[ReadyontheRight]

Connecticut...ians...(?)

So...What can you all tell this Midwesterner about Connecticut? It looks like they have CCW, but also a bunch of nanny-state-wanna-be bills and laws concerning RKBA.

-Are there any good ranges in the SE portion of the state?
-State or local organizations to join?
-Good gunshops?
-Where and what in the heck can I hunt in CT?

I'm looking at a possible stint in Fairfield. Any gun or non-Gun suggestions? It's one of the few states I've never visited and now I have to figure out if I want to move there.

Thanks!

[peteinct]

Hi Ready on the right, I live in Conn. and like it but I would tell any body to think hard about moving here. Fairfield is, if not the richest, one of the richest counties in the U.S. Housing prices are very high. We are in a housing boom right now so your salary has to reflect that.

The state is pretty liberal for the most part especially as the rural areas are turning into suburbs. Fairfield is sort of an extension of New York city because a lot of people commute there to work. The northwest and northeast are more rural.

People hunt for deer, shotgun only on state land and wild turkey with both spring and fall seasons. There are 10 bazillion deer in the state so there are muzzleloader seasons and bow also. Pheasant hunting is popular and they are stocked by the state. I'm sure there are small game seasons but I don't know anybody who hunts them. Fishing is popular bass fishing with spinning reels, fly fishing for trout and ocean fishing for stripers.

There aren't a lot of public ranges. There is one in the center of the state that is outdoor and allows rifle pistol and shotgun. There are maybe 6 indoor pistol ranges. However every town has at least one rod and gun club.


Ct has a shall issue pistol permit and I got mine with very little hassle. It cost me some money and I had to take a course which cost me. You need to take a course to get a hunting liscence. I don't think the state recognises any other states permits. There is an assault weapons ban and thre are certain rifles and pistol that can't be brought into the state. The list makes no sense. It is just an "evil" gun list.

Ct used to have a lot of gun and ammo manufacturers but there aren't alot left. Marlin, Mossberg and colt are the only ones I think. Sturm Ruger has an office in southport but I don't think they have a plant here.

The state has beautiful scenery and a lot of variety. You can go to NYC or go hike in the woods or go out on the Sound. It is small nothing is too far away. They say people here are unfriendly. I would instead say we are more reserved. But to show that as a lie, PM me if you visit and we can go to the range. Actually PM me if you have any questions at all. There are some other CT highroaders maybe they can help you also.

pete

[ReadyontheRight]

Thanks Pete! Any other CT info anyone? Good/bad places to live around Fairfield?

[280PLUS]

Hi Ready,

Both Senators are anti RKBA and we're stuck with Dodd for at least another 5.5 years :barf:

There is a good indoor pistol range/club in Bridgeport which is next door to Fairfield. Bridgport Pistol Club IIRC. There are actually a lot of ranges for such a small state I think.


If you like good barbeque, you won't find any :(

'cept maybe at MY house :D

I don't hunt so there's not much I can tell you about that. I intend to one day but state land is usually crowded with hunters and private land to hunt on is hard to find. Just the other day a farmer was whining to me about how the deer are eating up his crops. I offered to take one out for him and he looked rather shocked and said ,"Oh noooo, we don't hunt on this land (180 acres) :rolleyes:

Gas prices are usually the highest around the nation too. I haven't traveled state to state in a while so I'm not sure anymore. I do recall a guy approaching me at the gas pumps. He was from somewhere south and wanted to know how we survived up here with gas costing as much as it does.

Farmers are selling out and developments and condos are going up everywhere.

I-95 traffic is brutal, especially down Fairfield way and south. I like to call it "The Meatgrinder" cause if all that traffic starts to get tangled up together that's exactly what you have. :eek:

Nice scenery, I must admit.

Sounds wonderful, eh?

:what: :p

[citizen]

This is just MY HO and experience in Ct, and may not be reflective of anyone else's....Practically grew up there; many close relatives. Got out 15 yrs ago, BEFORE they started a state income tax :neener: . Used to have the highest per-capita income in the nation in Fairfield county; home to MANY large (multi) nationaly corps. Virtually a bedroom community of NYC. Still a haven for wealthy liberals. Entire state is only 50 x 100 miles, IIRC the 3rd smallest. Traffic and population density is severe in lower 1/3 of state, and Hartford....also where the "'hoods" abound.....WIDE disparity of incomes. Also home to many colleges, some "ivy league".....and student ghettos. That section of the country is SOOOOOO old and traditional yet currently very yuppified....real dichotomy. Economically, socially, politically, etc considered a suburban community of NYC. Or Boston and Springfield, Mass; if you're in upper part of state. TRAPPED - between two strong, liberal bastions with accurate reflections! Shootin' outdoors is REAL tough; other than a few ranges. Their CCW used to be great - qualify ONCE and carry anything, any time......may have changed. Nice neighborhoods CAN be found; just BRING MONEY!!!!!!! HTH.

[peteinct]

Ready, Around fairfield is expensive.If you want to drive some go up north from there it is very nice. I'm not sure of the town names. Bridgeport is bad, very bad. Blackrock is in Bridgeport don't let a real estate agent fool you. I lived in Bridgeport and the local landmark was a 75 foot tall pile of garbage we called Mt Trashmore.

One way Conn is different than some other places is that the cities never grew and annexed the surrounding towns. So where another state may have a city with a suburban neighborhood in Ct you have Hartford and Glastonbury.
So the towns have a distinct character. There isn't much county government almost everything is run by the towns.

It is expensive here and there are alot of high taxes. That RINO slob Wieker got mad at the public for voting him out of the Senate so he became Governor and punished us by instituting the first state income tax.

We also have a talent for electing corrupt city and state politicians including our last Governor.

However I do like it here, but I can afford it. It must be murder on people trying to start out.
pete

[280PLUS]

Glastonbury- Where all the doctors and lawyers live in the lap of luxury with their trophy wives. The only justice for the regular folk is knowing that originally Glastonbury was all PIG FARMS!! :evil:

A little CT lore for you. :D

[GT]

I moved to CT from NYC, so it was a step up for me.
The wife is from around here so we fit in fine.
I live in the northwest, very rural, but full of rich New Yorkers with weekend houses. Although here they are not allowing any new developments for families with kids, and the rest of the towns around me have 2 acre zoning so it should stay fairly rural for a while.

Litchfield county is the only "red" county in a very blue state.
I don't like CT all that much but it's better than MA - very little crime, almost no violent crime here and no Meth labs.
Don't think I could live near a city; they are all much more dangerous than NYC but with no NYC cops to watch your azz.

As far as hunting, my Rich and Famous Neighbor™ has 75 acres and would let me hunt deer there if I asked (her tree guy already does). I am the 1 acre carbuncle on the butt of her huge (for CT) estate.
Also the farmer across the street is gun friendly.
So if you can find a friendly farmer/landowner you can hunt on their property.

Yeah, property is expensive.

The handgun law here is unique I believe. The townships take care of the license (then you send that in to the state to get a state license) and it is more or less of a problem depending on the town.
However, once you get the license you can carry a loaded gun (permit works as a CCW as well), but it is more like a "probably will issue" because the towns do have some discretion.

Long guns no permit, but 2 week wait if you don't have a handgun permit.

AWB still in effect somewhat here (no AK's, no SPAS 12 etc., no long guns with 4 or more "eeeevil" attributes - muzzle brake, bayonet lug, pistol grip etc) as if a pistol grip on my autolaoder shotgun (illegal) is going to make me go around shooting folks.

There is a small indoor shooting range in my town and there is an outdoor rifle and shotgun range in Danbury.

I would head for this area rather than the south, if you can, because there are too many lefties and no beaches down there.

Up here, the regular people are very friendly, but not very good drivers.

You have to have a swimming pool here, but you can only use it 2 weeks a year :)

Hope this helps.

G

[280PLUS]

Up here, the regular people are very friendly, but not very good drivers.

That's the Mass and NY drivers that invade our state every day :neener:

You have to have a swimming pool here, but you can only use it 2 weeks a year

I could set you up with this nice combination of solar heat and fossil fuel heater style system I concocted. Ive been swimming for about 2 weeks now ;)

'cept during the Nor'easter last couple of days, even I ain't THAT crazy :D

One very important thing to know is that it's not a Hoagie and it's not a Sub and it's not a Po' Boy, it's a GRINDER! Don't ask me why.:p

[citizen]

Yeah!!!!......a "grinder"...... :D :D

[280PLUS]

Do a search on CT here and see what comes up. I have posted a few things over on Legal and Political concerning the Anti's latest attempts to have their way. We COULD USE another THR like thinker here.

:D

[ReadyontheRight]

Thanks for all the info everyone. I'm heading there on Memorial Day and Tuesday, so I'll have a little time to check out CT.

[280PLUS]

Where are you going to be?

I'm shootin' tomorrow(Memorial Day) nothin' says you can't join me!

:D

[jobu07]

I can not speak from experience or for others who are from Conn, but I can tell you what an ATF agent told me about it. I was on the phone with an agent inquiring about a SBR when he told me that CT is pretty Class III friendly. Sounded cool to me to hear it from an alphabet guy. :cool:

[Smiley]

CT isn't as bad as some make it out ot be but you do have to be careful who you say what in front of. We are a very liberal state but who you hang around with will determine your experiences. Nearly everyone I hang with is very gun friendly or at the very least tolerant. However I would never speak up about the subject at work for fear of being that gun nut guy.
The cities can be horrible depending on where you live so I would stay out of them anyways. Hunting has already been covered very well in a previous post. As far as ranges, the best way to go is to belong to a private club in my opinion. Otherwise it can get expensive with the two that I frequent.
I have never heard of anyone actually having real difficulties getting their CCW except for it taking a long time. (mine took exactly the time stated in the application which was like 5 weeks I think).
CT is very expensive. I just went on a road trip from CT out to North Dakota and back hitting up every state in between. If food and drinks are any indications it was anywhere from 25% to 50% cheaper in some extreme cases. However, the whole rudeness with east coaster is a myth in my opinion now. On my trip I found that past Ohio every restaraunt or store we went to they were extremely rude.

[GT]

oh yeah machine guns... I forgot about that.

In CT you can't own a semi-auto AK but you can own full auto pretty much anything - go figure.

Just can't shoot Joe Burglar with it :uhoh:

There are a couple of guys in my town that are into full auto... I just have to hook up with them.
Yeah, yeah I know.

280PLUS:
I could set you up with this nice combination of solar heat and fossil fuel heater style system I concocted. Ive been swimming for about 2 weeks now

Now that sounds good. I have just been looking at mine. Just can't bear to spend the money to run a propane heater.

G

[Eskimo Jim]

Ready,
I moved to CT a year ago.

Permitting/Licensing:
I had to take the NRA basic pistol class again because my original certificate was too old. Cost was $100 for the course plus various state and town fees. Total cost including the course was probably $160 or so. www.packing.org might list the fees under the CT section of the site. Some towns take longer to issue the permit. The state law says that the town has 8 weeks to approve or deny your application. Most that I know of run 10-12 weeks out. There is a state level review/grievence boad if you want to complain after 8 weeks.

Shops:
I like Hoffman's in Berlin and D'Andreas Gun case near Bridgeport. There are several others around

Public ranges:
Chris's Gun Range in Guilford www.gunsitect.com is the old webiste is indoor pistol and 22lr rifle
New England Outdoors (something like that) in Wallingford is a pretty large shop as well and has the same range set up as Chris's
Blue Trail is an outdoor range open to the public, haven't made it there yet.
www.wheretoshoot.org should be able to help you out.

Private clubs I found expensive. Some varied from $300 to $550 per year in the coastal area where I am. They offered a variety of facilities from outside only to inside restricted to 22lr only, trap, skeet, archery etc.

Towns to avoid:
Hartford, Bridgeport, New Britain, New Haven are the larger cities and they would probably be a hassle to get a CCW permit.

Prices really aren't that bad for quite a few firearms from what I've compared to MA and ME.

The state has a good website for hunting information. I'm working through that part so that I can chase deer in the fall. Archery season is quite long, roughly Sept 15 through Dec 31 or so. Firearms season is pretty much shotgun only unless you have permission to hunt private land larger than 6 acres.

There is some sort of state AWB but I haven't dug into that topic yet.

Send me a message if you'd like. I do have some links and other information that I could forward on to you via email.

-Jim

[280PLUS]

There is some sort of state AWB but I haven't dug into that topic yet.

They have a list of "prohibited" firearms the most reknown being the AK-47. I think the MAC-10 is on there too. I believe the lifting of the National AWB has only given us the ability to own guns with suppressors, bayonet lugs, bipods and pistol grips all on the same rifle and we can now have large cap mags again. I've voiced my displeasure to the local pols on this a few times now.

My local rep is Edith Prague a Dem with a D+ from the NRA, I hear that's good for a New England pol. She never seems to reply to my letters on the subject though. Neither does Lieberman. Dodd replies with an anti-gun gibberish form letter. Bob Simmons (R) my State Representative to Washington replied personally and is Pro RKBA I've also gotten a personal reply from Gov. Rell although through an office representative. She seems a bit on the fence and didn't take a stand either way really. She promised to do, "What is best for all the people of CT." So far she's been doing a decent job as far as I can tell.

:)

[Vodka7]

Select fire and anything on this list (http://www.state.ct.us/dps/SLFU/FirearmsAssaultWeaponsList.htm) are banned in CT. One should also note that while most weapons are banned by name, all AK-47, MAC-1*, and Thompson "type" firearms are banned.

[citizen]

WOW!!!
According to that list, I'm GLAD I left!!!! :what:

[280PLUS]

Those weapons are MUCH deadlier than any regular gun. I feel MUCH safer at night knowing they're not on our streets waiting to pounce on me. :rolleyes:

Gee, I didn't know The 82A1 was on the "list". And Colt AR-15? I know I've seen one here in state and that was during the National AWB. Then I've also seen a recently purchased AK-74 in state. I'm not sure how that all works.

Once I watched the guys at Hoffmans opening up a box that had been shipped into the state with a MAC-10 inside. They had to ship it back. :(

[Eskimo Jim]

280,
Thanks for a link to the list.

If so many Colts, Bushmaster etc AR-15 type rifles are listed, what is being sold in CT?

Time to dump this list for any other purpose than a shopping list.

-Jim

[280PLUS]

But you're welcome anyways! :)

If so many Colts, Bushmaster etc AR-15 type rifles are listed, what is being sold in CT?

Well, I know I bought a Bushmaster AK Shorty a few years back and still have it. It was without suppressor, bayonet lug and bipod. I'm not sure WHAT Bushmasters they have banned. I know I want an AK.

In answer to a question by Dodd as to "Why would anyone want an AK-47?" I replied (in writing) "Because it's more reliable than the AR style rifle."

:D

[peteinct]

Hi, I am up to meet you guys. I am a member of a club in Berlin that has open shoots every weekend. I work most weekends but would be glad to meet if i could. I have days off during the week which might work for a retired guy. We have a rifle and 2 pistol ranges outside. it isnt fancy but i have a good time with the people I have met there.

pete

[280PLUS]

I'm up for a meet. I've suggested it in the past here but with litte response.

Anybody else?

[Byron Quick]

Entire state is only 50 x 100 miles,

Brewster County, Texas where Art Eatman lives is over twice that size. Heck, I live in Georgia and I can drive over sixty miles and still be in my home county. Small place.

[280PLUS]

As small as it is I'm still amazed by how totally rural some areas can still be. My area alone has like 10 small maple sugar houses within a few miles of each other. At the end of every winter you can see buckets hanging off of trees all over the place. They have a coyote problem in Fairfield county where all the rich folk live. As someone else said there's a bazzilion deer but a lot of them are in areas that are impossible to hunt due to houses being built everywhere. Can't use a rifle on state land.

I'm just starting a project for a guy. He and 2 siblings bought 30 acres and split it up. Each is building their own house on their parcel. He says to me in a bragging sort of manner, "We cleared 4 acres of trees, they did it with a machine that grabs the tree, nips it off at the trunk and then runs it through a stripper. It only took a couple of days." Now I'm no hard core tree hugger but it kind of made me wince to hear that. I just said something like, "Wow, that's great." Meanwhile thinking: :rolleyes:

[Estela216]

If you have any other questions about legislation or conservation efforts in CT, feel free to PM me. I'm on the Conservation Advisory Council for the Dept. of Environmental Protection as a rep. for the Bristol Fish and Game club. I'll be more than happy to walk you through any concerns.

Best,

Kev

[Eskimo Jim]

Sorry about that 280. THanks Vodka for the link.

Count me in Pete. I'm on the coast near New Haven but I don't mind a drive at all.

-Jim

[Estela216]

I'm up for a meet too. If no club is available, we could meet at a gunshow or something, maybe a store.

[280PLUS]

I've had a suggestion come to me by PM for a Chris's Indoor Range in Guilford if thats good for others.

Any input? It's a bit far for me but I'm up for it.

I can check into a group rate there if everybody is good with that.

:)

[Logan5]

Sounds interesting, I've never been to that particular range.

[Eskimo Jim]

I'm a couple of minutes away from Chris's. his regular rate is $18/hr for a lane. he does have memberships which get rid of the hourly rate and reduce a guest rate to $10/hour.

Chris's hours are Tues through Friday 1pm to 9pm and Sat and Sun 1pm to 5pm. Saturday afternoon would work for me or any evening next week.

-Jim

[Seawolf]

If so many Colts, Bushmaster etc AR-15 type rifles are listed, what is being sold in CT?
In regards to ARs, the law doesn't say "type" it only lists the specific model, i.e. "Colt AR-15" so "Colt Match Target" is legal.

[Eskimo Jim]

Count me in. Most week nights I'm available.

-Jim

[ReadyontheRight]

Any opinions on the following cities:

-Danbury
-Stratford

Any other specific cities or areas north of Fairfield to explore?

I'm looking for safe neighborhoods, good schools and areas with older houses.

Thanks for all the great info!

[M99M12]

I grew up in CT. I can't imagine moving from VT back to CT. Next move is to :neener: MT.

Danbury is a bad town, but there are some really nice spots. Stay away from the big towns.

[280PLUS]

Stratford is the next town east of Bridgeport and is probaly similar in nature which is not good. The Bridgeport Pistol Club is pretty close to Stratford though, IIRC you take the Stratford exit off of 95 to get there. What you might want to try is head north of Norwalk on "Super 7" and look around up there, it gets pretty rural the farther you go north between Norwalk and Danbury and would get you away from the congested coastline, I95 and big cities. If you go FARTHER north on 7 past Danbury you really get yourself into the sticks. I'm a big fan of the "northwest hills" myself, it gets pretty rugged up there the farther you go. Great for hiking if you're into it. We've got about 54 miles of the AT traveling through our northwest corner.

Just a thought...

[cortez kid]

How many miles from Scranton do you figure. Need a little lead time to plan a run. By the way, I can smell the Pa all over you 280plus. How ya doin' buddy. Haven't heard much lately. Still would come up to shoot with you guys if I can swing it!
good shootin
kid

[280PLUS]

About 180 miles Cortez or about 3 hours. Getting all the CT folks together at the same time doesn't seem to be in the cards though. I'm always willing to hook up with anyone that gives me a place time and date. Best day for me is Sunday afternoon.

By the way, I can smell the Pa all over you 280plus

Meaning you can tell I like the sticks and not the big city...

Call me biased

:D

Any horse stables near you Cortez?

[gcerbone]

I live in Danbury...I like it very much.

[onrhander]

The list doesn't have SKS;s on it are they ok? :rolleyes:

[280PLUS]

I'm looking for safe neighborhoods, good schools and areas with older houses.

Missed this line the first time.

Ridgefield area maybe. It's in the same area as I described in my last post.

[Vodka7]

I have some good friends that live in Ridgefield. Good schools, great town, quaint main street. Major downsides are it's incredibly expensive and a good 15-30 minutes of backroads to the Merritt depending on traffic.

In the interest of keeping this somewhat gun related, they have a range :) Never used it, though.

[280PLUS]

Major downsides are it's incredibly expensive

I had a feeling that might be true, wasn't sure. Worth checking out I guess.

[ReadyontheRight]

Ridgefield definitely sounds worth checking out.

In the interest of keeping this somewhat gun related

Any of you CT folks know of a rifle range within a few hours drive that holds highpower matches? Or am I looking at finally getting into shooting pistol matches?

[Essex County]

My opinions are dated and biased. I spent High School in Litchfield, Class of 1964, instead of my native Vermont. Way back then you could go to school an leave your "chuck rifle" in the back seat of your car. I'm sure times have changed a lot. When I got out of the service in 1970 The wife had already purchased a home in Vermont. (she wrote me after the closing). No firearms laws and a great place to raise a family. It was hard to survive on Vermont wages, but we did it. It was a trade off economicly, but we did it. Absolutly no regrets. I've preached this a number of times and some folks who have seen my posts before have before are probably tirered of hearing it. The Sherriff and his Deputies don't my AR carbine a second glance when it rides in the front seat of my rig. Very few Sheeple in my neighborhood. Thank's again for listening............Essex

[Hawkmoon]

Any of you CT folks know of a rifle range within a few hours drive that holds highpower matches? Or am I looking at finally getting into shooting pistol matches?
Log onto www.packing.org and click on the Range Tool. Shows ranges by state. The list isn't comprehensive -- they only list the ranges that someone tells them about, but it's a start. There used to be a listing in CT for an outdoor range in one of the state parks south of Danbury. Dunno if it's still active, though.

As for matches ... for that you'll probably have to join a local club.

[280PLUS]

Blue Trails in Wallingford has High Power, I don't know the schedule. East Windsor Sportsman's club has a small High Power contingent. IIRC the current state champ shoots there. I can give you a phone # for the High Power people at that one if you'd like. East Windsor is about 2 hours from the Ridgefield area I'm guessing, up I91 to just below the Mass. border.