O/T Firearms 101: Have some questions on laws-

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GoodysGotaCuda

Mr. Goody
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First off, I am only interested in owning a fire arm for personal and home defense. Not interested in collecting, competition, etc. I am currently 20 years old, 21 in September. Few good friends of mine carry with their concealed weapons permit out in Nevada, I feel it's a good idea to do so.

Which it is my understanding, once I hit 21 I can apply for a concealed weapons permit. Yes? If so, can anyone share what is necessary to go through the application process?

Up and coming here at the end of the year I will have a cross-country journey. Headed from Florida all the way over to Nevada. I'll have a fair amount of brand new snap-on tools, u-haul with my stuff, staying at various holiday-inns and such. I would like to be able to carry something in my vehicle, lawful. Now since I will be about in a different state every day during that trip, can anyone say what is allowed? Does it need to be so many 'steps' away from use? Loaded, unloaded?

Thanks! :read2:
 
Applying for your CWP isnt that bad. You'll get fingerprinted and have a background check done. You'll then have to pass a pretty easy test to make sure you can shoot whatever your taking your test with (must be a centerfire cartridge-no rimfires). As far as going across country, I'm not sure which states have reciprocity with the permits. Should be some info online about that. The classes here in South Carolina run about 100 bucks. I need to get off my *** and get mine too!

Mike
 
A concealed weapons permit is not that difficult in Florida. Like 71DartGuy said better check the laws in all the states you will be traveling thru. But as a good friend asked me and he is now a retired W.V. State Trooper. If it comes down to it and you have to pull it, could you pull the trigger? He always asked that of all that questioned him about permits. His reasoning is a good one like he told me " If you can't do it, don't carry it, you really don't want to get shot with your own gun" Something to think about.
 
Not trying to spoil your fun here,, but just wondering why you feel the need to carry ?

I'm not a gun control freak or anything, I own several firearms myself. Mostly rifles, and shotguns, for hunting and such. But I have never felt like I needed to carry a gun around with me. But of course I live in a very small town, with a very small crime rate.

But carrying, seems like it could cause more trouble than its worth. It may give you a sence of feeling safe, but the last thing you would want to do is put yourself in a situation where you had to pull it out and use it. You never know who else may be carrying, you pull yours they could pull theirs.
Or you could get into a scuffle and have your piece taken away from you, then the other guy is armed and your not.

I think its a better idea to keep your eyes open, be aware of your surroundings at all time, and avoid places or situations where the use of a gun is your only way out.
Thats just my opinion, but you can do what you want. I think you may have some problems carrying it loaded in the car as you go state to state as most or maybe all states have thier own carry laws and permits and a permit from one state doesn't neccesarily cover you in another state.

Best of luck whatever you decide.

p.s. I think the stats show that most cops have never had to pull their gun and fire on anyone. Thats what I've heard anyway. If someone has the stats, lets hear em'
 
Not trying to spoil your fun here,, but just wondering why you feel the need to carry ?

I'm not a gun control freak or anything, I own several firearms myself. Mostly rifles, and shotguns, for hunting and such. But I have never felt like I needed to carry a gun around with me. But of course I live in a very small town, with a very small crime rate.

But carrying, seems like it could cause more trouble than its worth. It may give you a sence of feeling safe, but the last thing you would want to do is put yourself in a situation where you had to pull it out and use it. You never know who else may be carrying, you pull yours they could pull theirs.
Or you could get into a scuffle and have your piece taken away from you, then the other guy is armed and your not.

I think its a better idea to keep your eyes open, be aware of your surroundings at all time, and avoid places or situations where the use of a gun is your only way out.
Thats just my opinion, but you can do what you want. I think you may have some problems carrying it loaded in the car as you go state to state as most or maybe all states have thier own carry laws and permits and a permit from one state doesn't neccesarily cover you in another state.

Best of luck whatever you decide.

p.s. I think the stats show that most cops have never had to pull their gun and fire on anyone. Thats what I've heard anyway. If someone has the stats, lets hear em'

I bolded the main part of my answer. I am moving back to Las Vegas. While it's 'safe' where I am moving. I rather not let my guard down. I don't feel it necessary to carry everywhere I go, but there are situations I would feel better atleast knowing its in my vehicle, if not on me. In the two years I have been with my fiance the wheels have been stolen from her little red express, and her parents house was robbed in broad daylight. I atleast want something in the house, and something on me if i feel it necessary.

Traveling cross country with some serious bucks in the load, sleeping in various locations, etc. I definately want something 'on hand'. Like i said, i dont plan on carrying everywhere i go, i just want the option to!

Thanks all for your information. I'm not sure how the different states thing will work out, i may just have to toss it under the seat, drive safe, and cross my fingers! And i do agree with that most cops have one but dont need to use it....but you dont see them WITHOUT it do ya? :D
 
Here in Alaska we dont need a permit to carry concealed anymore,the law was changed back in 2003. There should be a website for concealed carry that shows what states honor other states' concealed carry permits.I know theres about 25 states that honor our permits.Anyways, something you can check out if your interested.Good Luck......
 
I would check with the other states.
They may not have conceal and care laws. They may frown on loaded uncased weapons.
If you get your permit in Florida make sure you can transfer the permit
over to Nevada.
You may have to reapply there.
Just make sure you cover all the bases so you don't get in any trouble.
 
I Have A Ccw (as Its Called In Ca) For 6 Years Now I Carry Every Day.
One Reason A Concealed Wepon Is Not Comfortable To Where So Carrying Every Day Gets You Use To It. Second What If The Day You Dont Carry You Need It You Reach For It And Its Not There. Now Have Have Had To Pull My Weapon Once And It Was Actually In My Own Home Mid Day With My Kids Home (and I Live In A Small Town Where You Never Think It Would Happen) Someone Kicked In The Door To Rob The House And Was Met Promptly By My Pistol Which Was On My Side. When He Saw Me He Dropped To The Ground And Started Screaming Dont Shoot. I Did Not I Can Assure You I Was Ready To And A Split Second Away From Doing So. I Held Him There Till The Sheriff Showed Up. Now My Point Is This Had My Pistol Not Been On My Side And In The Gun Cabinet As It Would Normally Be I Do Not Know What Would Have Happened Would The Guy Have Pulled The Knifr On His Side And A Fight Occured Maybe Maybe Not. I Say If Your Going To Get It Carry Always. I Have Been Recertified A Few Times Now And Out Of The 250+ People I Have Met In Class I Am The Only One To Have A Story. The Best Advice We Got In Class Was The Only Sure Way To Survive A Gun Fight Is Dont Get In One. (i.e. Be Alert To Your Surroundings) Last Thing Is In The Class Here The Instructor Gave Us A List Of States That Reconize My Ccw (11 Total)
 
The laws are different not only state to state, but city to city also. There was a site called packing.org, but seems like that site is no longer around. Another good site to check on the laws across the states is http://www.handgunlaw.us/ , just check the states you will be going thru. Once you get back to Nevada you can carry a loaded gun with you in the car (in your lap if you want), except in the city of North Las Vegas and Henderson. To get your CCW in Nevada you have to take a class and qualify with the guns you want to carry. I currently have a Springfield .45, Ruger sp101 .357, and for ***** and grins a TEC-22 listed on my permit.
 
The laws are different not only state to state, but city to city also. There was a site called packing.org, but seems like that site is no longer around. Another good site to check on the laws across the states is http://www.handgunlaw.us/ , just check the states you will be going thru. Once you get back to Nevada you can carry a loaded gun with you in the car (in your lap if you want), except in the city of North Las Vegas and Henderson. To get your CCW in Nevada you have to take a class and qualify with the guns you want to carry. I currently have a Springfield .45, Ruger sp101 .357, and for ***** and grins a TEC-22 listed on my permit.

Thanks for the link, it appears that all the states i will travel too reconize floridas permit. ill still be looking into things further, thanks again
 
Might have a solution for you. I've traveled all over this country and never had a bit of problems, other than truthfully answering relevant questions. Here's how I do it:
Firearm is legally registered to me.
Firearm is unloaded with a trigger lock in a locked pistol case.
Ammo is locked in the glove compartment, firearm is locked in the cargo compartment.
When questioned by authorities, readily admit presence and location of above items.
Lots of difference between a weapon in transit and a concealed weapon, and once you're in your room for the night, you're home.
 
Thanks for the info, I do see where you wouldn't have any law enforcement issues with that. However I'm not understanding how that could be really useful if the need was there? I was thinking i could lock/keep the loaded gun in my truck bed tool box. At any stops or stays its availible near the vehicle, and can be taken right into where we are staying if need be. Hmm.

Thanks all for the info
 
Generally speaking, concealed carry and vehicle carry are two completely different things. There are issues regarding holsters, loaded/uloaded, and all manner of trivial legal BS that vary from state-to-state. Most states permit vehicle carry (under the aforementioned varying conditions) without a permit. Concealed carry (loaded, in a holser, on your person under a shirt or tucked in your belt) requires a permit. Other aspects involve things like traffic stop notifcation. In CO for example, you are not required to notify a police officer you are carrying if doing so legally. It's complicated, don't get it wrong if you do decide to try anything.
 
Carrying in a vehicle, as you know by now, varies from State to State. The issue is one of accessibility. Here in Az., an unholstered weapon in say, a door panel would be concealed & Az. does not have reciprocity with Fla. so your Ccw would be useless. A HOLSTERED weapon is fine as it's not considered "readily accessible"in Az. See how weird this can get? If it were me, I'd have the weapon holstered, in a glove box or console & if stopped, tell the Officer you have it. While it may cause some additional questioning, if you don't tell him & he finds it somehow, he'll take it as you were were trying to hide it & probably not be real forgiving.
 
Carrying in a vehicle, as you know by now, varies from State to State. The issue is one of accessibility. Here in Az., an unholstered weapon in say, a door panel would be concealed & Az. does not have reciprocity with Fla. so your Ccw would be useless. A HOLSTERED weapon is fine as it's not considered "readily accessible"in Az. See how weird this can get? If it were me, I'd have the weapon holstered, in a glove box or console & if stopped, tell the Officer you have it. While it may cause some additional questioning, if you don't tell him & he finds it somehow, he'll take it as you were were trying to hide it & probably not be real forgiving.


Good advice, thanks!
 
Quote:

But carrying, seems like it could cause more trouble than its worth. It may give you a sence of feeling safe, but the last thing you would want to do is put yourself in a situation where you had to pull it out and use it. You never know who else may be carrying, you pull yours they could pull theirs.
Or you could get into a scuffle and have your piece taken away from you, then the other guy is armed and your not. end quote:

Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it I always say.

I personally had to use mine twice on the street and won't get into details here for the sake of Goodies question, but the laws differ from state to state and you can find info on the different states from NRA websites.

I personally think a permit is unconstitutional anyways but I guess it helps the cops feel more comfy when you have a permit when they see your gun in a traffic stop.

The state of Georgia is very pro gun and most police departments will tell you they want law abiding citizens to carry because it DOES cut down the crime rate for the bad guys and we all know the cops don't show up until the crime is committed.

Ga does not require a permit for open carry, but they do require one for concealed carry which I don't understand, but that's how they do it.
The gun has to be in plain view while driving and your vehicle is considered an extension of your home as far as personal property goes, and a permit is not required to carry in your vehicle, but a good idea to have one for transporting it.
We just passed a bill HB 89 that will finally "Allow" concealed carry in state parks, restaurants and other areas that were previously considered anti gun.
You just better not be caught drinking alcohol, not one drink if you are packing which I never did anyways.

This bill was strongly supported after GA residents got tired of their young ladies getting killed in secluded national parks, and criminals shooting up restaurants where the good guys were forced to be defenseless.

This bill is being opposed by the anti gunners with their crazy rhetoric thinking that rednecks with guns are gonna shoot up national treasures in parks and endangered animals for sport, but they could not be more wrong.

I wish they would get it through their thick heads that CCW permit holders have been checked out by the government and were deemed responsible.
Also CCW holders do not brandish their weapons to show off and act like loud, rowdy moron's looking for gun fights,....no we will save that behavior for criminals and thugs and let the laws punish those who do stupid things like that.

Goody, you may want to look up the travelers guide to gun laws which is reprinted every year and gives you in laymans terms how to handle your weapon from state to state.
You can find this book on NRA websites and it great to keep in your car eswpecially if you get pulled over by a cop that does not know the updated rules which happens from time to time.

It's all about being responsible, and I taught my kids young all the rules so I don't have to worry about them doing anything stupid at a friends house with Daddy's gun and they should all grow up to be nice little CCW holders.

John.
 
Thanks for the reply John. I do agree with the better to have it and not need it. However, rather not turn this into a 'anti-gun' or 'pro-gun' post if at all possible. Just lookin for info from those that have experience! Thanks! I don't think i will bother messing with the CWP in this state, I will get in depth about it out in NV. Very good friend of mine has carried there for years, im positive he knows the in's and out's of it. I will take a look around for traveling with one in the vehicle a lot more before i do so.

But before anything, i guess i better start looking for what i am going to buy! I've shot a few, never grew up with them, so ill need to get some education from some good friends i guess on the brands to steer away from.
 
If you have little or no experience with firearms, or don't plan on practicing alot, get a revolver. While autos are popular, to use one properly requires more practice clearing jams and new firearm users can have ADs. I'd suggest nothing less than .38JHPs & stay away from 9mm. If cost is a concern, the old Charter Arms 44Special "Bulldog" is a decent choice. Except for Baretta & the German,Swiss, Austrian makes I'd avoid the European firearms.
 
They make some nic e titanium lightweights in 357 magnum, or 38 of course.
I like the hammerless small revolvers for concealed carry, or a small semi auto with a .40 caliber or better.

I personally carry a H+K USP .40 compact. USP meaning (Universal Selfloading Pistol), and it has served me well with many practice rounds fired for years, and it goes wherever I go regardless of the rules except for courthouses and tight security areas.
Sorry, but it's the chance I take because the bad guys don't care about the rules so why should I have to remain defenseless because it's not coming out unless it has to.

I'm glad this new GA bill also "allows", gosh I hate that word, one to carry concealed on public transportation as well so now the good guys can be at an equal level with the thugs so to speak.
 
I am in Texas and while I have 3 guns (.45 1911, .22 S&W target, CZ52 cold war military item) and I don't really feel the need to carry and the stuff I got is too big anyway. But I think my wife should get a little .40 AMT 3 or 5 shot for when she goes running around the city park early in the morning...but she refuses.

I also have 3 little kids under 6 who are always looking through my stuff so things have to be locked up. But a friend of mine does carry and a lot of places (like banks) have those "do not carry a gun in here stickers" so he would have to leave it in his glovebox of his car. Then he started getting complacient and was leaving it in there all the time. Then it became his "car" gun and he never took it out.

One time driving to Houston he got pulled over. Didnt tell the officer he had a firearm in the car (he forgot) and when he went to his glovebox to get his insurance the gun fell out onto the floor of the car. The state trooper freaked out (naturally) and pulled his semi auto and my friend thought he was going to die on the spot. More police backup came, and it was a total mess. The troopers were VERY upset with him.

Of course his handgun was also loaded, he didn't have his permit on him, and overall I think he got into some trouble but the lesson here is if you do decide to carry just be careful and always let an officer know beforehand if you run into one for any reason. Also don't leave it in your car too much as if it gets stolen you now have another problem.

Also didnt Jerry Jones the owner of the Cowboys get in trouble a few years back, he had a .38 in his carry on breifcase and plum forgot it was there when he was going through airport security. Those guys must of lost their minds.

Sean
Austin TX
 
This should help out quite a bit... http://www.opencarry.org/ Cool thing about Nevada, along with quite a few other states, is the open carry ability. If that appeals to you. The above website will let you know how you can carry your gun while traveling, whether you can have it loaded in the car, locked up, click on each state for applicable laws.
 
i would of never thought i would carry a fire arm in any vehc. i own but when i drove from cal to ariz. with my 3 girls and wife . i went to my garage and gun safe broke out my 40. bert. and holster and clip holster thingy and proceeded to load 3 of my clips as i was doing this my wife walked in forgot to tell her i was doing this she freaked a bit but all i could say to her was honey my hole family is going on a long road trip and where driving for 2 days in mostly no where desrt if any thing happens to me and you can get to the wepon dont forget to shot groups of 4 to 5 please ammos cheap put the gun in our suburben concealed in tire jack area with clip in the weapon not saying this is right or wrong but as far as we were concerned it was a possible + if it got shitty and my self and wife are proficient in the use of this particular weapon and as far as i was concerned if ther was a serious problem with some thing it would end if possible in our favor as in my kids and parents make it home safely guess my only qustion to you is do you have any fire arm exp. and do you think like some of these folks asked you could kill something... if you had to with out hesitation if not dont get gun :love7:i dont have a conc. perm.but at last if i thought for a second that my family was possibly going in harms way the other party would be bumming it:happy10:and have a safe trip chap
 
Here is a source of a bunch of information: http://www.carryconcealed.net/

More relevant to making a trip: http://carryconcealed.net/packngo/

Something else to consider when the time gets closer is a non-resident CCW permit for another state. For example, I know of a company here in Colorado that offers a class that fulfills requirements for Colorado as well as Utah. With those two permits, one can carry legally in 38 states. I'm sure that similar programs are offered elsewhere.

If I may offer some advice on selecting a firearm, find a range that rents pistols. Take a day and handle a little of everything until you find something comfortable. I prefer my Commander-sized 1911 chambered in .45 ACP, but it's not for everybody. Whatever you end up with, shoot the crap out of it until it becomes second nature. With comfort, training and practice come competence and accuracy.

It's like an insurance policy: hope you never need it, but much better off if you do.
 
Once upon a time I worked as a range officer at a range in Ft.Worth. I shot all kinds of guns (getting about 40 rounds practice most every day, usually with someone else's gun) and the only, ONLY auto I ever had jam was a rim fire.

Some semi auto pistols rely on precise recoil for proper operation. And if you hold it like a pansy they WILL jam.

As far as the qualifying shoot goes, it's easy. (this said by someone who had their NRA Pro Marksman at the age of 10) A friend of mine had been through the CCW course before me and when I asked about the shoot he said "You can score high enough to qualify with your eyes closed" (he has seen me shoot) It was easy They give you 50 rounds to score with. You could count 15 holes in my target when I was done. (one large one, 14 smaller just around the edge of the big hole)

My dad taught me to shoot at the age of 5. We always had guns in the house. I knew where they were, and never "played" with them. I've owned guns since 1977, everything from black powder to a .44Mag. Long guns and scatter guns too. None of them are of any use locked up and unloaded. And to this point, none of them have killed anyone while I've owned them. But with all the whackos out there, I'm certainly more comfortable with than without.

One last thing. Back in the 90's I was stopped by the cops outside of Memphis in a rental car headed for Virginia. I had my Colt .45 Officer's ACP with me. They asked, and I told them. One of them asked me to get the bag from the car. He set it on the trunk of my car and started looking for the .45. I told him where it was and when he pulled it out he just looked at me. I said "Yeah, it's loaded". So he removes the magazine and looks at me again. I said "Yeah, there's one in the pipe". So he starts trying to jack this live round with it POINTED OUT IN TO TRAFFIC!!

Anyway, he says he has to run the numbers and as long as it was clean everything would be fine. It was and it was. He puts it back in the bag telling me "You can reload this after we leave. But if you get stopped by the STATE POLICE, DON'T tell them you have this."

The rest of my trip was uneventful. So take the course and have peace of mind.
 
The laws are different not only state to state, but city to city also. There was a site called packing.org, but seems like that site is no longer around. Another good site to check on the laws across the states is http://www.handgunlaw.us/ , just check the states you will be going thru. Once you get back to Nevada you can carry a loaded gun with you in the car (in your lap if you want), except in the city of North Las Vegas and Henderson. To get your CCW in Nevada you have to take a class and qualify with the guns you want to carry. I currently have a Springfield .45, Ruger sp101 .357, and for ***** and grins a TEC-22 listed on my permit.

I almost $h!t a brick when i googled what a "tec-22" was LOL:toothy10::toothy10::toothy10:
 
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