Best (and worst) states for guns?

[Guest Len]

Kckndrgn has the following as his signature line: Welcome to Tennessee, patron state of shootin' things

It got me to thinking about whether TN is the best (ie most "gun-friendly") state in that nation. I imagine we are up there, but I wonder if we are the BEST.

One can go to the Brady Campaign website and find a ranking of all states from best to worst in gun laws (obviously, you would want to live in a state that earns an "F") and Tennessee pulls a D-. Not an "F," but close.

On the other hand, there are some states with looser gun laws than TN that I personally would find fault with. I was told by a friend wise in such matters that in Alabama, for example, ANYONE who is a resident can show up at the local Sheriff's office and get a concealed carry permit over the counter. Scary. No background check, no training, no nothing -just pay your money. I'm sure some might disagree with me and prefer the Alabama model, so I guess its all a matter of perception and particular personal preference, but I was wondering what your ideal state would be. And what your least ideal state would be.

For me, from what I know, I'm pretty happy with TN, so I will stick with home as my most-preferred state for gun ownership. For my least, I was going to say Washington DC, but its not a state and the courts overturned (for now) their ban on pvt ownership of guns. My next guess would be NY, the state I was born in, especially New York City (where I was born).

Anyone have thoughts on this one?

[SkWaShDeM]

Worst states/jurisdictions: New Jersey, Maryland, Illinois, New York, California, and Wisconsin. Washington D.C. as well, even though it is not a state.

Best states: Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Ohio, Indiana, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Arizona, and Vermont.

The DC Gun ban coming down is good, but they did appeal the decision, so hopefully either SCOTUS will decline to hear the case, which will make the decision stand as a precedent, which would be fine. Or SCOTUS will hear it and uphold the decision of DC Circuit, which would be even better.

[Guest Archimedes]

Alaska, Texas, or Virginia.

California, New York, Arkansas, and Connecticut are peeee-eewwwww

~Archi

[molonlabetn]

The best states are those which have minimal regulation on THINGS... and responsible regulation on BEHAVIOR.

I would put Alaska up there near the top of the list. Followed closely by Wyoming and Utah. Vermont should also be named.

I know many people who are permitted to have firearms, and IMHO everyone has the right to... Though, not all of them exhibit responsible behavior with their use (or mis-use, as it were...).

A right is not something which anyone should be required to qualify for... rather, it should be something which they prove themselves to be irresponsible with, and subsequently dis-qualified to exercise.

States which have tough laws regarding violent crime are the states in which I am less likely to need to use my personal methods of self-defense. I believe that TN is better than average, but not in the top 5... or perhaps even the top 10.

I grade by:

- Requirement for firearms registration (TN passes)

- Requirement for handgun carriage licensure (TN fails)

- Expanded Castle Doctrine (TN is working on this)

- Immunity from Civil Liability for justified self-defense (TN is working on this)

- AWB-esque legislation, 'high-capacity magazine', suppressor, machine-gun, and 'assault-weapon' restriction (TN passes)

- Reputation of LE for not hassling persons who carry handguns, or own firearms. (TN passes)

- Presence of capital-punishment for violent offenders, so that the surplus population of dirt-bags is eliminated from time-to-time. (TN is ok in this regard)

I could go on... but overall, there are some critical areas which TN is making progress towards, but is still not fully benefiting from.

[kckndrgn]

I grade by:

- Requirement for firearms registration (TN passes)

- Requirement for handgun carriage licensure (TN fails)

- Expanded Castle Doctrine (TN is working on this)

- Immunity from Civil Liability for justified self-defense (TN is working on this)

- AWB-esque legislation, 'high-capacity magazine', suppressor, machine-gun, and 'assault-weapon' restriction (TN passes)

- Reputation of LE for not hassling persons who carry handguns, or own firearms. (TN passes)

- Presence of capital-punishment for violent offenders, so that the surplus population of dirt-bags is eliminated from time-to-time. (TN is ok in this regard)

I could go on... but overall, there are some critical areas which TN is making progress towards, but is still not fully benefiting from.

Molon, I agree with your assessment. Yes, there are area's that TN is lacking and areas where TN excels. Can you clarify why TN fails the "carriage" part? Because they require it or because of some of the hoops to go through to get one, or something else?

One thing that I like about TN is we honor all other permits, whether there is a formal reciprocity or not.

Now if IA and MN would honor TN permit I would be really happy. I drive (yes drive, don't really care for flying anymore) to MN every year and would love to have my firearm by my side the entire trip.

BTW, I didn't come up with my sig line, it from "Shooter". When I went to see it EVERYONE in the theater laughed at that line

[molonlabetn]

Molon, I agree with your assessment. Yes, there are area's that TN is lacking and areas where TN excels. Can you clarify why TN fails the "carriage" part? Because they require it or because of some of the hoops to go through to get one, or something else?

One thing that I like about TN is we honor all other permits, whether there is a formal reciprocity or not.

Now if IA and MN would honor TN permit I would be really happy. I drive (yes drive, don't really care for flying anymore) to MN every year and would love to have my firearm by my side the entire trip.

BTW, I didn't come up with my sig line, it from "Shooter". When I went to see it EVERYONE in the theater laughed at that line

TN fails the carry license litmus test because it does require a license...

A right is not a right if you have to register with the government to exercise it. It becomes a privilege (which is exactly what the state license video calls it, or did when I watched it).

I should not need the governments 'permission' to bear a firearm in public. But, I should be subject to strict punishment if I act irresponsibly with it, and hurt someone without just cause.

Same with alcohol, hypothetically, I should be allowed to walk down the street openly with a bottle of liquer... but subject to strict punishment if I act irresponsibly with it, and especially if I harm someone.

Some say that it doesn't make any sense for law enforcement to only react after a crime has been committed... but wait... isn't that all they do now?

[saintsfanbrian]

Personally, I like Vermonts model on Concealed Carry. Legally purchase a firearm and you have THE RIGHT to carry concealed.

I agree with you molon on the fact that many things that we take for granted are rights are "privileges." Driving a car is a privilege according to the state. There is no right defined in the Constitution or Bill of Rights that encompasses it, HOWEVER, there IS a right defined for keeping and BEARING arms. I guess we could all argue that the ARMS have to be worn where ALL can see in order to "BEAR" them and there for concealed carry is a privilege. If that is the case, I would gladly turn in my permit and just start OPEN CARRYING!!!!

[Guest 0down]

Alaska and Vermont are the only states that get it completely right. No laws on concealed carry, no permit necessary.

[Guest Archimedes]

Yeah, I meant Vermont, not Virginia.

~Archi

[Guest ProguninTN]

Len: I don't know where your information comes from. AL varies county to county. My roommate had to have a background check in his county.

As far as states go, I agree strongly with molonlabetn's assessments. I will add that I believe requiring concealment is asinine. The 2A does not read "concealed arms". Therefore, we should be allowed to carry them as we see fit. On that note, I have carried openly and concealed.

[Guest GlocKingTN]

I agree Progunin! I guess its a good thing thats not a law in our state!