I travel a lot. Frequently I do so with a firearm. For the purposes of this article, I’m going to focus on just that: traveling (and flying) with a firearm (vs. how I carry, how I secure it, etc. — that will come in the future). As a retired LEO (that’s Law Enforcement Officer of course) I am authorized to carry a firearm in all 50 states under HR 218 – the LEOSA Act (Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act – yes, I know that was redundant). I won’t be getting in to the details of HR218 other than to emphasize that all who qualify under this act should learn as much as possible about it and stay up on any and all changes. It does not provide the complete freedom to carry a firearm you think it might.
I recently attended a conference in New York City and learned – the easy way – that I was potentially in violation of very strict laws in New York and New Jersey. I spoke with a gentleman who was scheduled to give a presentation about HR218 to active and former LEOs. I told him I was looking forward to his speech as I frequently travel armed.
He immediately asked if I was carrying, and I replied in the affirmative. He asked what type of firearm and the number of rounds I usually carry. After quick reflection, I told him, “Usually ten.”
Red Flag! – There is a NYC law banning anything over 7 rounds in a 10 round magazine (everyone feel safer now?). Okay, easily remedied…download magazines. H218 says you can carry the weapon – not that you can have 10 rounds in your magazine, you vicious desperado.
Next – “Did you fly in via Newark [New Jersey]?”
Response: “Yup.”
OK – this is where it gets serious. Real serious. Let’s say hypothetically a fella was to fly into or out of Newark and this local LEO was correct in his understanding of the law. In fact, let’s say a fella was to walk, drive, skip, roller skate or in any other wise travel through New Jersey with hollow point ammunition. That fella could, if what the local LEO was telling me is true, expose himself to felony charges. As in, a felony charge per round. No bullshit – and no exemption for LEOs, HR218 or no. Let’s just say this fella did NOT travel with said contraband, but gosh if I had….
I know what you’re thinking: there’s the whole “On The Job”, “retired from the Job”, wink and a nod/secret handshake/”we’re all good here right?” kinda deals that go on.
Read the Remainder at Breach Bang Clear
Parts Two and Three can be Found At Breach Bang Clear Also.
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