Bravissimo!

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/california-politics/2011/10/gov-jerry-brown-makes-it-illegal-to-openly-carry-a-handgun-in-public.html

[Note: about 2 months ago, came across some paranoid wacko at the Murphy Creek/Tuolumne Meadows trail intersection above Glen Aulin who had what appeared to be a Glock strapped to his leg. Humor was added in that he and his companion backpacker, both appearing to be in their mid-twenties, carried 5-foot long wooden hiking staffs, had so much junk dangling from themselves that they seemed to be in constant motion even when standing still, and were dressed in attire that made them look like giant boy scouts.]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/10/2011 02:36AM by szalkowski.

Ever since the federal government got rid of gun restrictions in national parks a couple of years ago, the check has been in the mail for this (as far as I'm concerned), since it became the responsibility of the states to set regulations in these public spaces. For California though, the more immediate reason has been the open carry handgun rallies, where you essentially had dozens or hundreds of members of a fringe movement carrying handguns into community areas. These were unloaded handguns that could have easily become loaded handguns in a matter of seconds. Law enforcement had to take these events seriously, so consequently instead of going after bad guys, they would waste their time dealing with gun rallies. Because of this, the new open carry rules had the full backing of California police groups.

The open carry zealots represent a radical brand of gun enthusiast that has very little in common with the average hunter or sportsman. It was only a matter of time before someone started shooting up black bears or a stray late night hiker -- "in self defense" of course. Good riddance.

I read the comment at the end of the LA article. Seems most of the comments bad mouthed California. Personally I see no good reason to walk around in the general public with an unloaded firearm strapped to you hip. Of course the argument for doing that is that it will deter citizen on citizen crime. Hmmmm....lets see, "Oh look, there is a $500 to $1000 unloaded gun on that unsuspecting law-abiding citizen. I wonder how hard it would be to surprise him with my loaded gun and become the new non-law-abiding citizen owner?"

As far as loading a gun, especially a revolver in a potentially lethal situation, one can expect that the adrenalin rush will block fine motor control to the point where fumbling the gun, clip, or bullets is practically assured unless one has had hours of training. Even with the training it's difficult.

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Old Dude



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/10/2011 08:43AM by mrcondron.

I recently had a conversation with a local tradesman who was doing some work on our house. When he saw that we had lots of camping and backpacking equipment, he asked about that. Turns out he was really interested in backpacking and wanted a lot of advice. It was a fun conversation.

But one topic he was really interested in: what kind of side arm did I carry in the mountains.

So I told him--- we never carried a gun in the mountains, or anywhere else.

Well, he thought that was crazy. He was trained in the military, and he felt his personal safety was his responsibility.

So I asked him: What kind of sidearm do you carry when you are working around town, or going to the store?

He said he didn't carry one.

I pointed out that there was a far far higher chance of him being attacked or robbed in our town that in the backcountry of the High Sierra. So if he didn't carry one in town, why would he carry that extra weight on a hiking trip in the Sierra, where the dangers were far less?

"I would just feel safer," he said.

And I resolved not to confuse him with any more facts.

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Check our our website: http://www.backpackthesierra.com/
Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-Rocks-Paul-Wagner/dp/0984884963