Strangest Law
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Strangest Law
So I just got back from visiting Michigan. Most places were nice and so were the people. Detroit was an experience, one I'd recommend anyone to take during the daytime. Flying with guns these days is pretty easy to do.
While I was walking around town I inadvertently wandered onto a college campus in the middle of downtown without quite realizing it. It was cold, and I had my XD in an OWB holster and a light jacket. I didn't realize it but the bottom of the holster was quite visible, and very quickly a police officer stopped me and asked if I was carrying a gun concealed on a college campus. I told him I was visiting from Texas, didn't realize it was a campus, and showed him my CHL and DL. He then told me the strangest thing I've ever heard. "Son, here in Michigan, you can't carry concealed in Gun Free Zones. As long as you are on this campus you must carry openly."
what?
So i pulled my clothes over my pistol, and OC for my first time, at the instructions of teh LEO.
While I was walking around town I inadvertently wandered onto a college campus in the middle of downtown without quite realizing it. It was cold, and I had my XD in an OWB holster and a light jacket. I didn't realize it but the bottom of the holster was quite visible, and very quickly a police officer stopped me and asked if I was carrying a gun concealed on a college campus. I told him I was visiting from Texas, didn't realize it was a campus, and showed him my CHL and DL. He then told me the strangest thing I've ever heard. "Son, here in Michigan, you can't carry concealed in Gun Free Zones. As long as you are on this campus you must carry openly."
what?
So i pulled my clothes over my pistol, and OC for my first time, at the instructions of teh LEO.
Re: Strangest Law
Yeah, check out http://opencarry.org/mi.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Keith
Texas LTC Instructor, Missouri CCW Instructor, NRA Certified Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun Instructor and RSO, NRA Life Member
Psalm 82:3-4
Texas LTC Instructor, Missouri CCW Instructor, NRA Certified Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun Instructor and RSO, NRA Life Member
Psalm 82:3-4
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Re: Strangest Law
Really? Wow. That's kind of different.
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Re: Strangest Law
Man, are you lucky. In many states, carrying on school grounds is illegal. In some cases, it's a felony.
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Re: Strangest Law
So............how did you like carrying openly?
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Re: Strangest Law
I'll be the last person to talk about concealed Vs. covert, but maaaaaaybe you should (and I mean this in a very friendly tone, here) consider your concealment attire and/or methods.
not harping, but if the cop hadn't outted you, the whole thing coulda been avoided.
other than that, to the officer being very professional and reasonable in his response.
not harping, but if the cop hadn't outted you, the whole thing coulda been avoided.
other than that, to the officer being very professional and reasonable in his response.
FWIW, IIRC, AFAIK, FTMP, IANAL. YMMV.
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Re: Strangest Law
Must be nice to carry openly
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Re: Strangest Law
I had no idea there was a law like that and the fact that the LEO didn't give you any hassle makes it a win win situation.
I am just a little jealous though .
I am just a little jealous though .
Re: Strangest Law
DoubleJ wrote:I'll be the last person to talk about concealed Vs. covert, but maaaaaaybe you should (and I mean this in a very friendly tone, here) consider your concealment attire and/or methods.
not harping, but if the cop hadn't outted you, the whole thing coulda been avoided.
other than that, to the officer being very professional and reasonable in his response.
Heh, yeah we don't win them all. I had only brought a super huge ski type coat, and it wasn't nearly that cold, so I borrowed a friends jacket for the day. Needless to say it wasn't quite long enough even though I did check beforehand. Generally, its not an issue.
And carrying openly was really awkward. I'm sure I could get used to it, but I prefer for no one to know I guess.
Re: Strangest Law
As one who carries frequently in another state where open carry is legal (unless prohibited by local ordinances) I agree that better out of sight and out of mind of the general populace. No hassle and no weird looks from folks. The only place I open carry is on my Father-in-Law's farm property when I am working around the shop area, and no one can see it unless they come way into the property.zach wrote:...And carrying openly was really awkward. I'm sure I could get used to it, but I prefer for no one to know I guess.
Keith
Texas LTC Instructor, Missouri CCW Instructor, NRA Certified Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun Instructor and RSO, NRA Life Member
Psalm 82:3-4
Texas LTC Instructor, Missouri CCW Instructor, NRA Certified Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun Instructor and RSO, NRA Life Member
Psalm 82:3-4
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Re: Strangest Law
Wow. That was probably the best outcome possible that anyone could expect, given the circumstances.
That was an awfully considerate LEO you encountered there.
I know I'd feel quite awkward having to OC without planning on it like that. Interesting story and thanks for sharing!
That was an awfully considerate LEO you encountered there.
I know I'd feel quite awkward having to OC without planning on it like that. Interesting story and thanks for sharing!
Re: Strangest Law
LOL!!
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Re: Strangest Law
Get's me how each state has it's own laws, would be nice to get all states the same one day.
But that is awesome that you didn't get scolded....
But that is awesome that you didn't get scolded....
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Re: Strangest Law
Be careful what you wish for...smokindragon wrote:Get's me how each state has it's own laws, would be nice to get all states the same one day.