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Mr. Luddite

On 11/13/2013 4:43 PM, wrote:
On Wednesday, November 13, 2013 4:13:39 PM UTC-5, Mr. Luddite wrote:
On 11/13/2013 3:33 PM, wrote:

Except that if you want to have quick access to one at night while
you sleep, it sounds like you must sleep with a holster. Having it
under the bed (12 gauge) or in a night stand drawer (9mm) doesn't
sound like it qualifies for that exemption. It has to either be
locked up, or in your hands/on your belt.

I don't interpret it that way. Having it on or in a nightstand beside
your bed qualifies as "under direct control" I think. Same as having
one in the center compartment of your truck or car. It doesn't have to
physically be "on" you in order to be "under direct control".

I suppose I tend to take things pretty literally. "Carried" is pretty clear. "Under my control" is a bit muddy, since under the bed doesn't seem like it's under my direct control. I do get your point, especially regarding that I'd have to lock things up every time I left the house.

In reality, in this state I suspect there would be an investigation and
even preliminary charges brought against you, even if you shot an
intruder in the middle of the night. Where the guns are kept would
become a minor point. MA has a castle law that can be used in your
defense in the event of a shooting, but I suspect you would have to
convince everyone that it was self defense. It's a squishy law in a
squishy state when it comes to guns. Our governor, Deval Patrick (we
call him "Minnie Me") is intent on tightening gun control laws further
to the point where very few would qualify for a new permit or renewals
of existing permits.

Fortunately, we are not to the point your state is in regard to gun restrictions.
I can say that it has been years since anyone rode around with a gun
rack in the
rear window of their truck. Funny, it seems there was far less
violent crime back in those days.

That could never happen around here. If I had a gun rack in my truck
with a rifle in it, I'd be surrounded by 35 cops with lights flashing in
a matter of minutes.

What's weird is I can carry a loaded handgun on me (concealed) or have
one loaded in my center console (out of direct view) but if I want to
transport a shotgun or .22 rifle to the range legally, it must be
unloaded and within a solid, locked case or a soft case with a trigger
or breech lock installed.