New to CCW! Questions about CCW!

[jblave]

Ok let me start by saying that I live in Illinois. In Illinois for those that do not know we have no CCW laws and we have to have a firearms owners card (FOID) to own,possess, or buy a firearm legally. I currently have a non-resident Pennsylvania CCW. I got it because I pick my son up out of state and there are lots of places to break down with no cell phone service and at least a 5 mile walk to get assistance. Got to keep us both safe. I want to do everything legal and I'm confused on a few points. My first question is are the reciprococity laws for non-resident and resident permits the same and honored? Second question since I have a non-resident permit I do not have a notification of CCW on my Drivers license or license plates is this a problem? Third if anyone has any other valuable information please feel free to post it to me. I had an experience with one trip where I hit a deer, called the sheriff to make a police report, and when he arrived I informed him right of way that I was carrying. He told me that I could not carry in Arkansas (because I was not a resident) and I told him I could because Arkansas has a recipricocity agreement with Pennsylvania (was I right even though it is a non-resident permit?) and I also told him I have copies of the agreements if he wants to see them. He was not concerned with seeing them since it was a gun friendly county and stated that no one will give me trouble as long as I'm not waving it around while I wait for a tow truck. He was a very reasonable officer but I want to be clear on the law in case I run across one that is not so reasonable. I have heard that the Pennsylvania permit is not worth much, is this true? I currently must carry through Missouri and Arkansas and as I reach the Illinois state line I must put my gun in a lock box unloaded per state law. The kicker of it all is that I'am an armed security officer in Illinois and Missouri where I'm licensed to carry on duty and in uniform.( I can even make arrests). Everything with CCWs is so confusing I think a federal law would solve all the confusion! Thanks in advance for any replys.

[Hatchet]

first off i'm in Illinois to and i'm sorry to hear you are also...

check with the local laws before you go into what ever state... last month i went to TN and i drove through Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Kentucky... called ahead to verify laws and had no problems. just check the laws before you go... some states wont accept non resident licenses (like Michigan and Colorado for example) some have different laws on carry in vehicle (has to be visable, cant carry, etc) on the home page of this site there is a good amount of info for each state that i have found useful. but if there are any questions just call the state police (they usually have a firearms department u can talk to) and get info form them as well...

[jblave]

Thanks for the reply! I checked out the homepage of this site and the reciprococity maps say that the non-resident permit from Pennsylvania is honored in Missouri and Arkansas. How accurate are these maps? What Permit do you have? Have you heard about ICarry.org they are trying to change the laws in Illinois. Check them out! An incident just happened that will probably end up in the Supreme Court! Bodes well for our chances.

[Eagle2009]

If you want to be completely legal, you will realistically be unable to carry outside of the State(s) that have physically issued you permit(s). This is due to the Federal Gun Free School Zones Act of 1995. If you drive within 1000 feet of the property line of any K-12 school in a State that has not physically issued you a permit, you are committing a federal crime punishable by 5 years in prison and the permanent loss of your right to own a gun. No, I'm not kidding.

This BATFE letter confirms what I have said
http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/batf_school_zone.pdf



We have been discussing this issue on the forum. Click this link for the topic.
Concealed Carry Reciprocity is CURRENTLY banned under Federal Law. (Important)

[Hatchet]

Thanks for the reply! I checked out the homepage of this site and the reciprococity maps say that the non-resident permit from Pennsylvania is honored in Missouri and Arkansas. How accurate are these maps? What Permit do you have? Have you heard about ICarry.org they are trying to change the laws in Illinois. Check them out! An incident just happened that will probably end up in the Supreme Court! Bodes well for our chances.

i'm on illinoiscarry.com... which case? the foid one? or the people against the city of chicago?

i have a florida and utah CCW... the maps appear to be fine as i have compared some of the states to what is listed on the state police sites...

[jblave]

Sorry been reading posts. The case I was talking about involves an open carry event on private property. Long story short someone complained and the police chief had the men arrested for disorderly conduct. They broke no other laws (not even that one in my opinion). ICarry is supporting them.
Read about it! The politicians also stuck their foot in their mouths about constitutional rights...

[Hatchet]

Sorry been reading posts. The case I was talking about involves an open carry event on private property. Long story short someone complained and the police chief had the men arrested for disorderly conduct. They broke no other laws (not even that one in my opinion). ICarry is supporting them.
Read about it! The politicians also stuck their foot in their mouths about constitutional rights...

the madison 5? yea i know icarry is supporting the wisconsin lawsuit... unless ur talking bout somethign different... and if ur talking about the madison culvers incident.. in wisconsin constitution (as i have read from other reports) says they cant be charged with disorderly conduct or disturbing the peace for open carrying...

[jblave]

They are fighting it and ICarry says they will try to help back them all the way to the State or Federal Supreme court.

[cardinalfan]

Not to open a huge can of worms, and I know this would infringe on 2A rights, but WHAT IF, states that issue non-resident permits refused to issue to Illinois residents due to the lack of CCW laws in Illinois? Would this be some sort of way to get residents really excited about electing pro 2A officials? Or would it just really mess things up worse? Just pondering....

[Ed Dunn]

My wife an i both have carry permits from the state of florida and we have dual residencies(nj/ fl). We do a lot of travel out o state and we are always armed. With the florida permit we can carry legally in 34 states. Also, we take the weapons with us when we fly. And, of course, the weapons are in our checked-in baggage. I would strongly recommend you buy the "travelers guide to the firearm laws of the fifty states." we have used this booklet many times over for our travels out of state and it is invaluable. If you want to order a copy call 859-491-6400. Cost is only $13 bucks. Bet you will thank me.
Good luck and welcome aboard.