Concordian
New member
8/5/11-12 My wife and I went up in the high Sierra Nevada range for a 2 day backpacking hike. We started in Onion Valley, Inyo National Forest and hiked into Kings Canyon National Park(there is a sign at the park border that says no weapons) over two high passes to Ray Lakes. During the twelve mile trip we encountered 2 rangers and dozens of other hikers. No one took notice or reacted to my UOC S&W Bodyguard 38 special on my right hip or my double speed loaders on my left. On our return trip Saturday we stopped for lunch trail-side (packs off). A veteran ranger came down the path accompanying two civilians. The Civilians passed and the ranger stopped to do his job. Very friendly. He asked Why I was carrying a weapon? I replied "because I can "He said "well no you can't". I replied "I am pretty sure I can" He asked me "Do you have a Concealed Cary Permit" I replied "no its not concealed". He asked "Is it loaded" I replied "no it was not" I then explained I was a very careful law abiding citizen and I had done my home work and was sure I was within my legal rights... He said well I guess there is this open carry movement and 2A types are... I assured him I was not part of any open carry anything and my wife is scared to camp in bear country and last night was the first good nights sleep she had had in years of backpacking up here. Then he says "how about those speed loaders is there ammo in there?" I reply affirmative and he says "that is illegal in close proximity". I recite the round must be in a position to be fired law as best as I remember it. He pauses a minute and I guess everything I said made sense to him and he says. " It is the spirit of the park not to have weapons and harm animals and I could carry 10 more candy bars if I left the gun home and people might get upset...and then he loosely quotes some George Bernard Shaw story... My wonderful wife says to him you are the first person that has noticed the revolver all weekend and he admits he is hyper sensitive about weapons and then he suggests in the future I conceal the weapon. I tell him that would be against California law and he sort of nods and acknowledges.
A couple of things. 1.)as of today I AM one of those UOCers Thanks to the Ranger for suggesting it. 2.) It is my understanding that National Park Rangers are federal LEOs This guy was in the service since 1979, what am I doing educating him and what is he doing making accusations of legal malfeasance. 3.) Here is the huge one. What if I took his advise and concealed illegally and got caught?
I am a new gun owner this year and I am amazed.
"Ready to ride and spread the alarm to every Middlesex village and farm for the country folk to be up and to arm"
A couple of things. 1.)as of today I AM one of those UOCers Thanks to the Ranger for suggesting it. 2.) It is my understanding that National Park Rangers are federal LEOs This guy was in the service since 1979, what am I doing educating him and what is he doing making accusations of legal malfeasance. 3.) Here is the huge one. What if I took his advise and concealed illegally and got caught?
I am a new gun owner this year and I am amazed.
"Ready to ride and spread the alarm to every Middlesex village and farm for the country folk to be up and to arm"
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