Guns carried openly in VA State Parks now OK

[NH-popper]

Just an informational here (and I'm not trying to make this a pro or anti guns argument, so please don't!) that if you see someone at a Va State Park CG carrying a gun openly, it's now legal, so don't bug the CG hosts.

http://hamptonroads.com/2011/01/mcdonnell-ends-ban-open-guns-state-parks

As an FYI it's already legal elsewhere in public in Va.

 

[Highway Hilton]

Personally I don't have a problem with that as long as they are responsible and liscenced. It does freak some people out though.

 

[azbirddog42]

In Arizona you can ware a gun in a hostler or ware it concealed and it is legal . Love Arizona the wild west. No carjacking's here.....

 

[Engauge]

It sounds like it has been legal to carry a concealed weapon in the state parks as long as you were licensed, not a problem. What makes it any better to carry it openly? How can you tell the guy that is legally carrying the weapon and the one that is not? Are you going to go up and ask him? I personally would have reservation about staying at a facility where people were openly walking around with weapons strapped to their hip.

 

[Greywuff]

I think this gets back to the comment I made in reply to dogs in CGs. There are responsible people that cvarry guns, and there are irresponsible people carrying guns. Like someone else asked...how do we determine who's who in this? Not sure we really can.
I do carry my firearm concealed, and I have only lived in states where open carry was legal. I never carried mine open. I do carry it concealed. Its there for the protection of myself and my family, not to intimidate anyone. Personally, I am pro gun, but only because I feel that as the saying goes, "If guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns." I've carried mine for several years now and have never drawn it. On the same token, I have had a spare tire inside the trunk of my car for years and it's never been on the ground. It's there if I need it, and for no other reason.

 

[Unstable_Tripod]

I agree with Greywuff. I have one and carry it concealed in case I need it. I personally don't see a reason or need to carry it openly.

 

[DSCinVegas]

Man, what a sad comment on life in the U.S. when people feel so insecure that they have to carry a gun at a campground. Really??? Maybe they should just stay at home and hide under a rock if living life scares them that much. Just sayin'.

 

[hammer1234]

My best weapon for self defense is my brain...

That said, if you really feel the need to carry a gun at a CG and it's legal, then go right ahead. Just do the rest of us a favor and keep the recreational substances at home...can't imagine that an impaired person and a firearm is a good mix.

 

[nhcaveman]

Just a point, although I don't know the law in VA., or most other states here in NH as a law abiding citizen I am allowed to purchase and carry "openly" a hand gun, no license needed. However in order to carry "concealed" one must obtain the needed license. My point here being there may be different situations where/why one may need to carry openly. In my opinion however I believe that walking around with a sidearm at your belt draws unwanted attention.




Q: Do I need a license to carry a gun?A: Yes, but only for these two purposes (per RSA 159:4): (1) to carry a loaded handgun concealed upon the person, other than in your home or place of business (where you can do so without a license); and (2) to have a loaded handgun in a vehicle (whether the handgun is concealed or not).I’m not sure if riding a motorcycle or bicycle is considered being “in a vehicle”; maybe your lawyer can answer that, but as far as I’m concerned, it’s always wise to take a conservative approach to these questions.Note that you may not have a loaded rifle or shotgun in a vehicle, by the way (per fish and game law RSA 207:7 – where “vehicle” means a motor vehicle, aircraft, or powered or towed boat, but apparently not an unpowered rowboat or canoe).
Q: Can I carry a pistol or revolver openly, say in an exposed belt holster?A: Yes. Furthermore, you do not need a License to Carry (the piece of paper says “Pistol/Revolver License”) to carry a loaded handgun UNconcealed — that is, visible, for example in an exposed holster — unless you’re in a vehicle. (See the previous answer about vehicles.)Keep in mind that some people may panic when they see a gun, and if they call the police, the police may come to investigate — but the New Hampshire Attorney General’s office has made it clear that open carry is a right, and that another person’s “annoyance and alarm” doesn’t supersede that right.
On the one hand, we will indeed lose our rights if we don’t exercise them, but on the other hand, it’s not smart to frighten or antagonize people, especially if you scare enough people to make the news — which may lead to legislation restricting open carry. Use good judgment. (Hint: look and act like a responsible citizen. It helps to be well-dressed.) [Update, February 2010: Sure enough, because a bunch of people carrying openly were rowdy in the State House during a House vote on a states rights bill in 2009, the legislature is now debating two gun-ban bills, one against open carry in all government buildings in the state. Update later: the bills failed, but what a pain!] Also, from a practical (as opposed to “political”) point of view, if you’re carrying openly in a place where there might actually be an armed criminal attack, you’ll be the first target.

 

[Unstable_Tripod]

It depends on who you are, where you are and what you're doing. I'm a silver-haired 63-year old guy who often travels and camps alone -- with a LOT of expensive camera gear. I've never had the slightest concern in a campground but have had some situations out in the boondocks where I thought things might go sour. (I camp out in the middle of nowhere a lot.) Most people are great but now and then, especially in remote areas, you can encounter some questionable types - -the kind who might think an old guy's TV and/or camera equipment is easy pickin's or who don't like to be caught in the act of poaching or conducting illegal commerce. Then, there is also the four-legged threat. The odds of being attacked by an animal are extremely slim but I figure it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Carrying it is a zero-cost option so it does not matter that the odds of needing it are low. I've only fired it at the range and I hope that's the only place I ever will fire it. It's not a matter of being scared (if I were I'd stay home), it's a matter of being prudent and taking responsibility for one's own safety.

 

[Greywuff]

I walked into the little country store by my house a few years back and asked the owner if I could borrow his baseball bat. "I dont have one" was his comment. "Then can I borrow your pistol?" Again...I dont have one. I stuck my finger up and said, "Good, this is a stickup."
I knew him and he knew me and knew I was joking. It never crossed his mind to get bent about it, we just had a good chuckle. (Course, I knew also that he lied to me on the last count, he always had his as well.)
I agree with DSC completely...it is a sad state of events. However, I feel more comfortable with mine. I also agree with hammer...but, as I am not a partaker of recreational substances, that is not an issue with me.
I realize this is a sticky subject with many people, both for and against. And I will conceed that there are valid arguments on both sides. As long as I am legally allowed to carry concealed, I will. As Unstable said, I don't see the need to carry it openly to cause rational people concern.

 

[Twisty]

Some detailed investigation of the laws and regs has to be done depending on where you are and where you are going to be.
Carrying an unloaded gun can be done most everywhere.
A loaded gun...?
A loaded gun with a round chambered...?

 

[Flyfisherman]

Yes indeed, this is always a sticky, controversial subject and I'm always a little hesitant to get involved into it.

Back when I was working and had to go out on the road (especially around the first of the month), and was collecting money, I carried concealed and had a permit to do so. Still have the permit and have kept it current. So now I always have it with me especially for the travel to and from the camping spot. Sometimes I've set up camp way off the beaten path where there were no C/G and here I've had the piece loaded and out of sight. Always feel a little more secure, especially after dark way out in the boonies. However, when I pull into a regular C/G, the gun is emptied, put away locked up - It would make me very nervous having people around me carrying a holstered gun ... for what purpose(?) If someone attacked me at campsite ... well, there's always the hatchet! Besides ... I think I could out mouth them!

What I liked about getting the concealed permit at the time here in NC is you had to go through this three phase training program (and the class I attended was done very well) ~
1) nomenclature ... knowing the difference between a revolver and an automatic and how to load and unload them.
2) the law ... what it says about when it can be carried and the limits or circumstance it can be used.
3) safety ... and being able to prove you can shoot the thing right at a designated area under the watchful eye of the instructor.

I would think ANYONE having a gun would do well, permit or no permit, to be subjected to the those three phases if your going to be lose in the public.

 

[Unstable_Tripod]

I agree that training should be part of the process to get a permit. Washington State doesn't require it but I had NRA training as a teenager and was in the military (earned marksmanship medals). As for the status of the gun, well, IMO unloaded gun = rock. Mine is always loaded with a full clip and a round in chamber.

 

[DSCinVegas]

UT-- please remind me if we ever run into each other down here in at a Southern NV CG not to piss you off.
LOL.. I kidd! I Kidd!

 

[tlgenterprises]

I am a liberal and I always have a loaded one when I go camping.

 

[Greywuff]

As for the status of the gun, well, IMO unloaded gun = rock. Mine is always loaded with a full clip and a round in chamber.

Agreed, my friend. OH excuse me Mr. Robber, would you please allow me time to get the bullets for my handgun from the locked drawer in the one room, insert them into the pistol thats locked away in the other room, and then aim at you? Nope, if mines on me its loaded with one in the chamber. I agree training and familiarity with your firearm are a necessity before you carry, concealed or open.

 

[You-And-I]

It depends on who you are, where you are and what you're doing. I'm a silver-haired 63-year old guy who often travels and camps alone -- with a LOT of expensive camera gear. I've never had the slightest concern in a campground but have had some situations out in the boondocks where I thought things might go sour. (I camp out in the middle of nowhere a lot.) Most people are great but now and then, especially in remote areas, you can encounter some questionable types - -the kind who might think an old guy's TV and/or camera equipment is easy pickin's or who don't like to be caught in the act of poaching or conducting illegal commerce. Then, there is also the four-legged threat. The odds of being attacked by an animal are extremely slim but I figure it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Carrying it is a zero-cost option so it does not matter that the odds of needing it are low. I've only fired it at the range and I hope that's the only place I ever will fire it. It's not a matter of being scared (if I were I'd stay home), it's a matter of being prudent and taking responsibility for ones own safety.

I agree completely with Unstable_Tripod, well said.

 

[countrypill]

Look at this way. GUN = The great equalizer. It is the only way the small, weak, or non fighting person can protect themselves against a lot of the craziest that one may run into these days. People strung out will do anything, and I mean anything when they need their next hit. You are responsible for your personal safety not the police that may be 10 or more miles away depending on where you are at. Anyway, that is how I see it.

countrypill

 

[camping_girl]

That said, if you really feel the need to carry a gun at a CG and it's legal, then go right ahead. Just do the rest of us a favor and keep the recreational substances at home...can't imagine that an impaired person and a firearm is a good mix.

In my state it is illegal to discharge a firearm under the influence. The point gets emphasized in the study guide for the permit one has to obtain before being able to buy a handgun.