Handguns in CMV

[TomB985]

Thanks for clarifying.

When I went through orientation there back in October, I had the option to either accept dispatch into canada or "opt out", which I chose. I heard through the grapevine that it's no longer an option for new hires to opt out of Canada, so that wouldn't be an issue for me.

For the most part, I do agree with you. The only time I've ever been in fear for my life was in another country, and me and everyone with me had automatic weapons...which helped a little! State-side, I've never felt that I needed a weapon for my safety, but I am a firm advocate for the right to carry. Anywhere. I think it should be an individual's choice whether or not to carry, NOT something restricted by the government.

Now, I am a gun owner, but I have no intention of illegally carrying a firearm with me. I say illegally because there are states that prohibit it, and many make it a felony. Simply not worth it to me. BUT...if there were some kind of way for it to be legal, I probably would.

As far as being able to use it, I think that depends on the level of familiarity with the weapon. There are many who see the idea of having a gun as a level of protection. The harsh reality is that if you are not intimately familiar with the gun's operation, and have it down to the point where you can operate it without consciously thinking about it, you are likely more of a hazard to yourself and everyone around you. If you are in fear for your life, you are NOT going to be thinking straight...and certainly need NOT be in control of a weapon that you may be unsure how to operate!

There are many who chose to carry despite the legal problems with it, and i take no issue with it. My only plea is to KNOW what you are DOING with it!!!

[belpre122]

Excellent post Tom. The AKO mantle back to you (for now).

[jonp]

let me clarify this topic: There is no federal regulation prohibiting the carry of a firearm in a commercial vehicle. I just went through this at orientation with jbhunt. The instructor said there was one and i immediatly corrected him. to his credit he looked into it that night and the next day corrected himself before the class.
The company you work for, as does jbhunt, may as company policy prohibiting it.

You may legaly carry a firearm from point A to point B no matter where you travel through as long as you do not stop overnight anywhere a firearm is prohibited and as long as you are legaly entitled to posses or carry that firearm in Point A and Point B and have it secured as proscribed by the different places you pass through. This typicaly means the firearm is unloaded, in a secure locked container or box and the ammo is in a different place. This is a Federal Law.

If you stop overnight anywhere then you must comply with local laws. For example if you pick up a load in Florida that delivers to New Hampshire and you have a Concealed Carry Permit for One of those states which is recognized by the other you can carry the firearm from Florida to New Hampshire provided you do not stop for the night in New Jersey or Mass or NYC. You can travel through those places but not stop for the night as your permit is not recognized by them.

If you stop to make a drop in one of those states on you way from Florida to NH it gets kinda dicey. I personally would not want to test the case out in court.

Most companies don't want you to carry a firearm for this reason: you just have no idea where you are going and stopping. What if your on you way between those two points and get shut down because of a snowstorm in New Jersey? You are screwed if you are searched.

Also, if you are traveling to Canada for heavens sake DO NOT HAVE A HANDGUN OR ANY HANDGUN AMMO! They will immediately seize your weapon, seize your truck and transport you directly to jail. THEY ARE SERIOUS ABOUT THIS!! I doubt your company will be impressed to have to pay $5000 to get the truck out of impoundment. You will be fined heavily, charged with a bunch of crimes including illegal possession of a firearm, importing an illegal firearm, transportation of an illegal firearm, possessing an illegal firearm while not a Canadian Citizen, transporting a firearm in a vehicle not registered in Canada, etc. and when you get out of jail they will escort you to the border and politely tell you not to come back, ever.

[TomB985]

Thanks Belpre...

I'll see if I can carry the torch as well as you have for these long weeks!

[TomB985]

And jonp,

Very informative post. What you posted is mostly what I've understood from some of the digging around I've done. But, maybe you have the one thing I don't...

A credible source?

You wouldn't have a link to this information, or a good source?

Thanks!

[jonp]

On carrying hanguns in a vehicle try here: Handgunlaw.us

and here: http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/USRVCarCarry.pdf

handgunlaw.us is a great site to play around with to see the reciprocity between states.

As for Canada- I grew up less than a mile from the border and drove between New Hampshire and Wisconsin through Canada once a week for 6 years. I had many conversations with Canadian Customs about firearms as well as knowing one of the officers on a personal basis through moose hunting.
I can assure you they are not kidding about trying to bring a weapon into that country. In fact, thats one of the questions they ask you at the border: "Are you carrying any offensive or defensive weapons? Mace, firearms, pepperspray?" If you say no and they search and find one you just added lieing to a customs official to the list. The things I wrote down is a short list of stuff they will charge you with and believe me there is more.

Hope this helps!

[Windwalker]

On carrying hanguns in a vehicle try here: Handgunlaw.us

and here: http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/USRVCarCarry.pdf

handgunlaw.us is a great site to play around with to see the reciprocity between states.

As for Canada- I grew up less than a mile from the border and drove between New Hampshire and Wisconsin through Canada once a week for 6 years. I had many conversations with Canadian Customs about firearms as well as knowing one of the officers on a personal basis through moose hunting.
I can assure you they are not kidding about trying to bring a weapon into that country. In fact, thats one of the questions they ask you at the border: "Are you carrying any offensive or defensive weapons? Mace, firearms, pepperspray?" If you say no and they search and find one you just added lieing to a customs official to the list. The things I wrote down is a short list of stuff they will charge you with and believe me there is more.

Hope this helps!

On one of my trips into Canada, I was asked about weapons. I started bringing up hammer, screwdriver, and the wife held up her knitting needles. Then, the agent in the booth clarified herself. "GUNS?" That we didn't have. But, you 're absolutely right. Canada does not play around if you bring in a firearm. Even the Canadians... They can come down into the states and buy ammo, but it can not be assembled. Powder, shot, wads, empty shells, and primers are all ok. Loaded shotgun shells are not.

I made a comment to one of the guys at the boarder once. Ironic how you can not bring in loaded ammo, but you can bring in explosives. He said that gunpowder is not considered an explosive. It's a "propellant".

[BHG0069]

I carry this with me: Kimber LifeAct Self-Defense Spray This stuff works great and shoots out 13ft @ 90mph and has two shots.

I used to be a cop and we had to get sprayed with OC/Pepper spray before we could use it. I can tell you that was one of the worst experiences of my life. OC/Pepper spray does work and it WILL stop just about any threat that comes your way. Only 7 states have regulations on OC/Pepper spray. This stuff is a whole lot more inconspicuous than a handgun and easier to hide.

I still wish I could carry my pistol with me, but I can't risk it.

[palidian]

A double barrel shot gun with a barrel length of over 20" is, not semi automatic, a large mag, or a handgun and is legal to own in all 50 states, assuming unloaded. Even in Canada, if you have a PAL or if you declare it, you would have to pay the registration fee and no more then 200 rounds.

If you do not intend to carry it on you at all times a shot gun is ideal and is extremely effective.


http://www.canadawelcomesyou.net/firearms.html