Full Timing With Weapons

[Larryzv7]

As a fulltime RV’er traveling from State to State what is your general understanding of carrying weapons from one State to another?

I do not have a concealed carry permit but I do keep a .45 cal in my 5th wheel. I also have a 19-million volt Stun Gun, and realize that different States have laws regarding stun guns. I also have some Alaska Bear Spray, which I don’t think is governed by any laws but I would be interested in hearing what others think of bear spray as an effective deterrent against bears?

Now I know I can just do a search of State laws before entering a State but I was just wondering if such laws generally make exceptions for visitors who may only be in a State 90-days or less? As a U.S. Army veteran I know that if I stay at a campground on a military base I have to let the Provost Marshall (Military Police) know that I have a firearm within 24-hours of entering that base.

A few years ago I was camping at a California State Park, and was getting ready to leave that campground after a 14-day stay; I put my unloaded .45 in my tow vehicle and left the ammo in the 5th wheel, which is the legal way to travel with a firearm in your vehicle in many States.

Another camper, who was evidently afraid of guns, saw me put my .45 in my tow vehicle and informed the park ranger that I had a gun. Within minutes 3- park law enforcement vehicles pulled up to my campsite, where I was getting ready to leave, and the park police, with their guns drawn, yelled out for me to get face down on the ground.

I didn’t hesitate because there were 5-of them with guns drawn pointed at me. They asked me if I had a gun; I replied that I did, and the bottom-line is that they gave me a citation for having a lethal weapon on State property. California law says that you can have a gun while camping but it excludes State property.

The citation was a misdemeanor and because I do not have a criminal record I ended up with a $1000.00 fine and 1-year unsupervised probation. Again, I do not have a concealed carry permit and the California Attorney General’s website says that you can have a firearm with you while you are camping, but the park police told me that this did not include State property.

So this is my long story as to why I am asking about generally traveling with a firearm between different States? It is very hard, dependant on the county of your residence, to get a concealed carry in California.

[USMC46]

As a former law enforcement officer, and Criminal Justice professor, it sounds to me like that little group of officers overreacted. Unfortunately, California is one of those states where the liberal politicians and liberal judges impose their will, and the cops tag along. (I used to live there.) I'm now a Texan, and will NEVER RV in California, primarily because I would not feel safe there from the "State"... In most states, county prosecutors have a huge influence on what you will be charged with, if charged. So, travel in the states where you expect to find officials with the most common sense. I do have a concealed carry permit, but hardly ever carry as I understand the enormous liability associated with it. Research all you can regarding the weapons laws for the states you plan to travel in, then, in my opinion, travel where people have some common sense, and keep weapons out of sight, and only use to save life when there is no alternative.

[DianneOK]

You know, it is really sad that there are a few who must spoil it for every one.

Therefore, I will delete every post referring to the offender. And offenders need not post again

[LewBob]

Larryzv7 wrote:
I have asked the moderator to close this thread, as the originator of this topic, because I do not want it to degrade into something which was not intended. I have received all of the information which I was seeking, and I believe a heated pro/con debate/argument will lead to this thread being closed anyway.

Peace and good journey to everyone.:)

Agree. This one's gone too far ... political.

[Larryzv7]

I have asked the moderator to close this thread, as the originator of this topic, because I do not want it to degrade into something which was not intended. I have received all of the information which I was seeking, and I believe a heated pro/con debate/argument will lead to this thread being closed anyway.

Peace and good journey to everyone.:)

[Old-Biscuit]

beemerphile1 wrote:
Why oh why oh why do you people have to do this/

The question posed in the OP;
"As a fulltime RV’er traveling from State to State what is your general understanding of carrying weapons from one State to another?"

This thread is not about personal opinions on whether you should carry or not so get off it please.

Thank goodness we live in a country where we have a choice. Personal opinions differ and some will never be convinced. Be thankful for freedom of choice and even freedom to have differing opinions.

Asked
Answered
Links provided

[campigloo]

We are getting to the point of beating a dead horse. At least let's all leave friends. Hope no one's blood pressure is up too much!

[Francesca_Knowl]

Ten percent of the total posts is an awful lot of exercise, CK- especially since they do tend towards the kind of pro/con arguments now developing that often lead to thread closure.

[scroller95969]

beemerphile1 wrote:
Why oh why oh why do you people have to do this/

The question posed in the OP;
"As a fulltime RV’er traveling from State to State what is your general understanding of carrying weapons from one State to another?"

This thread is not about personal opinions on whether you should carry or not so get off it please.

Thank goodness we live in a country where we have a choice. Personal opinions differ and some will never be convinced. Be thankful for freedom of choice and even freedom to have differing opinions.

Well said.

[beemerphile1]

Why oh why oh why do you people have to do this/

The question posed in the OP;
"As a fulltime RV’er traveling from State to State what is your general understanding of carrying weapons from one State to another?"

This thread is not about personal opinions on whether you should carry or not so get off it please.

Thank goodness we live in a country where we have a choice. Personal opinions differ and some will never be convinced. Be thankful for freedom of choice and even freedom to have differing opinions.

[campigloo]

I wasn't going to reply until CKNSLS wrote about all of his miles with no worries at all. Glad it worked out for you. I decided to carry while on the road when we stopped at an obscure nat park in San Bernadino Mts. southeast of L.A. We got there after dark, were the only rig there and not so much as a light bulb for a hundred miles. (The night sky was incredible!) Woke up the next morning and had a scuzzy looking biker sleeping on the picnic table a few spots from us, and a van load of hippies across from him. At that point I realized I didn't have so much as a baseball bat to defend myself and my wife with. Were they dangerous? No clue. Probably fine people; I didn't know one way or the other, but chose to err on the side of caution.

On a trip from Grand Canyon to ElPaso, we stopped at the only CG we had seen for the last 4 hours. Parked in the first spot facing the bathroom door and between us was a group of 8 HIGHLY intoxicated men. I escorted my wife back and forth from the bath house to the pup with a 38 in my pocket. Don't know your experiences in all those miles CNKSLS, but these were enough for me.

BTW, thanks to Larry and all the other Vets who sacrificed and continue to sacrifice so much so that I may carry a weapon.

[brose38]

Even if you have a concealed carry from one state and it is legal in the next you need to know the limitation in that state. Can not carry in Federal building even in states that allow it. Also in Texas you can not carry into the Elks Club or any restaurant if they have over 51 percent of their income from alcohol. You just need to know what each state requires.
If your weapon is in your unit do not tell anyone you have one even a LEO and never permit anyone to search your vehicle or RV with out a Warrant.

[path1]

To OP

Have no idea if this info is right or outdated but maybe worth a lookhttp://www.deansafe.com/transporting-guns-in-california.html

[shotputguy]

I think the $1000 fine is an expensive lesson. Saying that I would learn the laws of the states you wish to visit, so you are not detained again,because now you have a misdemeanor and the fine maybe money and or jail time. Remember once burned, twice wise.

[DianneOK]

Path...I expected this....no surprise. The regular members who post on the forums I moderate know where I stand on gun threads. I am pleased that new members come along and respect the rules.

Again thank you, one and all. I have done exactly ZERO editing or deleting here . 🙂

[path1]

WOW!!! a gun thread that is long and didn't get sidetracked into politics or name calling.

Congrats to everybody!!!