Well in a short time (2 years) I'll be heading off to college which is great don't get me wrong, but there is one problem, most colleges dont allow guns in dorm rooms and some not even on campus. Not having a gun for home defense bothers me quite a bit and eventually at college I'll be old enough to get my CCW, so does anyone have any suggestions as to what to do or gun friendly colleges near Arkansas?
Gun possesion while at college question
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ScrapMetalSlug
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Leave the guns at home until you can move out of the dorms. After your freshman year you can live in an apartment off campus, then you can keep whatever guns you want.
I don't know of any college where you can keep firearms in the dorm rooms. Not to mention you will have a roommate most likely whom you do not know, and you probably wouldn't want to leave your firearms where a stranger(s) will have access to them.
I don't know of any college where you can keep firearms in the dorm rooms. Not to mention you will have a roommate most likely whom you do not know, and you probably wouldn't want to leave your firearms where a stranger(s) will have access to them.
230RN
2A was "political" when it was first adopted.
Until the ivory-tower mentality of college administrators changes, I'd leave them home. No sense risking the time you $pend/$pent in college on just keeping a gun around.
You weighs your risks and benefits and you makes your decision based, hopefully, on reality.
However, if it's appropriate for your area, you might ask if gun storage facilities are available on campus --before you bring one on campus. Unlikely, but you never get a yes if you don't ask.
That goes for women, too.
As it happens, I bought one while I was living in the dorms, and hid it very carefully and didn't mention it until I had an opportunity to smuggle it home.
Where, of course, I had to hide it from my mother.
Terry, 230RN
You weighs your risks and benefits and you makes your decision based, hopefully, on reality.
However, if it's appropriate for your area, you might ask if gun storage facilities are available on campus --before you bring one on campus. Unlikely, but you never get a yes if you don't ask.
That goes for women, too.
As it happens, I bought one while I was living in the dorms, and hid it very carefully and didn't mention it until I had an opportunity to smuggle it home.
Where, of course, I had to hide it from my mother.
Terry, 230RN
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hermannr
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In some states the colleges cannot ban personal protection firearms from campus (Utah and Oregon are examples) Most states leave it up to the board of regents, and most ban personal firearms..but not all. If it is a priority for you, make sure you check that out before you apply, get accepted, and locked into a deal you do not consider safe.
Strykervet
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Well, you aren't supposed to. But you aren't supposed to walk into engineering class and kill 30 people either. If you trust your safety to them, go for it. But when that recent thing happened in VA, all I saw was a bunch of cops standing around, they didn't look too ready for heroics. Your professor isn't risking his life either.
Maybe you don't want a bunch of young and inexperienced guys packing, but unless you can guarantee their safety then deal with it. I was real careful to keep it concealed so as not to cause a disruption, but I wasn't leaving it home either.
I looked at those classrooms and that campus through the eyes of a fresh out of the infantry veteran, and I saw fish in a barrel. At least this one had teeth. Better to have it than not use it, and the laws are flawed in this respect. They are there to ban the criminal, and that obviously doesn't work. No other apparatus is in place, just empty threats. No metal detectors, just a sticker on the front door with a pistol and circle with a line through it. May work with cigarettes, doesn't work with pistols.
BTW, the ONLY TIMES I've ever NEEDED a firearm for defense in public, in the US, was when I was younger and couldn't carry.
Today, I don't break carry laws, but I enthusiastically break rules. Here if the weapon is banned, actually illegal to carry, they have to have a check-in or it is federal property. I try and stay away from crap like that anyway, I've had my fill of big government. In some fascist areas, places like Walmart can actually have the authority of law (because voters allowed it) to prevent you from exercising your 2A rights. We may be "liberal" in WA, but we don't play that nonsense either. Be careful whatever you do, know the law, know the rules, and know the difference between them.
Maybe you don't want a bunch of young and inexperienced guys packing, but unless you can guarantee their safety then deal with it. I was real careful to keep it concealed so as not to cause a disruption, but I wasn't leaving it home either.
I looked at those classrooms and that campus through the eyes of a fresh out of the infantry veteran, and I saw fish in a barrel. At least this one had teeth. Better to have it than not use it, and the laws are flawed in this respect. They are there to ban the criminal, and that obviously doesn't work. No other apparatus is in place, just empty threats. No metal detectors, just a sticker on the front door with a pistol and circle with a line through it. May work with cigarettes, doesn't work with pistols.
BTW, the ONLY TIMES I've ever NEEDED a firearm for defense in public, in the US, was when I was younger and couldn't carry.
Today, I don't break carry laws, but I enthusiastically break rules. Here if the weapon is banned, actually illegal to carry, they have to have a check-in or it is federal property. I try and stay away from crap like that anyway, I've had my fill of big government. In some fascist areas, places like Walmart can actually have the authority of law (because voters allowed it) to prevent you from exercising your 2A rights. We may be "liberal" in WA, but we don't play that nonsense either. Be careful whatever you do, know the law, know the rules, and know the difference between them.
bigfatdave
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oh, the college will protect you, don't worry about it!
razorback2003
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You cannot usually carry a handgun as a weapon on a college campus in Arkansas. There are some exceptions for hunters and people 'on a journey'. Possessing one is not against the law. I'm sure some police without a lot of knowledge would still try to charge you with the felony of carrying a handgun as a weapon on a college campus, even if you were just possessing it, going to/from the woods hunting, or 'on a journey'. If you have a license, you can have a handgun as a weapon on a college campus, but you still can't bring it in the buildings.
There is no law against having a long gun on a college campus in Arkansas. Hopefully it stays that way. That is the safe bet if you decide to violate campus policy and keep a firearm in your dorm, frat house, or vehicle. You can probably be kicked out of school for having a long gun on campus, but you won't be violating the law. That's your choice. I knew quite a few folks that had hunting rifles/shotguns on campus in Arkansas.
Best thing is if possible don't live on campus. Rent an apartment and keep all the guns you want. If you decide to possess a firearm on campus, don't tell anyone. Also don't ask the campus PD any questions or they will remember you. People talk and talking gets you in trouble. Don't do stupid things if you keep a gun on campus against the school rules.
There is no law against having a long gun on a college campus in Arkansas. Hopefully it stays that way. That is the safe bet if you decide to violate campus policy and keep a firearm in your dorm, frat house, or vehicle. You can probably be kicked out of school for having a long gun on campus, but you won't be violating the law. That's your choice. I knew quite a few folks that had hunting rifles/shotguns on campus in Arkansas.
Best thing is if possible don't live on campus. Rent an apartment and keep all the guns you want. If you decide to possess a firearm on campus, don't tell anyone. Also don't ask the campus PD any questions or they will remember you. People talk and talking gets you in trouble. Don't do stupid things if you keep a gun on campus against the school rules.
Tim the student
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If you are dead set on keeping a gun for HD when you go to school, I'd suggest looking at community colleges. You will probably be able to live off campus, where you will be able to keep a gun for HD.
If you don't live off campus, I'd suggest that you explore alternate ways of defending yourself until you can have a gun for HD.
I don't know Arkansas law, but if I had to guess, I would guess that you will not be allowed to CC on campus.
If you don't live off campus, I'd suggest that you explore alternate ways of defending yourself until you can have a gun for HD.
I don't know Arkansas law, but if I had to guess, I would guess that you will not be allowed to CC on campus.
henschman
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I would say don't base your school choice on weapon policy. Definitely go to the best school you can get into! But get off campus as quickly as you can, and get your own place. In some schools you can get a waiver for the "living on campus" requirement for Freshman year. I didn't have to live on campus when I was in school because I already lived near campus before I started school.
But if you have to stay in the dorms, I'd say find a friend who has a house off campus and store your guns there... or if your folks are close maybe there. I know it sucks to have to do the risk/probability analysis of weighing the possible consequences of being unable to defend your life against the possible consequences of breaking the law and/or school rules, but whether you keep/carry a gun for your defense while you're on campus is a decision only you can make. Just make sure you can live with the consequences either way... and either way, take every precaution you can to make sure the negative consequences never occur.
Personally, when the law conflicts with my right to live, I tend to err on the side of my own life... but that's just me.
After Virginia Tech I realized how truly crazy it was that we had this big open campus that was supposed to be a gun-free zone, and I started carrying too. I hope someday a mass murder is stopped by someone who is illegally carrying. That would really show the stupidity of carry prohibition.
But if you have to stay in the dorms, I'd say find a friend who has a house off campus and store your guns there... or if your folks are close maybe there. I know it sucks to have to do the risk/probability analysis of weighing the possible consequences of being unable to defend your life against the possible consequences of breaking the law and/or school rules, but whether you keep/carry a gun for your defense while you're on campus is a decision only you can make. Just make sure you can live with the consequences either way... and either way, take every precaution you can to make sure the negative consequences never occur.
Personally, when the law conflicts with my right to live, I tend to err on the side of my own life... but that's just me.
After Virginia Tech I realized how truly crazy it was that we had this big open campus that was supposed to be a gun-free zone, and I started carrying too. I hope someday a mass murder is stopped by someone who is illegally carrying. That would really show the stupidity of carry prohibition.
cor_man257
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@henshman Im pretty sure thats already happened. Maybe not on a college campus but I remember reading about someone who thought a mall shooting was a good idea, and they were confronted by not 1 or 2, but 3 people who were illegally carrying concealed.
Get off campus. If you live close to campus, chances are you can get a wavier to the whole "must be on campus for freshman year" BS. And dont let the first secretary who tells you that you cant stop you. Educators tend to have a smug air of "Im better then you and in authority" even when they aren't. Dont let that stop you. But living on your own might not be a possible option for your situation... so its hard to say what you need to do.
I currently go to college, and live off campus. I own firearms. More for hunting, but they double as home defense in a pinch. Ive never heard of anyone arguing against a 12 gauge much. But honestly you cant do much else. Support your nearest http://concealedcampus.org/ But most schools have rules that intersect with state laws... so even if the school removed their rules, the law still prevents you.
At the end of the day its your life. If you honestly feel that you could be killed if you dont have a weapon... what you do is on you. I carry a concealed fixed blade knife, and if a school shooting were to occur in my building, I would block the door and work at getting my classmates out. I would probably only use the knife if i was suddenly face to face with my would be killer.
It sounds like you have a few years before you get to face this head on. Learn to defend yourself hand to hand. Learn to do the absolute best you can without a firearm. And read up on defense, armed and unarmed. Make the choice that best suits you.
Get off campus. If you live close to campus, chances are you can get a wavier to the whole "must be on campus for freshman year" BS. And dont let the first secretary who tells you that you cant stop you. Educators tend to have a smug air of "Im better then you and in authority" even when they aren't. Dont let that stop you. But living on your own might not be a possible option for your situation... so its hard to say what you need to do.
I currently go to college, and live off campus. I own firearms. More for hunting, but they double as home defense in a pinch. Ive never heard of anyone arguing against a 12 gauge much. But honestly you cant do much else. Support your nearest http://concealedcampus.org/ But most schools have rules that intersect with state laws... so even if the school removed their rules, the law still prevents you.
At the end of the day its your life. If you honestly feel that you could be killed if you dont have a weapon... what you do is on you. I carry a concealed fixed blade knife, and if a school shooting were to occur in my building, I would block the door and work at getting my classmates out. I would probably only use the knife if i was suddenly face to face with my would be killer.
It sounds like you have a few years before you get to face this head on. Learn to defend yourself hand to hand. Learn to do the absolute best you can without a firearm. And read up on defense, armed and unarmed. Make the choice that best suits you.
I just graduated with my undergrad, and ive never felt the need (especially on campus) to have a firearm. I've felt very safe at state school of 15,000 in a city of 70,000, Maybe its regional but ive felt extremely safe with a 2.5 inch folder in my pocket (used exclusively to open packages/boxes ect). There just isnt crime in my area, I even leave the keys in the truck...When you go for campus visits ask them their policies, some campuses are more forgiving than others
I've been hunting and around guns since I was 7 or 8, if I felt I would have needed a firearm I would have brought it
Another option is some colleges let you store guns in an armory or safe so if you live in the dorms you can still go hunting.
I've been hunting and around guns since I was 7 or 8, if I felt I would have needed a firearm I would have brought it
Another option is some colleges let you store guns in an armory or safe so if you live in the dorms you can still go hunting.
razorback2003
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I know Ouachita Baptist University provides storage for students to keep hunting firearms. I don't think any of the public universities provide storage. Some of the schools have shooting teams. Check into those.
There really aren't any gun friendly schools anywhere in Arkansas. You just have to choose if you want to violate school policy by keeping a firearm hidden, but within the state's law, or leave a firearm at a friend's house. Don't get caught carrying a handgun loaded in and out of the school buildings, ball games, student events. That can be a felony charge and not smart thing to risk on a college campus in Arkansas. A rifle or shotgun won't get you in trouble with the law, but you might get kicked out of school.
I will say I never felt unsafe at UofA in Fayetteville. AR Tech, A State, Monticello, UCA, Henderson State/Ouachita are pretty safe campuses in very safe towns. Yes anything can happen, but I would not feel unsafe on those campuses when I do not carry my handgun on me for protection. If anything you might want a firearm for protection when you drive to/from your college town to hometown if you have to drive a distance.
There really aren't any gun friendly schools anywhere in Arkansas. You just have to choose if you want to violate school policy by keeping a firearm hidden, but within the state's law, or leave a firearm at a friend's house. Don't get caught carrying a handgun loaded in and out of the school buildings, ball games, student events. That can be a felony charge and not smart thing to risk on a college campus in Arkansas. A rifle or shotgun won't get you in trouble with the law, but you might get kicked out of school.
I will say I never felt unsafe at UofA in Fayetteville. AR Tech, A State, Monticello, UCA, Henderson State/Ouachita are pretty safe campuses in very safe towns. Yes anything can happen, but I would not feel unsafe on those campuses when I do not carry my handgun on me for protection. If anything you might want a firearm for protection when you drive to/from your college town to hometown if you have to drive a distance.
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wheelgunslinger
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I was constantly seeing people get ganged when I was in my undergrad. The white collar gangs (fraternities) and the athletic teams tend to rove around in packs at some schools looking for trouble.
I'd attend whatever the best school is you can gain entrance to, in terms of your career path. Then do what you think is right with regard to RKBA and your willingness to pay any penalties that might occur.
Part of being a college kid is learning when to keep your mouth shut about your own and others' business anyway. Whatever you decide, you should keep to yourself.
If some liberal kid (and boy are they plentiful) gets wind that you even like guns a little bit you could wind up in a counseling office as they ask to you show them on the doll where you want to shoot people. And then the campus cops will start tossing your dorm room periodically and searching your person and effects (which they don't need a warrant for, if you read your housing contract).
College is deep enemy territory for people who support the constitution and RKBA. Treat it accordingly.
I'd attend whatever the best school is you can gain entrance to, in terms of your career path. Then do what you think is right with regard to RKBA and your willingness to pay any penalties that might occur.
Part of being a college kid is learning when to keep your mouth shut about your own and others' business anyway. Whatever you decide, you should keep to yourself.
If some liberal kid (and boy are they plentiful) gets wind that you even like guns a little bit you could wind up in a counseling office as they ask to you show them on the doll where you want to shoot people. And then the campus cops will start tossing your dorm room periodically and searching your person and effects (which they don't need a warrant for, if you read your housing contract).
College is deep enemy territory for people who support the constitution and RKBA. Treat it accordingly.
Thanks for the help guys, Ill probably try and get the waiver to live off campus freshman year and keep em there because I dont want to run the risk of having a gun in a dorm to get stolen or in trouble with, and when it comes time to get my CC license I'll see how safe the school feels (even though that doesn't mean much), and henschman it does suck making the risk/probability decision.
mortablunt
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Sorry, I didn't look at schools in Arkansas. My mother went to A&M in the 80's and said that a lot of kids there had guns and they'd go hunting and stuff on the weekends. Whatever you do, Goucher is not a good destination for people who like good weaponry, or even just like to do anything illegal, other than electronically pirate, solicit prostitution, possess, sell, distribute, purchase, use Marijuana, drink underage, or commit theft. Here's one idea I thought of: get into a house or off-campus housing where the landlord allows guns. Then you can have an HD weapon, but you're still out of luck for a carry weapon.
Will-Seattle
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This post brings back memories. I kept a few rifles and handguns in my University housing. This was in San Diego and it was definitely against the rules. They were well hidden and locked up. The hard part was "smuggling" them from University housing to my car so that I could go shooting. I ended up taking them out to my car in a long garment bag. It worked quite well and I walked by many people without them even glancing at the bag. It's essentially an invisible item.
Let me see, I also used a sports equipment bag that would hold a Colt Sporter. I would carry the bag with one hand and a baseball mitt in the other. Again, complete invisibility.
Looking back at it, I do realize that it was a considerable risk. At minimum, I suspect I would have been kicked out of student housing, but cheap housing above Scripps Pier seemed like an acceptable risk at the time.
Will
Let me see, I also used a sports equipment bag that would hold a Colt Sporter. I would carry the bag with one hand and a baseball mitt in the other. Again, complete invisibility.
Looking back at it, I do realize that it was a considerable risk. At minimum, I suspect I would have been kicked out of student housing, but cheap housing above Scripps Pier seemed like an acceptable risk at the time.
Will
Tokarevsrule
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If the choice is between obeying a useless campus rule and being shot or not being shot and breaking one rule, then the choice is obvious. While it is highly unlikely that there will be a shooter, it only has to happen once.
mortablunt
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I wonder if body armor would be a good investment if you're really that worried at school.
FIVETWOSEVEN
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If it is legal to CCW, I can see having one gun with you at literally, all times. A small pocket gun that stays in your pocket all the time could work. If they have metal detectors then you're out of luck. If they don't then how could they find out?
razorback2003
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You do not need body armor at colleges in Arkansas! That would be beyond silly to walk around with body armor at Ark State, UCA, or UofA.
If anything, make sure you have good car insurance in case a drunk driver pops your car on campus.
I knew guys that kept shotguns and rifles in good truck tool boxes or well hidden in dorm or frat houses. I personally kept a rifle in the trunk of my car and it sometimes went on campus. I also kept an unloaded handgun hidden in the trunk for target shooting and hunting. Sometimes the handgun was brought in my dorm room but again this was a target gun, in a range bag, obviously not carried as a weapon. DO NOT carry a handgun as a weapon on a college campus, especially inside the buildings, in Arkansas. You will be raked over the coals by the police and prosecutor and spending money on a lawyer to keep from getting a criminal conviction.
If you keep a firearm on campus, while following state law, do not tell anyone. These schools are getting worse and worse about being paranoid and use any excuse to look in dorm rooms. The best firearm to keep on campus in Arkansas is a rifle or shotgun. No worry about even a cop twisting that into 'carrying a weapon (handgun)' because there is no law against rifles or shotguns on college campuses.
If anything, make sure you have good car insurance in case a drunk driver pops your car on campus.
I knew guys that kept shotguns and rifles in good truck tool boxes or well hidden in dorm or frat houses. I personally kept a rifle in the trunk of my car and it sometimes went on campus. I also kept an unloaded handgun hidden in the trunk for target shooting and hunting. Sometimes the handgun was brought in my dorm room but again this was a target gun, in a range bag, obviously not carried as a weapon. DO NOT carry a handgun as a weapon on a college campus, especially inside the buildings, in Arkansas. You will be raked over the coals by the police and prosecutor and spending money on a lawyer to keep from getting a criminal conviction.
If you keep a firearm on campus, while following state law, do not tell anyone. These schools are getting worse and worse about being paranoid and use any excuse to look in dorm rooms. The best firearm to keep on campus in Arkansas is a rifle or shotgun. No worry about even a cop twisting that into 'carrying a weapon (handgun)' because there is no law against rifles or shotguns on college campuses.
Chris-bob
Member
The only place I do not carry is where there are body scanners or metal detectors. I carry on Federal Instalations, the Airport, or where ever I go. (I used to carry when I was on Jury duty, but they have since installed metal detectors).
This x1000.
College is a very strange place. As a senior finishing my last 6 credit-hours, I have found that college is not about preparing you for your career or the world. It's about dealing with the nonsensical behavior of the professors and other faculty administrators. Even when they're wrong and you can point to concrete evidence and prove it, it does not matter. Ever heard of the term "those who can't do, teach"? Go for engineering and that's exactly how things work. In college, the admins/professors are the law of the land, and the sooner you get through it, the better you will be. Keep to yourself and speak only when spoken to.
As for carrying a concealed weapon, you have to decide what you have to do. Know the consequences and their full impact. If you are caught carrying illegally, that's 10 years in prison and a felony charge. The school will certainly expel you, and you won't be able to go anywhere else. That kind of thing follows you. Also consider how that charge (if caught) will look on your record to future employers. Consider the monetary expense, the damage it does to your family when you're incarcerated, and how that will impact your life plans you have for yourself.
If it's something you feel that you have to do, then do it. The flip side to the coin is that your life is in your own hands. The key word is "concealed". Even licensed and carrying in an allowed area, an exposed weapon is going to cause a panic and problems for you if LE gets a glimpse. Keep it a closely guarded secret. The reality of carrying is that you're going to have to remain acutely aware to your personal space. Bumping into people or social contact such as hugging might alert someone to the presence of a firearm, and that reaction may not be so good. Consider that it's largely going to be a classroom environment, which means prolonged sitting. You will have to carefully choose a carry mode that permits this. A gun in a waistband holster will be pressing into your sides and legs depending on where you put it. A gun in a shoulder holster will require a cover garment constantly. Ever had too much stuff in your pockets, and how that can be uncomfortable when you sit down? A gun in the pocket might be the same way. Decide how much discomfort you're willing to endure to carry the gun concealed and choose accordingly. Be aware that if you use your gun in public, it will be taken from you by the police and you may never see it again. You will be detained as well. The best way to handle a shooting is to not be present for it, and skip out on the violence completely.
For living arrangements, if you're going to have a gun, living on campus is not an option. Just don't even try it. You'll be at risk of detection all of the time and it's so easy to slip up when you think you're "home" in your dorm. Even if a student firearms depository is available, I would personally not use it for storing any weapon. I don't trust strangers to secure my guns for me, and I'd be absolutely livid if they had handled them in any manner without my presence.
I have tried to show you a full 360 degree view of the issue you're asking to discuss. Do not take this as a suggestion to choose one way or the other, or as how I personally conduct myself pertaining to carrying firearms.
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