Handgun carry on AT

[Chaco Taco]

even have one at 13oz. Thats impressive

[hikerboy57]

too bad the murdered and raped folks over the years on the AT didn't need guns either

true. it is too bad. fortunately the number is quite low

[Slo-go'en]

Its not common for hikers to carry a handgun, but no doubt there are a few parinod folks out there who do. I'd rather carry an extra half pound of snickers bars myself. Thier a whole lot more useful.

[rickb]

Does anyone here carry on the AT? Just curious what your all opinions are, maybe on a solo trip?

Thanks
Waitwhat

1. Yes -- But you will likely never know who many of them are. Same as in other places.
2. Why the focus on solo trips? The vast majority of folks who have been murdered on the AT we're hiking with a partner.

[FarmRookie 2015]

Quite high for the victims. What does a waiting period accomplish?

[Chaco Taco]

Quite high for the victims. What does a waiting period accomplish?

absolutely nothing

[The Cleaner]

I don't really care if you do pack a firearm,but please pack out your empty shell casings.You wouldn't believe the crap hikers are leaving at shelters these days.......

[Blissful]

Two Hikers carried a pellet gun when I was on my SOBO up in ME. Got squirrels with it.

[Sarcasm the elf]

Does anyone here carry on the AT? Just curious what your all opinions are, maybe on a solo trip?

Thanks
Waitwhat

Straightforward answer: Most experienced hikers don't carry, but there are a decent number of them that do, it's a personal decision and one that shouldn't be made lightly.

Folks that don't find carry necessary usually mention: practicality, legality, the amount of experience needed to use/carry a gun safely, added weight, the added responsibility etc. Statistically the A.T. is much safer than walking around an average city or suburban town and there is virtually no need to carry a gun as protection from wildlife

Legality - You cannot get permits to legally carry on the whole trail, a lot of the southern states have reciprocity with permits from other states, but MD, NJ, NY, CT and MA don't have reciprocity that I know of (though I could be wrong), I'm not sure if MD even allows for legal carry. Basically, you will need to research laws for each state that you plan to hike if you choose to bring a gun.

[hikerboy57]

Quite high for the victims. What does a waiting period accomplish?

i was referring to the op. its his first post.

[Del Q]

My point of view on this topic, be it on the AT or in town............for it to really be effective you have to have access to your "piece" 100% of the time. American Arms, 22 long, small, light...........good option.

For me, would rather carry a few extra Snickers bars and risk life with my karate and hiking poles.

............and 2 1/2 inch blade.

Decision, no carry, relax, no gun and ammo

[Alligator]

Any more not Straight Forward answers will get you banned from the thread.

[adamkrz]

For me it's a yes, And Mass. is a tough state to get a permit..

[Alligator]

For me it's a yes, And Mass. is a tough state to get a permit..

Not entertaining excessive discussion on the regulations, just a heads up keep it Straight Forward please. Thanks.

[Fur Queue]

I'm pro-choice...

[Papa D]

Straightforward Answer: I don't know any serious hikers who carry guns. I'm sure that a few people do but I would consider it inappropriate and unnecessary and frowned upon in the community of hikers.
This is my last say on this topic. Hope that helps.
Thank you.

[Coosa]

...- there is no record of a weapon having helped anyone in self defense on the AT against man, woman, or nature - it's just totally unnecessary and philosophically out of step with about 99.9% of experienced and well intentioned backpackers. Your very best defense against anything is right between your ears.

If this statement were completely true, Meredith Emerson would be alive today.

All you really need is a neck knife attached with a toggle not a knot.

Although you 'could' carry concealed, if you USED the gun/pistol, you'd be the one going to jail.

All Meredith Emerson needed was a neck knife. Her knowledge of Martial Arts and having a dog [an untrained in guard-dog-ology Lab] were not enough.

[Coosa]

http://www.usacarry.com/concealed_ca...city_maps.html

Check out the map ... and then either break the law and KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT ... or do not carry a gun.

The 'fact' that you thought you had to ask this question is proof that you should not carry concealed. However, if you are so inclined, I suggest you become a Certified Police Officer before you hike the AT.


Coosa

[BirdBrain]

Does anyone here carry on the AT? Just curious what your all opinions are, maybe on a solo trip?

Thanks
Waitwhat

I have never carried a gun on the AT

As to the "opinion" part of your post it would help to know what your concern is.
If it is from a weight to reward concern, I would suggest there is not enough benefit for the weight carried.
If it is from a protection from bears concern, statistics have shown that mace is far more effective.
If it is from a protection from people concern, your opinion is far more important than mine.

That is my "opinion".

[bfayer]

Yes people carry, and more than most on the trail realize.

Do you need to? No more or less than anywhere else.

Different laws from place to place make it difficult to do so legally.