Firearms with or without Concealed Permit

[DocMike]

One and all,

Just fishing here for what may be obvious once we start RV'ing for real (so far just a front yard shakedown overnighter). BUT, how are firearms handled in the RV world, campsites and Parks?

DocMike
NCNG Ret

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by DocMike

One and all,

Just fishing here for what may be obvious once we start RV'ing for real (so far just a front yard shakedown overnighter). BUT, how are firearms handled in the RV world, campsites and Parks?

DocMike
NCNG Ret

Concealed carry permit in a reciprocal state is not much of a concern except some campgrounds do not believe in one's right to self protection. Transporting through other states requires compliance with Federal law (locked box in locked container with gun and ammo separated). In most of these states you are not allowed to spend the night with the weapon so campgrounds rules are not an issue.

I suggest you get a copy of

Traveler’s Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States

[KNMIB]

I just installed a gun safe in my RV. I can't imagine it would be a problem since it is locked up but who knows.

[fhenn]

In the southern states the RV is considered your home, so Castle laws are in effect here. Now in Massachusetts they do not want any in their state. The best source to find out is the NRA

[DocMike]

Dave and all,

Thanks for the information. Here in NC I think things will be okay as I too have installed a gun safe in the Vegas.

Dave, thanks for the lead on the Traveler’s Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by DocMike

Dave and all,

Thanks for the information. Here in NC I think things will be okay as I too have installed a gun safe in the Vegas.

Dave, thanks for the lead on the Traveler’s Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States.

The link to their site is

Traveler's Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States | Gun Laws for the 50 States

They update the reference every year so it is usually current.

Also, some apps I have installed on my iPhone and iPad include CCW, Legal Heat, and Posted.

Also, of importance is that some states require that you immediately notify law enforcement upon first contact if you are armed while other states only require notification if asked.

[DocMike]

I have it now on my Windows Phone and will be sending the other three apps to my wife's iPad.

Thanks to all.

[04fxsts]

The best sourse I have found for laws in all 50 states is www.handgunlaw.us . Very much up to date and includes links to the laws in the different states so you can read the official word from the state in question. There are states such as Ohio where there is a "duty to inform," For Ohio if you are carrying a concealed weapon legaly and stopped by an officer the first words out of your mouth should be "Officer I have a permit to carry a concealed weapon and have on on my person." So me states do not require this, my state of Illinois only requires notification if asked. I personally have permits from Illinois, Utah and Florida and so can legally carry in 38 states. I see no reason to travel to any of the other 12. Jim.

[DocMike]

Thanks, I will add that website to the list.

Apparently it is a bit more difficult to protect oneself than would appear to be necessary.

[the_dallas_dean]

Originally Posted by dstankov

The link to their site is

Traveler's Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States | Gun Laws for the 50 States

They update the reference every year so it is usually current.

Also, some apps I have installed on my iPhone and iPad include CCW, Legal Heat, and Posted.

Also, of importance is that some states require that you immediately notify law enforcement upon first contact if you are armed while other states only require notification if asked.

Just ordered a copy. I noticed the ebook and the hard copy are the same price.

[Bob Denman]

Since not all States have reciprocity agreements in effect: your best bet might just be shotgun.
Get yourself a pump-action 20 gauge, and put an 18" or 19" barrel on it.
You don't have to carry concealed in the Park, but you should seriously consider protecting yourself in your rig!

[Mo_Mike]

Originally Posted by DocMike

Dave and all,

Thanks for the information. Here in NC I think things will be okay as I too have installed a gun safe in the Vegas.

Dave, thanks for the lead on the Traveler’s Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States.

What kind of safe and where did you install it?

[Gary A]

There are apps you can download that will tell you if your CCW will reciprocate by state.

[Travelin' Texans]

Don't have/need one! Been coast to coast border to border backwoods to metropolitan areas fulltiming the last 10 years & have NEVER had even the slightest need to have one. My SIL & her husband are always packing & that scares me way worse than me NOT having one. Plus we are both VERY uncomfortable sitting in a restaurant or any place where everyone has their side arm on, too many folks have one that shouldn't. I know this is not answering the OP, but just my .02 cents.

[Ag&Au]

I belonged to a travel trailer forum, where the pro vs anti gun discussion got so heated that they had to ban the subject.

Ken

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by Mo_Mike

What kind of safe and where did you install it?

Now this is the kind of question that arises to make the topic undesirable for a forum discussion.

If one were to answer this question then a potential firearms storage location is divulged not just for the person answering the question, but for anyone owning that model coach.

As a CCW holder, my only comment on an open forum is the firearm owner must be aware of the laws of states in which they travel and the federal law as it relates to transporting firearms through states in which a person's permit is not recognized.

Just my 2 cents on the topic.

[Joe-FL]

Being a retired LEO my requirements are different as far as concealed carry. As long as I qualify on a standard course once per year at my home department I can carry in the U.S. without question, and I generally do.

This is what I would suggest to anyone traveling in an RV who desires to have the protection of a firearm. While moving down the highway you could be subject to a search under the right circumstances. If there is a loaded firearm within the reach of the driver or passenger that could very well be a violation in most states, unless of course you have some type of civilian CC permits. If you were arrested for such a violation out on the highway you would be headed to jail on a felony and your RV would be towed. Very expensive. Now, if that firearm was in a safe as someone has suggested, then no matter what it is not "within the reach" of the driver and any passengers and it would be next to impossible to be in violation in any state.

When you are set up stationary and camping your RV vehicle now turns into a "residence" and the only way it is subject to a search by law enforcement is by a warrant. There are of course other circumstances where police could go inside your RV without a warrant, for example they hear your wife screaming for help, etc...., but generally speaking the RV has all the legal protections just like your sticknbrick has against unlawful search.

I certainly do not encourage or discourage anyone from having a firearm in their RV. It is a personal decision that should be made carefully. I have investigated only a couple accidental home shootings over the years, but on the other hand I have investigated many assaults, rapes, and homicides that may have been prevented by having a firearm in the home.

I'm not as comfortable with everyone packing out in public.

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by Travelin' Texans

Don't have/need one! Been coast to coast border to border backwoods to metropolitan areas fulltiming the last 10 years & have NEVER had even the slightest need to have one. My SIL & her husband are always packing & that scares me way worse than me NOT having one. Plus we are both VERY uncomfortable sitting in a restaurant or any place where everyone has their side arm on, too many folks have one that shouldn't. I know this is not answering the OP, but just my .02 cents.

Nobody would ever suggest that you arm yourself if your aren't even comfortable having firearms in the room with you.
Firearms ownership and usage is a right: but it's a right that carries with it, a tremendous responsibility!
It's a choice thing!

[Mike in AZ]

Some great comments here.

I am very pro 2nd Amendment, my wife and I both have CCW's in AZ which are valid through reciprocal agreements in 28 states or more. I also have locking metal boxes in my pickup and a portable pistol safe in my RV which I use driving through, for example, Illinois where my CCW is not recognized.

In California, it's illegal to even possess a magazine with a capacity over 10 rounds. I do not believe it's mitigated by being locked up, either, so I have 10 round mags that I'd use if my trip goes to or through CA. Certain firearms themselves are banned there too.

I'm a stickler for being compliant with the laws, at all times. Sure, if I keep it out of sight "no one will ever know." But what if we should have to use them? I want to have "clean hands" in court, if it comes to that.

As to need, I've never had to shoot anyone, thankfully. Once many years ago I did have to brandish it when two truckers were trying to force my little pickup off the road. My wife and newborn child were passengers, and they could see them. Never knew what they wanted, but it wasn't good.

I've never needed my fire extinguisher, my water purifier, my MRE's, my first aid trauma kit, or my life insurance (so far). But I'm glad to have them.

All that said - I was a USAF Security Specialist, received good training. I then worked nuclear power plant security for 32+ years and had even more, very excellent training. My wife has training also. I strongly recommend anyone who owns a gun, even a shotgun, go get at least some basic training in how and when to use a firearm. You may never need it, but if you do you may regret not being prepared ahead of time.

Hope I contributed to the discussion without sounding preachy.

[Travelin' Texans]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

Nobody would ever suggest that you arm yourself if your aren't even comfortable having firearms in the room with you.
Firearms ownership and usage is a right: but it's a right that carries with it, a tremendous responsibility!
It's a choice thing!

I'm very comfortable using guns, I'm very uncomfortable looking around & seeing everyone wearing one, even more uncomfortable knowing that some people I'm sitting with has one.
As stated it's a personal choice, mine is to abstain!!