Anyone heard of this 'three step rule'? A friend of mine went through POST and always spouts this. supposedly states that any firearm must be three steps away from being ready to fire. I've never heard of it, and have been heckled by the Sheriff's department while carrying a weapon less than three steps from ready more than once with nothing said. Does anyone know what my idiot friend is gabbling about?
Idaho 'three step rule'
- Thread starter heviarti
- Start date
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runrabbitrun
member
I've heard of the three step rule.
Used to follow it when living in Florida.
Used to follow it when living in Florida.
trickyrick
Member
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2007
- Messages
- 31
as i understand it, it has something to do w/ storage of a weapon that is concealed in a vehicle. step 1- open glove box step 2- remove carry case or holster, step 3 remove gun from case or holster..i might be wrong...iv'e been wrong before..but someone will come along and straighten us out.
Is this what you mean?
I was scared and fearing for my life.
I was shakin like a leaf on a tree.
cause he was lean, mean,
Big and bad, lord,
Pointin that gun at me.
I said, wait a minute, mister,
I didnt even kiss her.
Dont want no trouble with you.
And I know you dont owe me
But I wish youd let me
Ask one favor from you.
(chorus)
wont you give me three steps,
Gimme three steps mister,
Gimme three steps towards the door?
Gimme three steps
Gimme three steps mister,
And youll never see me no more.
I was scared and fearing for my life.
I was shakin like a leaf on a tree.
cause he was lean, mean,
Big and bad, lord,
Pointin that gun at me.
I said, wait a minute, mister,
I didnt even kiss her.
Dont want no trouble with you.
And I know you dont owe me
But I wish youd let me
Ask one favor from you.
(chorus)
wont you give me three steps,
Gimme three steps mister,
Gimme three steps towards the door?
Gimme three steps
Gimme three steps mister,
And youll never see me no more.
ShadyScott999
Member
Dang! You beat me to it!
YMMV in your state, but in VA when I took my CHP course, a former LEO taught the legal section, and referred to the "2-step" rule in VA-it must take at least 2 steps to access the gun-anything less and you're in trouble.
'Course, this pertains to those without a CHP, and it sounded like it was not hard and fast rule (much less legal)? I kinda got the impression it was a rule of thumb for LE to go by.
Too much gray area-just get a CHP in order to CYA!
'Course, this pertains to those without a CHP, and it sounded like it was not hard and fast rule (much less legal)? I kinda got the impression it was a rule of thumb for LE to go by.
Too much gray area-just get a CHP in order to CYA!
Rules about guns in Idaho, good one!
Most of the sheriffs Deputies I know would think you shouldn't be carrying a gun if its no two steps away from its intended purpose - pull out gun, shoot bad guy.
You can walk around openly carrying a loaded firearm CWP or not, I think that's two steps.
Where did this guy do his POST training that he is learning stuff like that anyway?
Most of the sheriffs Deputies I know would think you shouldn't be carrying a gun if its no two steps away from its intended purpose - pull out gun, shoot bad guy.
You can walk around openly carrying a loaded firearm CWP or not, I think that's two steps.
Where did this guy do his POST training that he is learning stuff like that anyway?
divemedic
Member
Florida does not and never has had a "3 step rule"
I cannot understand why this rumor will not die, nor do I have any idea where it came from.
Dave P
Member
Diver, its not a rule or law, of course. It was (and may be still) a guide for those that do not have a CCW.
I surely could remember it wrong, but I think I heard this (from some authority) as I was appearing in person to get a county permit back in the seventies.
Dave
I surely could remember it wrong, but I think I heard this (from some authority) as I was appearing in person to get a county permit back in the seventies.
Dave
I assume he was not making it up, as he was a former LEO in VA. I also also assume it was something he'd been taught, or a "rule" (more like a rule of thumb) his department/fellow officers followed.
As stated, there's way too much gray area-LEO in some area may follow it, some may not, or the one with which you interact may be having a bad day and say to hell with it (which is one reason I was getting my CHP).
runrabbitrun
member
Well perhaps in Florida it was not a 'rule/law' per say,
but more of rule of thumb?
(To keep you from being prosecuted for unlawful carry, or a bad shoot?)...
I've had my weapon in the hands of a LEO in the field after a brandishing incident in Florida.
I was the brandisher, late 80's I'm talking about here....
When asked how the 'incident' went down.
I told officers the handgun (9 mm semi) was in my LOCKED clove compartment,
in a rug and no round in the chamber UNTIL
threat approached, threatening to 'kill us all, as he was
in Viet Nam and knew how to do it'.
This guy was saying the above and more, while following me out of a resident
where HIS verbal threats began against all in the residence.
He was following behind me as I was walking out my truck to
get said 9 mm to let this guy know.
He will NOT be hurting/killing me or
ANY of the other people in said apartment/area.
I accessed said weapon, chambered a round and had it
pointed at his forehead and told him 'one more move and'....
(He was less than five feet from me at this time)...
He turned and ran down the street screaming and yelling like a little girl.
A few moments later he was found by LEO and HE was arrested, NOT me.
ALL officers on the scene told me it was
'good' that I was at least three steps from my weapon
or I'd be arrested and charges filed.
One more step by said tuff guy and two lives would of been changed forever,
as I was with finger on trigger and would of put a bullet in his head.
The 3 step rule I believe, is kind of like the 'gun is always loaded' rule.
Those few moments and steps are what may have kept this guy alive and me
from defending myself against the shoot.
Now all you cowboys locked and loaded and firing when someone goes boo.
Let us know how it worked out for you after your stint in the pen for man slaughter.
Sometimes IMO, you need a few seconds (3 steps) to decide fight or flight.
but more of rule of thumb?
(To keep you from being prosecuted for unlawful carry, or a bad shoot?)...
I've had my weapon in the hands of a LEO in the field after a brandishing incident in Florida.
I was the brandisher, late 80's I'm talking about here....
When asked how the 'incident' went down.
I told officers the handgun (9 mm semi) was in my LOCKED clove compartment,
in a rug and no round in the chamber UNTIL
threat approached, threatening to 'kill us all, as he was
in Viet Nam and knew how to do it'.
This guy was saying the above and more, while following me out of a resident
where HIS verbal threats began against all in the residence.
He was following behind me as I was walking out my truck to
get said 9 mm to let this guy know.
He will NOT be hurting/killing me or
ANY of the other people in said apartment/area.
I accessed said weapon, chambered a round and had it
pointed at his forehead and told him 'one more move and'....
(He was less than five feet from me at this time)...
He turned and ran down the street screaming and yelling like a little girl.
A few moments later he was found by LEO and HE was arrested, NOT me.
ALL officers on the scene told me it was
'good' that I was at least three steps from my weapon
or I'd be arrested and charges filed.
One more step by said tuff guy and two lives would of been changed forever,
as I was with finger on trigger and would of put a bullet in his head.
The 3 step rule I believe, is kind of like the 'gun is always loaded' rule.
Those few moments and steps are what may have kept this guy alive and me
from defending myself against the shoot.
Now all you cowboys locked and loaded and firing when someone goes boo.
Let us know how it worked out for you after your stint in the pen for man slaughter.
Sometimes IMO, you need a few seconds (3 steps) to decide fight or flight.
runrabbitrun
member
No satire. I'm just telling you my FIRST hand experience
while living in Florida.
A Native Miamian by the way.
I know that Florida has the Castle Doctrine now and that's great.
In my situation, I'm glad the gun was 3 steps away
or I might be posting this from my laptop in my cell right now.
while living in Florida.
A Native Miamian by the way.
I know that Florida has the Castle Doctrine now and that's great.
In my situation, I'm glad the gun was 3 steps away
or I might be posting this from my laptop in my cell right now.
runrabbitrun
member
Oh OK. I get it JD, the sig line has you confused. lol
No problem my homey.
MY sig line is just a disclaimer...
The sig. in essence means:
I simply want the gov. to KNOW
(or whom ever is reading for that matter)
it's all just for 'entertainment purposes' ONLY.
So yea... I guess your right after all.
It is all satire/entertainment and NOT to be construed
with how we, or how I may truly feel about any given topic.
Back on topic:
Obviously, the OP needs to follow his/her laws and NOT
what us 'entertainers/satirists' post here online.
It's all good.
No problem my homey.
MY sig line is just a disclaimer...
The sig. in essence means:
I simply want the gov. to KNOW
(or whom ever is reading for that matter)
it's all just for 'entertainment purposes' ONLY.
So yea... I guess your right after all.
It is all satire/entertainment and NOT to be construed
with how we, or how I may truly feel about any given topic.
Back on topic:
Obviously, the OP needs to follow his/her laws and NOT
what us 'entertainers/satirists' post here online.
It's all good.
22-rimfire
Member
The 3-Step rule was a Florida thing for unlicensed carry of a handgun in an automobile. I don't know what the current actual law is in FL about unlicensed carry in vehicles.
Years ago, you could have a handgun loaded in a vehicle in TX as long as it was visible (not concealed). So if it was lying on the front seat beside you, that was legal (as I understood it at the time). Probably incorrect information, but I believed it at the time.
The internet and concealed carry licensing in many states have changed the way things are done. Before about the only way you learned anything about firearm carry was if a friend (maybe uninformed at that) tells you what the law was.
My wife's daughter who lived in FL keeps telling me about the 3-Step rule that her Dad told her. Must be right if Dad told her. I told her what the law is in this state and she pretty much just ignored what I said.... Dad is always right. So she carries an illegal loaded firearm in her vehicle believing that as long as there are three steps to access the gun, she's legal anywhere. Try that in NJ, DC or NYC.
There is no correcting bad information. People believe what they want to believe until something happens and either their gun is confiscated during a traffic check or they are brought up on firearms charges potentially loosing her right to bear arms forever.
Years ago, you could have a handgun loaded in a vehicle in TX as long as it was visible (not concealed). So if it was lying on the front seat beside you, that was legal (as I understood it at the time). Probably incorrect information, but I believed it at the time.
The internet and concealed carry licensing in many states have changed the way things are done. Before about the only way you learned anything about firearm carry was if a friend (maybe uninformed at that) tells you what the law was.
My wife's daughter who lived in FL keeps telling me about the 3-Step rule that her Dad told her. Must be right if Dad told her. I told her what the law is in this state and she pretty much just ignored what I said.... Dad is always right. So she carries an illegal loaded firearm in her vehicle believing that as long as there are three steps to access the gun, she's legal anywhere. Try that in NJ, DC or NYC.
There is no correcting bad information. People believe what they want to believe until something happens and either their gun is confiscated during a traffic check or they are brought up on firearms charges potentially loosing her right to bear arms forever.
Never heard of it.
Not a terrible guideline for, say, a National Park if you want to stay out of trouble.
However, in Idaho, you can legally carry a loaded handgun on the dashboard without a permit.
If you're talking about someone with no permit, with cased handguns going to the range, "3-steps" is probably as good an idea as any to avoid any semblance of "carrying concealed". However, there's no 3-step law or anything. There really is no good legal definition, so it's best to play it safe.
Not a terrible guideline for, say, a National Park if you want to stay out of trouble.
However, in Idaho, you can legally carry a loaded handgun on the dashboard without a permit.
If you're talking about someone with no permit, with cased handguns going to the range, "3-steps" is probably as good an idea as any to avoid any semblance of "carrying concealed". However, there's no 3-step law or anything. There really is no good legal definition, so it's best to play it safe.
Kind of Blued
Member
I have a hard time believing that this would be law in the first place, but what's the point of this junk anyway? To make people give themselves enough time to realize they don't really need to shoot someone in a fit of road rage or something? I think if people voluntarily follow this because they find it useful, they're probably too stupid, uninformed, and impulsive to be carrying a gun in the first place?
Can you just put a Post-It note on your gun that says "Whoa there guy!" and ignore this junk so you don't have to be murdered while following stupid laws?
Can you just put a Post-It note on your gun that says "Whoa there guy!" and ignore this junk so you don't have to be murdered while following stupid laws?
Furthermore, with a CWL in Idaho, you can have 15 loaded guns on your person, ready to do, while driving, walking around, etc.
With or without the CWL, you can legally walk around downtown with a loaded gun in a belt holster. I've seen it done without a second glance from the cops, though I generally keep my gun in a pocket or IWB holster around town (not too worried if the grip sticks out, though).
With or without the CWL, you can legally walk around downtown with a loaded gun in a belt holster. I've seen it done without a second glance from the cops, though I generally keep my gun in a pocket or IWB holster around town (not too worried if the grip sticks out, though).
22-rimfire
Member
Here's the lyrics for the tune. Just thought some would be interested.
Gimmie Three Steps
I was cutting the rug
Down at a place called the jug
With a girl named linda lu
When in walked a man
With a gun in his hand
And he was looking for you know who.
He said, ’hey there fellow,
With the hair colored yellow,
Watcha tryin’ to prove?
’cause that’s my woman there
And I’m a man who cares
And this might be all for you.’
I was scared and fearing for my life.
I was shakin’ like a leaf on a tree.
’cause he was lean, mean,
Big and bad, lord,
Pointin’ that gun at me.
I said, ’wait a minute, mister,
I didn’t even kiss her.
Don’t want no trouble with you.
And I know you don’t owe me
But I wish you’d let me
Ask one favor from you.’
(chorus)
’won’t you give me three steps,
Gimme three steps mister,
Gimme three steps towards the door?
Gimme three steps
Gimme three steps mister,
And you’ll never see me no more.’
Well the crowd cleared away
And I began to pray
As the water fell on the floor.
And I’m telling you son,
Well, it ain’t no fun
Staring straight down a forty-four.
Well he turned and screamed at linda lu
And that’s the break I was looking for.
And you could hear me screaming a mile away
As I was headed out towards the door.
(chorus)
Gimmie Three Steps
I was cutting the rug
Down at a place called the jug
With a girl named linda lu
When in walked a man
With a gun in his hand
And he was looking for you know who.
He said, ’hey there fellow,
With the hair colored yellow,
Watcha tryin’ to prove?
’cause that’s my woman there
And I’m a man who cares
And this might be all for you.’
I was scared and fearing for my life.
I was shakin’ like a leaf on a tree.
’cause he was lean, mean,
Big and bad, lord,
Pointin’ that gun at me.
I said, ’wait a minute, mister,
I didn’t even kiss her.
Don’t want no trouble with you.
And I know you don’t owe me
But I wish you’d let me
Ask one favor from you.’
(chorus)
’won’t you give me three steps,
Gimme three steps mister,
Gimme three steps towards the door?
Gimme three steps
Gimme three steps mister,
And you’ll never see me no more.’
Well the crowd cleared away
And I began to pray
As the water fell on the floor.
And I’m telling you son,
Well, it ain’t no fun
Staring straight down a forty-four.
Well he turned and screamed at linda lu
And that’s the break I was looking for.
And you could hear me screaming a mile away
As I was headed out towards the door.
(chorus)
- Status
