Owning guns in DC: the current situation
- Thread starter MatthewVanitas
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joe_security
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Regarding Illinois, you can have whatever you please, provided its not in Chicago or Cook county, which has an AWB that is seldom enforced. When an assault weapon is used in a crime in Chicago or Cook County, the offender is already charged with so many other felonys, ( aggravated discharge of a firearm, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon) etc etc, they dont bother with the AWB charge. I was told this by attorneys practicing in the area. As a side note, the crime is way out of control in Chicago, they are way short of police, and the police are retiring as soon as they reach age 55 and are able to keep the medical insurance. Any doubts ? Try driving in the south side of the city ! You will need an up -armored humvee.
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MatthewVanitas
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Found a really good article, wherein a Washington Post employee actually got the paper to expense him a gun and all affiliated costs:
Get a Gun in D.C. -- Do You Feel Lucky?: Not Just Strict Rules Test Your Decision
In order to purchase and register a .38 Taurus revolver:
However, since I'd be importing my own rifle and pistol, I imagine I'd end up paying closer to $150 (class), $40 (rifle), $60 (handgun) = $250ish to get set up. Not good, but doable.
Turns out that my CZ PCR is an "unsafe" handgun since it's not on DC's specific list. Also, unlike CA, DC doesn't say anything about exempting single-action revolvers (which aren't even tested by CA DOJ), so my .32 Single Six might be unimportable as well. This could get tricky.
The Ruger Mini-14 appears to be workable though, provided it doesn't have an FS and you only use 10rd mags. I could live with one of those in a quick-lock ready-rack.
EDIT: Oh good, my PCR's slide is marked "CZ 75 D Compact", and those are on the approved list. Saves me a trip back to Texas just to buy a new handgun in my state of residence before moving up into DC.
Get a Gun in D.C. -- Do You Feel Lucky?: Not Just Strict Rules Test Your Decision
In order to purchase and register a .38 Taurus revolver:
However, since I'd be importing my own rifle and pistol, I imagine I'd end up paying closer to $150 (class), $40 (rifle), $60 (handgun) = $250ish to get set up. Not good, but doable.
Turns out that my CZ PCR is an "unsafe" handgun since it's not on DC's specific list. Also, unlike CA, DC doesn't say anything about exempting single-action revolvers (which aren't even tested by CA DOJ), so my .32 Single Six might be unimportable as well. This could get tricky.
The Ruger Mini-14 appears to be workable though, provided it doesn't have an FS and you only use 10rd mags. I could live with one of those in a quick-lock ready-rack.
EDIT: Oh good, my PCR's slide is marked "CZ 75 D Compact", and those are on the approved list. Saves me a trip back to Texas just to buy a new handgun in my state of residence before moving up into DC.
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jakemccoy
Member
One day after the Heller decision, I predicted the current state of affairs in D.C.
Most people thought I was a jerk. Well, if being correct makes me a jerk, then I can live with that.
Most people thought I was a jerk. Well, if being correct makes me a jerk, then I can live with that.
jakemccoy
Member
MAKster said:
Or maybe it's because police forces have dwindled due to budget cuts, resulting in fewer cops with less time to patrol and even less time to fill out reports. You may laugh, but I've personally witnessed a couple incidents where police have shown up 45 minutes after a 911 call and have left without filling out a report. I imagine such a problem is good for about a 25% reduction in reported crime.
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MatthewVanitas
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I know what you mean, I'm 10m walk from the Rosslyn Metro stop and 15m walk from Georgetown. However, property is far more affordable in DC (who'da thunk?).
Well that may be the case if you're buying. The only way I can afford to live in the Arlington/Rosslyn area is by renting with two friends. Now you can always live near a VRE stop outside the beltway and save a lot on housing (I have a few co-workers that do). The one thing I like is being a straight shot down I-66 to the NRA range.
chaim
Member
Hmm, the gun situation in DC is still pretty bad. However, it isn't like Chicago (anymore) and may be a tad better than NYC.
I normally agree that more gun people in an anti-gun area is usually better. Work from within, fight new gun restrictions, and try to roll back current restrictions. Moderating the bad states is good for all of us. However, it can be like banging your head against a wall and you will tire out. DC is worse, everything good that has happened there for guns has been by court order with the vast majority of the people of DC being dragged along kicking and screaming.
On the other hand, if it is a temporary move, I can see it. DC (like NYC) is a great city for single young professionals. A lot of culture (museums, opportunities for the opera/theater, music), entertainment, singles, jobs, and great nightlife and if you live there you can be in the thick of it. Guns are just one part of our lives and lifestyles.
For your purposes I'd stay away however. To buy affordably you'll probably be no closer to where you want to be for entertainment and nightlife than if you move to PG, Montgomery County or NOVA within or near the beltway. To buy in a desirable neighborhood it is quite expensive, the MD suburbs will probably be cheaper and much of NOVA may be. To stay long term (which if you are buying I assume is the plan), I'd much rather be in the 'burbs once marriage and kids come, even ignoring gun laws- safer, bigger yards, more accessible open space/parks, and much better schools.
You say you live a 10min walk from DC in VA, and then put out the strawman of living in the city v. living 90min out. If you live within the beltway you will be near DC and you'll have the metro near your home- you may be able to get to where you want to be quicker than many places within DC. DC itself, if in a desirable area isn't any cheaper than the 'burbs (there is reasonable housing in NOVA and definitely in MD- "reasonable" being comparative, I doubt someone living in 90% of the country would consider anything in the DC area to be priced reasonably). Heck, even a few miles out of the beltway you will be near the city and the metro, and many of these areas have grown into little cities themselves with decent nightlife and most of what you'll want most of the time anyway (Arlington, Alexandria, Bethesda, Rockville or Silver Spring for instance). The MD 'burbs aren't good on guns, but MD is much better than DC, and the prices will be much better than DC for comparable property (and we have our "up and coming" neighborhoods as well).
If you do it, keep in mind the "PC" nature of the area. I know in Baltimore you pretty much will be charged in any home defense shooting, I assume DC is no better. Keep your defensive weapons as PC as possible since your jury will come from the anti-gun local population. You don't want them to be shown your "Rambo wannabe" or "military style" weapons- nothing with the word "tactical", try to stay with wood stocked rifles/carbines (lever rifles are probably best) or wood stocked pump shotguns (stay away from "military style" "evil black rifles and shotguns" so no plastic/polymer). Any pistol will probably be a big hurdle to overcome (though they may be an indispensable home defense addition) so stay away from anything with the word "tactical" or any stick on devices (don't use the utility rail) but I don't know if a revolver over an auto will do you much good or not (I do still use more revolvers than autos for HD purposes).
I normally agree that more gun people in an anti-gun area is usually better. Work from within, fight new gun restrictions, and try to roll back current restrictions. Moderating the bad states is good for all of us. However, it can be like banging your head against a wall and you will tire out. DC is worse, everything good that has happened there for guns has been by court order with the vast majority of the people of DC being dragged along kicking and screaming.
On the other hand, if it is a temporary move, I can see it. DC (like NYC) is a great city for single young professionals. A lot of culture (museums, opportunities for the opera/theater, music), entertainment, singles, jobs, and great nightlife and if you live there you can be in the thick of it. Guns are just one part of our lives and lifestyles.
For your purposes I'd stay away however. To buy affordably you'll probably be no closer to where you want to be for entertainment and nightlife than if you move to PG, Montgomery County or NOVA within or near the beltway. To buy in a desirable neighborhood it is quite expensive, the MD suburbs will probably be cheaper and much of NOVA may be. To stay long term (which if you are buying I assume is the plan), I'd much rather be in the 'burbs once marriage and kids come, even ignoring gun laws- safer, bigger yards, more accessible open space/parks, and much better schools.
You say you live a 10min walk from DC in VA, and then put out the strawman of living in the city v. living 90min out. If you live within the beltway you will be near DC and you'll have the metro near your home- you may be able to get to where you want to be quicker than many places within DC. DC itself, if in a desirable area isn't any cheaper than the 'burbs (there is reasonable housing in NOVA and definitely in MD- "reasonable" being comparative, I doubt someone living in 90% of the country would consider anything in the DC area to be priced reasonably). Heck, even a few miles out of the beltway you will be near the city and the metro, and many of these areas have grown into little cities themselves with decent nightlife and most of what you'll want most of the time anyway (Arlington, Alexandria, Bethesda, Rockville or Silver Spring for instance). The MD 'burbs aren't good on guns, but MD is much better than DC, and the prices will be much better than DC for comparable property (and we have our "up and coming" neighborhoods as well).
If you do it, keep in mind the "PC" nature of the area. I know in Baltimore you pretty much will be charged in any home defense shooting, I assume DC is no better. Keep your defensive weapons as PC as possible since your jury will come from the anti-gun local population. You don't want them to be shown your "Rambo wannabe" or "military style" weapons- nothing with the word "tactical", try to stay with wood stocked rifles/carbines (lever rifles are probably best) or wood stocked pump shotguns (stay away from "military style" "evil black rifles and shotguns" so no plastic/polymer). Any pistol will probably be a big hurdle to overcome (though they may be an indispensable home defense addition) so stay away from anything with the word "tactical" or any stick on devices (don't use the utility rail) but I don't know if a revolver over an auto will do you much good or not (I do still use more revolvers than autos for HD purposes).
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jeff-10
Member
My family has long time ties to D.C. My father and his wife grew up in the Anacostia area but left half a century ago and never looked back. He still has a lot of friends there, not to mention family members. He still doesn't believe you can own guns there legally when I tell him. I still remember going there as a kid and a friend of his had a spear gun he kept for protection. Everyone carried a knife of some sort.
Any progress is good progress. Gotta walk before you run. Most of the residents in DC outside of the high end areas had and still have guns IMHO. None will bother with the new legal requirements.
Any progress is good progress. Gotta walk before you run. Most of the residents in DC outside of the high end areas had and still have guns IMHO. None will bother with the new legal requirements.
General kookiness: perusing their detailed rules, there are few oddities. You have to be 21 to register anything, unless you're 18+ and have a signed statement of liability from a guardian. There's also a blurb about how they can deny your permit if you've ever been found negligent in a shooting incident.
And here I was thinking at 18 you are generally considered your own legal guardian. (Especially if you are filing IRS as an independent.) So does that mean I could technically sign my own statement of liability on the completely impossible chance that I moved there?
And here I was thinking at 18 you are generally considered your own legal guardian. (Especially if you are filing IRS as an independent.) So does that mean I could technically sign my own statement of liability on the completely impossible chance that I moved there?
if you want to live in northern VA but still reap the benefits of the DC nightlife, live near a metro stop.
With the BRAC coming to northern VA, traffic will only get worse and you will be thankful to spend the extra $$$ on a place close to a metro stop.
Forget about MD. They have restrictions on mag capacity and you have to do the kabuki dance if you want to buy an evil black rifle. The only good thing about MD regarding guns is that the FFL calls in the NICS through the FBI vice in VA where the FFL has to go through the State Police (which takes a bit longer)
DC nightlife is great for a single guy. Good looking women, nice places to hangout and drink and eat. But for gun owners, it's a hellhole, stay put in northern VA.
as a single guy, I would never live in DC.....because the taxes are higher in DC than in VA and I love my guns. Plenty of good looking women in the northern VA 'burbs as well.
With the BRAC coming to northern VA, traffic will only get worse and you will be thankful to spend the extra $$$ on a place close to a metro stop.
Forget about MD. They have restrictions on mag capacity and you have to do the kabuki dance if you want to buy an evil black rifle. The only good thing about MD regarding guns is that the FFL calls in the NICS through the FBI vice in VA where the FFL has to go through the State Police (which takes a bit longer)
DC nightlife is great for a single guy. Good looking women, nice places to hangout and drink and eat. But for gun owners, it's a hellhole, stay put in northern VA.
as a single guy, I would never live in DC.....because the taxes are higher in DC than in VA and I love my guns. Plenty of good looking women in the northern VA 'burbs as well.
swinokur
Member
MD calls NICS directly for long gun purchases only. handguns still go thru MSP.
jakemccoy
Member
I have a "let's be real" perspective. If you are absolutely going to be doing the DC nightlife but still like your guns, you might as well just live in DC closer to all the action. You can't carry to the bars and clubs anyway, right? You also can't carry to work, right? So, where will your guns be all the time? It will be tucked away at home. If you lived in Northern VA, you might feel warm and cozy that gun laws are more lax, but it's not like you'd be enjoying the lax gun laws anyway. Remember that we're talking about a young man who's working in DC and who also wants to enjoy the DC nightlife. By the way, I lived in DC for 4 years in my 20's...good times.
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MatthewVanitas
Member
Yup, that's about exactly my stance. Living in VA would make me "free-er" in principle, but in actual practice my guns have to stay home anyway, and in an emergency one rifle and one pistol is about all I can use anyway.
Found some more slightly-less-terrible news, though I can't go back and edit the OP now: it appears that those with military training are exempt from the class. So my only expenses would be just over $100 to register a rifle and pistol.
DC has higher income tax.....significantly higher to make me move and stay in VA. I never owned a home in DC so I don't know what the property tax is like.
DC also passes these new stupid taxes like a grocery bag tax. *** If they need to pass a grocery bag tax to raise revenue, imagine what other taxes they will come up.
The only downside to northern VA, besides traffic, is the stupid property tax on cars but I'm hoping Bobby McD changes that and dumps this annual "car tax".
DC also passes these new stupid taxes like a grocery bag tax. ***
If they need to pass a grocery bag tax to raise revenue, imagine what other taxes they will come up.The only downside to northern VA, besides traffic, is the stupid property tax on cars but I'm hoping Bobby McD changes that and dumps this annual "car tax".
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