I have a CCW in Florida and enjoy reciprocity with a number of states. I got into hand loading heavily for a while, I was shooting .45acp twice a week and competing in Highpower rifle at my local club. But then children happened, and all that time and spare cash flow was redirected. Add in now the cost and availability of ammo, and the only caliber I’ve been shooting is .22lr with the kids, with some very occasional 9mm and .38spl. I do carry daily, except at work because I’d lose my job if discovered.
While paddling, I typically carry a Ruger LCR either in a pelican case or in the clamshell pouch of my PFD. The only prevalent apex predator I’m concerned with here besides the two-legged varmints are alligators, and at least so far they either slink away as soon as they see me, or if I surprise them they turn inside out fleeing. It’s happened twice, and it’s rather spectacular. None have come towards me. I surmise there is enough hunting pressure to keep them shy. We do have black bear, but I’ve never seen them on foot or in a canoe, only while driving. I should probably buy some bear spray to add to my camping kit, though we usually use improved camp sites in state parks, etc.
The nationwide patchwork of laws represents egregious infringement of our rights as outlined in (but not granted by) the Second Amendment. It is smart to know the laws in the states you travel to or through, because it is convenient to avoid delays, fines, and prison. Before a travel trip it is wise to freshly review the various states’ laws, as they change from time to time, and not always for the better. Reciprocity changes with state attorneys and administration flips. Don’t get caught off-guard by an administration change. While traveling, two important things to know are do you have a duty to inform, and are you allowed to carry while using a rest area. These things vary and don’t make sense; you can’t work it out with logic. If you DO have a duty to inform, that better be the first thing out of your mouth at the beginning of a law enforcement contact. Don’t exchange pleasantries first or expect handing your license to the officer to satisfy the requirement. “Officer I am lawfully carrying a concealed weapon here is my license” or some such. There have been arrests and etc. for a delay in informing. It’ll cut into your day. Some states’ LEOs are openly hostile to your reciprocity rights don’t give them anything to use against you. Think about when and where you fuel up. For example, you can get through Illinois on one tank of fuel if you plan it right. No need to stop and open yourself to problems.
These laws do in fact color where I will travel. Some states don’t respect the federal law protecting traveling through states. You are in theory allowed to travel through a prohibitive state (secure unloaded firearm and ammo in separate locked containers in an area of the vehicle you can’t access while driving) to one where you are legally allowed to possess. In practice, some states will abuse you for doing it, and NJ in particular will jail you for possession of hollow point ammunition regardless of this law. Simply put, if you possess any arm or ammo, stay out of the prohibitive states in New England. Residents may have it easier, but not by much. On the occasion I find myself vacationing in upstate NYS, I go through Pennsylvania, and absolutely avoid the east coast including DC, Maryland, and NJ. It is also advisable to have an outwardly sterile vehicle to avoid political persecution. Make sure you don’t even have spent casings in your bags or vehicle, the prohibitive locales treat these the same as loaded ammo or firearms (lookin at you DC).
I type all this not to inflame, but in the hopes that it helps folks understand the severity of not following the law in some places. In this country we have laws ranging from “Constitutional carry” to no carry, no transportation (NYC in legal dispute), permit to purchase and registration. What is simple second nature in one state will get you buried under the jail in another. Constitutional, no. Arbitrary and capricious, yes. Just don’t get sideways with the law unless you can afford it and are willing to be the test case for a SCOTUS case.
en.wikipedia.org
