Firearms on Boat?

[dawiggs]

How many of you have a Firearm(s) on your boat, if so, why? Just curious! I have no opinion on this either way! Not sure of the legalities..
Regards,

[CAP1]

Yep.
I fish alone many times each year, both inshore and offshore, so yes, there are times for both areas I carry a handgun. Even on lakes at times. I have a current NC and Florida concealed carry permit. It's really just a 'get away from me' gun, although a decent caliber and always with spare magazine.
If you are ever stopped by any type law enforcement, you just keep your hands in plain view and promptly inform them of the weapon and where it is located. Never had any problems or needed to bring it out, although I did have a small shrimper intentionally keep trying to run over my line in close once while I was trying to troll for Spanish. Didn't brandish it, but I darn sure wanted to. Of course, he coulda been packing a shotgun or rifle.
If I really thought it would come into play, a long gun would be the choice.

[Prodigal Son]

Depends, if I'm just fishing behind my house, then no...but if folks on my boat are carrying concealed (many do), then I reckon we have guns at that point.

I got a Pelican case for my camera this winter that has enough room in it for a small gun which got my wheels turning on whether on not I should cut the foam to fit a certain .40 or not...can't imagine needing it, but then again if you can see needing a gun in a given situation, you shouldn't be in it in the first place...I carry for the situations I don't see coming.

[localangler]

I carry on the water most of the time. But like most it for purely defensive purposes. I would rather leave especially if my family is with me but if that is not an option then I want another option at my disposal. I carry a full size autoloader handgun. Nothing dirty harryish but something I am proficient with and confident in.

Just a thought to those who carry but not on their person in the boat. If the gun is stowed away in a spot that is hard to get to when the situation goes sideways. Your best bet might be run and regroup. I know people don't want to hear that but tombstone courage can get you killed and what have you accomplished then. If you believe in the concealed carry permit then get it and you can use it when you want to. Just please don't get it and never practice with the firearm or feel that by pulling it that it will fix the situation because if you present it you better be willing use it or else it may be used against you. Also practice holstering without looking at your holster or weapon.

[Greg Manning]

I do all the time...not because I'm on the water though. I generally always have a pistol on me. Sometimes the competition for screaming rods is just too much for not being armed

[w5it]

Yes, I am a LEO. It is very rare for me NOT to have my "Off duty weapon" on my person.

You will just have to guess when I don't.

[fishfighter]

In my younger days,yes.Now that I am a little older,no.Something has happen to me in the pass that scared the sh-t out on me that makes me think of what could of happen.I am a hunter,load my own ammo to this day and I have no problem of someone carring a gun that knows what they are doing.One learns how not to put themselfs to were they need a gun.I do keep one in my truck when I go out of town.I live in a small town area now.

A question.How many people keep a loaded rifle or hand gun in there house that has a better half living with them and has kids?If you do,do you know that sheetrock walls will never stop a bullet and that you could kill someone else that you didn't shoot at!Or,put yourself in a place that you have a teenager coming in late at night and you are half asleep and hear noise.You grab that hand gun,cock it and come to find out it it your kid.Been there,done that.To this day,I only keep loaded shotguns with #6 shot in the house with one badass outside dog and one badass inside dog.Oh,the house also has a alarm system.Please learn more about home protection when it comes down to guns and family.Learn to know your surrounding and know what is going on around you all the time.

[w5it]

My/our home defense weapon is a Remington 870 with a 20" barrel loaded with 12 pellet 00 Buckshot.

My wife is very proficient with this weapon (And others) as is our daughter that is still living at home. (Teenager)

Each of our three daughters were taught the proper use and safe practices of firearms at a young age. All were taught the damage a firearm will cause. (Ballistic clay, water bottles, watermelons etc)

Again all three are proficient with firearms. Each will tell you a firearm is a tool and nothing else. As with all tools they are not toys and have a purpose. There never was any "Magic" to our daughters in relation to firearms. Also if any one or all of them wanted to go shoot all they needed to do was say so. We would go to the range and spend time practicing their skills. When we get home THEY help in cleaning said weapons.

BTW, NEVER and I mean NEVER challenge my wife to a little skeet shooting. She will hurt your feelings! She out shoots me more often than I care to admit. (It's easier to tell you now many times I have out shot HER)

[CAP1]

Not to sidetrack the original thread, but for those who do carry on board, where do you keep it, if you don't mind stating? Kind of hard to wear inside the waistband in many fishing shorts I have/wear in warmer weather.

As noted before, if you cannot get to it quickly, you might as well not have it or attempt to motor away from the threat.

I understand if you don't want to point out where you keep it.

[fishfighter]

My kids have grown up with guns all around the house.And yes,they learn how to used them and also learn the right way of handling them.Both hunt with my son out shooting me on birds as of now and my daughter does hold her own.Range?Step right out my back door for that.
Me my son and son-n-law.
My daughter.