I know some very frightening individuals, and I want to be safe. What options do I have in purchasing a handgun or shotgun and carrying it legally? I'm not trying to kill anyone and I simply want to legally have the resources to defend myself against people who value money above human life.
2007-08-22 04:50:40 · 8 answers · asked by Benjamin J 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
To carry a gun you need a document known as a concealed carry permit.
If you are moving to Washington DC you wil need to get the permit from Washington DC.
As a practical matter in Washington DC only politicians and people with very good political connections can get a concealed carry permit.
As a practical matter if you have to ask this question on Yahoo Answers your political connections are not good enough to get a concealed carry permit in Washington DC.
I know that this sounds unfair and I know that there are many street thugs in Washington DC that will kill you just because they are bored and do not know what else to do that they would fiind interesting.
Personally I would reconsider the move to Washington DC and move somewhere else that is safer.
2007-08-22 05:01:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You usually have to be 21 to legally purchase and carry a handgun. I believe 18 is the minimum age for a shotgun, but it's really not practical to carry a shotgun for self defense. You might need a permit to carry a shotgun in your car, anyways.
Have you considered other options? Pepper spray, tazers, etc, are all legal and less-than-lethal methods to take down an attacker.
Handguns are not allowed in Washington DC. Period. They've actually banned handguns there. Didn't do much to deter crime, but that's the way it is. It's legal to own rifles/shotguns, but there are extensive rules on when, where, and how you can carry and transport them.
http://crime.about.com/od/gunlawsbystate/f/gunlaw_oh.htm
http://www.concealedcarryohio.com/
http://www.ohioccw.org/content/view/3838/83/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firearms_Control_Regulations_Act_of_1975
Whatever you decide to do, make you know the law inside and out. If you are caught carrying a handgun illegally, the police don't care if you honestly didn't know you weren't susposed to. There are places that you aren't allowed to carry guns in, and in some buildings it's a federal crime to carry a firearm. Know the laws! In some states, it's illegall to carry openly, but legal to carry concealed with a permit, so if you are carrying concealed, and your gun accidently shows, you are breaking the law. Make sure you are trained in retaining your gun if there is a struggle. Take a handgun course, even if it's not required in your state. Don't ever point your gun at anything you don't intend to destroy! Brandishing is a no-no. The laws concerning use of force are pretty strict...if your assailant comes at you with a knife, and you use a gun on him, you might be guilty of manslaughter because you used too much force.
Hope this helps. I used to carry concealed, but decided that it was just too much trouble. A gun doesn't make you safe, it simply gives you an option "just in case". Being safe, prudent, and careful will give you more protection than assuming a gun will take care of you.
2007-08-22 12:16:51 · answer #2 · answered by rita_alabama 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In spite of the recent Supreme Court decision re Washington D.C....having a handgun is a real challange. Rita gave some good sources.
2007-08-22 13:40:45 · answer #3 · answered by sirbobby98121 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can not have a handgun in dc fact an you have to be 21 to buy a weapon
2007-08-22 11:56:23 · answer #4 · answered by bigdogrex 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off carrying a wepon changes your entire demenor, your more likely to pull on someone for soemthing you percieve threatning. And that can get you in alot of trouble. Also a license to carry a conceled weapon is a costly and lengthy process. I would also recomend haveing a good lawyer and psychologist. In the event you do pull your gun, or worse, kill someone your going to have to go to court and defend yourself. The psychologist is in the unfortunate event you have to use the weapon, the kind of trauma you would go through is unimaginable, having a professional to talk to and work through your problems is invaluable.
In todays society guns are a neccisary evil, but responsibility and knowledge can make them safe for everyone
2007-08-22 12:04:01 · answer #5 · answered by Fenix 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Dear Ben,
I live in DC it is illegal for any DC resident to have possession of a gun/rifle. If you decide to move to Virginia, then it is legal. I see no reason for the possession of one in DC unless you know that your life will be in danger, espically if you or individuals that you know or you know of are connected to or in a gang. Stay safe out there!
2007-08-22 11:57:04 · answer #6 · answered by Abysschick 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
dont by it if your going on a plain because thay will take it away and never give it back,if your driving there then by it,
2007-08-22 11:59:28 · answer #7 · answered by Daniel P 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Can't you just avoid those people?
I wish that guns would be banned in America. When I was younger I always wanted to live in US, but guns are legal there so I got put off lol.
2007-08-22 11:55:48 · answer #8 · answered by m8g8 3 · 0⤊ 8⤋