I see progress is being made! Got my AZ CFP even though they don't require one.... just 'cuz'. I am a U.S. citizen. Got a passport to prove it and was registered for Selective Service when I turned 18 a long time ago.... but I have lived in Canada for most of my life, mainly because that is where my parents moved to (US citizens as well), that is where they worked, that is where I went to school and where my friends and about half my family live (the other half spread throughout the US).
Long story short... it is amazing how much of a difference there is between "US RESIDENT" and "US CITIZEN". I am one of "We the People" in only a portion of the states. I carry concealed carry permits from UT, NH, ME, PA, AZ, VA and would like to add NV to the collection, simply because I can. And to be honest, because the reciprocity between states is so darned convoluted, that the more permits I have (especially as a non-resident), the more states I am likely to be legal in. It is insane. Am I one of "We the People" or am I not? Is a resident one of "We the People" regardless of citizenship in many states over a citizen? Yep. Take Florida for instance.... they will only recognize a permit issued to a resident of Florida (resident permit) or a resident of another state that they recognize as a matter of course. They will only ISSUE a non-resident permit to a resident of the USA, regardless of citizenship (I think this was a typo error in the processing of the legislation as it was simply 'must be a citizen of the USA' all along until it hit the printer. Then it became "must be a resident of the USA AND must be a citizen of the USA". Sic. I don't visit Florida any longer until they will either issue me a non-resident permit or recognize one of my myriad of non-resident permits from other states. I could do what many do and rent a trailer spot at a trailer park and become a 'resident' by registering to vote... but that's not the point is it?
So, we are off to Las Vegas (known in these parts as "Lost Wages") Nevada and am hoping that I can arrange in advance a one-day course to get my NV non-resident concealed carry permit to add to my collection. I will rent a Glock 30 or perhaps 34 to qualify on and a S&W 686 for qualifying on revolvers.... easier than trying to travel by air with them... and a lot safer and much less hassle. And we don't have to worry about where we are going to store them while in Las Vegas (although the issue is now somewhat mitigated by the fact that NV recognizes my AZ permit).
When we travel, we carry a tablet computer and data stick for when our WiFi has no hotspot to connect to. Why? So we can be sure that we have the latest information on what the laws are for the states we are travelling through.
Does this country (USA) need a National Reciprocity Law? I'll let you guess what my opinion is.
For those of you that have never had to cause to have or use a weapon in self defense, let me tell you that it is something that you NEVER EVER want to be in a position to require. I have that T shirt x 3 including one episode of a whacko, high as a kite guy attempting to carjack my car with family in it about five years ago right by Mickey's home in Orlando/Kissimmee. The revolver barrel was 105mm... I could swear. More likely a .45Colt... it was H>U>G>E>!!! And it was right in my nose so I could see the tips of rounds in the piece. About as close to messing myself as I have ever come. But with training (and no gun thank goodness....it would have caused me greater grief) I managed to extricate myself from the situation unharmed. It took me the entire two weeks of vacation to calm down and when I got home I began my quest for permits from any state that would issue one to me.. and here I stand, recognized by and in about 40 states but having to check before entering each state and having to holster, unholster, and lock the fixin's up in two seperate mini-safe's bolted into the back of our Ford Flex. Working to unholster while concealed inside the car, unload, trigger lock, encase and transfer the gun to the safe in the back in a black cloth shopping bag every time we enter a state where we are no legal or a zone in that state where we are not legal (school zones, rest stops, you name it.... good to have a computer onhand for the latest!)
The new law in Nevada that allows one to qualify for ANY semiauto and ANY revolver is a wonderful improvement. Now let's get that National Reciprocity Bill that was so overwhelmingly passed in the House moved onto the floor and passed in the SENATE! And lose the politicians that have no idea of what it's like to have a gun stuck in your nose with your family in your car while on vacation and unarmed. Or having multiple aggressors attempting to break into your home with guns and pry bars (high as kits also) while you stand inside on the phone with 911 awaiting police intervention and hollering at the top of your lungs "I'm armed and if you enter I will shoot you" (had no effect whatever). Not once but twice! And we live in a great part of town here. Oh, and with our alarm sirens blaring inside and out and the houselights on the ground floor inside and out flashing at the same time. No effect. High as a kite on drugs and figuring we were going to be easy marks.... we were NOT going to be easy marks and are grateful that the police took them down at gunpoint. But since they did not achieve entry I imagine they were only charged with trespass and fined and let go. Laws need changing too.
National reciprocity. We need to let our Senators know what it means to us and what it will do for their political aspirations. We are Life Members of NRA here. A united voice goes a long way as well.... and I hope that it makes some necessary changes in November.
Thanks for listening. Anyone knowing of a shop in the Las Vegas area that can help us out with a one day course, rental handguns and all the fixin's for our non-res application.... please post or PM me. Next to visiting lodge again in Vegas this is right at the top of my list.
