Carrying A Defensive Handgun In Urban Environments

shootingillustrated.com ^ | 8/18/2014 | Rick Ector

[rktman]

A violent crime can occur anywhere at any given moment. However, it should not be a surprise to anyone that violent crime occurs more often in urban environments than in suburban or rural communities. A person venturing into a well-populated city for business or recreation would be well advised to conduct some pre-trip planning to ensure a safe stay. Accordingly, persons who are concerned about big city crime may wish to legally carry their firearms for personal protection during their visit. Appropriate arrangements should be made to ensure a hassle-free and safe experience.

[rktman]

There's more to possessing a firearm than a lot of people know. Before moving from FL to NV, I checked all the states that we would be driving across to make sure I didn't trip over any of the thousands of laws in place. We avoided some states all together but made the trip just fine. Know the laws of where you're going. An example is being made of a young lady from PA who took her legal PA firearm in to NJ. Bad mistake. Too bad nobody explained the importance of knowing what's up.

[Billthedrill]

Before moving from FL to NV, I checked all the states that we would be driving across to make sure I didn't trip over any of the thousands of laws in place.

My own experience as well. I was ferrying a car from Dallas to Idaho in 2007 and ended up doing some rest-area acrobatics just to stay legal. That has been alleviated by multiple states now honoring my CCW but they didn't then. The laws appear designed to allow police a means of harassing the gun owner even if he/she is doing his/her best to obey them.

[roofgoat]

also, one should know if there is a duty to inform.

I made sure I “tried” to know this on my recent road trip.

Tried because the definition in one state was vague as to the exact way to go about.

[mosaicwolf]

Being retired military I have had CC permits in many states and currently hold a valid permit from AR. While planning a trip to NJ, yes, NJ :-( to visit my Sister I contacted the State Police in Trenton before hand to ensure I was in compliance with all NJ laws. Here is what I was told to do. First, my AR permit was not valid in NJ.

Before crossing the border from PA to NJ I had to:

Pull over.

Disassemble (field strip) my SIG229 and place the disassembled pistol parts in a locked container.

Place all magazines and ammo in a separate container and place in an area of my vehicle that was not in the passenger compartment. Upon arriving at my Sister's home I could reassemble the pistol retrieve the ammo and load the firearm for personal protection. I would be legal as long as I stayed on my Sister's property. The reverse would happen upon leaving the State and returning to AR. All states along my route had reciprocity with AR. The NJ State Police web site has this information.

The purpose of this post is not in anyway indicate I approve of this ridiculous NJ law. I could have ended up in the same situation as the unfortunate lady except my Sister, knowing that I carry everywhere, advised me to be very careful.

[bravo whiskey]

yor have an AR permit?

[reaganaut]

My state has good reciprocity with others regarding CCW however, every year before I make the trip to our winter house, I double check the laws.

[rktman]

That should be VERY, VERY careful in the PRNJ.

[1malumprohibitum]

They mention anything about ammo? Specifically hollow points? Pretty sure NJ “disapproves” of such and it can get you in a lot of trouble if you get the wrong set of circumstances.

In NJ, they are legal, sort of....You can buy them and keep them at your home and you can transport them from the place of purchase, to your home or to the range (who besides the federal government really shoots premium ammo at the range?) Methinks a out of stater, transporting hollow points, even if separate in accordance with the transport laws, would slip through the cracks and be charged. Just my 2 cents.

[rktman]

They do change and get amended without much notice so that is a good practice. Look for dates that would bring the laws into effect as well since it may change while you are at your winter house over Christmas into New Years. A lot of times the effective date is Jan. 1 of the coming year.

[reaganaut]

I check both trips for that very reason.

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

In an urban environment let me reinforce what I firmly believe: if you carry a gun, also carry an easy and quick to deploy sheath knife. The two are very complementary and cover a lot of vulnerabilities of a gun or knife alone.

Second: do not pat. Robbers commonly know that people carrying an uncommon valuable (to them) often pat it underneath their clothing to give themselves confidence it is still there. This includes wallets and whatever else, including a gun, which could cost you your concealed carry advantage.

Third: if approached, having your back against a wall is better than not; being in a door frame is better than a wall; and finding an open door, stepping through and closing it is best.

[rktman]

Situational awareness/code orange.

[catnipman]

The Bottom Line: Knowing The Law and Having A Plan.

And a gun.