
Any Hassles In Public?
#1
Posted 19 November 2003 - 11:22 PM
However, I was thinking about taking my new toy to a gun show in a couple of weeks. (I'm having a hard time with the fit of my WH L drum, and one of the dealers will have a Seymour L I'd like to try on.) Then that little paranoid button got pushed. I started thinking about all the cops that will be there, at the entrance and elsewhere, and I seemed to remember hearing stories about guys with legal Class III weapons getting a lot of harassment from the local constabulary.
I've been advised to always keep my Form 4 with the gun. However, I'm also going to get a copy made and get a notary to certify it, so I can keep the original in a safe place.
Have any of you guys had bad experiences with cops or others? If so, any good pointers? Thanks.
#2
Posted 20 November 2003 - 02:51 AM

#3
Posted 20 November 2003 - 07:39 AM
Point being, it is hard to tell the semi-auto variant from the fullauto variant...and if someone asks how much for the thompson...you say "10k" they look at you with big eyes and say "i can get one over there for 800 dollars"...you tell him it is full auto...and he says you can own one of those
So in general don't be worried about carrying it to a gun show...just keep a low profile, bring a copy of your form 4, and be prepared to answer stupid questions
Good luck
#4
Posted 20 November 2003 - 09:00 AM
Other than that I've never had anyone hassle me about it; law enforcement, range officers, gun show attendents, etc... Heck, I've even brought it into my classes (both college and high school, I'm a teacher BTW) a few times for "show and tell" when we discuss WW II, with no problems whatsoever. Still, I always keep photocopies of my Form 4 and VA green ticket in the butt trap, and a folder of "papers to keep me legal, just in case" with additional copies of all of my Form 4s and VA green tickets, a few legal letters, excerpts from state and federal law, and copies of my FFL. In short, if you're legal, don't sweat it. And if you are hassled, be polite, show your paperwork, and take the time to educate the ignorant (and possibly win another convert to our side.)
YMMV
#5
Posted 20 November 2003 - 01:25 PM
Jr
When they ask you if you have a license for your MG, show them your drivers licence and say "will that do?"
LOL
#6
Posted 20 November 2003 - 01:25 PM
You might want to be carefull if the gun show you're going to is in another state. Besides state laws, I believe the ATF requires paperwork in advance before you take it out of state. Other than that people, in general, are fascinated by a thompson.
Chip
#7
Posted 20 November 2003 - 07:09 PM
#8
Posted 20 November 2003 - 07:30 PM
Copy of form 4 doesn't have to be notarized. I just make decent photocopies and stamp "COPY" on each page with one of those red stampers.
I had a guy at a DNR range say that "I thought you needed a license for that" statement....
My reply:
"Who are you....a Fed"???
He scampered to his car and left!!!
Have had Deputies and Cops pull into various ranges and ask about the gun....never had anyone look at my form 4 copies.....
The Law knows the law....and others need to be informed!! You'd be surprised how many cops want to shoot it!!!
john
#9
Posted 20 November 2003 - 10:03 PM
#10
Posted 20 November 2003 - 11:30 PM
Hey Bill in VA, in your description of the gunshop commando (who we've all run across at one time or another) you forgot to mention the obligatory cheapo pistol or revolver in the shoulder holster or low slung tactical holster

And USMC 2 USN, I happen to also enjoy looking at blonde bimbos with big tatas


#11
Posted 20 November 2003 - 11:43 PM
#12
Posted 21 November 2003 - 07:04 AM
Doug
#13
Posted 21 November 2003 - 07:41 AM
Infact...we should offer free admission to attract more of them into the sport. I would be more than happy to bring a few to the range to 'show them the ropes'...maybe in more ways than one!
#14
Posted 21 November 2003 - 08:48 AM
#15
Posted 21 November 2003 - 09:20 AM
I am however, very careful to make sure I have copies of the F4 and Virgina registrations with me whenever the guns leave the house.
Regards,
Earle