After a horse show in Louisville years ago, I had the wild idea of driving up to Niagra Falls to finish out the trip. I was driving my Cuzzy's yellow Seville, had lost my driver's license along with the copy of my CWP. I had carried concealed for a variety of reasons for about 15 years at the time and never even realized that other states would not accept a PA permit.
Getting into Canada was easy. Getting out, and back into the states was a different thing altogether.
By the time I got to customs, I needed a shave, was wearing a dark blue silk shirt, had the requisite Serengetti's and of course the yellow Cadillac didn't help my appearance.
Yep, I was a suspected drug runner. The car was nearly torn apart. Gas tank, spare tire, doors, seats, air cleaner...any place that could hide a kilo was checked.
Finally, when I was at the "checkout counter" and everything seemed fine, I was asked to sign a doc that asked about alcohol, tobacco and firearms. Being the stoopid honest man that I am, I said "yes" to having a weapon. Heads popped up from behind counters like I was Jimmie Hoffa.
Hours later, I was free. But was told, put the gun in the trunk, lock the ammo in the glove box. If you get pulled over in New York with that gun, you will face a 1 year mandatory sentence..............Gulp!
Lessons learned. The last time I was in NYC, I took with me a short, legal 12 gauge and let the pistols stay at home. I obviously could not walk the streets with it, but I was feeling safe in the car.
Moral of story. If you are going to travel, best know the other state laws.
Shootie |
