Firearms onboard

M

Minnow

New member
I’ve been boarded several times by the Coast Guard in the last few years. The first thing they ask is, “Do you have any weapons on board?”
I have responded, “Yeah, I have a pocket knife.”, and they don’t seem to care. Time served on jury duty has taught me that anything used as a weapon, is a weapon.
I think what they mean to ask, is “Do you have any firearms onboard?”
Let’s just say, hypothetically, I travel to Florida this winter and take along a legally registered sidearm. What happens if I answer that I have a gun onboard? Will I need bail?
 
No, I don't think so. They will just be much more cautious of you until they get on board. Just don't keep it loaded! Have the bullets more than an arms length from the gun. This is what I've been told by other boating friends. I'm with you. I certainly wouldnt be doing any type of travel in the Dory without protection!
 
Well, lets remember a couple of things. If a gun is unloaded, its NOT a weapon. Its a piece of metal. Secondly, if you are upfront with them in terms of what you have, they are not going to detain you. It IS your right to bear arms. If in international waterways, etc..I'd check into the ruling
more. As far as that goes, you could call Coast Guard with the same question that you've posed here, and get the answer. Obviously, they'd love it if everyone didnt have a gun...but nonetheless, the actual rules will be in your favor. You won't need bail.
 
About 20 years ago, I singlehanded my Jeanneau Tonic 23 sailboat from l
Lake Erie to the Keys and Bahamas and back. I was bordered four times by Customs, Coast Guard, DEA and Bahamian Defense Forces.

Each time I declared the firearms on board and location and never had a problem.

However, the problems will depend on state law, not just federal. The complication arises because in Ohio, for instance, where we have concelaed carry laws, not all Coasties are aware that a boat is vessel, not a vehicle.

Check out the state laws of place that you will pass through, also. Example, NY state has very onerous gun laws and even passing through the state with an unloaded, broken down handgun is a felony.

One source of information is www.packing.org. It has a comprehensive list of gun laws, including those for RV's. Boats are still a gray area, however.

Nick
"Valkyrie"
 
If I beat someone with a life jacket, I will have committed the crime of using a weapon.
The question is, does anyone know the subtleties of intra-state, and intra-coastal firearms law?
 
Thanks for the link Nick. I'll spend some time there.
Here in NJ, We're a "may-issue" state. A resident can get carry permit if they have a REALLY good reason. Almost impossible for a regular Joe.
But we can get a Florida CCW. Huh.
 
But NO NO in Canada. Even my little snake charmer 410 butt gun was bad news. And states do vary. A carry permit in WA doesn't mean a thing in lots of states I've passed through.

Dusty
 
Your C-Dory ( at least my 22 and now 25) qualifies with the US Gov as a second residence. I am allowed to write off the interest on the loan just like a regular home. I can legally have a fire arm loaded and ready in any of my residences or businesses.

All you need to do is answer the question with "yes I have a fire arm and it is in that cabinet". You will be told what to do next.
 
Up here I carry a 300 Win Mag for bear and a Glock .45 because I am often well away from any police protection and believe in self reliance (not much fear here you never know). Be upfront with the Coasties and let them know what you have and where its at and you wont have any problem as long as you are following state law.

Do NOT go into Canada or cross into Canadian territory with weapons unless you know the regs and plan in advance.
 
If you are passing thru Canada you can bring a gun, but have to get all the paper work before hand and have it signed off before you leave. Thousands of hunters take guns into Canada every year. You can still ship guns on all airlines in the U.S. and Canada as long as you plan ahead and fill out the paper work.

A word on "protection" guns. I was a range instructor for the marines for 3 out of my 8 years in service. The “What is the perfect protection gun?” Question came up a lot. There were several articles and studies at the time being passed around the range. We ran rifle re-qualification, combat shotgun, combat pistol, tactical house, and sniper schools out of the same range, so the amount of knowledge around our b.s. sections were rather high. I believe that unless you are very good, practicing combat pistol courses on regular basics, then leave the handgun in the truck not the home or boat. A short barreled semi auto or even pump shot gun in the .410 gage is the best choice for home defense for the whole family, easy to shoot, little recoil, short enough to swing in a closed space (hallway) and with a #7 bird shot or lighter it will not penetrate (much) your inside walls ( if you hit the guy). a 12 in oo buck at 6 ft will go thru him and the wall. This keeps you from killing little jimmy in his bed behind the bad guys. A 9mm handgun will punch thru 3or 4 sheet rock walls in your house when you miss. It’s also rather hard to miss will a short barreled .410 at 6 ft (the average distance in a house shooting) and you don’t have to be a pro. A .410 loaded with two #7s and then a slug will stop any bear that charges you on your beach stroll. The #7 will bring the charge up short and then the slug should stop or slow him down. Just my 2 cents after lots of talk around the range house.
 
starcrafttom":31e8eajm said:
If you are passing thru Canada you can bring a gun, but have to get all the paper work before hand and have it signed off before you leave. Thousands of hunters take guns into Canada every year. You can still ship guns on all airlines in the U.S. and Canada as long as you plan ahead and fill out the paper work.
Click to expand...
I believe you can not take a handgun through Canada. They allow transport of long guns only, and are very nasty if you get caught trying to circumvent their restriction on handguns.
 
I think your right about handguns, but I like shot guns better anyhow. a hand gun is for people who really know how to shoot and practice combat shooting, not just target shooting. I was a pistol coach and shot for the base team 13 years ago and do not consider myself qualified at this time to carry. I would like to get handguns for Susan and me but we will put a lot of time at the range before we get carry permits.

There was a video around 10 years ago of an armed robbery. A guy walks in and pulls a gun on a store clerk. The clerk pulls a gun and the two of them empty both guns (both six shooter) at each other from 9 feet away. Result was 12 misses and the guy just walks out. Shooting at a target and shooting while the blood is pumping are very different. Old saying " You will perform as you practiced" no practice under combat conditions = no performance. Even if you have a carry permit and have shot targets for years do your self a favor and take an action shooting class.
 
StarcraftTom: Generally I agree with you on the hand gun issue. I have 20 years active duty with the Marine Corps and Army (almost all Infantry) and even though I generally shoot expert in both rifle and pistol, I dont carry a pistol in bear country for the same reason you mentioned; I am much more sure of my abilities with a rifle.

However, on a small boat where you are looking for personal protection and have limited space, a pistol is a good choice if you are comfortable and semi-skilled with using it. Thankfully most of the issues up here revolve around theft and drunkeness; neither of which is worth shooting someone over.
 
Firearms onboard, you bet. Anything trying to eat me I'm shooting. Anything trying to beat me I'm shooting. Anything trying to cheat me I may be shooting. I realize some of your local dilemmas and I am very thankful to be living in Alaska where you are actully expected to be armed. Mike on Huda Thunkit.
 
Has anyone had an occasion to use a flare gun at close range? Would it just bounce off of an object, or do some damage? I just ordered a German made 25MM gun, but at $50 for three rounds, I don't think I'll be doing much combat practice.
Olin also makes 25MM to 12 gauge adapters, and another outfit makes 12 gauge to 38 special adapters. They say the 38 adapter is legal everywhere, but I'm sure that if it were in a flare gun and loaded, it's a firearm, and you might as well have something more effective.
 
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