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The 'Best' State Gun Laws

TheEnglish2ndA

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Mar 4, 2010
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Hello all,

You would have probably guessed that I myself am English. I come from a rural county (equivalent to a state) and share an interest in the right to bear arms, and support this vigorously.

Here in England guns aren't generally liked. There is a very strong anti-gun culture (even here in the middle of the country) and the laws are suffocating. I won't go into them but they generally are the worst in the world.

Despite this, I own guns. Two to be precise, 2 12 gauges.

Over the years I have started to investigate the sight of a better life, where I am more free and can exercise what I believe should be a human right. I love America and it's people, and I believe that I would fit in there.

Back to the point, I'm looking for a state with the most relaxed and pro-gun attitude (although a contributing factor, this is not one of the main reasons why I want to move to the U.S) and being a foreigner I cannot really specify this myself.

Idealistically I would prefer a mainly rural state with a cooler climate (also Republican)

Thank you in advance for your help

Cal Wood
 

TheEnglish2ndA

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Thanks Doug!

Although Alaska looks promising, I fear that the climate may be too cold, plus I would rather live in 'mainland' America, where I can explore the States and not have to cross borders etc.

Vermont seems viable, thanks once again
 

Brass Magnet

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As Doug posted above; Alaska and Vermont are definitely the best as far as gun laws (or lack thereof) go.

There are several other states that are pretty close though, and based on your preference it may be worth your while to check them out. To make a better recommendation it would be helpful to know a bit more about you. What you like to do, what kind of work you need; etc.

Anyway, If you decide to move here, being a supporter of our (human) rights, your definitely a welcome addition.
 

TheEnglish2ndA

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Brass Magnet wrote:
As Doug posted above; Alaska and Vermont are definitely the best as far as gun laws (or lack thereof) go.

There are several other states that are pretty close though, and based on your preference it may be worth your while to check them out.  To make a better recommendation it would be helpful to know a bit more about you.  What you like to do, what kind of work you need; etc.

Anyway, If you decide to move here, being a supporter of our (human) rights, your definitely a welcome addition.

My preference of climate can easily be sacrificed for options that seem realistic,

Plus for work, I don't really know as of yet, as this is developing through the current time...
 

Erus

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Pahrump, Nevada, USA
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Although there are many slight differences, any one of the "Gold Star" states listed on the OCDO main page would be a far cry better than the laws you are used to.

Here, in Nevada, I can state that the majority of citizens that I have encountered are either very pro gun/liberty, or are at the least, firearm neutral. You will be certain to hear the same sentiment from people in many other places on that list.

You have a huge geographical, political, social, and temporal palette to choose from if you are able to emigrate here. With the Gold star states list, you can begin to narrow your selection down to one place that best suits your ideas about firearms laws as well as any other socio-economic/political as well as political spirit that best matches your own desires. And you are free to move to another state any time you please if you feel like you could make a better choice for yourself after being here for a while.

You can even visit those states on the gold star list with your firearms and check them out personally, anytime you want, no matter where in America you live. :)

That's kinda what America is all about. Choosing for yourself. :)
 

AZkopper

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Arizona isn't bad either, although slightly more regulated than AK or VT. I also personally think that the gun culture of AZ is stronger than in VT.

Open Carry is the law of the land, no permit needed. Concealed Weapons Permits are 'shall issue', meaning after a $100 class, $60 state fee, and $10 fingerprint card, and +/- 75 daysfor a criminal history check,you get your permit.

There are few laws against firearms: Business' may prohibit firearms (via private property and trespass laws); bars & restaruants may ban firearms, or allow for concealed carry only (by state law); No guns on school grounds (unless unloaded, hidden, and in your car); No guns at gov't functions (city hall, etc) if posted--but they must provide storage lockers; no guns at polling places, nuke plants, etc.

Currant legislation may remove the concealed permit requirement shortly, as well as the unloaded requirement on school parking lots.

AZ is not all desert, either. up north (1.5-2 hours north of Phoenix) we have pine trees, snow in the winter, and cooler temps year round (by 15-20 degrees).
 

Ca Patriot

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Since no one has mentioned the state I used to live in and will be moving back to I wont mention it. :)

Suffice to say it is very pro-gun.
 

NightOwl

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, California, USA
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I'll throw my previous residence out there. Idaho, it's a great place to live, the people are friendly, and the gun laws aren't draconian. I OC'd everywhere I went, with very few restrictions (post office, courthouses, etc).

It's a gun friendly state. Perhaps not top of the list, but it's close enough you won't notice the lack...especially coming from England. Anyhow, it's worth looking into to see if it suits you.
 

1FASTC4

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Tomahawk
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AZkopper wrote:
Arizona isn't bad either, although slightly more regulated than AK or VT. I also personally think that the gun culture of AZ is stronger than in VT.

Open Carry is the law of the land, no permit needed. Concealed Weapons Permits are 'shall issue', meaning after a $100 class, $60 state fee, and $10 fingerprint card, and +/- 75 daysfor a criminal history check,you get your permit.

There are few laws against firearms: Business' may prohibit firearms (via private property and trespass laws); bars & restaruants may ban firearms, or allow for concealed carry only (by state law); No guns on school grounds (unless unloaded, hidden, and in your car); No guns at gov't functions (city hall, etc) if posted--but they must provide storage lockers; no guns at polling places, nuke plants, etc.

Currant legislation may remove the concealed permit requirement shortly, as well as the unloaded requirement on school parking lots.

AZ is not all desert, either. up north (1.5-2 hours north of Phoenix) we have pine trees, snow in the winter, and cooler temps year round (by 15-20 degrees).
Well said, Kopper! +1 to this post. The only time I've ever been stopped for carrying is by other gun enthusiasts who strike up a conversation. I've been pulled over for speeding with a gun in plain view and never had a moment's trouble. Didn't even get a ticket.
 

Gunslinger

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Colorado has very good laws and cops that support them--in most cases, and particularly in El Paso County--Colorado Springs, and up in Fort Collins. NH and VA are also excellent. VT is full of wacko socialists, gun laws notwithstanding. AK may be best, but don't care to live there.
 

jpm84092

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I agree with others that the Western States (except Kommie-fornia) have citizen friendly gun laws. I live in Utah where, with a federal permit, owning a fully automatic weapon is legal. The Utah Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) permit is a "shall issue" permit and Utah will issue one to any legal resident of any State who passes a background check and otherwise qualifies. A Utah permit is honored in 34 of the 50 States - perhaps the best record of any State CCW. Perhaps that is why the Utah Bureau of Criminal Investigations is swamped with CCW

If you like winter sports and Mountain country, Utah was host to the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. The mainline media made many jokes in anti-gun states about going to see the games in a State where concealed carry is the norm and not the exception.

On the minus side, Utah has quirky liquor laws and the "predominant culture" is a bit different than what is normal in the rest of the world.

Whatever your decision, keep us informed.
 
M

McX

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the master who is doug has spoken the truth; the best state gun laws are NO state gun laws.
 

t33j

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plus 1 for Virginia. As was stated previously Alaska get's col.... it's Alaska. Vermont has the CC thing going for it, but is surrounded by less than friendly states. Plus it gets pretty cold also.

Virginia has:
beautiful country, mountains, and beaches
generally conservative outside of the cities (but preemption covers carry everywhere in the state)
moderate climate
OC without permit, CC with
vehicle carry
 

Huck

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t33j wrote:
plus 1 for Virginia. As was stated previously Alaska get's col.... it's Alaska. Vermont has the CC thing going for it, but is surrounded by less than friendly states. Plus it gets pretty cold also.

Virginia has:
beautiful country, mountains, and beaches
generally conservative outside of the cities (but preemption covers carry everywhere in the state)
moderate climate
OC without permit, CC with
vehicle carry

'Ol Virginny's nice! If I was going to move east of the Mississippi, Virginia's where i'd go. I like the whole state butmy favorite part isthe Shenandoah Valley.

However English, since you specified rural you could'nt go wrong in the gold star Rocky Mountain States. (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho) It does get a bit on the chilly side in these parts but you get used to it. I did, and I moved to Wyoming from California.

Whatever your decision, welcome home! :)
 

KBCraig

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Granite State of Mind
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I believe New Hampshire has superior gun laws to either Vermont or Alaska, with one (and only one) exception: a license is required to carry a loaded handgun in an automobile.

That is easily offset by the extreme ease and low cost of getting a license in NH.

Other than that, NH has the best laws of all: total state preemption (no local ordinances to worry about), unlicensed open carry, and only one place where guns are prohibited (court rooms).
 

uncoolperson

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Washington is pretty nice on the gun laws it does have... though you have to look past the rest of the state. Depending on your job experience it might also be a good place for you.

Coming from england, it might make the transition easier.... though the left (west)half of the state is super liberal,theright(east) side is for the most part polar opposite.



$60, finger prints and 30 days is all it takes for a conceal permit.
OC is A-okay
taxes arn't too horrid (no state income, well atleast for the moment anyway).

desert, brushland, mountains, rainforest and just about everything else.





... And I want out!
 
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