SPRING BREAK WITH YOUR CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUN
In most areas around the country, it is spring break. For many that means family vacations. Concealed carriers carry daily—-even on the road. Here are a few tips to keep yourself and your family safe and in compliance with the law while traveling
- Know your state-to-state reciprocity
Not all states acknowledge each other’s permitting process for concealed carry permits. Some states will allow you to carry openly even if they do not acknowledge your right to carry concealed. When you’re on the road, you need to know which states acknowledge your right to carry concealed (or openly) and work within those limits.
- Will you be traveling through states with Magazine restrictions?
If you are traveling through a state that does NOT acknowledge your right to carry concealed, it’s best for you to stop in a place PRIOR to entering that state and remove and unload your weapon and stow it away in the trunk. You are legally allowed to drive through a state with a gun so long as it is unloaded and not accessible.
- What is Your Duty to /inform?
Some states require you to identify that you have a concealed handgun to a police officer during a traffic stop. Other states have no specific requirement. It’s up to you to know the rules. In most cases, where you know you have reciprocity for carrying concealed, it’s generally a good idea to inform the police officer. He or she will then usually ask the location of the handgun and potentially ask to see your permit. If you are armed, make sure to keep your hands visible at all times and follow the direction of the officer to ensure both yours and his safety.
- Carrying in public areas
Many museums and theme parks have metal detectors and/or security checkpoints, so you’ll have to have your credentials ready. Check out each place you intend to visit beforehand to find out if they allow concealed carry and remember to be informed, patient, and polite.
- Always have control of your weapon OR don’t carry
If you’re heading to a theme park with all those insane rides, or heading to the beach or the pool, you need to plan on how you intend to carry a gun. Think about a smaller weapon for vacation carry. Be sure that you make your weapon safe and that you secure it so it can’t be accessed by thieves or curious kids.
Some of us like to kick back with an adult beverage or two while we’re on vacation. If you’re going to do that, , it’s often a good idea to disarm before you pop open the first bottle. Concealed carriers are used to being in charge, which can make some of us belligerent when we’re consuming alcohol. Others become a bit too friendly and/or let our guard down too dramatically. Don’t invite trouble. Disarm and leave your weapon stashed safely in your hotel or cabin before you drink.
