Guns and roller coasters

[Yoda]

This last weekend I took some grandkids to one of the larger amusement parks in central Florida, and of course there was a sign at the entrance to the park emphasizing that no weapons were allowed, but I conceal carried into the park anyway. In Florida, it's not illegal to do so, but if you're found out, they can charge you with aggrivated tresspass if you don't leave immediately. They can also deny you entry in the future.

No problems, until it came time to ride some roller coasters. I will tell you that it is hard to ride some roller coasters when you're worried that the varying "G" forces will pull your gun out of its place.

In retrospect, I'm thinking it was irresponsible to take the ride while carrying. if the gun HAD gotten loose and fallen away, there could have been a real tragedy. Even if the gun fell into a closed area, away from the public, it would be sorta ackward to ask the park personnel for permission to go looking for a lost gun that, according to park rules, shouldn't have been there in the first place.

On the other hand, though, some of the parking lots associated with certain amusement parks just don't feel all that secure. Leaving a gun in the car sets up the potential for a theft, and if something happens in the parking lot, odds are that you will not be able to get to it.

- - - Yoda

 

[nyc71]

I would take them to a different park if they don't provide a secured gun locker.

 

[Swing]

mkay.

 

[Onward Allusion]

Yoda
Guns and roller coasters

Yeah, guns and rollercoasters do not mix. Even a snapped holster or even a retention holster can let a gun go due to the g-forces.

With regard to bringing in a gun where there are signs despite the law being in your favor...well, that's an individual choice. I'm sure there are lots of folks here that will chastise you to no end, but then again, to each their own. Me, personally...I would have done the same less the rollercoaster part. I hate 'em!

BTW, I would have to agree with you. In recent years, the parking lots in those places can be questionable after dark or at non-peak times (i.e. before fireworks, during dinner time, early afternoon)

 

[mokin]

Oh boy.

Points to ponder on so many levels....

1. The park was posted as a no carry zone.

2. Concealed means concealed and evidently you were able to get away with it.

3. Maybe the consequences of "getting caught" were a little more than just what the law allows. After all, how do you go ask to go find your gun you brought into the park against thier wishes?

4. Do you have the confidence in your holster to retain your pistol? One way to find out.

5. If the parking lot situation is that questionable ( a lot of public places like that are) what type of redundent security do you have set up to store your pistol if you need to go into some other place? Lockable box in the trunk or a safe?

I'm glad things worked out without incident. These are just the first few things that popped into my mind after reading the post. It's kind of like "Taking a pistol Kayaking" or something. I just couldn't resist not reading a post titled "Guns and roller costers" .

 

[TenDriver]

Unless the roller coaster pushes negative Gs I wouldn't worry about a securely fastened holster coming loose.

 

[Snag]

Unless the roller coaster pushes negative Gs I wouldn't worry about a securely fastened holster coming loose.

How many roller coasters do you know of that only go up?

Don't carry a gun on a roller coaster please, pretty please.

 

[WardenWolf]

Depends on lots of things. But no. I would not deliberately subject myself to a loop while carrying. That's just stupid. Granted, during the loop centrifical force will generally keep both you and your piece firmly in place, and going downhill it won't be enough to worry about if there's even a bit of friction in your holster.

 

[holdencm9]

Don't fighter pilots carry sidearms?They pull upwards of 9 g's and manage just fine. Most rollercoasters pull 3 g's at most, and maybe 1 or 2 negative g's. I guess it depends on your holster and carry method. I never had a wallet come out during a roller coaster, so maybe just pocket carry next time at the amusement park!

 

[SaxonPig]

Every amusement park I have been in was so packed full of people (including the parking lots) that 1) the likelihood of criminal attack was pretty much zero and 2) I would not have been comfortable firing a sidearm in such a crowd even if I were attacked. The only thing worse in my mind than being a victim of crime is killing an innocent bystander.

You have admitted to breaking the law (even if only a misdemeanor) and IMO your decision making is a bit faulty. When was the last time you heard of anyone being mugged at an amusement park?

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I carry about everywhere, but don't see the need to carry in an amusement park. I have no problem leaving my weapon locked in my car in a decent hiding place.

 

[The Kidd]

I think it's your choice if you trust your holster. The reason I had to reply was reading Saxon Pig's post and then his signature line (sort of a divergence).

 

[XD Fan]

SaxonPig,

If I understand correctly, the OP would not be breaking any law unless he refused to leave the park upon request. I may not be understanding correctly,but...

 

[JEB]

been there, done that. i pocket carried and didnt worry at all.

 

[theCan]

You have admitted to breaking the law (even if only a misdemeanor) and IMO your decision making is a bit faulty. When was the last time you heard of anyone being mugged at an amusement park?

What? I think it was made very clear it would only potentially be a crime if he did not leave after they asked him to. Which would be a crime regardless of whether or not he had a pistol.

Read before you post.

As for the last time someone got mugged at an amusement park. Try this on for size: http://marietta.patch.com/articles/six-flags-crime-spree-ends-in-ride-to-jail

 

[smalls]

I have two friends who have been attacked/mugged at amusement parks. There aren't always huge crowds, and there are a few spots "off the beaten path" in a few parks.

OP, at least ya know your holster has good retention. I would be pretty hesitant to ride some while carrying, but some might be fine. I'm not a huge fan of the upside down ones, anyway

 

[Sprouticus]

This incident happened in MN just a couple years ago.
Some punks grouped a man’s daughter and when he confronted them they savagely beat him.
Makes me think it's always a good idea to armed, you just never know what could happen.

Read the whole story.


http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=518548&catid=14


http://www.startribune.com/local/south/25472764.html

 

[BullfrogKen]

Every amusement park I have been in was so packed full of people (including the parking lots) that 1) the likelihood of criminal attack was pretty much zero and 2) I would not have been comfortable firing a sidearm in such a crowd even if I were attacked. The only thing worse in my mind than being a victim of crime is killing an innocent bystander.

You have admitted to breaking the law (even if only a misdemeanor) and IMO your decision making is a bit faulty. When was the last time you heard of anyone being mugged at an amusement park?

Horsepuckey.

How are you going to get you and your family into the park? Teleport yourselves there?


I remember clearly the uproar over Florida granting non-resident carry permits. And it was specifically because people there on vacation were targeted for robbery. It didn't happen at the airport. It didn't happen at the amusement park. It didn't happen at the nice places they went for dinner.


It happened on the way to and from those places.


I'm too old for roller coasters these days. But when I engage in activity that might jar my gun free, I use a nice leather holster with a solid retention strap.

 

[Lost Sheep]

When was the last time you heard of anyone being mugged at an amusement park?

Not so often IN the park, but in the parking lot, sometimes.

Then ther is this:
Not an amusement park, but a State Fair

http://hotair.com/greenroom/archives/2011/08/05/race-riots-at-the-wisconsin-state-fair/

Lost Sheep

 

[Snag]

I find it surprising that so many people say they would carry a gun while riding on a roller coaster....as long as they had a holster with good retention. Common sense to me would say that carrying a couple pounds of steel on any amusement ride is not a good idea. You might as well jump on with a brick tucked in your back pocket. There is always the off chance that something will come loose and injure someone. Since you are in an amusement park to begin with, if someone does get hurt it's highly likely to be a kid. Seriously, carnival ride and loaded weapon where never meant to be in the same sentence.

 

[Yoda]

To clarify...

I was using "relatively deep" concealment. Something on a holster on a belt WILL get exposed at some point during a day in the park.

- - - Yoda

 

[Sam1911]

I've carried a full sized 1911 and reloads on MANY roller coasters and in quite a few amusement parks.

The first time it might be a little unnerving, but there is a close to zero chance you're going to lose your gun or have any other problem.

And amusement parks -- like many other crowded places full of people who's' attention is distracted by all the fun and excitement and heat and kids and noise and tiredness, and, and, and -- are PRIME places for crime.

Folks THINK they are idyllic, crime-free happy zones because the parks spend a lot of money and effort to make them appear so. But security is a BIG deal and a constant battle for them -- and you, the visitor.

 

[JShirley]

I almost got caught in a riot situation leaving Six Flags in Atlanta Halloween night, 1998 or 9.

I told my (first) wife to hold onto the back of my belt, and not to let go. I was unarmed.

 

[Sam1911]

But when I engage in activity that might jar my gun free, I use a nice leather holster with a solid retention strap.

I will add here that, in my experience, a good IWB holster gives you the benefit of tremendous passive retention capacity, especially if you cinch that belt up one more notch.

Now I've not felt the necessity for that as I've paid close attention to what my gun's doing as we go through various loops, twists, and neg-G maneuvers on coasters, and it just DOESN'T move.

I should point out that I don't carry in any cheap, floppy holsters that wouldn't retain that gun if I was hanging upside down by my knees, and I don't pocket-carry in a thigh cargo pocket, or any other way where the gun might be jarred loose.

So far the holsters I use have kept my guns firmly in place during rollover car wrecks, rock climbing, and roller coasters, too. In fact, I've never had a gun even become dislodged slightly from the rigs I use. If they did, how could I trust them to keep my gun where I'll be reaching for it if knocked down and/or grappling with an assailant for my life?

 

[Pilot]

Don't fighter pilots carry sidearms?They pull upwards of 9 g's and manage just fine. Most rollercoasters pull 3 g's at most, and maybe 1 or 2 negative g's. I guess it depends on your holster and carry method.

Yes, and as you surmise, their holster and method of attachment is designed for g's, and to stay intact even during the violent experience of ejection.