TheJeepster
Regular Member
This thread is about everyday carry, not going hunting or fishing; those types of outdoor activities.
Second, you are throwing a huge gray area out there, then stating that not all LEO's know this RCW or that they will interpret it correctly. Try being more specific when you are talking about a gray area that this RCW can create for the carrier.
-What constitutes coming and going? You drive to the activity armed (legal). You leave the activity, drive to McDonalds, then drive home, (?). How would the officer know that you left an outdoor activity, he just seen you at Mcdonalds, he pulls you over as you pull out of McDonalds because you make a left out of a right only, he realizes you are armed and asks for your Permit to carry because you are driving with a loaded handgun in your vehicle.
-can you articulate, prove how you were coming or going?
-If the officer does not know this RCW, are you prepared to bring it to his attention?
-The officer could cite you and make you explain yourself to a judge.
To save yourself the pain in the butt gray area this RCW inherently creates, load your sidearm when you get to your destination, and unload when you leave. Yes, you are protected but the protection is not fully clear. There are so many variable that can cause you legal issues.
I thought this forum was about the legality of open carry, whether that be everyday or for specific reasons. The RCW (law) quoted is an exception to the CPL restrictions, thus allowing open carry while loaded in a vehicle when pursuing outdoor activities in general.
As far as it being a gray area. Its about as much of a gray area as open carry is. There are way too many stories on this board about LEOs not knowing the laws they are supposed to enforce regarding open carry. This would just be one more. Is it possible for any of the "what if?" situations you brought up to happen? Absolutely, but not more so than open carry will get you in general. The RCW shouldn't be used to maliciously circumvent needing a CPL, but one should not be scared on exercising ones rights just because LEOs don't know the law.
Or maybe I have misread every post on this board...