Firearms in Puerto Rico

S

SHNOMIDO

New member
Does anyone have any experience with firearms or firearm laws in puerto rico? Just my own curiosity.

I know i could google it up, but as we all know, whats on the books and whats practiced is often very different when it comes to guns in general. Between the USA and Europe, we see tons of examples of laws not being enforced, bad laws on the books, and laws "misinterpreted". I want to know what it is actually like from people who have experienced it, not pseudo 2nd amendment laws that are ignored.

So, what is the gun culture like in puerto rico? is it the same as your average US state? can you walk into a gun store and walk out with a firearm? pistol? is there a waiting period? what is law enforcement like? what are carry laws like (if any)?
 
Not sure I know the answer, but I did run into some serious shooters while on a business trip there. Stayed at a Holiday Inn near Ponce, kept hearing gun shots from my hotel room. Turns out they had a gun range just down the hill. Went to investigate, found a really nice facility with an NRA sign above the entrance. There were a number of off duty police practicing for 3 gun competitions. They were kind enough to let me borrow some firearms and shoot along with.

These guys do enjoy shooting! see below....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mC7O85WGygo

Here's a partial listing of gun ranges in Puerto Rico....
http://www.shooting-hunting.com/results.html?City=&Keywords=&State=PR
 
Their court system (appelate level I think?) just recently upheld the 2nd Amendment on a carry case and forced the PD into doing shall-issue carry permits.
 
We have always had shall issue ccp but requires a court case and hearing. Gun laws are strict due to historical considerations of revolution during the Spanish colonial period and, according to some, the American colonization as per the independent movement. Gun culture is nonexistent except for a hardcore group who believe in the second amendment. Criminality is rampant except criminals know better than targeting tourists. Drugs are a big part of the violence. Still, there is no gun culture, the general public is afraid of guns, guns are demonized in the media and a large sector of the population calls for stricter gun laws. Finally, until recently gun ownership was viewed by the state as a privilege and not a right. The current law, although much more accommodating and up to date when compared to previous gun laws, still reflect said attitude. It is my humble opinion that the PR Gun Law is unconstitutional, along with it's gun registry and severe limitations.
 
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I'm interested in this. My girlfriend is Puerto Rican and entertained the idea of moving there eventually. But I don't know about it. I visited once with her and it's a pretty nice place. A tropical paradise with all the comforts and amenities of being in the U.S. But the things I hear about the gun laws and the fact that I don't habla the espanol makes me think twice. But I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.
 
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