CO and ID Members: What is the trend in your state's gun laws?

[Texpatriate]

For my entire life I've lived in gun friendly states, whose gun laws have only gotten better over time. TX, LA, FL, and now MO.

Well, next May I graduate from grad school (seminary) and we'll more than likely be moving somewhere outside of MO to receive a call as a pastor. Two states that we're particularly interested in pursuing jobs in are Colorado and Idaho. What can I say? I like the mountains, I like to fly fish, and I'd love to take a crack at an elk one day. That and something about the idea that something might try to eat me when I step into the woods is just an awesome thought to me.

So anyway, what would y'all say has been the "trend" in gun laws in your state over the last twenty years or so? Are they getting better or worse? I can look at the laws themselves on the internet, but only you can tell me which way the winds are blowing. Thanks.

 

[Kind of Blued]

Having lived in Kansas City my whole life, I can say that both CO and WY are much more "free" than KS or MO. For the outdoorsy types like you and I, life is much more satisfying out this way as well, so you're definitely on the right track.

There's really not much you can't do in CO except for carry concealed without a permit. An AR-15 lives in my trunk with a loaded mag inserted, I can carry concealed in restaurants, bars, banks, universities, and other traditionally "borderline" places, and I can open carry in any of those places except universities.

I don't see any of our freedoms diminishing, although it may be a while before they're augmented. We had a promising bill recently which would have allowed for Carry Permit Holders to forego the NICS rigamarole when purchasing a firearm from an FFL. Bill Ritter (D) vetoed it foolishly, but we can always try again in the future. Either way, I only see things getting better. Some people say that a lot of Californians are moving here, but I couldn't make an educated comment on that in regard to CO, WY, MT, or otherwise.

Regardless, I think you'd be happy in either state. I've fly-fished them both, like the sparseness of Wyoming, but like having the ability to do things in Denver if something comes up, like the amazing concert that I went to last Thursday.

Best of luck. Send me a PM in the future if you end up in CO. I could clue you in on some good shooting or fishing spots.

 

[ArfinGreebly]

Idaho

I can't speak to long-term trends, but I can let you know a couple of things.

Open carry is still legal. No new or recent encumbrances.

CCW is "shall issue" since 1990, which improves on the older discretionary law. Further, it is my understanding that a DD214 (honorable) can serve as evidence of training and can exempt the applicant from formal coursework.

Firearms ownership is pretty much the default in North Idaho, and there is a culture of outdoor sports like hunting and fishing.

Local gun ranges advertize on the radio.

CCW exempts buyer from background check.

Unlike some states, the Idaho permit covers non-firearms weapons as well:

For the purposes of this section, a concealed weapon means any dirk, dirk knife, bowie knife, dagger, pistol, revolver, or any other deadly or dangerous weapon. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any lawfully possessed shotgun or rifle.

Hope this helps.

 

[Quiet]

Friend in CO says the Denver area is starting to become a lot like CA in regards to guns laws.

 

[MD_Willington]

Firearms ownership is pretty much the default in North Idaho, and there is a culture of outdoor sports like hunting and fishing.

Have to give that a bump & thumbs up, while I am in WA State, I'm only 5 minutes down the road from Latah county Idaho.

 

[MMCSRET]

I carry an Idaho CCW and all I had to do to qualify was show my Retired Military ID. Proving prior military service is sufficient firearms background, plus fingerprints and NICS and you are in, however, because of this "CASUAL" attitude by Idaho not requiring documented training, some states do not honor Idaho CCWs.

 

[ArmedBear]

Open carry is still legal. No new or recent encumbrances.

Recently, it has become even "more legal", as opencarry.org folks have challenged and beaten some public facility "rules" against it (Boise Library, Boise Zoo).

 

[.455_Hunter]

the Denver area is starting to become a lot like CA in regards to guns laws.

Not really...

CCW is becoming more and more accepted. Thousands of new permits per month. Very few places are posted, and the most of the signs have no real legal weight unless you are asked to leave and don't.

 

[DCR]

Idaho has state level pre-emption, so no county or municipality can enact an anti-firearm ordinance more strict than that of the state, and no city can claim "home rule" or similar status to get around the state law. I may be mistaken, but doesn't Denver claim some sort of "home rule" and have its own set of firearms ordinances?

 

[CoRoMo]

It is far more likely that Idaho will follow suit with a state sovereignty bill as Montana, Texas, Tennessee, etc. have done.

I can't imagine Colorado doing that any time soon.

 

[.455_Hunter]

doesn't Denver claim some sort of "home rule" and have its own set of firearms ordinances?

Yes and no.

Denver did get to claim "home rule" of the topics of 21 or more round magazines, junk guns (Lorcins???) and open carry. However, their CCW restrictions are the same as other Colorado locations.

My Jefferson County permit is just as valid in Denver as it is Gunnison or Fairplay.

Most people don't want to live in Denver proper anyway... Too much $$$... I just like to visit!

 

[ColtShooter]

Idaho

When my CWP was about to expire, the Sheriff's Office mailed me a post card reminding me about the renewal.

I read somewhere that Idaho has the lowest percentage of it's population living in an incorporated city (New Jersey was the other end of the spectrum).

 

[IdahoLT1]

Idaho

Concealed carry is legal outside city limits w/out a liscense as long as the person is engaging in legal activity(i.e. hunting, fishing, camping, etc).

Supressors, SBR's and machine guns are legal, just require Fed. papers and tax stamp.

The only requirements for hunting large game is that the ammunition has to be center fire and the rifle has to weigh less than ~34lbs. So, arguably, a person could Elk hunt with a .204 Ruger. Theres a couple more but wouldnt effect 95% of the hunters.

Hunters education, is also an acceptable program to obtain a CCW liscense.

Idaho also has a Castle Doctrine. I'm sure it differs from alot of different sites.

 

[BENELLIMONTE]

"Bright and sunny for the foreseeable future"!

 

[dougwx12]

Both states are getting a huge influx of californians, so...

 

[ArmedBear]

Interestingly, the ex-Californians here tend to be pro-gun -- it's one reason they're here.

The real anti's seem to drift over from Seattle and Portland, not come up from California.

 

[USAFRetired]

The Idaho state legislature just recently passed several waepons related items. Among them:
CCW info is no longer "Public Record"
No firearms "takeaway" in case of emergency and/or martial law. (in response to what happen during Katrina)

As far as the "Californians Anti's" we have allot of them up around the Hailey / Ketchum / Sun Valley area. Strange thing is when they're at their $$ vacation homes they suddenly become (closet) gun nuts. Hummmm.

 

[CoRoMo]

Interestingly, the ex-Californians here tend to be pro-gun -- it's one reason they're here.

The real anti's seem to drift over from Seattle and Portland, not come up from California.

That's the difference here I guess. We've turned blue over the past few years because of the dang California.

 

[Texpatriate]

Thanks to all who replied. I'm sorry to have abandoned the thread, but the morning after I posted we got a phone call that my father-in-law was being rushed to the emergency room and that they didn't think he was going to make it (he has terminal lung cancer). So I'm afraid that this got put on the back burner pretty quick. He's doing much better now, but I'm just now getting a chance to reply back. Thanks again!