Moving to AZ
For many years now, the wife and I have dreamt of moving to the Southwest, to the desert, away from the cold and the rain and the snow of NE Ohio. This winter was the final straw. We went to Phoenix a few weeks ago on a scouting mission, and decided that we both really liked it. The weather was beautiful. The highways were wide and smooth and clean and the overpasses were nice-looking and not just drab, grey concrete. The people were very friendly and laid-back. I went to Bergies in Gilbert many mornings for my coffee and to read. On two separate occasions a (different) older couple approached me, all smiles, and made conversation. On a third occasion, a professional looking guy a few years younger than me asked me about the laws concerning OC. And then a fourth morning, a younger father asked what type of gun I was carrying, etc.
I do not have any type of concealed carry permit. I do not believe in them. I should not have to pay $ to get permission from the government (that should be following the constitution) to carry a firearm in any way that I choose. So in Ohio, I have to do the whole tedious rigmarole every time I get into a car of deholstering, unloading, storing the gun and magazine separately, and then do it all in reverse, every time I get out of the car. Ah, Arizona, I love you so...
I've got friends in the Valley of the Sun, guys who've moved there from Ohio, guys I've known for more than 20 years. We went shooting out in the desert. It was great to be able to pull off the highway onto a dirt road, drive for a couple of minutes, and then get out and shoot.
So, obviously I took my EDC S&W M&P9 with me to Phoenix. This was the first time I've ever flown with a gun. I thought about carrying into Cleveland Hopkins and disarming at the check-in counter, but decided not to. I did not want to draw my weapon in an airport. Nor did I want to take the time to unload the magazine and pack the ammo away in the individual slots in the manufacturers box to comply with the law. Check-in went without a hitch, though I must admit I got a small thrill out of saying that I was declaring a firearm. At Sky Harbor, as soon as I got my luggage, I went directly to the nearest restroom, loaded a magazine, put on the holster, and armed myself. There were no issues carrying in the airport.
On a side note, I believe my appearance is partially responsible for the overall lack of response or reaction that I've experienced while open carrying. I wear plain, clean t-shirts and cargo-style pants and Nike cross trainers. I do not have any visible tattoos or piercings, have very short grey hair and am cleanly shaven, and wear a belt that not only supports my holster but also keeps my pants from sagging. I have a wiry athletic build, and light and quick on my feet, and move with a purpose. I have been asked on numerous occasions if I am in the armed forces.
So, anyway, the wife and I are moving to the Valley of the Sun. We'll be there by the end of June. I can NOT wait!!