Modern Mining and Munitions - Do They Mix?, Opinions on Concealed Carry While in the Field Options

[Au-in-the-Pan]

Being new to the whole arena of gold prospecting, I have been wondering about CP members’ past need for, or the general advocacy of personal protection from predators, both four and two legged kinds, when one is afield in some remote site. A quick key word search did not show up much mention of the subject – perhaps it is an inappropriate discussion topic?

The basic premise here is that the CP member will be a current concealed-carry-permit holder in good legal standing who, by training or experience, is knowledgeable/comfortable in the handling and use of firearms. Due to the recent changes in various state laws, CHL reciprocity agreements among the southern states appear to extend into Colorado (except for NM?).

With that, does one have real reason to "pack heat" along with the basic equipment, or should it be left in the vehicle, at home or motel, or whatever?

[Au-in-the-Pan]

amorton, you said: "However, if I am out beyond city limits I carry open." Would like to discuss that a little more. During my Texas CHL course training, the instructor repeatedly advised against open, observable carry for any reason - purposeful or accidental. Does Colorado law make certain exceptions available? Taking into account the relative remoteness of panning sites, is open carry a deterrence or has other benefits to maybe counter the chance meeting with a law enforcement officer with an attitude about civilian carry?

I am considering the recently available Springfield XDs, their .45acp single-stack compact. I know it is only 5+1 in capacity and maybe hard to handle for some, but it is very compact, being only 1 inch in width. In a left-side shoulder holster carry of some sort, can it be functional and protected, yet out of the way enough for infield activities? Perhaps too binding? Lot of punch in a small package.

[amorton]

amorton, you said: "However, if I am out beyond city limits I carry open." Would like to discuss that a little more. During my Texas CHL course training, the instructor repeatedly advised against open, observable carry for any reason - purposeful or accidental. Does Colorado law make certain exceptions available? Taking into account the relative remoteness of panning sites, is open carry a deterrence or has other benefits to maybe counter the chance meeting with a law enforcement officer with an attitude about civilian carry?

I am considering the recently available Springfield XDs, their .45acp single-stack compact. I know it is only 5+1 in capacity and maybe hard to handle for some, but it is very compact, being only 1 inch in width. In a left-side shoulder holster carry of some sort, can it be functional and protected, yet out of the way enough for infield activities? Perhaps too binding? Lot of punch in a small package.

Colorado does not give any special ruling on open carry, it is actually the opposite The state of Colorado has not levied a law that states you can not open carry therefore you can. There are a few cities that have passed local restrictions limiting open carry which is there right, provided it does not contradict state law. Concealed carry does have laws which require a permit to carry and a permitting process. The law is a state law with actual permitting delegated to the individual counties. In this case the cities do not have the right to restrict this as it is a state law governing carry.

As for the issue of open carry vs concealed carry I beleive your instructor was his or her opinion. There are many debates on which is better with many good arguments for both. I see it as both my right and a tool. Depending on the situation I can chose to carry open of concealed. I prefer to not alarm the Sheepople when I am in town so I tend to carry concealed. I see nothing wrong with open carry all the time and I would love to do it all the time however this will cause unnecessary tension so I do not. Once I am out of the city limits I run into far less people, and the types of people seem to be more firearm friendly. Law enforcement is not really a big concern as long as you are not breaking any laws while carrying a weapon. It may generate a few questions that otherwise would not have come in a chance encounter but a conversation with the law is not really something to be afraid of, just be courteous.

Onto weapons, I carry a compact 1911 3" slide in .45 most of the time. If I know I might get wet I have a stainless steel .357 five shot revolver available. And if I am out over night in the mountains I typically take a larger six shot .357 and or a shotgun. The gun you take is really personal preference I would place emphasis on reliability. Auto cartridges are designed for people so there effectiveness on an animal will come down to shot placement. The .357 is great for most critters and people but it is only a revolver cartridge. Pick a gun for the situation, then find one that meets these requirements and fits you.