I think there's a state map out there in them internets that shows the requirements for every state.
This thread has been VERY informative for me. Thank you all very much!
Here's what I'm walking away with from all this:
There is a risk of being assaulted while touring just as tbere's a risk in riding a motorcycle / Spyder. As an individual you need to understand the risk, then decide what - if anything you're going to do about the risk. Do you wear all the gear all the time (ATGATT), or just some of it, or none at all. You could NEVER be in a crash.
Do you carry a weapon "just in case" ? You could NEVER find yourself in a threatening situation.
It all gets down to this in my mind for BOTH examples: "Do you assume it will NEVER happen to you, or do you Plan for the worst, but hope for the best?".
Thanks again people ! this really did help.
I was wondering how many members that do carry are also a member of the NRA?
AND
How often do you practice?
As for me, I am a member of the NRA and an Instructor who does practice as well. I believe we do have a Constitutional Right to carry for self-defense but we also have an obligation as citizens to ensure we have both the knowledge and to skill to operate said firearms in a safe manner (i.e. no accidental discharging and hit what you're aiming at). I have carried for most of my military career on many a foreign soil while on "official government business". I find it ironic that the same government that trusted me to do so would then question my doing the exact same thing in my own country. Be Smart and Be Safe!
FN five seven, 5.56mm handgun.
You really have to be careful and know the laws of every state you ride through. Some will have you separate the clip and gun and lock in separate compartments (like trunk and glove box). I think there's a state map out there in them internets that shows the requirements for every state.
It is a personal choice like you said, I would not give the keys to my zx12 to someone who has not rode and said let'er buck. If you have to kill some ****head its final, no reset so its a serious choice you have to live with, some people do not have that moral flexablity that is needed, I worked with a cop that shot some kid with a knife in a legit shooting, ruined his life, could not handle it mentally, NO ONE knows how they will handle it until you do it. People sometimes do not look at both sides like this, I have a you choose to be a victim speech for the anti gun nuts (one of which is a female COP I work with)
I personally don't have any need to carry while on a trip... not to mention the second you shoot someone-- no matter what the circumstances--- your financial life is pretty much over. People will sue over anything these days.
In a word.... NO. The risk at anything we do is there regardless. Drunk Driving is rightfully illegal but it still happens. Their cars are not lit up with lights to tell us they are a drunk driver, just like armed less than friendly folks are not either.
So the way my wife and I see it is quite simple. We train, practice and carry. We do this for the same reason we choose to wear our seat belts or wear helmets. Because we can and and have the right to make that choice.
We have been in two situations on road trips that got a bit scary. One time we had been in a state that we had to separate the weapon form the magazine, and it could not be concealed (Not licensed in that state). It was clear the folks on the other end of this situation had weapons and used them as a "Scare" tactic. Thankfully an undercover officer happened by and they left. Basically we had a flat at about 11pm on a quiet road, and they wanted what we had. You cannot exactly say... "One moment please, I need to get my pistol before we proceed"... We had been in a bad situation.
Another time we had our pistols, and we witnessed an assault in progress. I approached the situation (I know dumb) and nutrilized both parties. I never drew, nor did anyone there know I was armed. The situation was not life threatening allowing my to draw the weapon and still be protected by our rights. Only after the officers arrived and had them in custidy did I let the officers know I was armed (IN other words once they had them in handcuffs, I handed them my license). Of course they put me in temporary custidy until they checked me out (Placed in a cruiser to sit).
The surprise on their face was clear. They have seen quite a few folks pull their weapons and getting in trouble. It was refreshing to have this not be the case in this situation. Made their job easier. In fact when they asked these two about it, they both denied I had any type of weapon.
It is not about being the "Big stick", to us it is about best protecting ourselves. For years I refused to carry (Heavy policy background and military family) Only until I got older and not as.... fast as the younger less matured folks did I feel the need to bend to my own refusal.
I was always worried I would loose my grip and arm the assailant. Or something like that. Or allow myself to go to a place that I would not go unarmed. In other words, putting myself in a position that I would not normally do. You know what I meanpps:
Look at it this way. If it is dark. And your in the wrong area of town or road.. then yes. By golly I want to be armed. In nearly any other situation. No ... Not needed... Except for those you never know times...![]()
I carry the Glock 23 with .40 cal. Hydra Shok ammo and Kim, that would be my wife, carries the Ruger LCP .380 with Hydra Shoks as well.
Why?? We never leave home without them and they WILL get the job done should, God Forbid, we ever need them.
Someone asked earlier what are the risks when touring. That's sort of asking "How high is up"... It is difficult to impossible to quantify. If you read the paper, watch the news...etc... Then you should have a pretty good idea. There are a lot of bad people out there that would do you or yours extreme harm. If you leave home.. Be prepared.....If you stay home...be prepared as well and pray nothing ever happens.... IMHO.... Len
Was wondering what people carry and why.
I was wondering how many members that do carry are also a member of the NRA?
AND
How often do you practice?
As for me, I am a member of the NRA and an Instructor who does practice as well. I believe we do have a Constitutional Right to carry for self-defense but we also have an obligation as citizens to ensure we have both the knowledge and to skill to operate said firearms in a safe manner (i.e. no accidental discharging and hit what you're aiming at). I have carried for most of my military career on many a foreign soil while on "official government business". I find it ironic that the same government that trusted me to do so would then question my doing the exact same thing in my own country. Be Smart and Be Safe!
A little off the subject... has anyone seen or handled a Chiappa Rhino? 357 with the barrel lined up on the bottom of the cylinder.
john