Car carry after a beer.

[Tonik]

I swear, I searched a lot here first before asking what has probably already been asked.

So, tomorrow I can finally store my weapon in my car at work. I work at a school. Which raises the question, what happens if I go out for a beer after work with someone? Is unloaded in a case in the back of the vehicle ok? What if I have an SUV and no trunk? How should the mag be unloaded...ammo in a separate case?

[JustaShooter]

I'm not sure there is a definitive answer other than to not have the gun in the vehicle at all, or skipping the beer if you do. If it were me and I found myself unable or unwilling to abide by those restrictions, I would unload and transport as if I did not have a CHL. That means empty gun in a case and loaded mags in a separate enclosure (and I'd be tempted to unload the mags just to give an officer more ability to use discretion...). If vehicle has a trunk, that's where I'd put everything. If not, then if possible in a location that would require stopping the vehicle for the driver to access - all the way in the back of the SUV, etc.

[DontTreadOnMe]

I swear, I searched a lot here first before asking what has probably already been asked.

So, tomorrow I can finally store my weapon in my car at work. I work at a school. Which raises the question, what happens if I go out for a beer after work with someone? Is unloaded in a case in the back of the vehicle ok? What if I have an SUV and no trunk? How should the mag be unloaded...ammo in a separate case?

Since you have a CHL, the prohibition against having a loaded gun in your car applies if you are under the influence. For the sake of argument I'll assume (1) having a single beer won't have that significant of an effect on you, and (2) you'll really just have 1 beer. In this case, you can store the firearm as you normally would.

Of course there's a difference between actually being under the influence, and what an arresting officer states in his report. If you want to be safe, then you should transport the firearm the same way you would if you didn't have your CHL. Unloaded, and stored so it isn't accessible without leaving the vehicle or in a closed package, box, or case. Note that unloaded will mean the loaded magazine is not in the gun and both the gun and magazine are stored in separate enclosures, as identified in 2923.16(K)(5)

[Tonik]

I am fine with that, this will be a very rare occurrence and I would be more than happy to unload and lock it in a case. I'll grab two cases, one for the weapon and one for the unloaded mag.

[carmen fovozzo]

None of those 32oz. beers either...

[AzRanger]

It's more important to me to have and keep my CCL than to have a beer after work. I would avoid drinking with a gun in my car even if it was just ONE beer. Why take the chance?

[Tonik]

It's more important to me to have and keep my CCL than to have a beer after work. I would avoid drinking with a gun in my car even if it was just ONE beer. Why take the chance?

Valid point, and I had that realization as I was driving to work today on my own. If I have my gun, I am simply not going to drink. I really appreciate all of you talking me through this.

[ArmedAviator]

I've found it easier and cheaper to use the fact that I am carrying as an excuse to not drink. Even going out with friends, I just generally don't drink. They know I carry and that's my reasoning. I just tell the bartender/waiter that I'm the DD (which I usually am) and no further questions arise. Everyone's happy.

In the rare occasion I do have a drink and I'm packing, I leave the gun in the car, usually loaded. Have my beer and wait plenty of time to process it (usually an entire meal, so an hour), and then re-holster it and drive on.

[carmen fovozzo]

I eat out a lot.......which means I have saved a lot of money by not ordering wine or drinks with dinner.....unless of course I'm on a Winery excursion for the whole day in wine country...

[Roller]

It is simple; If you are going to drink, even one drink of alcohol of any kind, then no gun. If you are going to carry your firearm, then no alcohol of any kind. Simple, concise and easy to remember. Why is it so important to have a beer after work?

[pirateguy191]

It is simple; If you are going to drink, even one drink of alcohol of any kind, then no gun. If you are going to carry your firearm, then no alcohol of any kind. Simple, concise and easy to remember. Why is it so important to have a beer after work?

Why not?

[JediSkipdogg]

I see one beer as no different than one coke. Start adding up as more than one or two, and in my opinion both can de dangerous.

Sometimes I just feel a Sam Adams is betterbtasting than water or diet coke.

I'm probably in the minority that says one beer I wouldn't do anything different. Two I would unload. Three or more and I wouldn't even be driving so the firearm isn't even in the equation.

[carmen fovozzo]

AGainst the law is against the law...

ONe beer one joint, both against the law while carrying.

[Javelin Man]

AGainst the law is against the law...

ONe beer one joint, both against the law while carrying.

I understand you can't drink whilst armed, but what about armed after one beer? As in, gun stays in car when I hit the pub, I come out after a burnt burger, greasy fries and a Hamm's beer. I should be able to strap up and drive home after that.

[pirateguy191]

AGainst the law is against the law...

ONe beer one joint, both against the law while carrying.

Come on over for some good bourbon Friday evening Carmen.