CCW IN GA
- Thread starter hube1236
- Start date
hube1236,
I'm from GA but temporarily living in Cali thanks to good ole' Uncle Sam. My CCW doesn't mean jack out here. I had to pay for a background check and wait the ten days for a Ruger 10/22 despite the GA license and being a Government employee. They trust me with M16's, .50Cal M2's and 155mm Howitzers but I can't get a .22 without jumping through their liberal hoops! Mine only took 8 weeks to come back in 1997 but they may be a little more backed up now. I know what you're saying about GA jail cells. Several of my good friends are either LEO's or CO's. In fact I own a house five minutes from Smith Correctional in Glennville and fifteen minutes from the state pen in Reidsville. Luckily, I only had to go to the courthouse to get mine.
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Matthew J. Giegler
US Army
Fort Irwin, California
"GUN CONTROL MEANS USING BOTH HANDS!"
[This message has been edited by Redleg (edited November 04, 2000).]
I'm from GA but temporarily living in Cali thanks to good ole' Uncle Sam. My CCW doesn't mean jack out here. I had to pay for a background check and wait the ten days for a Ruger 10/22 despite the GA license and being a Government employee. They trust me with M16's, .50Cal M2's and 155mm Howitzers but I can't get a .22 without jumping through their liberal hoops! Mine only took 8 weeks to come back in 1997 but they may be a little more backed up now. I know what you're saying about GA jail cells. Several of my good friends are either LEO's or CO's. In fact I own a house five minutes from Smith Correctional in Glennville and fifteen minutes from the state pen in Reidsville. Luckily, I only had to go to the courthouse to get mine.
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Matthew J. Giegler
US Army
Fort Irwin, California
"GUN CONTROL MEANS USING BOTH HANDS!"
[This message has been edited by Redleg (edited November 04, 2000).]
Johnny Got His Gun.1
New member
Got mine about this time last year. It "only" took two months, as I recall.
hube: How far from Baxley are you? I'm about twenty-thirty minutes south. Seems we're a hop, skip, and a jump away.
You, too, Redleg . . . Glennville isn't that far away, either. I know you're in Kali, but it's nice to know some GA gentlemen are close to my neck of the woods.
hube: How far from Baxley are you? I'm about twenty-thirty minutes south. Seems we're a hop, skip, and a jump away.
You, too, Redleg . . . Glennville isn't that far away, either. I know you're in Kali, but it's nice to know some GA gentlemen are close to my neck of the woods.
The GA Firearms License, as they're called down here, regulations are convoluted and difficult to decipher. But that's the paper you need to carry concealed and remember there is no "open carry" here w/ the exception of your own property.
Speaking of prisons - it is not common knowledge but GA has either the 6th or 7th largest prison population in the nation. The "prison belt" runs from the north part of Wayne Co, Wayne SP, northwest to Butts Co, Georgia Diagnostic Center (death row) with roughly 24 state prisons in that area. There is another 15 or so located around the state. And that doesn't count the lower security Probation detention Centers, Transition Centers or Diversion Centers.
-- Chuck
Speaking of prisons - it is not common knowledge but GA has either the 6th or 7th largest prison population in the nation. The "prison belt" runs from the north part of Wayne Co, Wayne SP, northwest to Butts Co, Georgia Diagnostic Center (death row) with roughly 24 state prisons in that area. There is another 15 or so located around the state. And that doesn't count the lower security Probation detention Centers, Transition Centers or Diversion Centers.
-- Chuck
Johnny Got His Gun.1
New member
hube: Still not a bad trip, per se.
ctc: Which regulations are you referencing? The ones on the back of the card itself?
ctc: Which regulations are you referencing? The ones on the back of the card itself?
I got mine a little more than a year ago. Seems like it took about 7 weeks. Funny you had mentioned you got printed. I had to go through the same routine and several people noticed that I was escorted (by the Sherrif himself, nonetheless) to the local jail. That drummed up several questions from friends as you could imagine. 
"Oh.. you mean that trip to the jail? I had to get printed so I can legally carry that firearm I've had all this time." 
It does allow me to obtain a firearm a little quicker and more hassle free. However, I hate being questioned as to if I have one or not. Personally, that burns me as I really don't give a damn about "your" unConstitutional laws. I say "your" because I sure as heck didn't vote for them.
At any rate -- I really shouldn't complain. We live in a generally very gun-friendly state. Welcome to the club hube.
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"Oh.. you mean that trip to the jail? I had to get printed so I can legally carry that firearm I've had all this time." It does allow me to obtain a firearm a little quicker and more hassle free. However, I hate being questioned as to if I have one or not. Personally, that burns me as I really don't give a damn about "your" unConstitutional laws. I say "your" because I sure as heck didn't vote for them.
At any rate -- I really shouldn't complain. We live in a generally very gun-friendly state. Welcome to the club hube.
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WARNING: This post may be another "self-aggrandizing attempt to cause needless controversy, argument, distraction"
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Keepin' the FUD Legacy Alive! Check us out @ FUD's Fan Club!
Johnny: Yes I am referring to the code section on the back and the associated code sections from the state statutes. I re-read those things three times before it dawned on me that it did allow concealed carry. Maybe it was a slow day. It is full of ambiguous phrases like "public gatherings” that “shall include but shall not be limited to". So those areas listed are the prohibited places they could think of today, and in court tomorrow they may think of more and it would be "incumbent of you" to realize that the place you were carrying at was a "Public Gathering". This section required an opinion from the State Attorney General to acknowledge that Malls are not “public gatherings” and this code is not one from before the time of Malls.
In general the whole code section is poorly written in ill-defined terms and overly convoluted wording. I suppose working many years for a Government Defense Contractor and seeing how words can be "bent" depending upon the interpretations desired has added to my already cynical nature. And yes I participated in some of the “bending” and purposely wrote vague requirements when having to meet fixed price cost goals.
-- Chuck
[This message has been edited by ctc (edited November 05, 2000).]
In general the whole code section is poorly written in ill-defined terms and overly convoluted wording. I suppose working many years for a Government Defense Contractor and seeing how words can be "bent" depending upon the interpretations desired has added to my already cynical nature. And yes I participated in some of the “bending” and purposely wrote vague requirements when having to meet fixed price cost goals.
-- Chuck
[This message has been edited by ctc (edited November 05, 2000).]
My concern is here in Sav GA with our "gun buyback" mayor I am afraid that it can be interpreted however they want it to be. Now we have this police chief from miami and a large idiot population in the city. Just about every week in the paper they run an article about if you are confronted by a criminal to "not resist". I am afraid if I do resist and win I will get charged with a crime. Then to top it off there is this commercial that runs on tv, I see it late at night since that's when I watch tv, about terrible evil guns.
ctc,
Can you be more specific on the revelation you had concerning no open carry in GA, while reading the code? I have read code sections 16-11-120 through 16-11-134 several times and just don't get that out of it.
I'll ask the county DA's opinion tomorrow ... he's being especially helpful right now, since he is up for election and has a challenger.
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gitaramac,
Check out Georgia's pre-emption statute: Code Section 16-11-184. Of course, it doesn't prevent stupidity at the local level.
[This message has been edited by sensop (edited November 05, 2000).]
Can you be more specific on the revelation you had concerning no open carry in GA, while reading the code? I have read code sections 16-11-120 through 16-11-134 several times and just don't get that out of it.
I'll ask the county DA's opinion tomorrow ... he's being especially helpful right now, since he is up for election and has a challenger.
************************
gitaramac,
Check out Georgia's pre-emption statute: Code Section 16-11-184. Of course, it doesn't prevent stupidity at the local level.
[This message has been edited by sensop (edited November 05, 2000).]
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ctc:
Speaking of prisons - it is not common knowledge but GA has either the 6th or 7th largest prison population in the nation. The "prison belt" runs from the north part of Wayne Co, Wayne SP, northwest to Butts Co, Georgia Diagnostic Center (death row) with roughly 24 state prisons in that area. There is another 15 or so located around the state. [/quote]
Historically speaking, Georgia is a prison.
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"Government is not reason; it is not eloquence; it is force! Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master."
-George Washington.
Speaking of prisons - it is not common knowledge but GA has either the 6th or 7th largest prison population in the nation. The "prison belt" runs from the north part of Wayne Co, Wayne SP, northwest to Butts Co, Georgia Diagnostic Center (death row) with roughly 24 state prisons in that area. There is another 15 or so located around the state. [/quote]
Historically speaking, Georgia is a prison.
------------------
"Government is not reason; it is not eloquence; it is force! Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master."
-George Washington.
CoastieN70
New member
Gitarmac,
Just hope that if you do have to protect yourself in the Sav area that you are in the County or one of the neighboring counties.
I'm afraid that the "Fat Floyd" and his new Miami Lap Dog might take offence to you protecting yourself and giving the city a bad name by you actions.
Just hope that if you do have to protect yourself in the Sav area that you are in the County or one of the neighboring counties.
I'm afraid that the "Fat Floyd" and his new Miami Lap Dog might take offence to you protecting yourself and giving the city a bad name by you actions.
joegerardi
New member
But in Savannah, there IS a difference between the street LEOs and the beauracracy.
I work for the State and have run into a lot of LEOs. Most have become friends, including the president of the local PBA chapter.
Whilst the pols might be hitting you with the liberal laws, the street cops are savvy. Here if you "flash" your weapon, and look like a stand-up person, it's jokingly considered an "IDPH" (an inadvertand display of personal hardware) by LEOs
Additionally, most LEOs I know here know that I carry in restaurants that serve liquor - an arrestable offense here - and don't care. They just tell me to stay out of the "offical" bar area and then everything will be ok.
I remember during the evac for Floyd (the hurricane, not hizzoner heading for the buffet line) I had to go to the State hospital before everyone came back. I was carrying my G17 and helping to move some sandbags I unthinkingly pulled off my sportcoat and my G17 was exposed for all to see. I was standing next to the DHR Chief of police and his lieutenant, and neither even gave it a second look, and afterwards said they were glad I had it. Now, this was on State property, and that again is an arrestable offense.
So, though Savannah might give the appearance of getting towards a liberal attitude, the street cop is not going to change his cracker, Southern, conservative ways (Thank God.)
I work for the State and have run into a lot of LEOs. Most have become friends, including the president of the local PBA chapter.
Whilst the pols might be hitting you with the liberal laws, the street cops are savvy. Here if you "flash" your weapon, and look like a stand-up person, it's jokingly considered an "IDPH" (an inadvertand display of personal hardware) by LEOs
Additionally, most LEOs I know here know that I carry in restaurants that serve liquor - an arrestable offense here - and don't care. They just tell me to stay out of the "offical" bar area and then everything will be ok.
I remember during the evac for Floyd (the hurricane, not hizzoner heading for the buffet line) I had to go to the State hospital before everyone came back. I was carrying my G17 and helping to move some sandbags I unthinkingly pulled off my sportcoat and my G17 was exposed for all to see. I was standing next to the DHR Chief of police and his lieutenant, and neither even gave it a second look, and afterwards said they were glad I had it. Now, this was on State property, and that again is an arrestable offense.
So, though Savannah might give the appearance of getting towards a liberal attitude, the street cop is not going to change his cracker, Southern, conservative ways (Thank God.)
Danger Dave
New member
Hey, there's another Ga. State employee out there! JoeG, I'm with the DOT in Atlanta (Charlie Brown, if you know where that is).
As a rule, I've found that most Ga. state employees are conservative, huntin', fishin' & gun-totin' kinda folks (e.g. my supv. has a "Bob Barr" bumper sticker on his desk and is listening to Rush Limbaugh right now). The exceptions are usually pretty vocal, though.
Hube, mine took a couple of months - just hope the GBI doesn't lose your fingerprints or something.
As a rule, I've found that most Ga. state employees are conservative, huntin', fishin' & gun-totin' kinda folks (e.g. my supv. has a "Bob Barr" bumper sticker on his desk and is listening to Rush Limbaugh right now). The exceptions are usually pretty vocal, though.
Hube, mine took a couple of months - just hope the GBI doesn't lose your fingerprints or something.
Here is a question for all you GA CCW who are more savvy of the law than I: Where exactly can you and can you not carry according to State Law? I've had my CCW for about 4 years now, and I am still not clear on Code Section 16-11-127.1. I can interpret all this as to mean I can't carry anywhere! (example: The highway & right of way is public/state property. Technically you can't have a gun in your waistband while broke down on the side of the road!) Also, how is everyone's experience with LEO's interpretation? After reading joegerardi's post, I'm curious. BTW, I'm from Heard County, not exactly a hotbed of liberalism (currently at Ft Benning thanks to last minute finagling at OBC), and the Sherriff's Deputies are down-home courteous and friendly (in my experience)
I have some formal training from, and a god deal of interaction with, the firearms instructor at the regional academy, who used to be a regular leo and who also has a law degree, and he has been quite helpful. As a gov't employee who travels on a lot of state property (incl. the Glennville area on occasion)on state time and in state vehicles, I especially had a lot of questions relating to the meaning of "gov't property". What follows is my understanding based on info from him, UGA public safety and other sources. Lots is open for debate, and I'm putting it down for entertainment purposes only.
1. I was told that it's best not to FORMALLY ask a state leo (Ga Patrol, GBI, university leo, parks employee, etc.) abt carrying on specific types of state property under their control - it sends up major red flags, and they often don't know the specifics either in the gray areas. No offense to such leos intended, but the laws are vague.
2. Gov't owned bldgs are strictly out - K-12, universities, gov't admin bldgs, arenas, convention ctrs, and the like. Officially, the same is true for parking lots and similar properties. And, leased state property counts the same as owned property.
2. Carrying in private vehicles on public roadways is ok, as long as it's done in accordance with state law (either proper CCW or meets the glove box/laying open req.) Rest areas? Who knows.
3. Carrying on school grounds is ok as long as you are picking up/dropping off student, or have letter of permission from controlling authority. These letters are given occasionally, but only to gov't employees working on location. I know a few people with them. Oddly, carrying on buses and in school vehicles seems to be ok, tho I have conflicting info abt university cars. Don't forget the 1000 ft boundary around schools or school land. Curiously, students at a university do not appear to technically be able to legally have a weapon on school grounds under any circumstances, regardless of their CCW status.
4. Re state lands, carrying in state parks is strictly forbidden. Other state properties are somewhat gray. For ex., UGA allows hunting on some school lands under certain conditions, but firearms are generally not supposed to be carried. Some "state" lands are actually owned by not-for-profit corporations, like the ones universities have set up to funnel research grants thru. I have no info officially on these lands (and there are a lot more acres involved than you might think), tho they are not technically state-owned land and I do know that hunting can be allowed.
6. Public gatherings are typically considered to be organized events - sports, concerts, and such. What about art festivals and similar things that are held in the open and on public streets? Gray area. Churches themselves and church function are out, but church property not involved in a function (e.g. parking lot while you're in services) appears ok. Privately owned golf courses appear ok, but who knows about whether this applies to any type of organized open tournament, at which point it may become a "public gathering".
6. Anywhere that alcohol is served for consumption on-premise is technically out. However, the "is it a restuarant or bar?" aspect appears to be somewhat fuzzy and differently interpreted and enforced. Intent of the law appears to have been bar-oriented, but with the demise of blue laws, the explosion of chain resturants around the cities and what-not, lots more non-bar places serve alcohol now than did in the past.
7. According to the instructor, the key question if you ever use a concealed weapon of any kind (let's remember these laws apply to knives, etc.) where it's verbotten is (not surprisingly) not why did you HAVE it at that location, but why did you USE it? I was told that I could basically carry anywhere I wanted as long as I never showed my hand, and only used or displayed in a AOJ situation. The laws are so confusing that they are sometimes applied and adjudicated on a case-by-case basis
8. Have not found a specific law on prohibition of open carry on other than your own property, but you do need a permit to carry on person regardless. Anyone know if hunting is exempted?
A lot of info can be found at www.packing.org, but beware that some of the info is incorrect of conflicting, like some of the reciprocity data, for example.
Sorry for long post; hope it helps.
1. I was told that it's best not to FORMALLY ask a state leo (Ga Patrol, GBI, university leo, parks employee, etc.) abt carrying on specific types of state property under their control - it sends up major red flags, and they often don't know the specifics either in the gray areas. No offense to such leos intended, but the laws are vague.
2. Gov't owned bldgs are strictly out - K-12, universities, gov't admin bldgs, arenas, convention ctrs, and the like. Officially, the same is true for parking lots and similar properties. And, leased state property counts the same as owned property.
2. Carrying in private vehicles on public roadways is ok, as long as it's done in accordance with state law (either proper CCW or meets the glove box/laying open req.) Rest areas? Who knows.
3. Carrying on school grounds is ok as long as you are picking up/dropping off student, or have letter of permission from controlling authority. These letters are given occasionally, but only to gov't employees working on location. I know a few people with them. Oddly, carrying on buses and in school vehicles seems to be ok, tho I have conflicting info abt university cars. Don't forget the 1000 ft boundary around schools or school land. Curiously, students at a university do not appear to technically be able to legally have a weapon on school grounds under any circumstances, regardless of their CCW status.
4. Re state lands, carrying in state parks is strictly forbidden. Other state properties are somewhat gray. For ex., UGA allows hunting on some school lands under certain conditions, but firearms are generally not supposed to be carried. Some "state" lands are actually owned by not-for-profit corporations, like the ones universities have set up to funnel research grants thru. I have no info officially on these lands (and there are a lot more acres involved than you might think), tho they are not technically state-owned land and I do know that hunting can be allowed.
6. Public gatherings are typically considered to be organized events - sports, concerts, and such. What about art festivals and similar things that are held in the open and on public streets? Gray area. Churches themselves and church function are out, but church property not involved in a function (e.g. parking lot while you're in services) appears ok. Privately owned golf courses appear ok, but who knows about whether this applies to any type of organized open tournament, at which point it may become a "public gathering".
6. Anywhere that alcohol is served for consumption on-premise is technically out. However, the "is it a restuarant or bar?" aspect appears to be somewhat fuzzy and differently interpreted and enforced. Intent of the law appears to have been bar-oriented, but with the demise of blue laws, the explosion of chain resturants around the cities and what-not, lots more non-bar places serve alcohol now than did in the past.
7. According to the instructor, the key question if you ever use a concealed weapon of any kind (let's remember these laws apply to knives, etc.) where it's verbotten is (not surprisingly) not why did you HAVE it at that location, but why did you USE it? I was told that I could basically carry anywhere I wanted as long as I never showed my hand, and only used or displayed in a AOJ situation. The laws are so confusing that they are sometimes applied and adjudicated on a case-by-case basis
8. Have not found a specific law on prohibition of open carry on other than your own property, but you do need a permit to carry on person regardless. Anyone know if hunting is exempted?
A lot of info can be found at www.packing.org, but beware that some of the info is incorrect of conflicting, like some of the reciprocity data, for example.
Sorry for long post; hope it helps.