Arizona Law - Carrying and Public Self Defense

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dok

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Greetings,

I live in a dangerous neighborhood in Arizona. I would like to be able to walk at night.

Can someone knowledgeable of Arizona law tell me: would it be legal to carry a shotgun on my walks, and would it be legal to defend myself with deadly force if in imminent danger.
 
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Wouldn't it be better to ask a lawyer? The defense of "I was told via the internet..." definitely would not stand up in court.

Find out what the local laws are in your city/town.

Sorry if that seems harsh, but reality is, you could be thinking you are doing everything right and still get in a lot trouble and lose your rights to own a firearm.

As far as carrying a shotgun, unless you always carried it in a ready position, I think it could be a bit of a hindrance to you. If open carry is legal where you live (I believe it is), why not get a pistol?

carry a shotgun would also bring a lot of attention your way.
 
Can someone knowledgeable of Arizona law tell me: would it be legal to carry a shotgun on my walks, and would it be legal to defend myself with deadly force if in imminent danger.
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Yes and yes, but walking around with a shotgun will attract a great deal of negative attention, and possibly a strained conversation with law enforcement.

If you are 21, no permit is required for concealed carry of a handgun.

Regarding self-defense, the relevant Arizona statute is Title 13, Chapter 4.

I live in a dangerous neighborhood in Arizona. I would like to be able to walk at night.
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I will caution you on one thing. Do not assume that having a gun gives you a license to do anything you wouldn't do otherwise. If a situation is likely to present danger, stay away from that situation, armed or not. There are many legal issues involved with presenting or using a firearm.
 
It's going to take more than a discussion on a gun forum to get a good, working knowledge of both the defensive use of a gun and the laws governing the use of force in self defense. And a handgun is usually a better choice than a shotgun for a defensive tool to have with you at all times.

I suggest taking some classes. The combination of an NRA Basic Handgun, NRA Personal Protection Inside the Home and Personal Protection Outside the Home classes would give you a good foundation. The Personal Protection classes include an overview of the applicable law taught by someone qualified to do so.
 
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