Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Now, I must say that I love firearms as a recreational activity and own several. I also live in Vermont, a state that permits you to carry a loaded firearm on you without any permit, even concealed (with the exception of Federal & State buildings and schools). Hunting is a big way of life here and firearm ownership is common (I myself don't hunt; I just target shoot semi-competetively). You can buy any gun, even a pistol, by just walking into the store, picking the gun, showing your drivers license, having the dealer fill out some simple forms, making a short phone call to the Feds and handing over a credit card. You walk out with it the same day.

Now, having said all that, I keep wondering what a routine traffic stop by a cop would be like for you, with a weapon on you as opposed to one without.

Honestly, I have a spotless driving record and with the few times that I have been pulled over, I have been let go with a warning because of my already spotless record. Now, if the cop saw a holster somewhere on me, I doubt I would get away with anything less than a ticket (probably more). Whether it is legal or not would not make a difference. Whether I am a decent guy with no criminal record would not make a difference. The cop would just not feel as comfortable doing his job within eyesight of a holster and pistol grip sticking out of it.

I would say to just leave the weaponry at home while on the bike.

Oh, and by the way: I have a Glock, S&W and H&K handguns, as well as Winchester and Savage rifles and love them all. But the best is still the H&K. It does everything close to perfect (Couldn't resist )

willw wrote:I have a Glock, S&W and H&K handguns, as well as Winchester and Savage rifles and love them all. But the best is still the H&K. It does everything close to perfect (Couldn't resist )

Nice collection, what model savage and how do you like it? I've been thinking about getting back into shooting when I come back to the US and have heard good things about savage rifles.

apollofrost wrote:Do you have the maturity to carry a weapon? this is not a simple question, if someone started a fist fight would you have the self control not to pull out your weapon?

Do you have the self control to walk away from a fight? Would you start fights because you knew you were armed?

Fist fights are taken care of properly by most of the motorcycling community.

Most of the motorcycling community has, or should, invest in carbon fiber knuckles on their gloves. ^^

I'm with Shorts on most of this. Because of one chromosome, I am already a target. With taking up motorcycling, I'm also interested in doing more travel by myself and that may include things like, say, camping - alone. There is no way that I won't have something with me that can even up the playing field if someone else decides to harm me. It's not just about being on the bike, but about being even more exposed to the world. And criminals in the States don't play as nice as they must in Canada (in answering Blues' query). Our criminals, especially the ones that want to harm your person, come armed and ready to kill. Well it won't be me if I can help it. This is our culture in the States. I didn't create it, but I have to live with it. And me not carrying a weapon isn't going to do any good.

I currently have a tiny knife that I carry, but it would be useless in an attack. I do have an interest in learning more about guns, and actually went to a shooting range about a month ago. Shot a gun for the first time - what an experience. By the Summer of '08 I plan to be fully trained with my license to carry. Hopefully I'll never have to use it, but I'd be willing if need be, and I'll do a good job too.

Cheers,
Loonette

Loonette wrote:By the Summer of '08 I plan to be fully trained with my license to carry. Hopefully I'll never have to use it, but I'd be willing if need be, and I'll do a good job too.

Cheers,
Loonette

I'm glad that you plan to get fully trained. Here in Colorado, my mom, (I legally can't take the course yet) took the concealed weapons permit course. It cost her under $100 and a weekend. She didn't have to do ANYTHING to prove she knew how to shoot the gun, how to arm, use the safety, anything. All she had to do was pass the knowledge test.

As soon as I turn 21 I am getting my CCW. I'm not sure if I'll actually start carrying, but who knows. As for training, I've been shooting since I was 8, learning on my uncle's farm, and hunting since I was 12. I've also shot with several competitive shooters, and have been properly trained by them in the dynamics of pistol shooting. (Personally I prefer my rifles and shotguns.)

Again, Loonette, thanks for actually taking the time and making the effort to get trained, instead of just carrying and hoping you'll automatically know how to use it in a moment of need.
Wrider

Apitoxin wrote:

apollofrost wrote:Do you have the maturity to carry a weapon? this is not a simple question, if someone started a fist fight would you have the self control not to pull out your weapon?

Do you have the self control to walk away from a fight? Would you start fights because you knew you were armed?

Fist fights are taken care of properly by most of the motorcycling community.

Most of the motorcycling community has, or should, invest in carbon fiber knuckles on their gloves. ^^

naw man, it's all about the throws. I'll never forget the look on that coke head's face after he hit the ground so hard he bounced. I think it had an etch-a-sketch effect on his short term memory though, because he sat down next to the girl he had been pawing against her will (hence why I threw him) and was a perfect gentleman.

Good conversation folks

Now, having said all that, I keep wondering what a routine traffic stop by a cop would be like for you, with a weapon on you as opposed to one without.

willw, a routine traffic stop with a carry can bereally hairy at first. But there is a procedure and most LEOs are very good at handling the situation. You will not be the first person they have stopped that is carry a CCW and you will not be their last. What you do when carrying and get pulled over. Here is that darn phrase again - EDUCATION AND TRAINING. KNOW YOUR STATE LAWS! Some states require that you inform the LEO you are carrying. Some states you do not need to tell him/her.

First and foremost, do EXACTLY and calmly as the officer tells you, to the very last letter! Do not argue. Yes sir. No sir. Thank you sir. And keep your hands on the steering wheel where he can see them.

When asked for your DL and insurance you also hand him your CPL. He will either ask you if you are carrying or he'll make conversation about it. That is up to the personality and good day/bad day the LEO is having. Whatever he does, remember, calm, yes sir, no sir, thank you sir, hands on the wheel. He might ask you to step out of the car whle he secures it. And that is ok, just let him, do not make a fuss. He will hand it to you at the end of the stop. He is only doing it for his protection in order to stay ahead of the situation. Remember, he does not know you. So he must treat you as the real bad guy who will kill him until he is sure otherwise. So, go along respectfully with everything the LEO asks you to do.

If you were pulled over for speeding the officer will either warn you, write a ticket or let you off. You take your lumps, say thank you ad go about the rest of your day.


As for knives, I don't even bring those up. The only time they will matter is if I'm being patted down and arrested and I don't intend to ever be in that position. If you are, of course, tell them you have a folder in your pocket or belt holster.


Folks are bring up great questions and good scenarios about "What if...?" There is a proper way to respond in every situation and those situations are covered by training and education. And by training and education, I'm saying find a reputable source you can talk to, courses you can sign up for, and reading articles in mags and reputable forums (I like TFL). A local store/range/sportsman club. There are some jerks, but there are some great folks who will help everyone, just like in the motorcycling community.


ps. Some LEOs don't know the exact laws when it comes to CCW. Some LEOs know the rules correctly. That is why I suggested that you print them out out (the ones regarding personal and car carry) and keep them with you in the car so that you can present them if there is a question. I suggest that you do not keep the papers and the firearm in the same location

Shorts wrote:There are some jerks, but there are some great folks who will help everyone, just like in the motorcycling community.

+1

drevil wrote:But of course!

http://media.putfile.com/Tailgunner-for-WinMediaPlayer

You sir are a loon!

Shorts wrote:Good conversation folks

Now, having said all that, I keep wondering what a routine traffic stop by a cop would be like for you, with a weapon on you as opposed to one without.

willw, a routine traffic stop with a carry can bereally hairy at first. But there is a procedure and most LEOs are very good at handling the situation. You will not be the first person they have stopped that is carry a CCW and you will not be their last. What you do when carrying and get pulled over. Here is that darn phrase again - EDUCATION AND TRAINING. KNOW YOUR STATE LAWS! Some states require that you inform the LEO you are carrying. Some states you do not need to tell him/her.

First and foremost, do EXACTLY and calmly as the officer tells you, to the very last letter! Do not argue. Yes sir. No sir. Thank you sir. And keep your hands on the steering wheel where he can see them.

When asked for your DL and insurance you also hand him your CPL. He will either ask you if you are carrying or he'll make conversation about it. That is up to the personality and good day/bad day the LEO is having. Whatever he does, remember, calm, yes sir, no sir, thank you sir, hands on the wheel. He might ask you to step out of the car whle he secures it. And that is ok, just let him, do not make a fuss. He will hand it to you at the end of the stop. He is only doing it for his protection in order to stay ahead of the situation. Remember, he does not know you. So he must treat you as the real bad guy who will kill him until he is sure otherwise. So, go along respectfully with everything the LEO asks you to do.

If you were pulled over for speeding the officer will either warn you, write a ticket or let you off. You take your lumps, say thank you ad go about the rest of your day.


As for knives, I don't even bring those up. The only time they will matter is if I'm being patted down and arrested and I don't intend to ever be in that position. If you are, of course, tell them you have a folder in your pocket or belt holster.


Folks are bring up great questions and good scenarios about "What if...?" There is a proper way to respond in every situation and those situations are covered by training and education. And by training and education, I'm saying find a reputable source you can talk to, courses you can sign up for, and reading articles in mags and reputable forums (I like TFL). A local store/range/sportsman club. There are some jerks, but there are some great folks who will help everyone, just like in the motorcycling community.


ps. Some LEOs don't know the exact laws when it comes to CCW. Some LEOs know the rules correctly. That is why I suggested that you print them out out (the ones regarding personal and car carry) and keep them with you in the car so that you can present them if there is a question. I suggest that you do not keep the papers and the firearm in the same location

I a;ways make a point to let them know i am carrying....tense for 1 minute after that then its all good.....cuz i is legal