Firearms on Federal Property

[Shoot_First]

I recently sent the following letter to the NRA-ILA. No response so far.

"As a Texas concealed handgun license (CHL) holder, it galls me to find that almost all federal facilities prohibit firearms. As a military veteran with over 31 years of active Army service, to not be able to bring my CHL carry firearm onto the military installations which I defended is insane… in fact, in some foreign countries and in all combat zones I had more freedom to carry a firearm than in the United States. I note that National Forests, in which some allow hunting in season, do not allow my CHL carry of a firearm for personal and family protection. National Parks likewise do not permit CHL firearm carry. Try to protect yourself on a Corps of Engineer’s lake while fishing… nope, no firearms allowed!! None of these federal facilities guarantee my or my family’s protection while within their confines nor enroute to and from.

I recently traveled by car from Texas through the western parts of our great country and found that it was tougher to lawfully enter federal property with a firearm in my vehicle than even in the sovereign country of Kalifornia or its most western county, Nevada.

If the NRA-ILA has sought to end such without success or the above is not a matter of current concern, then you need not read further. Otherwise, I submit that we should not surrender our 2d Amendment right just because we enter federal territory, but rather such a Constitutional right should be much stronger.

I propose the NRA-ILA sponsor legislation to permit concealed firearm permit holders to carry lawfully in all federal facilities within a state where such carry is permitted under their resident state or reciprocal state concealed carry license. For those facilities whose boundaries cross multiple states, the least restrictive state concealed firearm carry provisions should apply."

[seamusTX]

H.R. 1897, introduced by U.S. Rep. Ron Paul in April 2007, co-sponsored by Rep Goode, Virgil H., Jr. (VA):

No Federal regulation shall restrict any individual from possessing or carrying a firearm if that restriction is based in whole or in part upon the fact that the individual is in a unit of the National Park System.

Referred to committee, undoubtedly never to see the light of day.

- Jim

[tallmike]

Another shining example of why Ron Paul is currently the best candidate for president.

[Photoman]

Another shining example of why Ron Paul is currently the best candidate for president.

Yes that is a nice proposal. Or...how about this one...

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

[frankie_the_yankee]

I do not believe that National Forests ban CHL's. If I'm mistaken, can you please cite the law or federal regulation?

National Forests are completely distinct from National Parks. As we all know, National Parks do ban the carrying (though not the transport) of guns.

But as far as I know, carrying guns (by CHL's) in National Forests is generally governed by whatever the state law happens to be.

Another point of confusion frequently involves regulations banning the carrying of guns during hunting seasons, except by licensed hunters. Depending on state law, in most cases these rules exempt CHL's.

I believe this is the case in TX.

[GrillKing]

It is my understanding that CHL carry in National Forests in Texas is allowed.

[Shoot_First]

My error, National Forests follow state law in the state where they are located so in Texas, CHL holders can carry.

[stevie_d_64]

Uh ohhhhh...

[GrillKing]

Uh ohhhhh...

?????

[srv]

i serve my country every day. i work at a federal institution in the worst possible part of dallas. the va hospital. had a person tell me that has worked there for a long time "if you get a flat, keep driving. dont change it". i played golf with the chief of va police and he said "he knows there are hundreds of weapons in cars, just dont take it in the building and wave it around". well he is not there any more and i dont carry because of it. and i agree we should be able to carry legally. the va police get hazardous duty pay there.