View Full Version : Packing
Biker
04-22-2008, 09:52 AM
No, not how to pack, but do you carry? Unless you're licensed to do so, I wouldn't. Too much of a hassle if you're caught. However, there IS something you can carry, it's classified as safety equipment and while I'm not entirely sure of its legality, it WAS recommended to me by a San Antonio police officer many, many years ago.
Carry a 12 gauge flare pistol. Guarantee that the idiot in the cage will think twice after popping one off his windshield. Picked mine up at Sears for less than 20 bucks back in the 80s.
MNeedham73
04-22-2008, 10:12 AM
Doubt if that's legal up here in "You can't even buy pepper spray without a Firearm Owner's ID" Illinois.
Biker
04-22-2008, 10:17 AM
Dunno... Pepper spray is for self defense. Flare pistol is classified as safety equipment. Obviously you aren't going to carry it on your person, but rather keep it on the bike in an easily accessible spot.
MNeedham73
04-22-2008, 10:23 AM
I'll have to try to find out. Just found an H&K flare gun for $50 online ;)
ethics
04-22-2008, 10:28 AM
Yah, same as Mike. I doubt it. :(
Advocat
04-22-2008, 11:39 AM
I had a quick look around on this topic. From law enforcement boards I picked up that some states treat flare guns as any other firearm, and require carry permits. In some wilderness/water-boardering states, flare guns are considered survival equipment, provided they are found in the appropriate setting (i.e., in Michigan flare guns on boats do not require registration), or when being transported to the appropriate setting.
Several cops suggested contacting the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to make sure of requirements in the areas you're travelling in/through. As one LEO put it:
Be aware that some states in the USA consider flare guns to be the same as regular pistols, and enforce the law on them accordingly. I beleive that they are exempt only when on a boat or in transit to a boat, but I am not sure. However, I would not want any cop finding one under my seat unless I had my concealed carry permit with me.
Apparently, gangs are now taking flare guns and using inserts to effectively create a slug-firing weapon. As you'll see from the pics from the link below, this often ends up with the flare gun exploding. Doing this will place you very high on the list for the next Darwin Award:
http://theregulatorroom.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!B83E62ACFF1392A7!5556.entry
http://www.atf.gov/firearms/graphics/fire_9.jpg
Biker
04-22-2008, 11:43 AM
Figures the bangers would pick up on this. Although there's no way in hell I'd slap a normal 12 gauge shell in the thing!