hello, carry across multiple sates issues

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  • bash64

    Plinker
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    Aug 24, 2012
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    3
    I am an indiana resident. previously i had a lifetime license before constitutional carry, still have it in my wallet.
    I am going on an 8hr drive down to sherwood, arkansas.
    I will pass thru ky, tn, and ar.
    In tn i will pass thru nashville and memphis to ar.
    worried about maybe some city exclusive tricks in these areas.

    i will be using federal higways mostly, unless i get lost.

    i will be carrying 3 different loaded handguns.
    one on the hip, two under the seat.
    might carry body armor also. don't know. its a bit bulky.

    after reviewing gun laws and constitutional carry and reciprocity in all of these states i am still concerned about some rules.
    I would like help muddling through the laws.

    in TN they require guns in a car to be locked and out of sight.
    What about the one on my hip or the two under the seat?
    Is that if I get out or if I am still int eh car also?

    KY laws seem to be a **** show.
    Most states seem to have approved constitutional carry while still holding onto gun licenses and requirements for gun licenses on their govt website.
    This is very confusing.
    The number of place I cant go with constitional carry is unbelievalbe but I will only be going to a hotel and an event at an arcade.
    I don't think that qualified as a sporting event.
    Its called Kong Klash 12

    Didn't see anything about what to do if asked if you have guns in your car in each state.
    I would like a trouble free trip.

    Why isn't this simpler and unified, but I don't need to ask why do I.
    Help me get there without being hoodwinked by tricky gun laws and trick questions during a stop.

    Sincerely,y man with no police record but I still have to worry about all this ****.
    Grandpa with a gun.
    I am 57.

    Police routinely ask drivers to 'step out of your car plz', not that I will dispute this, at some point I'd like to know if I actually had the right to stay in the vehicle or not.
    But thats another discussion.
     

    KellyinAvon

    Blue-ID Mafia Consigliere
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    6   0   0
    Dec 22, 2012
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    Avon
    First off it’s good to see you doing your homework. Second, 57 is middle aged here at INGO ;)

    Know the laws such as can’t enter a bar armed in Kentucky and signs have force of law in Tennessee. Arkansas, Lord only knows what laws they have in Clintonia.

    All of these States are ConC, but other State’s gun laws look like our liquor laws.

    I’d recommend two guns on you and one unloaded and secured.
     

    Timjoebillybob

    Grandmaster
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    1   0   0
    Feb 27, 2009
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    I generally start with handgunlaw.us then if needed check the state statutes directly. Handgunlaw usually links to them. I believe for TN storage laws, you are thinking of their "safe storage law" which is very similar to our parking lot law and does not apply for just normal carry in your vehicle.

     

    bash64

    Plinker
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    0   0   0
    Aug 24, 2012
    19
    3
    the only secure spot is the glovebox but if someone is going to break into the locked car, nothing stopping them from prying open the glovebox too. I also have a convertible top. Just cut through it with a knife.
    Thanks for the heads up on TN and force of law on signs. I missed that somehow but will just assume that in all states to be safe.
     
    Last edited:

    LtScott14

    Master
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    Apr 13, 2008
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    Porter County
    Trunk carry, lockbox with cable retention is affordable. Your CCW is your main concern till your hotel room kicks in. Does your event have metal detectors, and or No Guns signs? Im a bit leery of leaving firearms in a locked car too. Even lockboxes can be defeated. 3 handguns, + mags, are indeed a challenge. You mentioned a LTCH, and i still retain mine as well as Con Carry.
    Good luck, hope you work out the situation.
     

    bash64

    Plinker
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    0   0   0
    Aug 24, 2012
    19
    3
    I plan on relying on CC the whole way unless I must pull out the indiana lifetime license card.
    I am thinking two guns now. One on the hip and one (a 380) in my left pocket or in my medicine bag.
    Its an arcade I will be looking for no gun signs and evidence of alcohol sales.
    I only planned on having the gun in my bag at the event. Nothing else.
    Out of sight, out of mind. No round in the chamber, but a loaded mag in the gun.
     

    bash64

    Plinker
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    0   0   0
    Aug 24, 2012
    19
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    I don't think locked in storage laws apply to having it in your pants.
    Ever since BLM and the car jackings that followed around here I never go out without being armed.
    I even wore body armor right after that.
     

    Cameramonkey

    www.thechosen.tv
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    35   0   0
    May 12, 2013
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    Camby area
    Just a suggestion. If you are going to leave your gun inside a "tent", at least put it in a cable secured lockbox as suggested. Most casual thieves breaking into random cars dont carry bolt cutters.

    2nd, If you are going into unknown territory where you could cross a line legally, maybe minimize your liability by carrying only 1 gun? If you get into a situation where you probably shouldn't be legally, you are more likely to find a sympathetic cop willing help you stay out of trouble with one only one gun and nothing else. THREE guns, plus a vest, (and maybe lots of ammo since 3 guns are useless without a lot of ammo too) will likely raise alarms and guarantee trouble. And probably body cavity searches, etc. :):

    I could see a cop saying "Look, I see you are from out of state, but this isnt lawful here. I'll cut you some slack and unload it and put it in the trunk for you. Have a nice day and dont let it happen again." He finds three guns plus body armor? He's going to start leaning towards suspecting ulterior motives. "what is a guy doing driving cross country with this much firepower up to? 3 guns plus a vest? sounds like he may be trying to impress Jodie Foster. We had better do a deep investigation. "

    And dont get me wrong. I EDC. I also tossed my AR in the car while travelling during the summer of love specifically because of active threats since cities were burning. But your description of the loadout (EDC, BUG, BBUG, armor) raised an eyebrow considering the country isnt actively on fire like it was back then.

    Take this free advice for what you paid for it. ;)

    Good luck and safe travels!
     

    Destro

    Master
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    4   0   0
    Mar 10, 2011
    3,890
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    The Khyber Pass
    Police routinely ask drivers to 'step out of your car plz', not that I will dispute this, at some point I'd like to know if I actually had the right to stay in the vehicle or not.
    But thats another discussion.
    United States Supreme Court says you don't.

    Pennsylvania v. Mimms if you are the driver.

    Maryland v. Wilson if you are the passenger.

     

    Quiet Observer

    Sharpshooter
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    Mar 10, 2022
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    St. John
    How many actual cases have you heard of people having a problem? I moved back to Indiana months ago. I lived in Illinois and was in the first group to get a permit there. I saw a lot of posts on the Illinois Carry site worrying about what could happen, but no reports of actual incidents. I suspect it is the same here and in other states.

    Since first getting licensed, I have carried while driving in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Arizona, and Kansas. I was stopped for failure to yield in Wisconsin. I told the officer that I was CCing. There was no problem.

    Even in big cities police are too busy than to harass innocent citizens that are legally carrying. Observe local traffic laws. If you should get stopped be respectful. That goes a long way.

    If you are legally carrying, otherwise, there is not prohibition against carrying while driving in Tennessee.
    39-17-1307, Unlawful Carrying or Possession of a Weapon. (a) (1) A person commits an offense who carries with the intent to go armed a firearm or a club. (2) (A) The first violation of subdivision (a)(1) is a Class C misdemeanor, and, in addition to possible imprisonment as provided by law, may be punished by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500). www.handgunlaw.us 9 (B) A second or subsequent violation of subdivision (a)(1) is a Class B misdemeanor. (e) (1) It is an exception to the application of subsection (a) that a person is carrying or possessing a firearm, loaded firearm, or firearm ammunition in a motor vehicle or motorized boat if the person: (A) Is not prohibited from possessing or receiving a firearm by 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) or purchasing a firearm by § 39-17-1316; and (B) Is in lawful possession of the motor vehicle or motorized boat.
    https://handgunlaw.us/states/tennessee.pdf

    I would have no problem with getting out of the vehicle, if directed by a LEO. Make your own decision. Whichever, keep your cool.
     

    bash64

    Plinker
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    0   0   0
    Aug 24, 2012
    19
    3
    Thanks for all the tips.
    I have whittled it down to carrying one 380 in my pocket, not in a holster.
    This is to avoid people who are hyper about guns when they see one in a holster. Outa sight, outa mind.
    Getting more mags and some bullets before going.
    If it cant save my life in a pinch or stop a shooter.....not sure what to do.
    I'd personally trust a .22lr round but the guns are usually too big.

    I wish America was better about this.
    But permitless carry was a good step forward.
     

    bash64

    Plinker
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    0   0   0
    Aug 24, 2012
    19
    3
    Prefer gun shirt I can wear with an internal pocket if you have any reccomendations.
    Other than that one of those behind the belt loop holsters.
    Heading to Keisers this morning
     

    duanewade

    Sharpshooter
    Rating - 100%
    3   0   0
    Sep 12, 2019
    464
    93
    Columbia City
    I travel through TN, Kentucky, Arkansas and Illinois but have never felt the end to carry more than 2 pistols on any of our trips. Keep both on your body and concealed at all times. I'd rather carry 1 pistol (which is my normal) with a good supply of reloads on hand even though carrying a wheel gun a NY reload is the better option.

    I've been stopped out of state several times and always informed and have never been harassed or felt threatened by any of the LEOs that stopped me. Always be courteous if you are stopped and if you have the opportunity turn on voice recording on your phone and drop it out sight.

    Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk
     
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