Reciprocity can be a recipe for disaster.

[wjh2657]

With all the talk about reciprocity I have detected a real trap. many seem to get multiple non-resident permits (No classes required) and then demonstrate a lack of knowledge about local laws pertaining to carry. No matter what yor local laws nor the laws of the state from which you obtain your NR permit say, the local laws are in force. Make very,very sure you understand the local state laws when carrying into another state (see HandLaw sticky.)

Example: In Tennessee it is not brandishing if you show your weapon in its holster while adjusting your clothing (TN has OCC and CCW, with HCP)but in Texas, which allows almost anything with a weapon, it is an act of brandishing and can land you in deep trouble. Many other states have laws that can be tricky. A right to carry does not mean carrying any way you want to. You are governed by local laws. Get real familiar with sites on Handgun Law before carrying into another state. The permit/license is just a part of the carry system!

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[k6gixx]

actually that's not true. In Texas you have to intentionally display your firearm in order for it to be considered brandishing. It would take a peace officer who is having a SERIOUSLY bad day to hem you up for accidental exposure of a firearm.

[grady]

True point about knowing the local laws.

On a trip through Kansas last year, I made a note to myself NOT to stop at those turnpike gas stations or state-owned rest stops. I don't remember why, but it was due to something I read while researching KS's laws.

And it seems Oklahoma is much stricter about a gun being seen in a car's passenger compartment. I think it's strictly forbidden to have it visible.

IIRC, in Texas one MUST notify LEO if carrying, otherwise it might turn into a firearm-related offense that may affect carry status.

I also learned New Mexico only allows 1 concealed carry gun at a time. I guess that's fair, because surely the BG's will only be carrying 1 gun.

Handgunlaw.us is a good starting point for research, but I would visit the actual state sites before finalizing my research. I found a Missouri law issue that was left off the summary at handgunlaw.us

[retsupt99]

I don't think that reciprocity creates a 'ton' of problems. If one is somewhat knowledgeabe of the laws of the state(s) 'visited' (and there is certainly enough online to find out) and uses common sense in going about daily routines...you'll be OK.


I'm definitely not suggesting anything illegal, but...if you stay concealed, it will certainly override any unintentional 'mistakes'...who will know?

Keep in mind: Do I have to inform LE if stopped? Where/when can I carry around alcohol?

[ccw9mm]

With all the talk about reciprocity I have detected a real trap.

I'm of the opinion that the trap is with ignorance of the applicable laws, not with reciprocity.

[archer51]

With all the talk about reciprocity I have detected a real trap.

I see no trap in it. Anyone carrying a gun needs to research the laws where they are going to be carrying. If they don't and get into trouble it has nothing to do with reciprocity, it has to do lack of knowledge and research on their part.

[jem102]

These are very good points! I live in TN and that was written into our law so if the wind blows your jacket back getting out of the car exposing your gun the LEO can't get out of line with you, can it be technically construed as "open carry?" YES, but the legislatures intent was to protect the permit holder rather than provide an open carry in a crowded mall of sheep if you will. Now I absolutely believe that requiring a law abiding person to have a permit requiring renewal is a load of male bovine excrement (I do NOT disagree with a first time, ONE TIME, competency test, permit, background check or whatever you want to call it. After that let me alone and go catch bad guys). I feel the reciprocity agreements have grown way faster and larger than I ever expected! Let us not mess up what we have by becoming "unwelcome" guests in other states because we could not honor their requirements, we need to keep this thing rolling and some day down the line a ways we can flex some more muscle when a bulk of the states have solid agreements.
QUESTION: What happens to your home state permit if you take a hit in a reciprocity state???

Thanks, John

[HotGuns]

QUESTION: What happens to your home state permit if you take a hit in a reciprocity state???

In Arkansas, ANY weapons related infraction could be grounds for getting your permit revoked.

A point that I make very plain when teaching CHL classes.

[Ram Rod]

Most laws are made to keep you confused and put you at risk whenever or wherever. That's why I wear sunglasses most of the time....don't want to be accused of looking at anyone the wrong way.

[msgt/ret]

When traveling not only do I research the laws for the states I will travel through but I also print them out along with the states reciprocity agreements, that way I have them as a ready reference.

[Chevy-SS]

.....Anyone carrying a gun needs to research the laws where they are going to be carrying. If they don't and get into trouble it has nothing to do with reciprocity, it has to do lack of knowledge and research on their part.

No disrespect to your post - but IMHO it is exactly this kind of acceptance of gun law ambiguity that the Brady Campaign and other virulent anti-gun groups are counting on.

As we placidly allow the anti-gunners to introduce more and more "reasonable" laws and technicalities into each political district, then the responsibility of trying to comply will become too burdensome. Thus, the anti-gunners will have defeated us simply by introducing and passing volumes of "reasonable", yet confusing, local laws.

We need to push for consistency and uniformity in gun laws, and hopefully promote sane, common sense regulations that a reasonable and prudent citizen can easily abide by.

-

[BikerRN]

I too see no "trap" with reciprocity.

It is your responsibility to know the law. "Ignorance of the law is no excuse. It might, and I stress "might" be a mitigating factor, but it's not an excuse and I wouldn't count on a mitigating factor to excuse illegal behavior. It may, or may not, influence the sentencing portion of your adventures through the criminal justice system however.

Biker

[FastDraw]

No disrespect to your post - but IMHO it is exactly this kind of acceptance of gun law ambiguity that the Brady Campaign and other virulent anti-gun groups are counting on.

As we placidly allow the anti-gunners to introduce more and more "reasonable" laws and technicalities into each political district, then the responsibility of trying to comply will become too burdensome. Thus, the anti-gunners will have defeated us simply by introducing and passing volumes of "reasonable", yet confusing, local laws.

We need to push for consistency and uniformity in gun laws, and hopefully promote sane, common sense regulations that a reasonable and prudent citizen can easily abide by.



-

Good post

[tiwee]

I agree with Chevy-SS and think JEM102 proposes a good solution. Let us keep our heads up and look to the future. A model concealed carry system that is adopted by individual states would be ideal. It would be a lot of work and take a long time, but it would encourage more people to carry.

[archer51]

No disrespect to your post - but IMHO it is exactly this kind of acceptance of gun law ambiguity that the Brady Campaign and other virulent anti-gun groups are counting on.

As we placidly allow the anti-gunners to introduce more and more "reasonable" laws and technicalities into each political district, then the responsibility of trying to comply will become too burdensome. Thus, the anti-gunners will have defeated us simply by introducing and passing volumes of "reasonable", yet confusing, local laws.

We need to push for consistency and uniformity in gun laws, and hopefully promote sane, common sense regulations that a reasonable and prudent citizen can easily abide by.

-

No disrespect taken. However we do not live in a perfect world and must deal with that. In a perfect world all laws in all states would be the same. Each state have different driving laws also. You are required to obey the driving laws of the state your in. If not you can be ticketed and fined. For example there are some states that do not allow a right turn on a red light. If you are from a state that allows it and do it in a state that does not, you will probably be stopped and more than likely ticketed. Hunting and fishing laws are different from state to state as well. It is the individuals responsibility to know and adhere to the laws where they are at.