Where is the best place to..

[FatNakedGuy]

Where is the best place to carry your firearm while on a shoot?

Have you ever been threatened while carrying thousands of $$ in equipment?

[00silvergt]

I guess the quick answer to this is, not while in California. I've felt uneasy about caring a camera that lame people may think costs thousands of dollars, especially while walking some of the streets here in San Francisco and some at night while in San Antonio, TX. I think the Texas feeling was tainted a little when I heard the news of a deputy getting held up at gun point while washing his cruiser in San Antonio...

[brian.austin]

Originally Posted by FatNakedGuy

Where is the best place to carry your firearm while on a shoot?[

Are you legally allowed to carry your firearm in your state? Are there specific rules on how it must be handled?

Here in AZ, with no CCW, you're allowed to OPENLY carry a firearm on public property. Roads, state land, etc.. Malls, stores, restuarants, etc., don't count as "public", btw.

A CCW entitles you to carrying the weapon concealed in most areas unless alcohol is served in open containers (ie bars, restaurants, etc.) or local security regulations or private rules forbid it. Again, this is for Arizona. State rules vary but usually not that much with CCWs.

Have you ever been threatened while carrying thousands of $$ in equipment?

No, but I'm one of those very "situationally aware" type of people. I also tend to confront rather than wait for someone to make a move. Most of the time, a simple "hi" with a smile and a wave lets them know that you see them, you acknowledge them, and you've taken a good enough look to ID them. (or in my case, if I can see you enough to say "hi", I can probably hit you with the .45. )

[Capn_Jack]

Mr. Austin has made a very good point--being aware of what's around you, and even the simple act of acknowledging someone you think might give you trouble with a friendly hello, will probably get you out of trouble more often then a firearm; namely because if you have to use the firearm, you're already in trouble! Don't get me wrong, I'm all for CC, but I think it's the goal of everyone who really knows about violence to never end up in the situation where you have to use it. I'm a firm believer that your best self defense tool is a good set of sneakers. Further, I can't imagine a camera in the world that is worth taking a life over. However, there may be times when an assailant won't stop at a camera but will want to cause you or someone you care about harm as well. In these times, being able to defend yourself is invaluable. But, let's keep this away from being a morality thread about guns & their usage and address the practical questions asked, as they pose an interesting problem.

I'll make it clear this is purely an intellectual exercise for me; I used to do a lot of competitive & recreational shooting at my local club but, being in Canada, any kind of carry is not allowed.

However, lets say you're shooting. I can picture 2 Worst case scenarios--One is you've got your eye in the viewfinder, sizing up a shot and are caught unawares, the other is you're packing/unpacking or have your hands otherwise occupied and someone catches you.

It would seem to me, though, that whether you are a photographer or a carpenter or anyone else who carries, you'd want to do so in a way that best suits you--for example, I always carry my SLR either around my neck or in a pack; Therefore a cross draw is no good (strap might get in the way) and a small-of-the-back style holster is no good. A groin style holster would be uncomfortable as I am often contorting over and around railings and obstacles to get a good shot; ideally for me I think the most comfortable carry would be on my hip. But, each person has his or her own style of shooting (the camera kind); and as such they should carry in such a way that works best for them with safety being the foremost concern--for oneself as well as others.

As far as me ever being personally threatened--well, if you don't want to get attacked by wolves, don't go playing outside their den!I find the only person who ever approaches me when I'm carrying around my gear is someone who wants to know what I'm kitted out with, but then, the locales I shoot in aren't exactly what you'd call 'rough'--sometimes, though, perhaps the pursuit of art is worth a venture in along the wolves. To each his own, but your best tool is prevention, and your best weapon your brain--that means being smart about where you go, and if you DO go, knowing what's around you.

There I go writing a novel, sorry folks!

Cheers
Craig

[Harry]

I've been busting my a$$ trying to think of one of my off the wall, sarcastic remarks, decided to let it pass, backed out of the thread and then noticed that this is posted in the Camera Accessories Forum.

[Capn_Jack]

Well, it's KIND of an accessory :P I mean, do you get the silver Rebel to match the Smith & Wesson, or a black Nikon to match the Colt with textured grips :P

But, a legitimate concern for some, all the same. Some folks feel very vulnerable with all that gear ($$) being carried around.

Cheers
Craig

[brian.austin]

Originally Posted by Capn_Jack

But, a legitimate concern for some, all the same. Some folks feel very vulnerable with all that gear ($$) being carried around.

In my not so humble opinion, the only thing a gun should do is (a) scare someone off, (b) make a lot of attention gathering noise and (c) give you time to run. But if you're going to carry, take the classes, learn the rules, and make darn sure your shots count...because you're responsible for missing, too...especially if you hit an innocent bystander BEHIND the guy you just missed.

[heartseye]

Originally Posted by brian.austin

In my not so humble opinion, the only thing a gun should do is (a) scare someone off, (b) make a lot of attention gathering noise and (c) give you time to run. But if you're going to carry, take the classes, learn the rules, and make darn sure your shots count...because you're responsible for missing, too...especially if you hit an innocent bystander BEHIND the guy you just missed.

I totally agree with Brian here......guns are NOT for people who don't know guns, ( not saying that's you).
The answer to your question though is simple enough......it has to be where you can get at it without delay.
But, if you are not really proficient and trained, then leave the gun at home. Take a bat....maybe a game will break out....cheers, Bob

[Capn_Jack]

Mr. Austin, you and I are on the same page! Eloquently said!

Cheers
Craig

[JimH]

Originally Posted by brian.austin

In my not so humble opinion, the only thing a gun should do is (a) scare someone off, (b) make a lot of attention gathering noise and (c) give you time to run. But if you're going to carry, take the classes, learn the rules, and make darn sure your shots count...because you're responsible for missing, too...especially if you hit an innocent bystander BEHIND the guy you just missed.

Brain your letter (C) is actually part of the statutes that surround the MN Lic to Carry a Pistol (what other states call a ccw). Before drawing your weapon, whether in danger or someone else is in danger, it is your responsibility to run away first. If you do that and still find it necessary to discharge your weapon and you hit your human target the other guarantees made are:

1. You will (at least temporarily - but more likely permanently) lose your pistol lic.
2. You will be going to jail whether in self-defense or not
3. You will in all likelihood be targeted in a civil case by the "victim's" (got to like that verbiage) injuries/death.

[Alfred D.]

Originally Posted by FatNakedGuy

Have you ever been threatened while carrying thousands of $$ in equipment?

If you have, you were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

[brian.austin]

Originally Posted by jhilgedick

Brain your letter (C) is actually part of the statutes that surround the MN Lic to Carry a Pistol (what other states call a ccw). Before drawing your weapon, whether in danger or someone else is in danger, it is your responsibility to run away first. If you do that and still find it necessary to discharge your weapon and you hit your human target the other guarantees made are:

1. You will (at least temporarily - but more likely permanently) lose your pistol lic.
2. You will be going to jail whether in self-defense or not
3. You will in all likelihood be targeted in a civil case by the "victim's" (got to like that verbiage) injuries/death.

Typical liberal leaning laws. Arrest the guy defending himself and give the bad guy an opportunity to get him again.

AZ doesn't have reciprocity with MN. I wouldn't carry there....nor would I live there.

[Vjim]

I shot with my assisstant.
She carries the GUN !


Love
Vjim

[RockyPtJoe]

Originally Posted by brian.austin

In my not so humble opinion, the only thing a gun should do is (a) scare someone off, (b) make a lot of attention gathering noise and (c) give you time to run. But if you're going to carry, take the classes, learn the rules, and make darn sure your shots count...because you're responsible for missing, too...especially if you hit an innocent bystander BEHIND the guy you just missed.

Brian, I wholeheartedly agree...but also would add to your "but" statement at the end....REALLY know yourself and your ability/willingness to actually use the gun if there is no other choice. Many people would just freeze, and wind up having the gun taken away from them and used on them!

I had the misfortune of driving a taxi in Phoenix for about a year, and carried a gun. No offense to the people of Phoenix, but the city is not a "taxi town" like New York/San Franscisco, and the taxis cater to a "specific type" of clientele. The two times that I was in a situation that it looked like I really needed the gun....I was able to revert to your (a)...above...never had to draw the gun, and just the plain sight of the gun defused the situation!

Raised in New York City, and having survived many years of commuting on the subways, I have to agree with the "situational awareness" statement someone else made. If you walk around without knowing what/who else is around you, something is going to come up and hit you on the head!!!

[brian.austin]

Originally Posted by RockyPtJoe

Brian, I wholeheartedly agree...but also would add to your "but" statement at the end....REALLY know yourself and your ability/willingness to actually use the gun if there is no other choice. Many people would just freeze, and wind up having the gun taken away from them and used on them!

If you're not willing to use it, you're better off leaving it at home...for exactly the reason you state. You'll end up getting hurt.

Personally, I have no qualms about using one. Heck, I'll use the camera itself if that's all I have in my hands. I tend to give it an all-out, no holds barred effort. If I'm going to get hurt, I might as well make them remember me.

I had the misfortune of driving a taxi in Phoenix for about a year, and carried a gun. No offense to the people of Phoenix, but the city is not a "taxi town" like New York/San Franscisco, and the taxis cater to a "specific type" of clientele.

You've got more guts than me driving a taxi in this town. You're right: this is NOT a taxi city for the type of clientele you'd prefer.