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What are the laws concerning using a Shotgun for store defense?
- Thread starter C0untZer0
- Start date
Most states, no. In FL the "security guard rules" are more likely something the guard company put in to limit their legal liability - same reason they often limit the guards to 38Spl in a 357 gun. IF the limits are found in the law, they're likely only applicable to guards.
But in the case of, say, a family-run convenience store with guns owned by and used by family members and employees, it's basically anything goes in most states. Probably up to NFA-rules stuff if they have the paperwork (full-auto, short-barrel shotguns, etc...yeah, you CAN press that sort of thing into defensive duty, although it's not very smart because the wrong DA might try and seriously twist a jury around over it).
But in the case of, say, a family-run convenience store with guns owned by and used by family members and employees, it's basically anything goes in most states. Probably up to NFA-rules stuff if they have the paperwork (full-auto, short-barrel shotguns, etc...yeah, you CAN press that sort of thing into defensive duty, although it's not very smart because the wrong DA might try and seriously twist a jury around over it).
Generally speaking, lawful use of deadly force is lawful use of deadly force. The type of weapon should not be a factor, though in some jurisdictions it has been presented as one.
But C0untZer0, you are conflating two separate issues.
Florida has restrictions on the types and calibers of firearms that security guards and private investigators can carry, while working. CCW permits do not supercede those rules.
For instance, with my Florida permit, I can conceal a virtually unlimited array of weapons, so long as I can legally own them. (Some states specify handguns; Florida does not.)
But, if I wanted to get licensed as a PI in Florida, I'd be limited to revolvers in .38 or .357, but carrying .38 ammo; or autos in 9mm (and I believe .380), while I was working.
After work, I could carry my .45's to my heart's content, but not while working under the auspices of the PI license.
Same concept for security guards.
Has no bearing at all on what you, as a private individual, could use.
But C0untZer0, you are conflating two separate issues.
Florida has restrictions on the types and calibers of firearms that security guards and private investigators can carry, while working. CCW permits do not supercede those rules.
For instance, with my Florida permit, I can conceal a virtually unlimited array of weapons, so long as I can legally own them. (Some states specify handguns; Florida does not.)
But, if I wanted to get licensed as a PI in Florida, I'd be limited to revolvers in .38 or .357, but carrying .38 ammo; or autos in 9mm (and I believe .380), while I was working.
After work, I could carry my .45's to my heart's content, but not while working under the auspices of the PI license.
Same concept for security guards.
Has no bearing at all on what you, as a private individual, could use.
^ So... in Florida in the case of a store owner who hires a security gaurd...
As a store owner - the owner would be allowed to keep a shotgun on his property... The owner could employ a shotgun, but his security gaurd (while working) would be limited to .380, 38 spl or 9mm.
Other employees - if work rules allow having a firearm at work, would be able to use anything that their CCW permit would allow - meaning it would have to be something concealable, but mot limited to 380, 38 spl, 9mm.
As a store owner - the owner would be allowed to keep a shotgun on his property... The owner could employ a shotgun, but his security gaurd (while working) would be limited to .380, 38 spl or 9mm.
Other employees - if work rules allow having a firearm at work, would be able to use anything that their CCW permit would allow - meaning it would have to be something concealable, but mot limited to 380, 38 spl, 9mm.
Brian Pfleuger
Moderator Emeritus
There's a quite famous instance of a Florida gun shop owner defending his store using multiple full-auto weapons. No charges were pressed, as I recall, or at least none stuck. He did kill one of the BGs who tried to run him down with a car.
Working formerly for Loomis the "state" has set up what firearms can be carried. 357/38 spl loaded "ONLY WITH 38 spl"
Semi-auto 9 mm. State law
Private security guards would have to comply with state law regarding what type/caliber they carry. The state is the one issuing the class "D" and class "G" license for armed security guards.
Semi-auto 9 mm. State law
Private security guards would have to comply with state law regarding what type/caliber they carry. The state is the one issuing the class "D" and class "G" license for armed security guards.
There's a quite famous instance of a Florida gun shop owner defending his store using multiple full-auto weapons. No charges were pressed, as I recall, or at least none stuck. He did kill one of the BGs who tried to run him down with a car.
Harry Beckwith. He passed away about 5 years ago but the new owners of his shop kept his name on it. All thuis occurred just outside of Gainesville in Alachua Fl, one of the most liberal and far left regions in the state. No charges were filed or reportedly even considered.
ALOT of old school deputies hung out there frequently and made frequent use of his indoor range. being friendly with the cops is good insurance.
Many posters here are entirely correct in that the state may specify what a security guard may carry. Don't know if they still do but here in NY, armored car personnel also carried pump action shotguns although I don't know of a single case in which one was ever deployed.
Homeowners and store owners can have access to pretty much anything that's legal for them to possess in their state or city of residence. In NYC, semi-auto shotguns are prohibited and all long guns must be registered. Stay within the law, whether you agree with it or not, and you eliminate one avenue of legal attack against you. And, please don't be one of those hayseeds who loads his shotshells with rock salt.
Homeowners and store owners can have access to pretty much anything that's legal for them to possess in their state or city of residence. In NYC, semi-auto shotguns are prohibited and all long guns must be registered. Stay within the law, whether you agree with it or not, and you eliminate one avenue of legal attack against you. And, please don't be one of those hayseeds who loads his shotshells with rock salt.