FoxxTrixx
New member
I telephoned the SP station in Socorro to inquire about a CC permit. I don't quite meet the requirements yet (DUI 4 years ago, I need to be clear for 5 years). So I said, "Well, that's okay, I can open carry until then." The dispatcher told me that I needed a permit for ANY carrying of a weapon, open or otherwise. I said, "No, New Mexico is an open carry state. I can wear a holstered sidearm anywhere in public and on most other property. I know where I can't." She adamantly insisted I needed a permit. I told her to ask someone higher up the food chain to confirm what I had said. After a few minutes on hold, she came back with this (and these are her words, verbatim--I remembered):
"I asked my sergeant and he said, 'Oh no no no, he needs a permit' "
That's just plain BS. Shouldn't State Patrol of all agencies know that law? New Mexico statute deals only with CONCEALED weapons and says nothing about openly-displayed firearms carried in a responsible manner (i.e., not waving it around, being sober). I just open carried into a mercantile to buy some ammo; shop owner did not even make a comment. She glanced down once at the .380 and did a little smile, in fact.
I will continue to carry in public. I am not trying to taunt the police or anything, or make a statement, or intimidate people--I just want to enjoy my rights and protect myself. I truly hate confrontation, but should I let them push me around? It's about time I stood up for myself.
"I asked my sergeant and he said, 'Oh no no no, he needs a permit' "
That's just plain BS. Shouldn't State Patrol of all agencies know that law? New Mexico statute deals only with CONCEALED weapons and says nothing about openly-displayed firearms carried in a responsible manner (i.e., not waving it around, being sober). I just open carried into a mercantile to buy some ammo; shop owner did not even make a comment. She glanced down once at the .380 and did a little smile, in fact.
I will continue to carry in public. I am not trying to taunt the police or anything, or make a statement, or intimidate people--I just want to enjoy my rights and protect myself. I truly hate confrontation, but should I let them push me around? It's about time I stood up for myself.