Travelling-Need suggestions

M

MW surveyor

New member
Due to a death in the family, I will be travelling from Texas to Florida in the next few days. I have my CHL and own three good CCWs. I know that I can carry in Florida as well as have a pistol in my vehicle for transit through the states of LA, MS, ALABAMA.

During the course of my visit in Florida, I may get called out of the US for a minimum of 2-3 weeks and will have to leave my car and gun in a parking lot at the airport. This is where the problem lies, I do not want to have one of my really good guns left in the car during this period.

My question is - Besides a HiPoint, what other inexpensive (OK, cheap) pistols or revolvers would you recommend? I am presently trying to locate something of better quality used but not having any good luck at the moment.

I will appreciate any and all comments/answers.
 
First, I am very sorry for your loss.

I had a Hipoint 9mm, it was ok. You may be able to pick up a used Tarus or Rossi for the same money at a pawn shop. I have also heard and read good things about Rock Island Armory. In another thread I found this link about the Firestorm 1911. http://www.gunblast.com/Firestorm-1911Deluxe.htm

Another option- A lockable steel box (walmart sells brinks cash boxes in several different sizes) that you could put in the spare tire compartment in the trunk if you have a car. If you have a truck or suv you may be able to screw or through bolt it under or behind a seat. This won't help if your car is stolen, but I doubt many car burgalers will spend the time to check the spare or pry something up from under the seat,.
 
My question is - Besides a HiPoint, what other inexpensive (OK, cheap) pistols or revolvers would you recommend? I am presently trying to locate something of better quality used but not having any good luck at the moment.
Click to expand...

Makarov, CZ-82, KelTec.

This is where the problem lies, I do not want to have one of my really good guns left in the car during this period.
Click to expand...

Find a local gun store that can store it for you for a fee?
 
Thanks for the replies and condolences.

I want to add that I have a Walther P22 with three mags that I would not mind if it got stolen or whatever. I know it isn't the most recommended caliber but I am familiar with the pistol and know that it shoots reliably using the CCI mini mags. May wind up taking it rather than trying to find a new or used gun and not having time to break it in.

Also, the use of the lock box may be a good deal as I could put it in the spare tire well.

Thanks again.
 
Many hotels have a safe for storage of valuables. I don't mean room safes but a safe in their lobby office. If you're in a smaller cheaper place like Red Roof I don't know what to tell you. If you need a locking case for your weapon LOOK HERE

Do you have relatives you could leave it with?
 
All good ideas and thanks to all.

I've since bought a locking box and have been able to mount it in an accessible area of the SUV (but not easily seen). I'll leave the pistol in there in the event that I have to leave the vehicle at the airport.
 
MW surveyor,

Please consider that leaving your vehicle unattended for weeks in an airport parking lot is not a secure arrangement. You should try to find someplace to secure your weapon so that it is not stolen.
A lock-box in your vehicle would only slow them down a couple of minutes or even less if they have a tool to cut a cable or force open the box.
 
I've been thinking a lot about this lately, and I've come to the conclusion that at least in the south east, a good lock box secured in the car is reasonable security especially if it's parked in a secure/monitored parking lot (eg, that they can't drive the car out of). The reason being is that the lock box is to prevent the smash and run guy from getting a gun from your car. If they have 30 minutes and equipment to pry it out, the cost of the gun isn't going to be such a huge deal compared to the cost to fix the car. Plus, at least around here, there are plenty of better ways to steal a gun than randomly breaking into cars at the airport, so I think taking reasonable steps to secure it is the way to go, but no need to go overboard on this one. I'd rather have it on the drive to/from the airport and risk it getting stolen than leave it at home and need it on the trip there.
 
Yes, I know all about your rights and how I must be an evil anti-gun type to even suggest it, but why not just leave the gun(s) at home?

It seems unlikely that you will need to defend yourself in those states, if you exercise even a small amount of discretion, like not waving a gun in a Pagans biker bar while wearing an Angels T shirt.

Jim
 
I work at the major airport in Houston, and carrying (in your car too) onto airport property is, I believe, illegal. Haven't tried it, or researched it (I have to pass through a guarded checkpoint anyway..no doubt there!), but there are signs all about which advise that all vehicles are subject to inspection. I could be wrong; I am certainly not sure; but I would check it out.
 
Last edited:
I work at the major airport in Houston, and carrying (in your car too) onto airport property is, I believe, illegal.
Click to expand...

Not sure about nation wide (but would assume it the same), but I know at the airport here in Salt Lake, it is legal to bring a firearm onto the property, and into the building itself, just not past any security check point. I talked to the local TSA office, after getting transfered from the airport administration office, to double check, as I have family that flys in and out quite often, and I am usually the one to take them to and from, and I carry everywhere I can.

I wouldn't leave a firearm (of any value) in any parking lot unattended like that. I would check with local banks, gunstores, and hotels to see what the options are............maybe pawn it for a couple weeks while you are gone, then pick it up when you get back?
 
Florida firearms, storage...

If it were me, I'd get a simple Glock, HK or SIG Sauer pistol or a .357magnum DA revolver 2/3" barrel and just store it in a local storage unit.
It would be safe & secure and you'd have open access to it.
I'd clean/protect it with MPro7's new LPX or Ballistol and buy a few boxes of factory made high quality rounds(.45acp, 9x19mm, .38 spl, etc).

I would not secure weapons at a hotel or resort or trust the airlines/Florida airports. Even with the TSA or FAA they constantly have thefts or break-ins/damaged luggage. :(
For research see www.Mylicensesite.com or www.handgunlaw.us .

I don't know who would buy a Hi-Point or Kel-tec or other low end brand either. You can transport firearms just know the airline/TSA SOPs-rules and give yourself extra time. I flew on Southwest(one way) in 2007 from Florida to PA with my checked Ruger GPNY(unloaded). I had no problems or disputes.
 
Once again, Thanks for the input.

The problem has resolved itself. I will be able to leave the gun and vehicle in a secured location. Locked garage at my sister's house. I will also put the gun into the lock box so that there is no outward appearance that there is a gun in the car.

There have been some really creative answers to this problem that I just did not think about. The pawn shop one is really creative and I would have never thought about it. Pretty good security for just a few dollars in interest! (Just as long as they didn't sell the gun!)
 
Just for the record, under Florida law firearms are not permitted in the terminal buildings even with a CCL, but there is no prohibition against having them on airport property such as parking garages, pickup loops, etc.
 
The pawn shop one is really creative and I would have never thought about it
Click to expand...

Only problem is that if you are not a resident of that state, you would have to have it shipped to a FFL in your home state when you picked it up.

Didn't think about that when I wrote my other post..............not enough caffine maybe?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top