Armed When Answering Door???

[p238shooter]

Well, I tried to look through this advertising site you listed, but even there I did not find where they even suggest anyone thinks I do not have a right to answer my door with my pistol OC on my belt or in my hand pointed at the floor. While advertising sites have a lot of info, I do try to read between the lines.

With a little research I think you will find several posts on this site where some firearms instructors may have not been clear about the laws frequently caused by limited time or have interjected their personal opinions concerning the laws. Sometimes personal opinions do not necessarily jive with the law, Some people do not even believe in the 2A and throw out opinions of that for example.

While opinions are good to hear, give you to think about, this document is the bottom line. https://www.ok.gov/osbi/documents/SDA_LAW_BOOK.pdf. I would suggest reading it in detail and keep it handy for reference when you hear someone throwing out "facts" with no reference of giving opinions that might not sound quite right.

And yes, I had a Deputy knock on my door about 10PM one evening, and I had my pistol in my hand when I opened the door pointed at the floor. I had no easy place to lay it down first. He was inquiring if I might know the owner of a horse down the road that was loose. I did not get any indication from him of a hint of a problem from him when I stated sorry, we do not get many unexpected visitors late at night. His comment was "No problem, I can not blame you to try to stay safe."

 

[davek]

as to just seeing the pistol - deny it if it comes to that - it wont, but its your word against the strangers - no harm no foul -

I seriously doubt lying to law enforcement is a good plan. Just "I think I should talk to an attorney before answering any questions"

 

[CHenry]

As long as the visitor doesn't see it in your hand, they can't report it.

If it's holstered, it doesn't matter if they see it, as long as you're not displaying it in a threatening or intimidating manner (pointing to it, holding your hand above it or resting on it, etc.).

However, if you're rude and tick them off, they may report it as threatening anyway, either to cause you some grief out of spite, or they may actually feel threatened. It's always better to be polite when armed.

Personally, I prefer holstered and out of sight, even if my hand is on it behind me.

I don't give two shits if they report it.
"Officer, I was cleaning my guns when the doorbell rang".
In truth I don't believe and officer would even respond to that report. As long as it's only in my hand pointer across my back at the wall.

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[YukonGlocker]

I just don't answer the door. Problem solved.

Agreed. My life has been so much better since I stopped answering the door and the phone.

 

[jhat]

This would be a good question to ask your local LEO office. They're the ones that would respond to any reports made.

I don't know the answer either, but it might require to be holstered in order to avoid brandishing charges if the person sees it in your hand. Your home is your castle, but it's not a law-free zone.

Just my ...

Sure, ask the cops if is legal. You will, no doubt, receive sound legal advice. Of course it is legal. Just don't point it or make any threats. You are in your own home. I generally don't open the door unless I expect someone. On one occasion there was knocking on my door that kept getting louder. I finally grabbed a cocked and locked 1911, shoved it in my waistband, and opened the door. It was a police officer that had come to the wrong house. Before he left he asked me if I always open the door with a gun. I said "sure, don't you". He laughed and said, "I guess I do".

 

[firefighterguy]

as to just seeing the pistol - deny it if it comes to that - it wont, but its your word against the strangers - no harm no foul -

Because lying to the police is a good idea?




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[CHenry]

Maybe, maybe not... but at least you have an idea how they'll respond. And they're still the ones you have to deal with, whether their procedure is 100% lawyer-proof or not.

All things being equal (holstered or in hand when answering the door makes little difference to me), I'd rather avoid any potential hassle. But maybe that's just me, and everyone else yearns for the chance of an escorted trip downtown. Hard to tell what's what around here sometimes.

I'm well within my rights if I answer the door with a gun in hand, a baseball bat or a chainsaw.

 

[Old rookie]

That "escorted trip" is exactly what is to be avoided, if at all possible, hence my question....

 

[_CY_]

it's your home .. who cares about the legalities of carrying a weapon inside your castle.
legal or not, answering front door with a weapon in your hand with a cop on the other side is a good way to get shot.
it's not that hard to call 911 to verify Police are indeed dispatched to your home.

it's been drilled many times on OSA to lay your weapon(s) down if you think Cops are anywhere close, to prevent cops thinking you are a hostile.

NO way I'm opening the door at 3AM unless I'm able to positively ID who's knocking on my door!

 

[30BulletHoles]

"My house, my rules" only applies within the law. As mentioned, your house may be your castle, but it's not a law-free zone. Ignore those laws, and you're risking both your freedom and your legal right to bear arms.

Your call.

Actually what I said is the law. I can carry a firearm on my property. It's not brandishing unless I point it at you and tell you to get the f$&k off my porch. I can however answer my door with a holstered handgun.