How many states still have decent gun laws?

Post by **Old Savage** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 1:03 am

Not Calif obviously - but where?

Mich Hunter · Post by **Mich Hunter** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 1:57 am

South Dakota. Can still carry a loaded rifle in the truck and CCW is $10. Good in my book.

Stan in SC · Post by **Stan in SC** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 5:30 am

South Carolina.The less laws are the best laws.

Noah Zark · Post by **Noah Zark** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 6:31 am

PA and Indiana, excellent gun-friendly regs.

Noah

20cows · Post by **20cows** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 6:46 am

We get by.

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 6:46 am

I think they're pretty decent here in Missouri. The CCW could be less expensive though. They recently done away with the hassle of getting a permit from the County Sheriff in order to purchase a handgun. The law stated it could take up to 7 days to obtain your permit. I have lived in some counties that the Sheriff Dept would issue next day or two, but the Sheriff where I'm at now is very anti gun and it would always take the full 7 days. He was also against the CCW law.

Missouri has also recently passed a Castle Doctrine law.

JimT · Post by **JimT** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 7:26 am

How many states still have decent gun laws?

More than used to!

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 7:32 am

According to the Brady Bunch the High Honors (lowest on their scale) goes to OK and someone else.

IN isn't too bad except for the "requirement" for a (shall issue) CCW License to "legally" do anything with a handgun off your own property...

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 7:38 am

JimT - I just love that graphic!!!

redhawk · Post by **redhawk** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 8:22 am

Alabama

gunslinger598 · Post by **gunslinger598** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 9:07 am

It's not to bad here in Oklahoma.

I just got my cwl about a week ago.

When I first moved here 8 years ago I was denied the purchase of a shotgun at wal mart. I never did find out why. I suppose they might even still deny me today from my experience and what I've heard.

The open carry here is still slightly restrictive.

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 9:27 am

That graphic is not correct though. Arizona has always had the right to carry. Only thing is until 94 it was open carry only. Then they passed the CCW laws. They still have open carry as well.

Joe

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 10:22 am

Indiana still prohibits concealed carry on school property though, which I find ridiculous and a needless 'symbolic gesture' to the hoplophobes which only endangers our children.

I'd also like to see a state law facilitating litigation against any business which disarms its employees or customers. Stray bullets everyone fears from CCW holders defending themselves IMHO are not only extremely unlikely, but NOT the businesses fault, so they should be protected from litigation on that front, but SHOULD be put squarely in the crosshairs of litigants who have been disarmed and then suffer harm on their property.

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 10:30 am

AJMD429 wrote:Indiana still prohibits concealed carry on school property though, ...

Except in the parking lot when picking-up/dropping off.

JimT · Post by **JimT** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 11:24 am

J Miller wrote:That graphic is not correct though. Arizona has always had the right to carry. Only thing is until 94 it was open carry only. Then they passed the CCW laws. They still have open carry as well.

Joe

I think you misunderstood it Joe.

Arizona was not an "Unrestricted State". There was only one State at the time who was "Unrestricted Carry". Right now there are only two.

Also, Arizona it did not have any "issue" laws at all, either "May Issue" or "Shall Issue". While it had "open carry" as a State law, that was not without hassles in some communities. Carrying openly was certainly the basis for troubles in the more urban communities. By the middle 1980's it was certainly discouraged in the large cities. Charges such as "disturbing the peace" etc. were threatened. (It scared the lliberals from back East who brought the money to keep Arizona green.)

The graphic shows the progress from "No Issue" to "Shall Issue" in many states, including Arizona.

What we need now is a wholesale movement towards the "Unrestricted Carry.

BigSky56 · Post by **BigSky56** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 12:07 pm

Montana is pretty good can carry concealed in a vehicle includes person in city limits, outside vehicle open carry. Outside city limits concealed or open carry have to tell leo if he askes you. No restriction on loaded firearm (any) in vehicle. As a result of this law we have few if any carjackings. Leo's are reasonable towards kids durring hunting season about rifles in vehicles at school never heard about any problems. danny

Cosmoline · Post by **Cosmoline** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 12:47 pm

Alaska is the best. No need for a concealed carry license here, and firearms are well known and accepted. I went into Wendys this past Saturday with a Win 94 strapped to my back. Nobody batted an eye, let alone called the cops.

Boreman · Post by **Boreman** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 4:34 pm

Pretty good shape in WV........

PawPaw · Post by **PawPaw** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 4:52 pm

Louisiana has great gun laws. It's a very gun-friendly state.

Winjester · Post by **Winjester** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 5:06 pm

I have to say that Utah has very decent gun laws. We have open carry here; with or without a CCW, it is legal. Without a CCW it just has to be unloaded. That means that if you don't have a concealed weapons permit, you may open carry a semi-auto with a full clip, as long as there is no round in the chamber. The process for getting a CCW is very easy, and that's why alot of out-of-state people get the permit here because it is accepted in 33 states (includes Utah).
JimT - That graphic is graphic!

Winjester

Andrew · Post by **Andrew** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 5:22 pm

JimT wrote:What we need now is a wholesale movement towards the "Unrestricted Carry.

Agreed.

Hillbilly · Post by **Hillbilly** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 5:47 pm

Michigan was not terrible. Local county officers were a bit slow on the learning curve after CCW laws passed. In Midland we fired the County Prosecuter and Sherriff... and vote in a couple of guys who "understood" the new law.
Michigans biggest problem is Detroit politics run the whole state when it comes to many issues. It is not strictly against the law to open carry ... but you wont walk a half mile in public before you get detained in any of the urban/suburban counties.

Out in the boonies you may carry without a hassle... all depends on were you are at.

Very pleased with Oklahoma... there is a petition around to loosen the open carry law... we will see how much action that gets
Jeff

meanc · Post by **meanc** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 6:35 pm

Florida, gets an A+++++ in my vote. Even with all the hurricanes, it's still a great place to be.

44LVR · Post by **44LVR** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 6:51 pm

For as Liberal as Washington State is, our gun laws are pretty good. Could be better somehow I reckon, but still pretty good considering.

Cosmoline wrote: I went into Wendys this past Saturday with a Win 94 strapped to my back. Nobody batted an eye, let alone called the cops.

I'm curious. Why were you walking into a Wendy's with a '94 strapped on?

You have my imagination running amuck

44

Cosmoline · Post by **Cosmoline** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 7:47 pm

I had biked 15 miles to the range with the Win and two enormous 54 smokepoles plus sundry ammo, roundball, and range stuff in tow on a BOB trailer. I needed an early start to avoid a headwind so I skipped breakfast and was downright starving en route back home. So I sallied forth to a nearby place and set about purchasing some combustibles. It was good, not great. And I had to wait a long time. In hindsight I should have picked up a small all-meat pizza from a local vendor called Champion.

The practice of attaching leverguns to backpack scabbards is well known around here and is pretty useful in bear country. There's a fellow who makes them locally. Here's a setup I had for awhile on my summer cruiser bike

At any rate, I frequently bike down to the range for the exercise and often have a rifle strapped to my back or in the trailer. Never had any trouble for it. I've gone into natural food stores with an M91 Mosin in little more than a torn up gunsock and never got trouble for it. Firearms are a non-issue in Alaska.

jdad · Post by **jdad** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 8:19 pm

As liberal as the politics are, in the Portland Metro area, Oregon is very pro-firearm.....actually a little better than WA.

Paladin · Post by **Paladin** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 5:15 am

Andrew wrote:
JimT wrote:What we need now is a wholesale movement towards the "Unrestricted Carry.
Agreed.

+1

The Lewis · Post by **The Lewis** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 7:38 am

Vermont is the way it should be. The only gun law is don't commit a crime with one, oh, and stay off of federal property.

Cosmoline, Great set up on the bike! I could use one of those scabbards, I have a range within cycling distance and try to do that when I have the time, always like to kill two birds with one stone.

Jim T, Nice graphic!

Post by **Hobie** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 8:38 am

I'm pretty happy here in VA. The only thing I don't like is the one gun a month law (for handguns). I can't keep up with it.

(not that I don't try!)

Actually with the CHP, one can buy more than one handgun a month. Yes I have done that...

44LVR · Post by **44LVR** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:28 am

Cosmoline wrote:I had biked 15 miles to the range with the Win and two enormous 54 smokepoles plus sundry ammo, roundball, and range stuff in tow on a BOB trailer. I needed an early start to avoid a headwind so I skipped breakfast and was downright starving en route back home. So I sallied forth to a nearby place and set about purchasing some combustibles. It was good, not great. And I had to wait a long time. In hindsight I should have picked up a small all-meat pizza from a local vendor called Champion.

The practice of attaching leverguns to backpack scabbards is well known around here and is pretty useful in bear country.

Cool! And a nice set up. Thanks for the explanation!

44

alnitak · Post by **alnitak** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:31 am

Hobie wrote:I'm pretty happy here in VA. The only thing I don't like is the one gun a month law (for handguns). I can't keep up with it. (not that I don't try!)

Actually with the CHP, one can buy more than one handgun a month. Yes I have done that...

+1 for Virginia. It's also on the forefront of open carry, with a very active group making OC visible even in NoVA. Only restrictions, essentially, are for concealed carry in places that serve alcohol (though open carry is allowed), El-Hi school grounds, court houses and Federal properties. Personal property (like some restaurants and movie theaters) owners can post "not allowed" signs, but it's only a trespass offense if approached. I suspect some of the western states are better, but probably not by much. Of course the permit is a CHP, not a CCW, so it could be better.

Post by **Old Savage** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 10:31 am

I am wondering about Idaho, I suspect they are good there.

Blackhawk · Post by **Blackhawk** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 11:01 am

Arkansas is not bad but needs improvement. On a related note we have no Castle Doctrine or Open Carry Law. The Castle Doctrine, labeled Stand Your Ground here in Arkansas by Mike Burris, comes back to the floor in January 09.

I'm for the Unrestricted Carry as well. But my senator is not so he has to go.

Johnny

klhill · Post by **klhill** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 12:39 pm

Cosmoline, Can you tell me anything about the scabbard with the straps for carrying on your back? Brand? cost or where it might be purchased? I've been looking for something like that (preferably in leather but would consider anything). Thanks

alnitak · Post by **alnitak** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 1:33 pm

klhill wrote:Cosmoline, Can you tell me anything about the scabbard with the straps for carrying on your back? Brand? cost or where it might be purchased? I've been looking for something like that (preferably in leather but would consider anything). Thanks

Sportsman Guide has one in leather for $45

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=282557

Going to get one myself. It has both saddle straps and a shoulder strap.

stretch · Post by **stretch** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 3:47 pm

Maine isn't too bad - yet.

But ALL CCW permits, methinks, are unconstitutional.

timkelley · Post by **timkelley** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 4:53 pm

Old Savage, Idaho is good. Boise and one other city require a carry permit, in the the rest of the state its just assumed you have a gun and buisness as usual.
When I escaped the PRC (Cathedral City) and came here I found a Deputy Sheriff and asked him about the laws. He just laughed (he escaped from one of the coast cities) and told me the important laws, don't shoot across a road or a navagable [sp?] river or stream.

klhill · Post by **klhill** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 5:25 pm

Alnitak,,,,,, thanks, that's what I was looking for and a pretty good price too.

Cosmoline · Post by **Cosmoline** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 2:00 am

klhill wrote:Cosmoline, Can you tell me anything about the scabbard with the straps for carrying on your back? Brand? cost or where it might be purchased? I've been looking for something like that (preferably in leather but would consider anything). Thanks

Dan, the fellow who came up with the scabbards and the chest holster for big magnums runs this outfit:

http://www.alaskasportsmanproducts.com/

I've only seen his stuff in local shops, but I believe you can get it by mail order. It is very, very well made and I have not yet managed to destroy either the scabbards or the chest holsters I've bought from him. I noticed a nationwide company had introduced some cheaper knockoffs, but they're not made from the same thickness of material or quality.

These are not leather saddle scabbards, but I've seen some of those around as well. The drawback of leather is of course the additional weight which can be a pain for backpacking. My back country rig is a beat up old Puma .44 with a half magazine. It and the scabbard weigh me down less than a handgun.

bigbore442001 · Post by **bigbore442001** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 5:30 am

I think it would be easier to post the states with lousy gun rights than the best. Many states have reformed their laws in favor of more personal freedom, especially regarding concealed carry.

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 6:37 am

NC is pretty restrictive.

NO:
Schools, public or private, all levels including universities. This also applies to all property
owned by any school.§14269.2
Assemblies and establishments where admission was charged.§14269.3
Assemblies and establishments where alcohol is both sold and consumed. §14269.3
State Capitol Building, the Executive Mansion, the Western Residence of the Governor, or on
the grounds of any of these buildings, and any building housing any court of the General Court
of Justice. §14269.4
State office buildings or any portion of a building in which there’re State offices. §14415.11(c)
Law Enforcement or Correctional Facilities. §14415.11(c)
Financial Institutions. §14415.11(c)
Events Occurring in Public: It shall be unlawful for any person participating in, affiliated with,
or present as a spectator at any parade, funeral procession, picket line, or demonstration upon
any private health care facility or upon any public place owned or under the control of the State or any
of its political subdivisions to willfully or intentionally possess or have immediate access to any dangerous weapon.§14
277.2
Areas of emergencies or riots.§14288.7
Where notice of carrying a concealed handgun is prohibited by the posting of a conspicuous notice or statement.
§14415.11(c)

NO Wildlife areas, state parks or state forests.

If you are evacuated from your home, you may NOT have a weapon of any kind.

Castle doctrine has been voted NO several years running. You MUST FLEE any bad guy, even in your own home.

DavidF · Post by **DavidF** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 7:56 am

Tycer wrote:NC is pretty restrictive.

NO:
Schools, public or private, all levels including universities. This also applies to all property
owned by any school.§14269.2
Assemblies and establishments where admission was charged.§14269.3
Assemblies and establishments where alcohol is both sold and consumed. §14269.3
State Capitol Building, the Executive Mansion, the Western Residence of the Governor, or on
the grounds of any of these buildings, and any building housing any court of the General Court
of Justice. §14269.4
State office buildings or any portion of a building in which there’re State offices. §14415.11(c)
Law Enforcement or Correctional Facilities. §14415.11(c)
Financial Institutions. §14415.11(c)
Events Occurring in Public: It shall be unlawful for any person participating in, affiliated with,
or present as a spectator at any parade, funeral procession, picket line, or demonstration upon
any private health care facility or upon any public place owned or under the control of the State or any
of its political subdivisions to willfully or intentionally possess or have immediate access to any dangerous weapon.§14
277.2
Areas of emergencies or riots.§14288.7
Where notice of carrying a concealed handgun is prohibited by the posting of a conspicuous notice or statement.
§14415.11(c)

NO Wildlife areas, state parks or state forests.

If you are evacuated from your home, you may NOT have a weapon of any kind.

Castle doctrine has been voted NO several years running. You MUST FLEE any bad guy, even in your own home.

And North Carolina is now officially on the list of states I won't move to.

How do legislators sleep at night.............Because these laws don't apply to them.

shdwlkr · Post by **shdwlkr** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 9:29 am

New Mexico is pretty fair and idaho where I maybe moving to seems to be ok
I know NY is only one step behind California and that is one reason I don't live there anymore. They were in the process of making the winchester model 94 and assault weapon. Don't if they ever did but their ccw laws are real goofy

jnyork · Post by **jnyork** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 9:58 am

Wyoming has decent gun laws (hardly have any at all). BUT, you dont want to move here. At all costs, avoid moving here!!

MikeS. · Post by **MikeS.** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 11:48 am

Like someone already said, WV is pretty good. A CCW is easy to obtain at about 100 bucks. Open carry is legal. We are adding more states to our CCW base. We have an up and coming group looking out for our gun rights. (WVCDL). The Legislature passed a castle doctrine law, we no longer have to retreat in our own home. The state has a gun preemption law with I think 2 cities G'fathered in. 2 more at least are or have tried pulling fast ones on that though. Both of them near me.

The bad, very restrictive on any school property. Don't even have them in the trunk.

Leverluver · Post by **Leverluver** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 11:51 am

At all costs, avoid moving here!!

Yup gettin too crowded, don't move here

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 1:02 pm

For all the Liberals along the I-5, WA is not too bad. Open carry is legal, Shall issue for about 35 bucks.........

Bogie35 · Post by **Bogie35** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 11:55 pm

Cosmoline wrote:Alaska is the best. No need for a concealed carry license here, and firearms are well known and accepted. I went into Wendys this past Saturday with a Win 94 strapped to my back. Nobody batted an eye, let alone called the cops.

Very cool.

bogie

GSRASHER · Post by **GSRASHER** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 11:47 pm

I guess I'd better put in a good word for New Mexico. It's always been an 'open carry' state, and for the last few years we've also been a shall issue concealed carry state. Interestingly, anybody can have a weapon concealed in their car/truck/motorcycle because it's considered an extension of your home.

JP_TX · Post by **JP_TX** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 9:55 am

Paco's graphic was great. One question. Where is that Obama fella from? Hmmm!

JP