I'm kind of perplexed that vermont has no state gun laws and go by federal laws only. I e anyone carry a pistol open or concealed, and theoretically anyone can carry a rifle or shotgun open And concealed. how is it tHat a North East state right next to New York one of the worst in the nation and next to Massachusetts another state not too high on gun Rights be so liberal in the true sense of the word with gun laws?
vermont gun laws
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Devonai
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New York has NYC and Massachusetts has Boston. Burlington, VT would gladly adopt the thinking of their big brothers, and has tried on numerous occasions. However, Vermont has rightly maintained a rural attitude throughout the state. Plus their constitution is a bit more direct on bearing arms.
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/const2.htm
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/const2.htm
RPRNY
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Well put.
VT is the second most peaceful state in the US which helps mitigate urban panic over guns but it also requires constant vigilance and a very effective sportsman's alliance that keeps Montpelier from doing anything stupid.
The gun laws, or lack thereof, in Vermont are the result of a 1903 decision of the Vermont Supreme Court (State v Rosenthal, 75 Vt. 295 (1903)) applying a provision in the Vermont Constitution.
RPRNY
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Frank, thank you. I was not aware that was the case that created the "urban preemption". Very good to know. Now if only Montpellier would adopt sanctions against municipal legislatures that knowingly adopt laws "repugnant to the Constitution".
LemmyCaution
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Here's the full text of the SCV's ruling in State v. Rosenthal:
http://www.constitution.org/2ll/2ndcourt/state/31st.htm
http://www.constitution.org/2ll/2ndcourt/state/31st.htm
herrwalther
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NH is often considered more pro-gun than VT, purely because NH allows silencers/suppressors. Which may change if certain legislation in VT passes soon, allowing silencer/suppressor use at the range. But oddly not for hunting.
Salmoneye
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Ya think?
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LemmyCaution
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I believe he's referring to the FBI's violent crime and homicide stats here. Vermont generally comes in at lowest or second lowest in these stats. The most recent revision has us at second lowest. He's not arguing that VT has the least restrictive firearms laws. He's stating that VT is the second most peaceful state.
Vermont's criminal statutes regarding weapons are very simple and plainly written. The prohibition on suppressors is a Fish and Wildlife statute dating from the Great Depression and intended to curtail poaching. The penalty for violating it is a civil violation, not even a misdemeanor, and is punishable by a $25 fine. Unfortunately, that minor detail keeps us from even applying under the drastically more onerous NFA '34.
With any luck, that statute will be repealed this year. A bill, H.621 looks likely to make it out of the Fish, Wildlife, and Water Resources Committee. For any Vermonters on this site, please write your reps and senators in support of this bill.
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RPRNY
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"Second most peaceful" state. Based on national violent crime statistics, Maine is the most peaceful state in the Union. It is also among the least firea restrictive states in New England, along with NH and VT.
Red Wind
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North and South Dakota are also very low,"peaceful" wise.
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