New to a Carry-Friendly state...advice needed please.

MERV5-5505

MERV5-5505

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Hello All-

I am a long time non-member reader of this fine forum that has finally decided to join-up. I have recently moved to Tacoma, Washington from New York City, (a former FDNY-EMS EMT-B.) I am giving serious consideration to getting my concealed carry permit here in Washington State.
Even though I am a NYC boy at heart, I have always been at odds with my former hometown's ridiculous draconian gun laws. Believe me when I tell you: In NYC, 98% of the time the only two classes of people, who are armed, are the cops & the crooks. That leaves the law-abiding citizens blowing in the breeze. Even as an EMT, I would honestly say, I would have been better off armed in 3 out of 5 calls.
I have already decided that if I get my permit to take an NRA approved safety class, as well as join a range to learn the craft of marksmanship correctly. But as far as the details of concealed carry, and I realize laws vary state to state but, I wanted to ask some experienced folks about general carry "etiquette" Such as:

1- Besides Government offices, Post offices, etc. are there any NEVER carry- in locations?
2- Is it good manners to ask to carry-in a person's home? (it seems right to me to ask.)
3- If stopped by a police officer, are you required to declare that you are LEGALLY armed?
4- How do you deal with mixed company of pro-gun and rabidly anti-gun people?
5- Any other tips that "old-salts" at concealed carry can offer up, I would be very grateful.

Thanks in advance for your insight & information. Be well & stay safe out there.
 
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Welcome here!

Here are the laws concerning concealed carry in our state.

Chapter 9.41 RCW: Firearms and dangerous weapons

Also, gun writer Dave Workman wrote a book and if I remember correctly it was called Washington State Firearms Rules and Responsibilities. Get the revised edition. Your local gunshop may have a copy for sale. He explained concealed carry in layman terms.

In Tacoma, you have Bulls Eye Indoor Range near the Tacoma Dome and The Marksman in Spanaway.
 
You are on the right track as per wanting some training and practice. Good for you....many folks don't bother with such "trivial" details. Try to get in some pertinent practice at least monthly, if possible.

As for your questions:

1. Check your laws there.
2. That is up to you. If my gun is not welcome, I don't consider myself to be either. Likewise, I don't allow anyone in my home who I don't trust to be armed.
3. See #1. We are not required to in GA, so I don't.
4. Can't help you with that one. I don't associate with people that are opposed to gun ownership.
5. Rent a few suitable guns at a local range to try out. Talk to people you see at the range and see what works for them. Their method may not work for you but it can give you a starting point. While there, look over whatever holsters are on the shelf and give some thought to such matters as your build, how you dress, climate, daily activities, how much weight/bulk you are willing to carry around and where will it be the most comfortable, desired level of accessibility, etc. (In cold weather, I tend to dress in such a way that I can carry something a little heavier than otherwise. In summer, light works best for me but again, this will have to be something that you must work out for yourself.)

Also, don't expect you will discover the best solution(s) right out of the gate...not likely to happen. You should expect your preferences to evolve over time after you have some long-term carrying experience behind you. I flirted with inside- waistband holsters on and off for several years before I finally decided that they weren't for me. I now use pocket holsters 98% of the time, with the remainder of it typically being a paddle-type belt holster.

Good luck, and have fun.
 
1. Find out if signs carry the weight of law and if they must have a specific wording. In some states signs mean absolutely nothing and are required by a store's insurance company.
2. No I think it would be horrable manners to ask. That's why its called concealed carry.
3. Depends. It shows up on our DL on the second page it they decide to look. Also may get you out of a ticket if you declare (lol). I also have Marine Corp tags, so what respectable jarhead would go without their weapon.
4. Don't discuss politics , religion, guns, or nutrition. Or have your facts straight and go into the fight haed-on. The antis will eventually fail to be your friends, they hate losing and have no facts to support their "feelings".
5. Watchout for ending up with holsters you won't use. Spend the money for the right holster and it will last a lifetime. Something like MTAC, Galco, Bianci, Milt Sparks, etc. Make sure you get a weapon with enough firepowre with being too bulky. There is no way your going to carry a Model 29 all day like Dirty Harry. JFrames are great if your revolver inclinded, Kimber 3" Ultra Carry is great but needs a lot of practice to be able to handle double taps. Lots of recoil in the light big calibers such as "Air-lights", 3" 1911s, Kahrs, etc. It's always a trade off. Some ppl like the S&W autos in .40S&W, the price is right but I'm not a fan. I prefer S&W for revolvers because of the trigger. The biggest problem is geeting enough capacity without getting too wide of a weapon. Wide feels great in your hand, but not in an inside the waist band holster (IWB).
 
You can CC in my house if:
1-I know you, and know that you're safe. All others, ie: friends of a friend tagging along, leave your gun home or in your car. Sorry, I don't know you and have no idea if you handle guns safely.
2- You leave the gun holstered, don't take it out for "show and tell", unless asked by ME, no one else.

If you don't like those rules, don't enter my house.
 
rljohns said:
There is no way your going to carry a Model 29 all day like Dirty Harry.
Click to expand...
I've been carrying a 5" full underlug 629, a 24 oz. Taurus .357 snub and a NAA Black Widow .22 mag. along with a reload for the two big guns all day. Most people wouldn't choose to carry that much and that's fine, but don't say "never". At the same time, I wouldn't advise a new carrier go with an N frame, so your advice still makes sense to me. You can carry whatever you want, you just have to dress around the gun/s.

Merv, as far as asking people whether you can carry in their home, that's a bad idea. It blows your cover and and can cause a lot of problems long term since too many people in this country ought not be called Americans, IMO. If someone outside my inner circle asks me if I pack I just flat out tell them that what they have just asked me is on the same plane as asking me if I have a toupe, money belt, or erectile disfunction. It's quite frankly none of their business.

Welcome to the forum and free America. :D Good luck. As others have said, your thinking is right regarding getting training and you're asking great questions.
 
First off, welcome to the forum.
As far as "never carry" places, I'm sure there may be some that are specific to your state, so check that out thoroughly, but of course include the obvious one nobody has mentioned yet: schools.
Understand concealed carry is a lifestyle change. I won't go into recommendations for guns, ammo, reloads and holsters other than to say don't go cheap, get quality equipment and you won't regret it. (And all of us with the big box of unused holsters say AMEN!). One of the most important things in this is your mind-set. You are carrying a deadly weapon. That is serious. Some people think now they don't have to take any crap from anybody. On the contrary, now you have to take MORE crap. You cannot let an argument escalate or you will find yourself in serious trouble legally and civilly.
As far as carrying around people who are afraid of guns, I wouldn't worry. I've been carrying for 25 years and I am sure that's happened many times. What they don't know won't hurt them. I never let people know I'm carrying. Some people I know well know I have a permit. If anybody ever asks me am I carrying I always say no, whether I am or not. (With the exception of course being an LEO in their official capacity). This is something I keep very personal, and I am scrupulous about keeping it completely concealed at all times. You have to "dress around" the gun for both concealability and comfort or else you will find yourself leaving it at home out of convenience.
Check out your local laws, get good equipment, and then practice. Stay safe.
 
Gentlemen:

Now that's what I call a welcome! Thank you very much for the warm, smart & thoughtful replies. You have given me a lot to think about. I really appreciate the time & brains put into your thoughts.

I have said it before & will say it again: The stock of this forum, (S&W) is solid. I always enjoy conversation between intelligent American citizens.

Be well & stay safe out there!
 
Louisiana law requires a concealed weapons permitee must ask permission before carrying into a private residence.

Seems sort of stupid to me but it is the law here. I am sure many just go in without asking but they are violating the law.
 
oldman45 said:
Louisiana law requires a concealed weapons permitee must ask permission before carrying into a private residence.

Seems sort of stupid to me but it is the law here. I am sure many just go in without asking but they are violating the law.
Click to expand...

I agree. That law makes no sense. What's the point of concealment if you have to announce that you're carrying upon entering?
 
flop-shank said:
I've been carrying a 5" full underlug 629, a 24 oz. Taurus .357 snub and a NAA Black Widow .22 mag. along with a reload for the two big guns all day. Most people wouldn't choose to carry that much and that's fine, but don't say "never". At the same time, I wouldn't advise a new carrier go with an N frame, so your advice still makes sense to me. You can carry whatever you want, you just have to dress around the gun/s.

Merv, as far as asking people whether you can carry in their home, that's a bad idea. It blows your cover and and can cause a lot of problems long term since too many people in this country ought not be called Americans, IMO. If someone outside my inner circle asks me if I pack I just flat out tell them that what they have just asked me is on the same plane as asking me if I have a toupe, money belt, or erectile disfunction. It's quite frankly none of their business.

Welcome to the forum and free America. :D Good luck. As others have said, your thinking is right regarding getting training and you're asking great questions.
Click to expand...

I suppose I stand corrected, but that's a lot of firearm to carry. I'd love to have a Model 29, I'm not sure I would carry it anywhere except hiking in the mountains. I have seen the lightweight .44 Magnum I think S&W makes.

My only point was choose a firearm that you will actually enjoy carrying all day and won't just quit due to the discomfort. I started with a P229 .40 S&W and carried it just fine, but I had to dress around the waepon. Now I usually carry a 3" 1911 Kimber and don't even notice it. I just played 18 holes of golf while carrying it in an MTAC.
 
On the laws of your state I don't know. I know what they are in my sate but each one is different. On manners my way of doing it is this. I keep my mouth shut. There are people who know I carry and don't mind. Most of them carry as well. Some aren't even gun people but besides a few jokes sent my way about it they don't mind. These people are all close to me others who I'm not as close to I don't tell. There are people I know would not like me having a gun in their home so when I go see them my guns stay locked in the car or at home. Two things that I have found out is carrying are A If you can drive when you go with a group. That way if you end up some where you can't carry it you have some to put the gun with out having to say anything. B Is get a good gun belt. When I started carrying i just hooked the holster on my normal belt. but when got a good heavy dress style gun belt (most holster makers have them) it made it feel a lot better because of the better support. Well this works for me hope it helps
 
Bottom Line up Front: If a prohibited location/event is on the State books, I will follow the States Laws. That said, Florida Legislature gave us the Preemption Statute. It is brief, to the point and leaves no questions:

"PREEMPTION.--Except as expressly provided by general law, the Legislature hereby declares that it is occupying the whole field of regulation of firearms and ammunition, including the purchase, sale, transfer, taxation, manufacture, ownership, possession, and transportation thereof, to the exclusion of all existing and future county, city, town, or municipal ordinances or regulations relating thereto. Any such existing ordinances are hereby declared null and void. This subsection shall not affect zoning ordinances which encompass firearms businesses along with other businesses. Zoning ordinances which are designed for the purpose of restricting or prohibiting the sale, purchase, transfer, or manufacture of firearms or ammunition as a method of regulating firearms or ammunition are in conflict with this subsection and are prohibited."

This means that no county, city, or other state entity or political subdivision can, for any reason whatsoever, regulate or restrict firearm possession or transportation. Since concealed carry is one type of firearm possession, it cannot be regulated in any way shape or form by anyone or anything other than state law.
 
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After you get your firearm, holster and whatever basic training you feel you need, shoot in an IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) match or 3.

Most folks have never had the oportunity to actually draw a loaded firearm from a holster, from concealed, aim and fire it, then reload and fire it some more, all while on the move. Multiple times in a match.

Real eye opener to what you have to be aware of.

They're good folks and will give you as much help as you need (or at least tell you where you screwed-up).
 
I would just add that you need to get a quick overview of the laws of reciprocal states, that is, those who recognize the WA permit. The WA people here have given good advice on the laws which they know well and I don't, there. However, there are other states and some laws may differ. One area with a lot of contention as well as variation is carrying in an establishment which serves liquor. Sometimes one cannot carry at all in a bar and sometimes one can (depending on state). Other times, there are restrictions on a restaurant which serves liquor. Stuff you need to know. And, the truth be told, unless it's some major issue like an open carry where one isn't permitter, if a cop wants to be a real peace officer, he/she will just tell you not to let it show or you can't carry in such a place. Others may want to improve their "productivity" and can nit pick you to death. Look at the laws is all I can say. Usually, your issuing authority, by which I mean the state agency handling the permits, will have a list of reciprocal states and you can look up the laws.
 
FlYFiShErMaN said:
Bottom Line up Front: If a prohibited location/event is on the State books, I will follow the States Laws. That said, Florida Legislature gave us the Preemption Statute. It is brief, to the point and leaves no questions:

This means that no county, city, or other state entity or political subdivision can, for any reason whatsoever, regulate or restrict firearm possession or transportation. Since concealed carry is one type of firearm possession, it cannot be regulated in any way shape or form by anyone or anything other than state law.
Click to expand...

I have a question: You mean to tell me that if I operate a privately owned business in Florida, say a cafe, a bar, or a bowling alley, just to give a few examples, I HAVE to allow you to carry a gun on my property? If that is the case, I think it is a bad law. In Georgia, the property owner can ask you to leave, and if you refuse to do so, then you may be charged with trespass.
 
The only true gun hostile environments are those that have a metal detector at the entrance. I vividly remember trying to get into the Atlanta Aquarium. There was a uniformed patrolman overseeing the metal detectors at the entrance. I politely told him that I'm an off-duty cop and of course I'm carrying a gun, and can I please enter? He just laughed at me and told me that NOBODY goes in there with a gun. After I thought about it, I could understand the reasoning behind that. I also remember being shocked to discover that the Smithsonian museum in NY also had metal detectors and was burgeoning with uniformed patrolmen. But they just smiled and asked me to sign the guest book and I was allowed to go inside armed. I'm not one to believe that off-duty cops should be entitled to concealed carry privileges while everybody else has to go around as an unarmed victim, but since I may carry concealed, I do it without fail.

Whether you must announce your concealed carry to the cop who pulls you over will depend on where you live. It's not required where I work, and I don't care if people tell me or not. I have no choice but to assume that everybody carries concealed. Criminals disobey laws and are not obligated to tell me that they plan to shoot me. Actually I have been known to tell the citizenry that only a fool comes into the city without a gun, and I catch a lot of grief from the administration for saying so.

I never tell people that I am armed. If word gets around and they know or suspect it and they are upset that I am carrying a gun, I just leave. Again, I am afforded certain privilege and I take advantage of it. If you choose to carry a gun where it's illegal to do so, you don't want to be starting a debate. I have come to the conclusion that if you're smart and know how and when to keep your mouth shut, nobody will ever know that you are carrying a gun, even in the most anti-gun environments.

Dave Sinko
 
...again, I must thank all who have replied, your thoughts have been carefully considered & I appreciate opinions that are tempered in real world experience. Thank you for taking the time to reply.

As far as firearm forums go, this one has to be among the best. It has been my unfortunate experience that there are some forums out there that operate almost exclusively on snob behavior & arm-chair ninja advice. The waters are very different here.
 
handgunlaw.us is a great resource

read, re-read, learn, memorize your state's laws on self defense and
(excessive) use of force

know your state's law on brandishing
(not ironclad but: dont take it out unless you are going to use it)

when you carry, always have a cell phone
(he who calls first is usually seen as the credible person)

get your wife on board, if you can

tons more.....google is your friend...lots of good info out there

also a good resource:
Concealed Carry Information & News | U.S. Concealed Carry Association

welcome to the forum
dont be afraid to ask questions (seems like you arent)

this forum, and others like it, have been an invaluable resource
to me....there is always good stuff out there to keep learning
 
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