, does anyone have any suggestions what to do to cover my rear? Do I need to call every State and ask what thier specific laws are?
Don't want to have to call my cousin Vinny to come and bail me out.
Hopefully you guys dont think I'm crazy for wondering about this. I just likes my toys and I saw deliverance. (And my Banjo is too big for by tank bag)
Scott

[kalexander64]

Speaking from my own Ohio perspective, Ohio DOES have a concealed carry law (you must be licensed to do so) and so long as you are licensed in Ohio to carry, Ohio has legal reciprocity with other states that allows you to carry (concealed) into those states as well.

I am clueless as to what the laws may be in CO, but I'd be willing to bet they are very similar. Most states clone each others laws and slightly change the verbiage so they can pass it off as "original" or "ground breaking legislation".

My $.02

Kevin A

[STBNE]

Ok you're in Colorado...check this site out for your states reciprocity with other states that recognize the CCW permit.When you get to the page click on the header "The Law" then click on your state... the rest should be self explanatory...BTW I dont feel this is too touchy..the law of survival...yours... takes precedence over any man made laws...On the ST-Owners site there were a few of these threads...just type in reciprocity in the search box and see what was discussed...with civility I might add...
http://www.carryconcealed.net

[bigTom]

You don't have a ccw permit, so reciprocity doesn't matter. I wouldn't take a gun to Colliefornia on a bet, bet the other 49 will have some rules variations.

Ranging from Arizona where you can carry in plain sight, and many do to Washington where it better not be in your "direct control". I just happen to know that may or may not include your saddlebags. Thrown out in appeals, matter of fact.

You will need to check each and every state. It's a states rights issue.

[Mr. Guy]

In Oklahoma, if it's in your tank bag and unloaded you shouldn't have any problems. Except maybe Tulsa, they're a little wacky up there sometimes. If your stopped and asked, be honest, I don't think any Patrolman would even look, unless you told him it was a Kimber or something.

Guy

[STBNE]

You don't have a ccw permit, so reciprocity doesn't matter. I wouldn't take a gun to Colliefornia on a bet, bet the other 49 will have some rules variations.

Ranging from Arizona where you can carry in plain sight, and many do to Washington where it better not be in your "direct control". I just happen to know that may or may not include your saddlebags. Thrown out in appeals, matter of fact.

You will need to check each and every state. It's a states rights issue.
Just stay out of DC ...theres nobody there thats worth a damn...just a bunch of thugs and crooks:rolleyes:

[dannyk]

Basically to transport the pistol, without a ccw permit the federal law states that the gun must be in a locked container, and the ammo in a seperate container away from the weapon. Case in point seperated by each one in a differnt pannier and locked. In a tank bag with no ccw not a problem as long as they don't know about it, but could be a real problem if they find out, case in point right now playing out in NY. With a ccw, you must inform the officer that you are a licensed carrier and where the weapon is, at least in my home state. Michigan does respect other states right to carry permits, but is very important to know the laws of each state before you take a chance, could save you some real headaches.

[Trekker]

Check that web site mentioned earlier. And do NOT bring a gun handgun into NY state. No reciprocity here... period. I was pleasantly surprised by the reciprocity laws most states have, after learning what was required in getting a ccw permit here in NY. (haven't started the process yet)

[ImRubicon]

When I get the chance I am looking at Front site for CCW

[G wizz]

My suggestion: If you leave your state ... leave your gun.
Then you will be sure not to ...
(A) Get in trouble with the law. (ie. go to jail)
(B) Have it confiscated
(C) All of the above.

I've traveled far and wide, and have never been bit, mauled, or mugged.
Good chance you wouldn't be either.
Just my thoughts.

[STBNE]

While some advocate not bringing it with you and that you may never need it...I dont disagree but my feeling is its better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.;).Not trying to start a debate..its one's personal choice either way.Personally if I am travelling alone and am camping in remote areas...it would be wise to plan accordingly for wild animals four legged and two legged types.;)

[Ironheadziggy76]

I live in KY, everyone carries! :D I don't have a CCW and I don't carry out of state. But like STBNE, if I'm out alone camping I usually carry a .45 auto. You need big knock down power for a charging Meth Head! :p

[bvail]

I went to Alaska last summer and was concerned about the wildlife, ie, bears and other critters that would love to have you for a snack. After a lot of research, much from residents of the Great White North and the fact that it is not a great idea to try to cross the US-Canada border with a gun of any kind, I chose Grizzly Bear spray. From what I learned from the locals via the internet, you might have a 50-50 chance of stopping a PO'd Grizzly or even a Blackie with any gun. Seems they don't know they're clinically dead and will just keep coming! A good Grizzly spray, such as UDAP brand is claimed to be 93% effective on large animals. Up there you not only have bears to worry about, but wolf packs (especially north of the Arctic Circle), and moose, especially if they have babies nearby. Around this neck of the woods we have the big cats (cougars/mt lions) and bears. If you choose the pepper spray route, be sure to get the good stuff @ around fifty bucks a can that is EPA approved. There will be an EPA approval label on the can. This is very serious stuff, claimed to the 400 times stronger than what the police use. It will bring anything down, two legged or four. Not legal to use on people, but better to say "I'm sorry" than dead. It must be used up wind or you will suffer the same fate as the intended target and it ain't pretty. To cross the border (Canada) be sure the container has the image of a bear on it.

All that being said, I am more concerned about the two legged critters of prey while I'm sleeping in my tent or even in a motel room, so I usually pack a .45 ACP or a .38 with hydrashock +P loads for the tent. Don't have a CCW permit, but am considering getting one for Colorado, before it is too late. Of course with the country going 'blue' I suppose these permits could always be rescinded :confused: I have traveled all over the U.S. packing, but I keep the gun in my trailer. Take it out and load it up when camping.

If anyone is interested in the alternative method for stopping critters, go to http://www.udap.com I purchased a can from them and a book about bear attacks. I had no trouble taking it across the border. I told the guard that I had it and he asked about the size of the can and whether it had an image of a bear on it. He didn't even ask to see it...

[Ironheadziggy76]

Bob,
Thanks for that link, I have been researching bear sprays and this looks like what I'll get. Thanks again!

[bvail]

You are welcome. This brand was recommended by someone I know and trust who lives in Alaska. Be very careful on your purchases. Some do not live up to their claims and you would not want to find out the hard way :eek:

[Flashdog]

There's over 22,000 gun laws on the books in the good ol' US of A. Take your gun, take your chances.

[Mr. Guy]

"The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed"

22,000 laws sounds like infringement to me.

Guy

[uptoblackwood]

Managment is a better word.....

Forest