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Modern Mining and Munitions - Do They Mix?, Opinions on Concealed Carry While in the Field
Au-in-the-Pan
post Nov 12 2012, 11:14 PM
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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?
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amorton
post Nov 13 2012, 12:22 AM
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Not specific to mining but if I am Out I am usually carrying. If it's around lots of people I usually elect to go concealed mainly to avoid unnecessary disruption. However if I am out beyond city limits I carry open. I am not really afraid of critters, two legged or four but I am more of the mindset of it's my right and I like to take advantage of that. If you have a decent holster I would not hesitate to carry open if you are out just be mindful of what city you are in. I live in Douglass County, and out Sheriff is very carry friendly.
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russau
post Nov 13 2012, 07:27 AM
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just for your peace of mind! if you are thrust into a situation that you need to protect yourself or loved ones,you better be prepaired to act immideatly,or itll be to late todo anything! i dont leave home without it! and always know whats going on around you!
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swizz
post Nov 13 2012, 08:08 AM
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QUOTE (Au-in-the-Pan @ Nov 12 2012, 10:14 PM) *
....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?

That is one's personal choice. Criteria of choice can be based on many factors including locale, wildlife, personal protection concerns, and legalities.



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Woody
post Nov 13 2012, 10:33 AM
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I suggest Open Carry 100%.

Something happened to me about a year ago that changed my way of thinking for life.

My greatest enjoyment is to get out in the hills and mountains every chance I get. “And believe me I get out a lot, just ask my wife”. During my outings, I have been in close proximity with every large predatory animal found in Colorado and looking back at each encounter I was never in any danger. It was just two paths crossing and never did any one of them express anything more than curiosity. I had a Griz walk into my camp in Montana and cleaned my diner dishes for me. All I had for protection was a backpack prospecting shovel and a rock hammer. I sat frozen for about an hour until he finally moved on. I got to admit, on that encounter I was scared and wish I was holding a 45 instead. But there again my life was probably not in danger, if I could of found voice enough to yell the bear most likely would of ran away.

Early spring 2011, I left my house around 2 in the morning and headed to a well known local rock hounding spot. I parked just off the road and was waiting for the sun to come up enough to see. A couple of dudes in a white jeep Cherokee pulled up to my truck and shot two rounds from an AK-47 directly into my windshield. The bullet placement was centered in the drivers area just above the steering wheel and had I been sitting there I would have been shot. As luck would have it, I was in the back of the truck. My new pup hated being in the back and I thought this would be a good time to try to see if I could get her to settle down.

One bullet fragmented upon impact and sprayed the entire cab. The largest part of that round lodged in the beam of the cab. The other round passed through the cab and exited out the side of my topper. Needless to say, I was completely unarmed and never have I felt more vulnerable. The cop that came out to do a report was amazed to find I did not carry a gun. He reminded me that in Colorado, as an American it is our constitutional right to carry a firearm, “just not concealed”.

So now I practice my rights every chance I get. If the moment comes that I have to use it, I bet it is on a two legged critter rather than a four. Just my thoughts, Woody.


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amorton
post Nov 13 2012, 11:55 AM
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Woody, that is one of the scariest stories I have heard in a long time. Did you ever get a possible motive for them shooting at you? After reading this It makes me almost want to bring along some bigger hardware when I am out or just keep something behind the seat in the truck. Hearing stuff like this immediately brings up feeling of rage and wanting to fight back. I don't understand how people could want to ban weapons after hearing things like this it should do just the opposite. Were you near a city or out near the mountains?
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Woody
post Nov 13 2012, 03:23 PM
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Lots to explain here but I will do my best,

As far as motive... none. I was about 23 miles out of Colorado Springs in National Forest. I believe they were just Shi@birds who had been out all night long parting in the mountains. I really don't believe they knew I was in the vehicle. It was super dark with no moon and they could not have seen in my truck, there was a wall of trees in back of me. I actually was looking right at them as they pulled up. I opened the side window of the topper and could hear them talking. I even looked around for a weapon but once I saw the kind of vehicle they drove I thought they were forest service personnel and they wished to make contact with me for some reason. As I was reaching for the tail gate I heard one of them say, "Should I"? The other responded with, "Go ahead"! The next thing I heard was the all too familiar sound of an assault rifle bolt going forward and about then all hell broke loose.

I flipped up the topper door and let loose with some, "words of motivation". They hammered on the gas but was barely moving at all. The loose scree did not allow the tires any traction and I had a clear shot at them for several seconds. Had I had a gun I would have emptied it right then and there. I had just gotten back to the States barely 2 months ago from my third tour to Iraq and at that moment I had no other thoughts in my mind except my survival. I was looking into the passenger side window that was down less than 20 feet away and I am positive I would have sevearly wounded at least one of them, If not killed them both. Now slowing things down a bit and using hind-sight as my guidance I rethink the event through. If I would have had a gun, things might have been worse.

Best case scenario my return fire would have rendered them incapable of continuing to be a threat, and my actions would have been found justified by the district attorney. I would still sleep well at night knowing I was an unwilling participant in this whole event to begin with and was just trying to protect myself.

Another possible course of action is a gun fight erupts. I'm sure that was not the last of the ammo they had and once I started shooting at them it is likely they would of returned fire. Outcome.... Uncertain?

Worst case scenario is my return fire renders them incapable and now my entire life, my freedom, lies in the hands of the district attorney's office and their interruption of self defense. That requires me to have faith in the system. Outcome.... Unknown number of sleepless nights.


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Au-in-the-Pan
post Nov 17 2012, 09:41 PM
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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.
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amorton
post Nov 19 2012, 06:03 AM
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QUOTE (Au-in-the-Pan @ Nov 17 2012, 08:41 PM) *
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.
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Denise
post Nov 20 2012, 09:36 AM
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Thats a terrible thing to have happen to you when you're out prospecting Woody! I am very glad you came out of it ok! whew.gif

Great info to know amorton, thanks for sharig it with us. happy088.gif


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Coalbunny
post Dec 5 2012, 06:47 AM
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Open carry is permitted in Colorado as well as most towns in Colorado. Most cops, however, ain't bright enough to know this, so if you open carry, count on difficulty from the coppers.

Concealed carry requires a permit, and I'm wih the understanding that CC on USFS or BLM lands is legal without a permit. It is best to double check that with a gun dealer. Rocky Mtn. Gun Owners, Gun Owners of America and NRA should also know more about this.


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russau
post Dec 5 2012, 07:09 AM
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when it comes to my or my familys personnal safty, why risk not being prepaired?
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Au-in-the-Pan
post Dec 6 2012, 10:04 PM
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Thanks much to all the topic Responders so far - the original MM & M question is being answered with thoughtfulness.

Now to a low tech but important (has-to-work-the-first-time) question -- how one deals with the situation of: a) wanting/needing quick access to a firearm when that "pressing need" arises in the field, versus b) having the weapon out of the way and protected from those diverse "dirty hands" prospecting activities, especially during-the-cold-weather kind. Assume there are no Mayberry Barney Fife's here (gun and his one bullet in a zip-lock bag). I can see avoiding fumbling with a lot of snaps or zippers but also don't want gun or ammo exposed for long periods and possibly compromised. What do you who routinely pack recommend? Maybe some kind of flap holster at the waist? In another forum, there is mention of high-top waders that have a zippered pocket at the top. Or, overall, is it simply "Auto" versus "Wheel" in terms of ensuring performance when the going gets rough?
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russau
post Dec 7 2012, 06:03 AM
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well first off, dont go out there alone! im a dredger myself so you can see that im going tobe in a situation that i cant be carring while underwater, BUT the dredge tender can and you can have your peice saftly away on shore with the rest of your gear.be completely aware of your surroundings at all times if you possibly can.esspeccialy in the citys. open carry is the quickest but a CCW can be utilized quick if you practice pulling it.
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swizz
post Dec 7 2012, 06:48 AM
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QUOTE (Au-in-the-Pan @ Dec 6 2012, 09:04 PM) *
I can see avoiding fumbling with a lot of snaps or zippers but also don't want gun or ammo exposed for long periods and possibly compromised. What do you who routinely pack recommend? Maybe some kind of flap holster at the waist?

Glock can take anything you throw at it in the field and still perform.
I use a leg holster and open carry when at the claim. Glock gets muddy, wet, and bashed into trees and rocks when my leg does. Takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'. I have fast access to the weapon and know it will perform even if it's wet and crusted with dirt/mud.
There's a reason they make them like that.
Bottom line.... choose a weapon and method of carry that suits your needs best. Plenty of options out there. This is just what works best for my situation.


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