Thanks for the post. We're moving from NY to NC. Does anyone know that the weapons laws are in NC? We have several long guns (rifles and shotguns), pistols, revolvers, and some black powder revolvers.
North Carolina is still a pretty liberal state...but its far better than New Yawk IMHO! NC recently passed into law provisions for a state concealed weapons permit. I suggest (STRONGLY) that you secure the services of a good NRA certified Firearms Instructor and get the permit. Then go to a gun show near your town and buy a good pistol (I won't suggest one--that selection is every bit as personal as the choice of a spouse!). Next find a local chapter of the International Defensive Pistol Association and join...you'll find lots of new friends and just plain good folks. You'll have fun and become extremely proficient in safely and effectively handling your new "baby" under pressure and in real life situations....or as close as can be approximated.
Whenever possible, carry ALL the time. Why? Well first of all in a rural setting if something bad happens (crime exists in the woods too) you'll be better able to meet the threat successfully. Hard to call the cops on a cellphone in the mountains, and even harder to tell them where exactly you are....Next, well just maybe you'll be the armed citizen on hand to stop the next terrorist attack (Let's Roll?) and if so, you have to be properly equipped and trained to step into the gap. Serious times require serious preparations.