JohnnyCal55
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what are some options for an 18 year old going to college in either idaho or montana? Is a handgun too much liability or would one be appropriate? Any and all opinions are welcome.
self defense options for 18 year olds
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mbruce
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Minimize risks....bottom line.
There are plenty of other non lethal alternatives such as stun guns or pepper spray that are much better suited.
There are plenty of other non lethal alternatives such as stun guns or pepper spray that are much better suited.
JohnnyCal55
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I was thinking along the lines of pepper spray! I sure as heck wouldn't wanna be sprayed in the face with mace
NavyLCDR
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Depends on if you live on campus or not and if handguns are prohibited on campus. In Montana and Idaho you are perfectly legal to open carry a handgun at 18.
On campus, I would say whatever means is most effective that is legal for you.
On campus, I would say whatever means is most effective that is legal for you.
JohnnyCal55
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I should clerify I'm living off campus, this is geared more towards being at home and in public places.
mljdeckard
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I very much agree with mbruce. Don't hang out with potheads. Don't go to all night parties. Don't mess with underage girls. Don't drive a beat up car with expired registration. Tell your friend who always calls when he's in trouble to call someone else.
I was older when I started college, and we are allowed to carry on-campus in Utah, but the truth is, by then, I had just kind of grown out of doing juvenile things just because my mother wasn't around.
I suppose there is no downside to pepper spray if you can't carry anything else, but understand, if a handgun is an emergency tool, a spray is even more so. Unless you carry the "Dog the Bounty Hunter Big Gulp" model, they have very limited range, their effectiveness is iffy, and it can blow back into your own face. And it's not like they are set up for you to practice with them a lot, they don't hold very much.
I was older when I started college, and we are allowed to carry on-campus in Utah, but the truth is, by then, I had just kind of grown out of doing juvenile things just because my mother wasn't around.
I suppose there is no downside to pepper spray if you can't carry anything else, but understand, if a handgun is an emergency tool, a spray is even more so. Unless you carry the "Dog the Bounty Hunter Big Gulp" model, they have very limited range, their effectiveness is iffy, and it can blow back into your own face. And it's not like they are set up for you to practice with them a lot, they don't hold very much.
Telekinesis
Member
If you do end up getting a pistol, there are several carry permits that MAY let you carry depending on the state's reciprocity with the permit and their specific laws regarding age of possession (and maybe carry) of handguns. If it looks like you will be able to (legally) possess the gun through state law (look at my sig for the fed code - anyone over 18 is ok) I recommend the Maine and New Hampshire permits. Pretty easy to get (though quite a wait and a little expensive to get both).
Edit: It seems that with legal OC at 18, you're ok with possession. Next would be finding if the state has a specific statute regarding age to CCW (which may or may not be the same as the age to apply for a permit)
Even though you're living off campus, make sure you get a good safe (something like a Gun Vault is probably around $100) so that you can control access to your gun while you're not in direct contact with it. Nothing would be worse than having a roommate or guest stumble across your gun and walk off with it.
Edit: It seems that with legal OC at 18, you're ok with possession. Next would be finding if the state has a specific statute regarding age to CCW (which may or may not be the same as the age to apply for a permit)
Even though you're living off campus, make sure you get a good safe (something like a Gun Vault is probably around $100) so that you can control access to your gun while you're not in direct contact with it. Nothing would be worse than having a roommate or guest stumble across your gun and walk off with it.
FNMatt
Member
Agree with others, check local laws for age of possession in your state. However, if legal, go ahead an get a pistol. I'm under 21 and living off campus as well, I have privately bought two pistols now, including a nearly-new FNP-45, so there is no reason you can't get a top quality pistol without an FFL. If not legal, go ahead and buy a shotgun, most states don't have heavy restrictions that i am aware of and these are really one of the best Home defense tools around. As far as carrying in public, if you can OC or CCW, do it. What i tend to to do on campus is carry an expanding baton in backpack pouch. Condensed, its about the size of a stapler (which no one notices) and is a great tool for when lethal force is not justified, though head strikes could kill if you felt it was justified/appropriate. Check your local laws too, in SC, can't CCW on campus, but can store pistol in locked vehicle if you have a CW permit, which is better than nothing.
hirundo82
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NavyLT said:
Both states also allow concealed carry outside city limits without a permit, and carry in the car without a permit (although in Idaho it must be open carried in a vehicle if you don't have a permit).
An option if you end up in Idaho is to apply for a Maine permit--Maine will issue to 18 year-olds, and their permit is honored by Idaho.
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