Shotgun on base?

[Navl AV8R]

Will be going to the Navy base in Millington, TN in 2 weeks and will stay in their RV park for a few days.

Normally when we travel I carry a 12 ga shotgun with us in the MH. Since it is our home for 5 mos I just like to have it along - plus I just love the sound it makes when I chamber a shell.

I digress.

The base website says no weapons allowed on the station. So what do I do with my shotgun when I get to the front gate?

I assume all bases have a weapon program that let's a vet check it in the armory or elsewhere upon arrival, but do not know for sure. Didn't want to arrive with it and have it confiscated if, for example, I arrived after hours.

Anyone know what the procedure is or should I leave my shotgun at home? Just hate to be without it for 5 months of traveling.

[FleetMan]

Call ahead and check with them. Seems many different locations have many different rules. Some bases have skeet ranges and shooting ranges which are part of the MWR system within the base confines and therefore must allow guns and ammo. Some of the folks I visit with on my travels are avid shooters and gun enthusiasts and we enjoy some time shooting at a local range so I may have a small arsenal with me at times. I have the same concerns when I am so equipped. (Janet Napoletanio - retired military with training and weapons - am I on your list of extremists?)

[BigSkyBob]

Nellis AFB in Las Vegas will allow a hand gun in your rig provided the weapon and ammo are stored in different places. Fallon NAS has the same rule as does White Sands Missile Range. Installations will vary I suppose.

[Ray,IN]

It's up to the base commander, call ahead as Fleetman advised. Some I have been to allowed me to keep my weapon-unloaded, trigger lock installed, ammo stored separately. One required me to check it into an armory. One required it locked in a separate compartment from ammo, but I could keep it in the RV. If all else fails, you can always check it in at a gun repair shop for cleaning and lubricating, trigger adjustment,etc.

[wa8yxm]

If you have not other choice google for a licensed gun dealer in the area and contact them, if they are willing you can lock it (And all your ammo) up in their vault till you are ready to leave the base

[metrocop]

Only time I've had to check my weapons (and I carry a few) was at Andrews AFB. Most likely because of Government VIPs who fly in and out. Rv's have to go through the truck gate and they put a dog in your rig as well as look in all compartments. Armory was open 24 hours and we were escorted there. No problem with pickup when leaving, and no escort required then.

[Ol'Joe]

Hi Navl,

It's been my experience that Naval installations are much more intolerable of personal firearms than the Army or Air Force. While I've have not had any trouble keeping weapons or ammo on board the rig properly segragated on USA / USAF bases, I've nearly been strip searched and my vehicles dismantled at a couple of Navy bases for merely having once fired EMPTY SHELL CASINGS for reloading in my truck box. It's also my observation that you can not expect the proper application of DOD/Base procedures to be uniformly known or followed by the security forces. Young active duty "augmented" petty officers TAD from other commands to the ASF are usually the worst but the dog handlers can over do it pretty well too. All in all, find someplace to stow your shotgun and ammo before going on to Millington. This is the single biggest problem I have with Fulltiming. Good roads to ya.

[powerboatr]

we always call ahead
the afb and army i agree seem to have their collective stuff together
at every afb we have visited
its been firearms unloaded and locked in a separate lock box, ammo in its own lock box
and both shall not be displayed for any reason
i have been told at every afb that the rv is considered your domicile and thats the reason they allow you to carry it LOCKED aboard the post/base.

navy bases for some reason have the same DOD instruction, but tend to be overboard in their interpretation.
so we call ahead and get a name and any other info to help us cruise through unmolested.

I have checked weapons in at security with relatively no problems, provided it was one or two firearms and small ammo cache

I have also noticed at most afbs its a dont ask dont tell when you motor up in the rv. flash an ID and off you go
the domicile thing does not cover the truck if your pulling an rv.
only the rv counts as a domicile. the toad also is a NO GO for having a firearm in its compartment.

[Bill98116]

I was wondering about carrying my firearms..... I live in Washington and have a permit to carry but so many states are anti-gun, I'm a little hesitant to carry my hand guns with me. I'm not too concerned about the bases, I can always check them in to the armory....more worried about some county-mounty hauling me off to jail for having my constitutionally protected (don't get me started about eroding second amendment rights!!) firearm with me. I'm thinking of leaving my pistols at home and carrying my shotgun in the RV. Think the laws are more liberal when dealing with shotguns rather than pistols. Anyone have any problems carrying firearms???

[tmspoon]

Don't try transporting handguns into Canada. They will just about dismantle your rig if they think you look suspicious. Shotguns are ok but will cost you a few bucks for a permit, $50 I think. Good luck!!

[Max Hubrich]

Because of recent events at Ft Hood Texas I guess things will tighten up shortly concerning carrying weapons at all bases. Call ahead and get the name, and rank of the person giving you the info. At least you'll have something to fall back on. I've also seen signs at bases that say "no weapons allowed".

[Chuck 1935]

Just don't act suspicious. It can be done, although, I will admit, they could make Mother Theresa feel like a street walker!!!

[ChiefJohn]

We have never encountered security as tight as here at Kings Bay NSB. These folks don't mess around -- if you don't have a photo ID and registered vehicle, you don't enter the base. We've registered our vehicles here, since the AF has discontinued issuing decals.

As an example, retired Navy and his wife left the FamCamp and went into town. Upon returning, his wife realized she had left her purse and all identification in their 5th-wheel. They made her wait at the Pass & ID office until he went to the FamCamp and returned with her purse/ID. These folks are in their late '60s!

[Max Hubrich]

Same security at the Navy SeaBee Base in Gulfport, MS. Not always 100 % check of all passengers. All vehicles have to be registered.
I'm told if the contract security guys/gals don't check an ID card, they are fired on the spot!

I'll bet the retired Navy wife doesn't forget her purse next time-.

Cheers,