[MrFox]

Hello:

Just as it says, I'm going to D.C. From what I understand, I'm just going to be left with my masterful use of fat kid judo and my insanely sharp lighting fast thinking super awesome powers. :neener:

What can and can't I take to D.C.?

What should I expect? Will there be metal detectors every 30 feet? This is my first trip (and hopefully not last).

Thank you for any and all suggestions.

[KarenTOC]

Leave your guns somewhere that's not DC.

Whatever you do, don't accidentally leave your backpack on the subway. You'll bring the system to a crashing halt while they call out the bomb squad.

[AJChenMPH]

+1 -- I worked in DC for two years. There are pretty much metal detectors in every museum and Federal building you'd want to enter.

I'm guessing you're in western PA from your profile. If that's the case, stay at a hotel in Virginia (Arlington, Crystal City, etc.). According to PAFOA, your PA CWP would be honored in VA, so you could legally transport your weapon there. Except securing it while you're playing tourist in DC may be a challenge if the room doesn't have a good in-room safe...

[MrFox]

It's a day trip, so no worries about the hotel room.

So, I couldn't even sport a little folder?

[AJChenMPH]

Like I said, pretty much every museum and Federal building has metal detectors...if you decide to conceal something, make sure you have a good lawyer on retainer...

[BUGUDY]

I'll be there also, I going to depend on my "Mean Look" if there is trouble.
Seriously, I imagine aot of police/security.

[Jim K]

In spite of a high crime rate and flukes like the shooter at the Holocaust Museum, the tourist parts of DC are quite safe. I assume you won't decide to check out some other areas or go looking for some "fun and games" in the way of companionship for the evening or some stuff to snuff. There are more cops and security per square inch than anywhere else in the country.

If you are going through MD, remember your license is no good there, and the state cops are on the lookout for concealed weapons in cars from PA, so drive right and don't do anything to attract them. IMHO, you would be better to just leave the gun at home for the trip.

Jim

[MrFox]

My question was geared more for non-firearm things. I know that the anti-gun laws are pretty strict. It is also probably safe to say I wont be the only one with these questions/concerns on Saturday.

I guess I'll be going without anything for the first time in a long time. Software over hardware.

[jn1965]

If you are staying in the area stay in Va. The gun laws there are much better. Oh and go to the NRA range, HQ,and museum it is Exit 57a (US 50) from I-66

As for bringing anything into DC, one word -- DON'T

It is crazy here. As long as you stick the the Mall area you should be OK. Do not venture into NE DC or into Anocostia. Stay close to the Virgina border in Georgetown. Oh and cross the river into Alexandria (Rosslyn Metro Station) and go to Ray's for an Obama Burger. I do not agree with the President on most things, but he KNOWS a good burger! Ray's is on Wilson Blvd heading up hill from the Rosslyn metro. It is in a strip mall onn the right side of the street just past the fire station :D

[eatont9999]

When driving along the east coast, I purposely go around DC. I have been there once and I was not impressed at all. Guns and knives should not go with you. You will stand a better chance of being arrested than shot or stabbed...or do you?? Any way, DC is pretty high crime in a lot of areas. Be very careful after dark. The citizens there are unarmed and the criminals know that, so they expect your wallet, not your .38 in their face.

[hso]

If the folder is under 2.5" you should be ok in federal facilities (http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/18/usc_sec_18_00000930----000-.html) (courts excepted), but there's no guarantee that there aren't other local restrictions.

Check with the museums and ask for Security. Just tell them you carry a Swiss Army Knife and that you need to know if the federal facility blade length of 2.5" is permitted or if there's some other restriction.

[kdstrick]

about 3 months ago, I was not allowed to carry a swiss army knife into the Capital building. The museums weren't a problem.

[Blue Line]

no ammo in DC either. its a seperate charge if you have rounds on you, even w/o a weapon

[rbernie]

I do not recall there being any metal detectors at the entrances to any of the Smithsonian buildings.....

[Warhawk83]

Going to Washington D.C.

My condolences

[bikerdoc]

Think cane.

[Magwa]

I was in DC back in March. My sister and brother in law live up there and plus I frequent there for business every quarter. Finally got the wife to go up and stay over on the weekend. I carried my folder(three inch blade with zytel ) on myself into the some of the Smithsonian museums and metro, thru the detectors without any problems. Could of been lucky or just they were looking for something of more substance. Worst case just carry a folder that is cheap and if its taken your out 20 bucks.

[Carl Levitian]

Wahington D.C is probably one of the safest cities for tourists in the U.S. You will not need your gun going about the business of seeing the stuff on the mall. My better half and I spend quite a bit of time in the city, and I have never had a problem with carrying my sak or a small lockblade like a Gerber LST anywhere. Smithsonian, National Gallery Of Art, monuments. The capital is alittle tight, leave the sak in the car. The only problen you may, just a small chance, is over agressive pan handlers. DO NOT BUY THE MUSEUM MAPS THEY SELL AT THE TOP OF THE METRO EXIT,

This is a scam by the homeless guys who go into the museums and get the free museum maps, then sell them to the dumb tourist comming of the metro esculators for a dollar.

Like was said, there's more cops per yard in D.C. than anywhere else. Even the Holocost museum shooter only got off one shot at the first guard, when he was dropped right there. He didn't even make it a foot before getting shot. The security is good, and your very safe in D.C.

A lot of people from other places think they need a gun, while they don't. D.C. is NOT near as crazy as some people think. Keep in mind, most of the people shot in D.C. are young African American males, between 17 and 25 years old, are shot between 11PM and 3 AM, and are invovled with drugs and/or gangs. So unless you're going to a drug deal on 12th and Irving street, in the wee hours of the morning, you can get by in your visit with a sak and a sturdy walking stick. Almost anywhere in D.C. is safe by day, and even early evening hours till about 10 or 11. In northeast D.C. is the Fransican Monistary with 44 acres of incredable landscaped gardens, and the monistary itself is open for tours. The Botanical gardens near the capital are worth a visit.

If you're doing the mall and museum thing, there's a good eatery in the bottom of the Natinal Gallery Of Art that's good, and has a wide variety of food. There's also a food court in the botton Union Station that has everything from Nathan's Coney Island hot dogs to Thai stir fry. If you like Chinese, you have to visit China town. Any resuruant, won't matter, it's all good there. For the best BBQ try a little hole in the wall joint on Wisconson ave. called Rocklands. It's a standup take out joint, but great ribs and brisket.

More important than your weapons, are really good shoes. You're gonna do a lot of walking, and I recomend good athletic shoes with some kind of inserts like Spenco's. Or the gelling things. And water, lots of water. Carry a water bottle, and refill it at any of the water fountains in the museums.

Carry a good small flashlight if you ride the metro. In fact, carry one anyways.

Relax, and don't worry, your going to have a great time. I was born and raised in that city, and I don't know anyone in the last 50 years among my friends or family that has been robbed, shot, stabbed, or other wise come to any harm in D.C. And I have family that has worked in D.C for many years, and we go downtown about every other weekend. Lots to see and do.

[glistam]

HSO and Carl, absolutely +1.

I live near DC and go there all the time, and my dad is a fed (non-LE) who commutes everyday on the subway.

Most people have covered the important parts (i.e. no guns, the place is actually safe, etc) and I can add just a few things.

-Many buildings are Federal property, and as HSO indicated, you may not carry a knife other than a folder with a blade 2.5 or less.
--Corollary 1: Federal buildings also reserve the right to ban ALL blades if they deem necessary. This includes the capital, the white house, and the FBI tour (if it is up and running yet).
--Corollary 2: Many building guards are not exactly the sharpest tools in the shed. I have heard reports of guards measuring pocket knives with their palms. Though usually if challenged, they relent and go get a ruler.
-The Smithsonians vary in their security. Most of them just poke the inside of your bag with a stick, which is hilarious. Once they checked my wife's little purse, yet ignored me despite that I was wearing a photographer's vest packed to the gills. Air and Space is popular and has X-ray machines and "metal detectors." I asked one of the main office people about this. The metal detectors are actually fake (not turned on) and are used as a scare tactic to slow entry traffic down so they don't get overcrowded inside.
-Nobody in town gives a hoot about a flashlight, a metal pen or a cane (my fav). Many homeless will leave you alone if you have a big stick.
-Homeless are annoying, but not a threat most of the time. A trick my wife uses all the time is she coughs loudly into her hands when near a beggar. It puts them off and they don't even speak to her.

[cavman]

I do not recall there being any metal detectors at the entrances to any of the Smithsonian buildings.....

Air And Space had more attentive guards. Art Gallery not so much. National Archives (Declaration of Independence and Constitution etc). Archives had more; I put my things, camera, binoculars, keys (but not knife) through a X-ray at Archives. They all had detectors; if a beeper was turned on I would have beeped but I was never asked to empty pockets. But not too bad. Visitors were light that day.

I had single blade pocket knife (~2 1/2") and camera in pockets, and binoculars over the shoulder in a carrying case. They looked at my binoculars by opening the lid to the soft case, that was all. I noticed going in to Art Gallery the red light went off of the metal detector, but no personal checking was actually required anywhere two weekends ago when I went, just a quick check in a purse or so.

That was on a Sunday. Art Gallery opened a little later than the others at 11am.

Enjoy.

[PandaBearBG]

You could get a Yawara key ring or the deceptivly cute and deadly Black Cat Keychain.
http://www.s2999.com/images/black_cat_keychain.jpg

If anyone ask, you can say you just like cats.

[Dave Markowitz]

Something like this would do well.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c340/davemarkowitz/blackthorn.jpg

[Speedo66]

HR218 and whatever the newer version is says peace officers and up to date on their training retired peace officers can carry in any state.

Anyone know for a fact if that includes DC?

Recently retired, just got my full carry permit, and just requalified to state requirements at the local sheriffs dept.

Am I good to go in DC?

Update: Just checked and the US Code that HR218 amended says "states" include DC, Puerto Rico, and all US Territories.

So, to answer my own question, yes, I (and all qualified peace officers) can carry in DC. You carry as a private citizen though, and are bound by local rules as to where you can carry, i.e. museums, courts, etc.

[glistam]

Speedo66, you are partially good to go: http://www.fop.net/legislative/issues/hr218/hr218faq.pdf

HR218 Considers DC a "State" so yes if you qualify under this law, you may carry in DC for the most part. However, this law does not exempt LEOs from bans on weapons for government land and buildings. Many buildings in DC are subject to such restrictions, and therefore this may or may not make carry impractical.

[MrFox]

Well, I went to my local random junk store and bought a 3 dollar made in China Spyerco looking crappy folder. It's 2.5 inches, and I don't care if the man decides he wants it.

I wish I had the right look to pull off the cane. As much as I read about them, it seems they solve a lot of problems.

[Carl Levitian]

"I wish I had the right look to pull off the cane. As much as I read about them, it seems they solve a lot of problems. "

What look would that be, MrFox?

Get yourself a rustic looking walking stick and just carry it. The heck with what others think, you're not breaking any laws, or doing anything wrong. Carry it because you can. Besides, if you don't think you look like you need it, that's really so much the better. Criminal preditores look over potential victims very carefully before starting the 'interview' process, and they don't like the look of a younger healthy looking guy with a stick right in hand. In Washinton D.C. street culture, a stick in hand sends a little message.

When I was given my medical discharge from the army after some serious damage to my right ankle and foot, I had a bit of a limp. But with lots of therapy at Walter Reed army medical rehab, I learned to walk almost normal. On a good day I have hardly any limp at all. Yet I've been carrying a stick since the age of 30. I felt a wee bit self concious at first, but very soon I realized if I didn't make a big deal over it, nobody else did either.

If you just act normal like it's no big deal, nobody else will think anything of it. If anything, people tend to be more polite and hold the door for you, and give you a seat on the Metro. Most people I know feel too self concious carrying a stick, which is too bad, it's the perfect weapon in plain sight. The heck with what other people think.

With a Cross pen clipped in your shirt pocket, and a AA minimag in your pants pocket, your pretty well equipted. A stick in hand is just gravy on the meatloaf.

[bikerdoc]

"I wish I had the right look to pull off the cane. As much as I read about them, it seems they solve a lot of problems. "

What look would that be, MrFox?


I look and walk normal most days, but I got a 6 inch plate in my neck. I dont need a cane to walk, I need It to keep from falling down!

[hso]

I dont need a cane to walk, I need It to keep from falling down!

That's what I tell the TSA folks when they ask if I'm fine to get through the metal detector while they x-ray my cane.

As to looking like you need a cane, considering the number of weekend warrior sports injuries that occur what "look" is needed? I don't look, or act, my age, but I have a number of injuries from an active past that make it convenient to use a cane at times.

As pointed out, the tourist area of DC is highly patrolled and should be one of the safest urban areas on the planet. Carry a flashlight small enough to be convenient and large enough to use as a fist load, a 2.5" folder that you're familiar with and an umbrella/cane. None of that should draw any attention and coupled with a alert demeanor should serve you in almost any setting.

[Boom-stick]

I've only been to Washington D.C. once, that was back in '97, I was there approx 3mins when I saw someone get stabbed about 50ft away, didn't leave me with the best impression of the place.

I'd suggest you carry whatever you can get away with.

[Todd A]

I'll chime in with Carl,doc, and hso.

I don't have the "look" either. But on Tuesday I broke down and picked up a 36" laminated stockman cane at Tractor Supply. Which,since I am tall, I didn't even need to trim even with the rubber foot added.

I wish I had the right look to pull off the cane.

I am a young looking 40 year old. Physically fit and very active. At my last physical my doc told me I am in perfect health.

Nine years ago I had a tear in my right knee repaired. As I age it gives me more and more trouble. I usually just tough out the extra pain.

Last weekend I must have done something to it while hiking with my son. Monday it hurt more than normal. I did what I normally do and it didn't help much. Using the cane for a few days did, and now it feels better.

I won't use it all the time. Just when I have to walk alot (not at work), or if I am not allowed to carry certain items on me.

[Carl Levitian]

"Nine years ago I had a tear in my right knee repaired. As I age it gives me more and more trouble. I usually just tough out the extra pain"


had my right knee done for torn cartlidge in 1991. It dosen't get better with age!:( Love your stick.

[KBintheSLC]

Ditto for post 22. I recently went to China... obviously, I couldn't bring my CCW with me so I brought the next best thing. Canes are inconspicuous, have better reach than a knife, possess excellent "stopping power", and can be deadly if needed. Plus, they can never prove that you are carrying a weapon unless you use it as one.

[GHF]

Having worked in the area, the rules are simple:


Tourist areas are very safe. Stay sober after dark and you will not have any problems.
Stay out of the rest of the town - Georgetown at night has places to eat and drink, but they are considered potentially dangerous because the thugs and thugettes go there to rob.
Stay on Northern Virginia, and take the Metro in and around. Walk if you must - the place is flat.
Do not worry about having a permit in Virginia - it is open carry without having a permit.

[Carl Levitian]

I was under the impression that Mr. Fox was to visit D.C. this past Saturday, like in yesterday. If so, it would be very interesting to hear his first hand account of the trip.

[RatDrall]

I was there, it was amazing.

There was one small ACORN group yelling at us, but that was it. No violence, very little harsh language.

We had so many people that after we filled the lawn(s) of the White House, there were still people flooding the city from the trains, coming in faster than they could move through town. It was sea of people from the mall to the White House, with more coming.

There were more people at the Capitol than our standing military, and there were probably 50 or so staying home for every one that went. Hopefully the tyrants will listen and be afraid of more than not being elected.