Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

by **SHMIV** » Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:14:20

My girlfriend is a long haul truck driver, and at times, she has to park in some rather sketchy areas. She has stated a desire to be armed, on more than one occasion. Also, I've been considering getting my CDL and heading out there with her.

I'm not too keen on the idea of traveling all over the country unarmed.

Any truck drivers on this site that would have some knowledge in this area?

by **AlanM** » Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:12:38

There are NO federal laws against OTR drivers being armed.
That is a fact that Tom Gresham has to point out nearly every week on "Gun Talk".

You would have to obey the state laws of the states you drive through and stop in. That pretty much means stay out of Illinois, DC, NJ, and places of their ilk.

Your problem would most likely be with your employer not allowing you being armed as a provision of employment.

by **jrswanson1** » Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:31:59

If I were an independent OTR trucker, I'd keep a lever gun in the sleeping compartment. No need to worry about magazine capacity or AWB crap. No one bats an eye when they look at one. Get a 16" carbine in a pistol caliber, you'll have 8-10 rounds on tap and if it's a soft point bullet you can keep it while driving through NJ and NY.

by **gunderwood** » Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:41:45

jrswanson1 wrote:Get a 16" carbine in a pistol caliber, you'll have 8-10 rounds on tap and if it's a soft point bullet you can keep it while driving through NJ and NY.

If you are going that far, why bother with a pistol caliber? Get it in .45-70 and load it with Hornady's 325gr FTX cartridges. Things make a fist size hole after about 3" of penetration.

by **SHMIV** » Thu, 23 Feb 2012 19:07:59

Thank you for the input, Gentlemen.

The whole National Reciprocity thing regarding permits for concealed carry seemed like it would have been useful for truckers.

by **Palladin** » Thu, 23 Feb 2012 23:56:57

gunderwood wrote:
jrswanson1 wrote:Get a 16" carbine in a pistol caliber, you'll have 8-10 rounds on tap and if it's a soft point bullet you can keep it while driving through NJ and NY.

If you are going that far, why bother with a pistol caliber? Get it in .45-70 and load it with Hornady's 325gr FTX cartridges. Things make a fist size hole after about 3" of penetration.

Plus they'll go flying backwards about 20 feet or so :hysterical:

by **GreatDaneMan** » Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:41:16

I almost started OTR trucking but a local company hired me on, not even in trucking either. Waste of a CDL right!

As stated, no federal law against it. COMPANY POLICY aside.. (

Even if you have CHP/CWPs from numerous states, there are still states you cannot conceal in, and some you cannot OC in, and some not in a vehicle. If she picks up a load headed for DC, NYC, Maryland, etc , shes gonna be screwed. You would have to illegally hide it very well. I thought of a ultra light .38 within reach when legal, and stored up hidden behind the dash when illegal... But I thought about it for a few weeks, I would just have a fire extinguisher EXTREMELY HANDY by the drivers seat setup for easy removal. Legal in 50 and a half states. Doubles as a heavy/hard weapon. Crowbar, too, but more hands-on than discharging a fire extinguisher.

Its a toughie. Me, I would probably leave it home. My girlfriend/wife/etc , I would probably send over the road with proper equipment, you know?

Edit- You said you are considering a CDL to team drive with her. I vote this!!! I would love to be able to team drive with S.O. There are many companies that will hire team driving couples, and even send you through CDL training free as long as you stay on for a year. If you have not done so already, contact her current company and see if they will put you through the classes, and then for on road training she could be your trainer if she has been there long enough. Good luck!!!

by **jrswanson1** » Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:26:28

gunderwood wrote:
jrswanson1 wrote:Get a 16" carbine in a pistol caliber, you'll have 8-10 rounds on tap and if it's a soft point bullet you can keep it while driving through NJ and NY.

If you are going that far, why bother with a pistol caliber? Get it in .45-70 and load it with Hornady's 325gr FTX cartridges. Things make a fist size hole after about 3" of penetration.

So will a nice load of .45 Colt. The difference is you'll still have some hearing left if you have to shoot it in the cab since pistol calibers out of rifles tend to be quieter than rifle calibers. And what's with everyone automatically assuming pistol? Having a rifle like this won't even raise an eyebrow.