So you have a gun in your truck?

BigCat

Expert Expediter
Tennessee, like many states I am sure, falls short when it comes to open carry. Easy as hell to get a ccw permit, but only ccw permit holders are allowed to carry openly. Makes no sense and totally defeats the purpose, but nothing is perfect I guess.

In many states including New York, they illegally prosecute and imprison law abiding citizens regularly for doing things like possessing a handgun even if locked in a box in the truck and with no ammo even present in the vehicle at all, if they find it. Basically in NY and other similar states, in some cases there is not a single safe way to cross into the state with a handgun, period, without risking your freedom. They ignore all federal protections for travelers, blatantly, and get away with ruining honest hard working peoples lives over it. There have been many documented cases of this. They will put you in prison with a mandatory sentence for possession alone, and treat it no differently than if you had a kilo of heroin locked in a box in your truck.



Depending on where you are at the time, I wholeheartedly agree. And I am pretty sure he will be acquitted, and probably rightfully so. I don't know if he was in the right or wrong or if his version of the events are true or not, but it sure doesn't sound at this point like they have anywhere near enough real evidence to convince a jury unanimously beyond a reasonable doubt that he was not in fear and defending himself at the time the weapon was used, and thats all that should matter in the courtroom, really.

Tennessee has open carry. You can't have it concealed. I am from Tennessee and carried the last 5 years. Never had a problem.


Mayfield Express

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itrmike

Active Expediter
Tennessee has open carry. You can't have it concealed. I am from Tennessee and carried the last 5 years. Never had a problem.


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I believe that to be a common misconception. I have seen it stated that Tennessee does not allow open carry by anyone who is not already permitted to carry concealed. I also live in Tennessee and I actually found that hard to believe so I personally asked my local Sheriff to confirm that, which he did. No open carry anywhere in Tn unless it is by a ccw permit holder according to my local Sheriff. I am also getting my information from here (which I believe is the best authority on the web regarding the subject).

OpenCarry.org - State Information For Tennessee
 

BigCat

Expert Expediter
Unless it has changed since I've been gone or I was informed wrong and got lucky I don't know. I was told by a Memphis pd officer I was good as long as it wasn't concealed.

Thanks for the link itrmike I should brush up a bit I guess.


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itrmike

Active Expediter
No problem. Believe me, when I questioned the Sheriff in my county the answer he gave me was exactly the opposite of what I expected, and at the time I figured (like is all too often the case with revenue collection agents I mean LEOs) he didn't have any idea what he was talking about. Thus the online research....for what its worth it is also one of the very few things that I am unpleased about with the state of Tennessee. Its still 1000 times better than NY where I came from....but I'm sure there is no need to elaborate on that...
 

AMonger

Veteran Expediter
Good can of wasp spray will p.o someone comming @ you...i keep 1 in the drivers door...

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The efficacy of wasp spray is highly overstated, and some states will consider it every bit the weapon as a gun.
 

MissKat

Expert Expediter
Only thing that's legal when crossing the border with high dollar loads lol

Melissa ~ Team Kephart @ Mayfield Express
 

itrmike

Active Expediter
The efficacy of wasp spray is highly overstated, and some states will consider it every bit the weapon as a gun.

I agree. Plenty of other choices of everyday items that I personally would find much more useful and I would expect to be much less likely to be hassled over carrying or using should the need arise.
 

itrmike

Active Expediter
Only thing that's legal when crossing the border with high dollar loads lol

Melissa ~ Team Kephart @ Mayfield Express

Tools are very legal and certain types can be far more effective in defending yourself with than anything that comes in a can, in my opinion...just out of curiosity have you ever happened to see the mixed look of shock and pure fear in the eyes of a person when they are facing someone that suddenly and aggressively brandishes a hatchet or a hammer? I have, and if you are on the wrong end of that equation there is a very unsettling sense of terror that overcomes a person instantly when their brain catches up enough to process what they are seeing and equate it with the pain and damages that are possibly about to be inflicted on them very soon...I am not condoning that in any other situation than last resort personal protection when retreat is not an option (same circumstances one might be relying on wasp or pepper spray in) just saying tho...no person even wants to have to try to block or defend a shot from an item like that, and they know it. I have never seen someone so intent on doing harm turn tail and purposely create a large gap so quickly....yep if you want someone to be in a hurry to change their mind and get out of your immediate proximity, then show them you mean business and are more determined to defend yourself than they are to attack you and that you have the means to do it right in your hand already. In most cases I doubt you would ever need to do more than show it firmly in your grip and with intent in your eyes.

I find it hard to believe anything in a spray can can actually deter, in that respect. I wouldn't think that very many dangerous criminals are going to run in fear at the sight of wasp spray, and isn't that the point? To actually try to prevent the situation from escalating while at the same time insuring that the odds are in your favor even if it does, due to someone else's actions that are beyond your control? If someone is actually in the process of attacking me I am not looking to irritate them further, I am looking to incapacitate them immediately. The S&W is preferable but in the absence of guarantees of safe passage through all 48 states (at the very minimum) with that in your possession, I think other select tools are a suitable substitute. Plus start spraying in a vehicle and see what happens. I wouldn't see too many needs to actually spray it out of a vehicle window but even doing that alone will certainly at the very least leave residue on your hands which will no doubt be transferred to your steering wheel, door handle, anything else you touch, and ultimately your own eyes, possibly while attempting a hasty exit driving a large vehicle. I do believe that pepper sprays wasp sprays and any other spray may in some circumstances be better than nothing, but may not be better than nothing in others. And certainly not better than implements found in everyones toolbox already sitting in the garage or in your truck. Also I think they (sprays) instill a false sense of security....the strongest sprays out there may not even slow down the most determined or deranged bad guys. Like my father always told me, use the right tool for the job....plus no one even notices anything unusual if you are walking through a store or buffet or anywhere really with your hammer casually hanging from your belt in plain sight. It's commonplace for anyone that uses one in their line of work to wear one everywhere, so why would anyone give it a second thought? It's also easy to place items like that in inconspicuous but handy places around the truck cab or sleeper with no fear of prosecution for "concealed weapons", although that is exactly what they could end up being if necessary. For what its worth...
 

layoutshooter

Veteran Expediter
Retired Expediter
Shoot to kill, live to tell.....a single well placed shot can be the difference between being a victim and a survivor..the choice is up to you....if your company says no weapons, CHANGE COMPANIES!!!...no one,......govt., employers,or dissenters has the right to violate your Constitutional right to KEEP AND BEAR arms...when the states violate the Constitution,the Fed. govt. must step in and say "STOP...YOU DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO VIOLATE THE CONSTITUTION".....when the Fed. Govt. violates the Constitution the citizens must stand up and say "STOP!!!!...YOU DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO VIOLATE THE CONSTITUTION!!!."....I say ...Give Me Liberty or die trying to take mine from me!!!!!!!!!...What say ye AMERICANS???????

We no longer have rights here. Too many were willing and able to give them up.
 

BobWolf

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
Im not a violent person but, if I am ever robbed you can take my truck, my freight, and what little money and property I may have because that can be replaced. If you try to take my life, I have a god given right to take yours or take you with me.

God made the wild west, Smith and Wesson tamed it....

Bob Wolf.
 

AMonger

Veteran Expediter
Im not a violent person but, if I am ever robbed you can take my truck, my freight, and what little money and property I may have because that can be replaced. If you try to take my life, I have a god given right to take yours or take you with me.

God made the wild west, Smith and Wesson tamed it....

Bob Wolf.

Or, God made man. Sam Colt made them equal.
 

pearlpro

Expert Expediter
Wasp spray considered a gun, I THINK NOT, there are many things you can use to protect yourself, Mace, Or other protection sprays, a can of hairspray and a Lighter makes a flamethrower that will reach out and touch most folks, setting there hair on fire etc...direct stream sprays that can be shot into the eyes, tire knockers, It all depends on if you were caught off guard by someone lurking around your truck, following you etc...I ALWAYS park in Hi Visibility areas where Other drivers are nearby, I think a Qualified and licensed driver should be able to get and carry a gun, concealed carry, or in the vehicle, I have yet to feel threatened by anyone or any situation Ive encounterd in many years of driving. Ive heard the storys and seen some bad spots, but you have to project an image that your not an easy target....If someone pulls a gun and is going to shoot you, pulling yours and being ready to kill that person may be the only recourse, if you hesitate, YOUR DEAD.
 

AMonger

Veteran Expediter
have you ever happened to see the mixed look of shock and pure fear in the eyes of a person when they are facing someone that suddenly and aggressively brandishes a hatchet or a hammer? I have, and if you are on the wrong end of that equation there is a very unsettling sense of terror that overcomes a person instantly when their brain catches up enough to process what they are seeing and equate it with the pain and damages that are possibly about to be inflicted on them very soon
Just this last week, I had a questionable-looking guy approach me as I was getting out of my truck to inspect my trailer, so I had a crow bar in my hand. Crow bars are very versatile; they'll pull nails from floorboards, pull 5th wheel pins, thump tires--and skulls. I saw this guy's eyes travel down to the piece of steel in my hand and back up, and I knew we had an understanding. He asked me some innocuous question about if I knew where something was, and left right away.
 

asjssl

Veteran Expediter
Fleet Owner
The efficacy of wasp spray is highly overstated, and some states will consider it every bit the weapon as a gun.

I beg to differ...i sure would NOT want a face full of wasp espically if your not expecting it....it sure would give me an edge...it also can reach 10-15' ...keeps me away from who ever i see as a threat..didnt say it was a SOLUTION...IT IS AN OPTION ....now consdering it a weapon is a stretch....

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BigCat

Expert Expediter
Tire knockers work wonders. I have been robbed in 2008 while picking up in Chicago heights. I'm around to talk about it but it could have ended worse.


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BobWolf

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
A spray can won't always work.
About twelve years ago I went on a EMS call some kid punched out a double 1/4 inch tempered plate glass comercial door at a C store, We figured He shattered every bone in his hand, and fubar ed his wrist and we expected to find him at best a couple houses down in severe pain.
No, he managed to walk three or four blocks we showed up just behind the cops and now this guy wanted to fight. HE TOOK THREE CANS OF 65/35 OC/CS foam this stuff is like 9.95 out of 10 for efficientcy. Not the watered down pepper spray civilians have that is only good for spicing up dinner. Granted he was under the influence of a bad fix but Im sure he would simply have drunk the bug spray and asked for annother.
I guess itsmore effective than saying please go away but a 30 inch piece of hickory shovel handle or a crow bar is still your best bet.

BTW he did shatter every bone in his hand and fractured both bones in his wrist.
Talked to him later that nite when he was straitened up nice kid just had a bad time.

Bob Wolf
 
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itrmike

Active Expediter
Just this last week, I had a questionable-looking guy approach me as I was getting out of my truck to inspect my trailer, so I had a crow bar in my hand. Crow bars are very versatile; they'll pull nails from floorboards, pull 5th wheel pins, thump tires--and skulls. I saw this guy's eyes travel down to the piece of steel in my hand and back up, and I knew we had an understanding. He asked me some innocuous question about if I knew where something was, and left right away.


That is my point exactly. I just don't think the mere sight of a can of wasp spray or pepper spray will actually prevent anything. It MIGHT give you a leg up if something actually occurs, while you are being assaulted, then again you might end up with a face full yourself, or worse. I would suggest anyone carrying wasp spray or pepper spray as a defensive item spray a cloud of it in a confined space and get familiar with the effect of it first hand, same as any military or police agencies would in training, because you will still need to be able to function in the event you do need to use it and are also affected by it. Crowbar, tire iron, hammer, those are game changers and are much more likely to instantly diffuse a situation in my opinion. I prefer a hammer because anything with a purpose built grip is very easy to maintain control of, and it is designed to use leverage to concentrate a LOT of energy onto one precise point. There is just no way to even deflect that without some bone crunching. Plus, you might look kinda conspicuous carrying a crowbar into a convenience store to use a bathroom at 1am. And it will fit in your door pocket too for easy access, then you can just drop it into your belt loop as you are exiting your vehicle in less than desirable situations. You could keep it right next to your can of wasp spray that you might want to reserve for those pesky bees.
 

AMonger

Veteran Expediter
I beg to differ...i sure would NOT want a face full of wasp espically if your not expecting it....it sure would give me an edge...it also can reach 10-15' ...keeps me away from who ever i see as a threat..didnt say it was a SOLUTION...IT IS AN OPTION ....now consdering it a weapon is a stretch....

If you're using it as a weapon, or carrying it as a weapon, then it's a weapon, and no, it's not reliably effective. Better than nothing? Ok, but not something to which you should entrust your safety.
 

OntarioVanMan

Retired Expediter
Owner/Operator
I have a hard time Imagining a gun in the hands of some of these bozo truck drivers...it is laughable...unless they've had a full blown safety course on total gun use...or had military training...
 
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