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Hey gang, quick question. As I'm waitng on my license, I've been carrying as much as possible around the house and in the car (obviously not carrying outside of the house or car ). The background to my question is this: I have a shop/storage unit that is located on the edge of town in a pretty rural/vacant area. There are roughly 20 units all grouped all together, adjoining side by side, facing each other with a concreate drive between, and the facility is fenced off with a key-pad controlled gate. I rent my individual unit, and it is covered for loss and liability on my home owner's insurance.

As my metal work is just a hobby gig, I'm usually out there late at night, and I have thought about what I would do if someone were to confront me there. I do have a lever action Henry that I keep out there just in case, but it has to stay in an enclosed shelf to pretect it from the metal filings/dust in the air. In addition to that, I have plenty of long pieces of metal, knives in various states of completion, and forging hammers laying around close to hand. However, I have thought about carrying (under clothing to protect the side arm) while there.

My question is, without my CHL, what are my legal carry options at the shop unit I rent? My assumption is that it would be viewed as seperate from my home and thus not be legal. However, I wanted to ask the fine folks here for their opinions.

I'm more curious than anything on this as my CHL should be here shortly. Thanks in advance!

--NEB

Since you've asked for OPINIONS, this is mine.

Inside the unit, you are legal, because it is "under your control" because you are renting/leasing it.

Inside your vehicle, you are legal, because of the Motorist Protection Act.

Directly between the unit and your vehicle, you are legal, because the language of the law talks about en route between "your place" and your vehicle.

Anywhere else in the complex of rental units, you're on shaky ground.

As I said, just my opinion.

There is no specific exception in the law for your home--the exception is for premises you own or control. I agree with Larry that you would be legal to carry in the unit you rent and while en route to and from your car, assuming that the rental agreement is for your exclusive use of the unit. If there are several people that rent the same unit, the control issue is murkier.

Ah...great information. Thanks! I was curious about the "en route" issue between the unit and the car. All my business is taken care of within my own unit which is rented soley by my wife and myself. The only time I leave the shop for anything out there is to empty the trash in the dumpster. Thanks!

--NEB

I would say you are good to go between the car & shop. You rent the individual space & you have the access code to the property and are in control of the shop unit. I would even argue that since you are in posession of the passcode to enter the gated shop grounds you are good to carry even while walking to the dumpster or something but I'm no lawyer.

W/ all the above. your unit, rented & under your control. Carry.