When in Texas and spoons....

[VaSteve]

I am visiting a government building here in Texas today and I had to go through the metal detector. The guard asked me if I was carrying a weapon. I wasn't and I don't, but I thought it was funny. I should have asked if it was because they didn't want me to bring one in or because in Texas I actually COULD!

[Rick Lee]

In some states (AZ), if no guns are allowed in state bldgs., they have to offer free storage for you. In VA you can carry in state bldgs. It's usually a crime to go through a metal detector with a gun, so their asking you can save you some real headaches. Many a celebrity have been nailed at the airport when they forgot they were carrying, being so used to flying private and not being used to security screens. I always give myself a patdown before I walk through a metal detector. I came pretty close to getting onto the Vienna Metro to go downtown with a pistol in my vest before I noticed it felt heavier than usual.

[red-beard]

It depends on the office. Federal facilities are off limits to carry, including the Post Office. NASA has a storage facility for concealed carry holders. So does the Alamo, which I find ironic.

The State House, concealed carry is allowed. And we're working on getting Campus carry allowed. Most courts have metal detectors and x-rays. I think it is "legal" but they will, I believe, store the weapons for you, unless you are a lawyer. Lawyers are allowed to carry in the courts.

Look for the 30-06 signs for where not to carry. Also look for the 51% signs in restaurant/bars. If you see a sign that says it is a felony for unlicensed carry, and you have a license, you are fine.

[VaSteve]

red-beard, I'm in your town. What is a 30-06 sign or a 51%? I'll look for the signs.

I'm not carrying so it doesn't affect me, but I'm curious.

[stomachmonkey]

30-06 is basically a trespass notice. The owner of the property is giving you notice that a concealed weapon, even with a permit, is not welcome.

51% you will see in restaurants/bars. It means 51% or more of their revenue is derived from alcohol sales so carrying concealed is against the law.

The most common one is the unlicensed concealed notice which is kind of a stupid one since you are not allowed to carry concealed without a CHL anyway.

[Rick Lee]

The gun busters signs in AZ don't have the force of law. They're basically trespassing notices, but then that's only if you get made AND make a fuss when they ask you to leave.

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

30-06 is basically a trespass notice. The owner of the property is giving you notice that a concealed weapon, even with a permit, is not welcome.

51% you will see in restaurants/bars. It means 51% or more of their revenue is derived from alcohol sales so carrying concealed is against the law.

The most common one is the unlicensed concealed notice which is kind of a stupid one since you are not allowed to carry concealed without a CHL anyway.

All correct. The last one basically, is an upgrade. Those signs are leftovers from the laws before concealed carry. I think concealed carry without a license is a misdemeanor. Unlicensed Concealed carry where alcohol is sold, and I think where guns are sold, is a felony.

While is it illegal to carry unlicensed, it is more illegal in certain places.

Steve,

The 30-06 sign is "obvious". It has to have I think a minimum 1/2 inch high letters and be in either black on white or red on white, and also be in English and Spanish! It is basically a "don't do business here" sign, for many people. The good news is, the charge is simply trespassing if you violate it, and generally only if you are made and you refuse to leave.

The 51% sign is serious. They are usually behind the bar. If you see one of these, you can be arrested. Again, the idea is that if you are drinking in a bar, you shouldn't carry.

We're trying to get the laws changed. For example, 51% is a reasonable law for people who are drinking, like DUI. But what if you have a designated driver? Should the DD be prevented from also being the designated protector?

Also, DUI only kicks in above 0.08% BAC. By the same reasoning, someone should be able carry as long as they are not drunk. Outside a bar, this is the law.

[944Larry]

Originally Posted by VaSteve

I am visiting a government building here in Texas today and I had to go through the metal detector. The guard asked me if I was carrying a weapon. I wasn't and I don't, but I thought it was funny. I should have asked if it was because they didn't want me to bring one in or because in Texas I actually COULD!

I got my pocket knife snatched here in Florida the other day. Went to get a tag and got asked the same question. I, of course said no, went through the metal detector and got busted. "I thought you said you didn't have a weapon." "Well officer, I didn't regard a small knife as a weapon." In all fairness he did give it back when I left with the warning to be more careful in the future.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by red-beard

While is it illegal to carry unlicensed, it is more illegal in certain places.

Then there is the private possession issue which was modified/corrected in 07'?.

In a nutshell if you are not prohibited from owning a handgun for the standard reasons you are allowed to carry (and it must be concealed) as long as you are on property under your direct control, this includes a car, or if you are going directly from property under your control to another property under your control.

So basically you can leave your house, get in your car, go to your place of business carrying concealed without a permit and be legal.

If you stop anywhere else the gun needs to stay in the car.

[red-beard]

Yep, the "traveling" issue was finally fixed properly 4 years ago. But I think you can even open carry on private property.

That is the thing we're trying to get changed here, this session. We'd like to get open carry allowed.