Traveling with Firearms (Laws!!!)

There are several things to take into account when traveling with guns inside your vehicle, since every state has different rules and exceptions. It can be a bit overwhelming how every state varies slightly, but that is no reason to get bent out of shape. It just means you've got to PAY ATTENTION to where you are & the route you will be driving, and you've got to become knowledgeable about the laws pertaining to those states. That last thing you want to be is an ignorant/uninformed citizen who gets thrown into jail because you cross over from New Hampshire to Massachusetts without thinking about the fact that you've got an unloaded handgun in your glovebox (legal in NH but prohibited in MA).

I HIGHLY recommend buying the current edition of "Traveler's Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States" because it very SIMPLY explains the carry & transport laws of firearms for every state, depending on whether you are a resident, a concealed-pistol-license holder, or a visitor. It also contains a list of Contact Agency information (addresses & phone numbers) which I recommend that you keep handy. Not only should you reference the book for the local gun laws before entering any state, but it would also be a good idea to call a local agency that can double check the CURRENT laws. It is no surprise that laws are constantly changing, often for the worse.

All of these tiny details make a big difference, depending on which state line you cross and what you intend to do there:

While in the state, are you going to leave the gun in your vehicle?

Do you want to conceal carry OR open carry in that state, outside your vehicle?

Do you have your CPL/CCW? (concealed pistol license/concealed carry weapon permit)

Are you a resident of the state where your CPL/CCW was issued?

What do you have in your vehicle: a rifle/shotgun OR handgun (or both)?

How long do you plan to stay in that state?

Are your firearms loaded or unloaded?

Are they visible in your vehicle or hidden from sight?

Where are they in your vehicle? It often makes a difference whether they are they encased, secured, and locked in your truck (or a rear compartment) OR in your glovebox OR on your person OR within reach or yourself or a passenger.

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Now you can see how important it is to pay attention to all the little details regarding your firearms that are inside your vehicle while you are traveling . . . In one state, it might be legal for you to have both loaded rifles and handguns within reach, while in a neighboring state, handguns may not allowed in a vehicle at all while rifles may only be allowed unloaded & encased in the trunk!

I've gone thru all my firearms state-law information and compiled a couple of lists for you - The following information is accurate as of today (to the best of my knowledge), but there are additional exceptions that need to be taken into account (which can be found inside the current edition of that book). Again, laws constantly change, so call local agencies for the most up-to-date info. You can also check out this site: State & Federal Firearm Laws

LIST 1:

If you do NOT have a Concealed Pistol License,

but you DO have a HANDGUN inside your vehicle,

Can you visit OR travel through the following states?

NO - The following states are very strict on firearms being transported within a vehicle. You would be well advised to keep your handgun out of these states all-together, although a few of them will allow you to transport your rifle/shotgun:

1. Connecticut - only someone with a CT permit may legally have a firearm in his/her vehicle

2. District of Columbia (not a state, but has it's own laws)- no guns (or ammo!) allowed in D.C.

3. Hawaii - only someone with a HI permit may legally have a firearm in his/her vehicle

4. Indiana - very strict criteria for transporting a handgun (most people wouldn't fall into the allowed categories)

5. *Massachusetts - ONLY rifles/shotguns can be in your vehicle (unloaded, in trunk, encased). Very strict rules regarding handguns (generally prohibited), so I'd just avoid this state.

6. *Michigan - ONLY rifles/shotguns can be in your vehicle (unloaded, in trunk, encased)

7. New Jersey - only someone with a NJ permit may legally have a firearm in his/her vehicle

8. *New York - ONLY rifles/shotguns can be in your vehicle (unloaded, in trunk, encased)

9. *Rhode Island - ONLY rifles/shotguns can be in your vehicle (unloaded, in trunk, encased)

*Additional notes:

Massachusetts - only someone with a MA permit may legally have a handgun in his/her vehicle

Michigan - only someone with a CPL from his/her home-state can have a handgun in his/her vehicle

New York - only someone with a NY permit may legally have a handgun in his/her vehicle

Rhode Island - requires a license to carry a handgun in a vehicle, although RI will recognize another state's permit IF the traveler restricts his carry of the handgun to the interior of the vehicle AND IF the traveler doesn't even stay in RI for one day

YES - You can legally travel through these states with any of your firearms (handgun, rifle, and/or shotgun) BUT there are very specific RESTRICTIONS for where your firearms must be located within your vehicle and how they must be stored. EVERY state in this list differs - Many require that all your firearms are kept unloaded, encased, and stored in your trunk. Other states allow your handgun to be loaded and in your glove box, while your rifle must be unloaded and in plain view. The tiny details matter! Some of these states also want you pass through them more quickly than others...

To be safe, if you don't know the exact laws for the following states, your best rule-of-thumb is to just assume that ALL firearms must be unloaded, encased, locked in your trunk, and away from ammo. Either way, you ARE allowed to travel thru these states with your firearms in your vehicle, following certain rules:

10. Alabama

11. Arkansas - (glove box carry is very illegal)

12. California - (locked gun cases)

13. Colorado - handguns can be loaded and carried anywhere in vehicle (except Denver), but rifles/shotguns must be unloaded

14. Delaware - loaded handguns may be carried openly within vehicle OR in trunk (if hidden from view) (glove box carry is illegal); rifles/shotguns must be unloaded

15. Illinois - firearms can be tranported, following certain criteria, EXCEPT in Chicago (handguns are banned & other firearms must be registered with the Chicago police)

16. Iowa

17. Maine - (very strict on handgun transportation)

18. Maryland - (also very strict on handgun transportation)

19. Minnesota

20. Nebraska

21. Nevada - loaded handguns may be carried openly or in glove box (not concealed on person), but rifles/shotguns must be unloaded

22. New Hampshire

23. North Dakota

24. Ohio

25. Oklahoma

26. Oregon - Portland requires firearms within your vehicle to be unloaded and in plain view; the rest of the state allows them to be loaded and in plain view (or securely encased in trunk)

27. Pennsylvania

28. South Carolina - loaded firearms can be carried within a vehicle, with exceptions

29. Tennessee

30. Utah

31. Vermont - handguns may be carried loaded and concealed, within a vehicle (no permit required); rifles and shotguns must be unloaded

32. Washington

33. West Virginia

34. Wisconsin

YES - The following states are the most gun-friendly for travelers. You can legally pass through them with any of your firearms (handguns, rifles, and shotguns) LOADED, with very few vehicle restrictions. Most of these states just won't allow you to have the loaded gun concealed on yourself inside the vehicle:

35. Alaska - anyone over 21 yrs. old can carry loaded, concealed firearms anywhere inside a vehicle

36. Arizona - firearms may be loaded and carried in plain view (or in glove box) (or in case)

37. Florida - loaded firearms may be carried openly in a vehicle, OR concealed in the trunk/glove box, as long as they are "securely encased or not readily accessible" (NOT concealed under one's clothing OR beneath the seat)

38. Georgia - anyone over 21 yrs. old can carry loaded firearms anywhere inside a vehicle (as long as they are not a felon, illegal drug user, previous/current mental hospital patient, etc.)

39. Idaho - firearms may be loaded inside the vehicle, but then they must be in plain view (unloaded firearms may be kept anywhere inside a vehicle)

40. Kansas - loaded firearms in your vehicle may be carried in plain view, glove box, or vehicle storage compartment (just not concealed on your body or in your purse)

41. Kentucky - firearms may be loaded inside the vehicle, but then they must be in plain view & not concealed on your body (glove box is also legal for loaded handguns)

42. Louisiana - loaded firearms may be carried in plain view, glove box, console box, or trunk (just not concealed "on one's person")

43. Mississippi - loaded firearms may be carried openly or concealed anywhere in a motor vehicle

44. Missouri - anyone over 21 yrs. old can carry concealed, loaded firearms anywhere in a vehicle (loaded rifles/shotguns must be in plain view)

45. Montana - loaded firearms may be carried in plain view, console, glove box, or gun case (just not concealed "on one's person")

46. New Mexico - loaded, concealed firearms may be carried anywhere in a vehicle

47. North Carolina - loaded firearms must be in plain view (not concealed anywhere in vehicle)

48. South Dakota - loaded firearms must be in plain view (unloaded firearms can be kept in a trunk, glove box, console, or any other "closed compartment")

49. Texas - concealed, loaded handguns may be carried anywhere in a vehicle; loaded long guns may be carried anywhere in a vehicle as well

50. Virginia - loaded firearms must be holstered in plain view (dash or passenger seat), in the trunk, or in a gun case that is not concealed (guns cannot be concealed in glove box, purse, under the seat, or on person)

51. Wyoming - loaded firearms may be carried in plain view or secured in gun cases, anywhere in the vehicle

LIST 2:

If you DO have a Concealed Pistol License,

and you are traveling thru the following states,

will they recognize/"reciprocate" it?

- NO -

None of the following states recognize concealed pistol permits from out-of-state (you may, however, be able to open carry in these states AND/OR have firearms within your vehicle in these states). This list just pertains to out-of-state CPL/concealed carry recognition:

1. California - ONLY issues concealed carry permits to CA residents (on highly discretionary basis)

2. Connecticut - non residents with CPL may apply for a CT license to conceal carry

3. District of Columbia - concealed carry NOT allowed by anyone

4. Hawaii - even the laws for residents are extremely strict regarding CPLs; pretty much impossible for anyone to legally conceal carry in Hawaii

5. Illinois - residents can't even get a concealed carry permit (no current provisions allowing concealed carry by anyone)

6. Iowa - non residents with CPL may apply for an Iowa license to conceal carry

7. Maine - ONLY issues concealed carry permits to Maine residents

8. Maryland - ONLY issues concealed carry permits to Maryland residents

9. Massachusetts - very limited reciprocity; will only recognize concealed carry permits of another state IF Massachusetts "agrees with that state's issuance criteria" (vague!)

10. Nebraska - ONLY issues concealed carry permits to NE residents

11. New Jersey - non residents with CPL may apply for a NJ license to conceal carry

12. New York - ONLY issues concealed carry permits to NY residents (on highly discretionary basis)

13. Oregon - ONLY issues concealed carry permits to OR residents

14. Rhode Island - very limited reciprocity; RI will only recognize another state's carry permit IF the traveler restricts the carry of his/her handgun to the interior of the vehicle. He/she must also be passing through the state on a "continuous journey with no intention of staying even one-day within the state" (yikes)

15. Wisconsin - residents can't even get a concealed carry permit (no current provisions allowing concealed carry by anyone)

- YES -

The following states extend "automatic recognition" to CPL holders from all other states:

16. Alaska

17. Arizona

18. Idaho

19. Indiana

20. Kentucky

21. Michigan - (although MI will only recognize permitees who are residents of the state where the permit was issued)

22. Missouri

23. Oklahoma

24. South Dakota

25. Utah

26. Tennessee

27. Vemont - your CPL doesn't matter in VT b/c no license is required for concealed carry. In Vermont, firearm carry of any kind is considered legal, and viewed as "a right not subject to regulation." Travelers should rely upon a handgun for personal protection while traveling thru Vermont.

- MAYBE -

These states only recognize permits from CERTAIN other states (you need the "Traveler's Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States" to check specifics). Some of these states also only recognize permittees who are residents of the state where the permit was issued:

28. Alabama

29. Arkansas

30. Colorado

31. Delaware

32. Florida

33. Georgia

34. Kansas

35. Louisiana

36. Minnesota

37. Mississippi

38. Montana

39. New Hampshire

40. New Mexico

41. Nevada

42. North Carolina

43. North Dakota

44. Ohio

45. Pennsylvania

46. South Carolina

47. Texas

48. Virginia

49. Washington

50. West Virginia

51. Wyoming

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Well, if I didn't lose you somewhere amidst all these laws and lists, at least you can see that traveling with your firearms isn't something take lightly. There are laws that need to be followed so that you don't get yourself into trouble, but, by all means, don't let that make you travel unarmed. Let that be motivation for you to become educated on those laws pertaining specifically to where you like to travel.

As a couple final notes,

1. If you are planning to travel with a firearm, but don't yet have your CPL/CCW, you might as well go ahead and get it. It isn't that hard to get your permit, and that will at least give you a little more legal "protection" while on the road.

2. Don't use my above lists as ABSOLUTE truth; Research the rules for yourself. I think the lists I made are correct, but please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm human and I make mistakes.

Be smart and be safe!

My Purse/Pocket Survival Tin

Exactly why do I keep a little tin of useful survival items with me at all times?

The same reason why I keep a mini flashlight hanging around my neck, a gerber knife on my pocket, and a paracord anklet (CLICK HERE for instructions to make your own) around my sock. Just in case I need them. I like to be prepared. Not a day has gone by that I haven't used my flashlight and knife since attaching them to myself. They have proven to be incredibly useful tools on a daily basis, especially while I'm housekeeping (believe it or not).

Can such a tiny survival kit of so few items really come in handy at all? How could I survive with the stuff in a little tin?

I've already needed my little survival tin several times while I was out and about, whether it be for a bandaid, a lighter, an Ibuprofen, or some neosporin. I'm positive that I will continue to use it many more times throughout the future. You can fit a surprising amount of useful stuff into such a small container, such as fishing gear (provides food), water purification tablets or bleach (provides clean water), wilderness tools (for navigation, fire-starting, etc), and medical supplies.

You should know by now that I'm a big "research" person. I like to be extremely thorough and learn as much as I can about whatever topic interests me at that moment; therefore, when I first started getting into survival information and preparedness, I did a lot of online research, reading about bugout bags, bugout vehicles, and survival tins. When it comes to these mini "pocket" survival tins, I learned that MOST people make their kit inside an Altoid's tin (or sardine tin). Many sites actually sell a pre-made survival kit in an Altoid's tin, although I would think that most people would rather just make their own kit (cheaper and more personalized).

While I was helping to clear out an Estate last fall, I found an old metal Camel cigarette box that I figured was perfect for my personal survival-kit. It isn't very thick (so it won't hold much), but it will hold enough, and it will slide easily down right into a back pocket or purse.

There are just so many different things you can choose to put inside a little survival kit... folded duct-tape, magnifying lens, signal mirror, water purification tablets, whistle, small tinder/fire-starters, button compass, alcohol prep pad, the list goes on and on. If interested in making your own mini survival tin, these are several fun links to check out that contain lists of what some other people have put into their kits:

http://www.equipped.com/prsnlkit.htm
http://www.donrearic.com/survivalkit.html
http://www.survival.com/best.htm
http://www.bepreparedtosurvive.com/Pocket%20Tin%20Survival%20Kit.htm
http://home.earthlink.net/~mffowler/small_complete_kit.htm
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=survival+tin&search_type=&aq=f

This is what I ultimately decided to put in mine:
(several things are secured within a plastic straw that has been sealed shut by melting it and then pressing it closed at both ends)

folded heavy-duty tinfoil
4 bandaid butterfly-closures
2 regular bandaids
3 birthday candles
safety pin
several fishing hooks
3 sinkers (secured in a plastic straw)
mini BIC lighter
dental floss (for fishing, flossing, or sewing)
mini knife
mini flashlight
2 razor blades (secured in duct tape)
neosporin (secured in a plastic straw)
2 sewing needles (secured in a plastic straw)
Clorox bleach (secured in a plastic straw)
4 Ibuprofen tablets (secured in a plastic straw)
fresnal lens, protected in pouch (for fire starting)
P-38 can opener
3 Gerber breast-milk storage bags (for holding water to purify it) (they seal shut and hold about 1 cup)

By having this little kit and knowing how to use everything in it, I just feel more prepared, no matter where I am.

** Regarding purifying water with bleach:

Only use "regular" full-strength Clorox bleach containing 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite (read the label). To purify one gallon of water, use 8 drops (OR 1/8 tsp) for CLEAR water, and 16 drops (OR 1/4 tsp) for CLOUDY water. My little Gerber storage bags each hold 1 cup of water, and there are 16 cups in one gallon; therefore, I only need to use 1 drop of Clorox bleach per 1 cup of water.

**Regarding fishing:

If you've got your little kit and you need to go fishing in order to eat, be sure you know how to tie your fishing knots...

http://www.tnoutdoorsmen.com/knots.htm
http://www.myoan.net/fishingart/knots.html

My Video Review - Crossbreed SuperTuck IWB Holster

A purse or a glovebox is not the best place to store a gun (easy target locations for thieves and not readily accessible), so I am a big fan of on-body carry. In the movies (and I'm sure in real-life too), some people just stick their gun into their pants, without a holster, but that is not something I want to do. I think that having a good holster is the way to go, and I personally think a high-quality holster with good retention is worth it's weight in gold, if you want to carry your gun concealed.

It seems to me that holster-selection isn't as big a deal for men, (not as picky, wear baggier clothes, and have less curves on their bodies...) but I know first-hand that it can really be hard for a woman to conceal a firearm on her body. Even if a woman has her concealed pistol license, she probably won't leave the house with her firearm if she can't figure out how to comfortably carry her gun, hidden on herself, without a major transformation of her wardrobe. This is why I really want to help share my experiences with different holster options and give other women my own opinions regarding what I've learned on my personal journey towards firearm concealabilty. After a lot of reaseach, wardrobe trial & errors, and money spent on holsters, I've finally pretty much figured out how to carry on myself at all times; and although I own a variety of holsters, the Crossbreed Supertuck is my favorite & most comfortable, as long as the pants I am wearing are not too tight. I tried just taking pictures of my Crossbreed Supertuck, but the photos weren't an accurate portrayal of the true concealabily of this holster; therefore, I have made my first video! I hope you enjoy it ~ I've never made a video before, so sorry if it doesn't meet your standards :)

The Crossbreed SuperTuck holster is an IWB (inside the waistband) holster that is extremely comfortable (you don't even notice that you're wearing it), excellent quality, and fully adjustable for different gun rakes/cants/angles. It is a "hybrid" holster, made of both Kydex and Leather. The Kydex part holds the gun very well (good retention) and makes it extremely smooth to draw and easy to reholster one-handed. For the backing, I chose the horsehide leather option because it is more moisture resistant and better suited for warmer climates where one may sweat alot. The leather part goes against your skin and your shirt can then be tucked over the leather, making the holster quite concealed. Only the two steel-clips show, but they are easily hidden if your belt is the same color. The two clips are positioned far enough apart that the weight of your gun is evenly distributed over a wide span. Then you just cover up your revealed firearm with an over-shirt of some type, and you are all set. If you are ok with layering, just wear a sweater, jacket, or sleeveless vest. If you are not a fan of layering, this holster can also be concealed with a basic T-shirt.

Before I got any holsters and was first trying to position my Ruger LCR around my body in different locations, I realized that it was going to be extremely hard to conceal it. A woman's body has curves that a man's body doesn't (normally) have, and women tend to naturally wear more form-fitted clothing. I've also got a small frame and it seemed like no matter what I did, I would have a noticeable bulge somewhere on my body. Out of all my current holsters, I am just so incredibly happy with the way this one lines up against the form of my body. I wear it on my strong-side (right side), positioned directly behind my hip (between my side and my back). When I have the holster on in this location, and I look at it from all sides, it is perfectly concealable.

I think that this holster in particular is especially good for women, being as adjustable as it; I didn't know what angle/rake would work best for me until I had this holster and kept adjusting it to see what worked. I discovered that I personally need a very extreme cant (angle of the gun tilted very far foward, with the muzzle toward the rear) in order to keep the grip of the gun from poking out my shirt in a weird place. After looking around quite a bit, I discovered that it's hard to find a holster with a very extreme cant, unless it is custom made. And even if it is custom made for you, you might not know the exact degree angle that you want the gun to sit at. An adjustable holster makes it very easy to discover what the best gun cant (rake/tilt/angle) is for you personally.

Being an IWB (instead of an on-the-waistband), more of the holster is hidden, making it easier to wear shorter-cut shirts. The higher up the holster is, the easier it is to wear a shirt that is long-enough to cover it. Also, if you pants are SUPER tight, you obviously won't be able to squeeze your gun & holster inside your pants. I personally just wear normal-fitting jeans with the SuperTuck (maybe one size up, but not necessarily). Some of my really snug pants just won't work with any IWB holster, so if you want to try an IWB, make sure you own some pants that don't naturally suffocate you.

I will admit, the SuperTuck may not be perfect, but it sure comes close. Trying to be critical, here are the few things I like least about it:

1. I've got a Crimson Trace laser-grip on my LCR (instead of the standard Hogue grip), and I had to trim the Kydex down a little bit to get my gun to go in slightly deeper so that my trigger wasn't exposed. Fits great after trimming the Kydex though.

2. I wouldn't mind if there was just one more notch of adjustability. I'm curious about what a slightly-more extreme rake would be like.

3. The front part of the Kydex is too close to the front steel clip. The way that I have the holster adjusted for the most extreme forward rake, I can't get that steel-clip to rest perfectly upright on my belt. That front clip always sits on my belt at quite an angle. Works fine, it is just a little annoying. If you like to wear your holster more upright ("straight-drop"/no rake), then this probably wouldn't be an issue.

In case the CrossBreed SuperTuck seems a bit too pricey at around $70 (it is worth every penny though), maybe check out the Kholster. It looks very similar and also looks like it might be even more adjustable. Not sure though as I haven't tried it.

My Video Review:

You know, there was a day, not that many years ago, when open carry was the norm and quite widely accepted. I think it is awful that things have changed so drastically that now open-carry scares many (not all) people the way that it does. One of the many reasons that I opted for concealed-carry is simply because I don't want to make people uncomfortable at the sight of a firearm if that is something that freaks them out. I don't want to advertise that I am carrying a gun, and if someone doesn't know that I'm packin' heat, all the better. That's the whole point behind concealed carry. If you've got your CPL and are trained with your firearm, by all means, keep it on you, and keep it concealed.

Additional note (posted later) - I really don't want to make it sound like I think open carry is bad! I actually bought my shoulder holster with open carry in mind (walking on the beach, etc) for places where it is more acceptable & legal.

changes, changes

I'm in the middle of typing up several posts, I just need to complete one and get it on here...
BUT I have finally put some photos on my above "Photos of my Gear" page, just in case you want to check out something new on my site in the meantime.

I also did 2 new eBay auctions which I have added to the list on the previous post.

My stomach just growled! Going to eat a bowl of Grape-Nuts cereal now.

*a big hug to all of you reading*

(Hey why don't you look around to make sure no one is looking at you, and then join in to quickly hug your computer right now - lets make it a group squeeze). I love hugs. Sorry I can be such a cheese-ball sometimes.

eBay Things For Sale, Revised

Looking through all my stuff recently to compile that long list of my belongings has motivated me to get rid of a few things. In case anyone feels like browsing eBay this evening, I have just spent a few hours listing some things for sale:

1. 357 Magnum A-Zoom Metal Snap Caps, NEW

2. iPhone/Blackberry Anti-Radiation Hands Free Airtube Headset

I plan on listing a couple other things soon, too, but I'm sick of eBay for tonight. It just takes me too long to list too little..

Hopefully everyone out there reading this is having a *wonderful* and *relaxing* evening. I'm going to heat myself up a cup of green tea and stretch a bit to make up for sitting in one spot for so long.