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New Places

New Places

2/1/2012

I’m continuing the story about how deciding to carry a gun full time changed certain segments of my life, such as how I dress.

At the time, I lived in South Carolina, very near the Georgia border, and like most people, I liked to go out to dinner from time to time. However, South Carolina law prevents persons carrying a concealed handgun from entering restaurants that serve alcohol. Because of this law, I quit going to nice restaurants in South Carolina, preferring to drive the 30-odd miles to Augusta, Ga., which allows concealed carry in restaurants if the person doesn’t drink.

I would still enter fast food places, and other restaurants that didn’t serve alcohol, but my decision to always carry forced me to spend money in Georgia, rather than my home state. Virginia, where I live now, also allows conceal carry in restaurants that serve alcohol if the permit holder does not drink alcohol, but since I often visit South Carolina, I still have to consider if I’m willing to forgo carrying my Kimber Ultra Carry or drive across the state line. I prefer to take a drive.

What have you changed to ensure that you can always carry a concealed handgun?

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  • Tomintx

    4/25/2012 10:12:15 PM

    Man I love Texas. A CHL holder can walk into locations that have "Gun-free zone" signs without going naked. Texas law specifies specific wording and print size. If your Gun-Free Zone sign does not meet the code, then it has no legal weight.

  • Pete

    2/10/2012 7:30:13 AM

    I ignore all private business signs that say "No Firearms Allowed." If they somehow happen to see my gun, the only thing they can do is tell me to leave. If I then leave their property, there is nothing further they can do (other than tell me I am also not welcome in the future). I can only be arrested if I refuse to leave, and then only for misdemeanor trespassing. Check your state and local laws.

  • Virginia Gentleman

    2/7/2012 8:09:39 AM

    I bought a GunVault for the car, which serves to store the handgun if I have to go into my kids' school or the PO (I have forgotten a few times — happens when you get used to carrying). When my wife and I have a date, I don't refrain from wine or beer, even if it means refraining from carrying. I like having the choice.

  • Rich

    2/3/2012 6:12:05 AM

    I have gotten over the notion that somehow, drinking alcoholic beverages enhances my persona, increases my libido, and makes me a better man! With the lack of law and order quite apparent in urban, and sub-urban locales, the police no longer being a deterrent, but rather an investigative force, I am thankful for my Right to Carry granted by the 2nd Amendment!

  • Jerry in AZ

    2/2/2012 10:22:00 PM

    Here in Arizona the law is apparently similar to Augusta for places that serve alcohol. Unfortunately, we still have to deal with the "No Firearms Allowed" signs posted by various business'. In some areas, there are no alternative stores to patronize so "Always" carrying is not an option.

  • Rob

    2/2/2012 10:36:53 PM

    I find myself offering to be the designated driver even more often. That makes it less conspicuous when I stick to diet colas. But I still feel compelled to inform my companions, but only when driving another person's vehicle. Should I do the same when piloting my own auto? What is the protocol here? P.S. Being the D.D. Has its advantages. I once had use of a buddy's Mustang for part of a weekend after he met a gal and left the pub with her. Being sober and over-caffeinated, I took a two-hour drive home!

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