Driving from Northern Michigan to Kansas, spend one day. Then to Fort Leonard Wood Missouri for two or three days. Then return home. Son graduating Army Basic. Will leave pistol with local police dept while on base.Which should I take?Sig P238 w extra magSig Compact Stainless 1911 w extra mag

.45 for sure, but why only one extra mag?

quote:

Originally posted by hvyhawler:
Will leave pistol with local police dept while on base.

In that case, I'd get an old Taurus Revolver for $150.

Yep, take something cheap. God knows what could happen to it in their hands.

Don't have anything cheap, just those two to choose from. I also can bring more mags, just thought one extra would be fine...

Did a total of 15 trips across country, coast to coast over the years. My favorite carry was a Ruger Security Six in 357 Mag which is still my bedside protection. I don't leave home without it.

quote:

Originally posted by hvyhawler:
Don't have anything cheap, just those two to choose from.

That's why I have my Walther PPQ. It's a nice enough pistol, don't get me wrong, but nothing I'd agonize over leaving in somebody else's possession like you're talking about doing.

I don't suppose you can arrange for a hotel room with a safe? When we went to Chicago a couple years ago, the carry piece went into the gun vault just prior to crossing into Illinois, then that went into the hotel room safe when we got there.

Just got done driving 2800 miles with a P239 on my hip except when passing through Illinois (put the P239 and mag in separate suitcase compartments as close to the Arkansas and Indiana state lines as practicable).

P238 is bound to be a lot more comfy.

I graduated from Ft L Wood in 81. I enjoyed going to a relative's graduation a few years ago.
Not much looked familiar. I left my handgun somewhere when I went on base, either hotel or vehicle as I rode with someone on base.

If you checked ahead of time one would think you'd be O.K. With the local P.D.. I like small & concealable for CC.

Make sure you check out the MP museum on post while you're there, it's pretty neat.

quote:

Originally posted by hvyhawler:
Will leave pistol with local police dept while on base.

How long are you going to be on base for? Staying on base or just visiting on day trips?

quote:

Son graduating Army Basic

Congratulations both of you.

Any forum members close by?

We have a room on base, and will be staying for two to three days. It all depends on when he ships out for training. He may have an off base pass on Thursday.

With your state permit, you were legal in Illinois while in your car.

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:
Just got done driving 2800 miles with a P239 on my hip except when passing through Illinois (put the P239 and mag in separate suitcase compartments as close to the Arkansas and Indiana state lines as practicable).

P238 is bound to be a lot more comfy.

quote:

Originally posted by maxwayne:
With your state permit, you were legal in Illinois while in your car.

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:
Just got done driving 2800 miles with a P239 on my hip except when passing through Illinois (put the P239 and mag in separate suitcase compartments as close to the Arkansas and Indiana state lines as practicable).

P238 is bound to be a lot more comfy.

It looks like reciprocity is only one way - Texas recognizes Illinois' but Illinois doesn't recognize Texas. I could have carried as long as I remained in my vehicle, but couldn't set foot outside vehicle while carrying.

I had to evacuate for Harvey and had business in Upper Midwest while the Houston airport was closed (i.e. they cancelled my flight and DFW was still in Harvey's cone at the time) so I just combined the two. It was an unplanned drive, and I didn't spend time reading nuances on reciprocity.

Three questions:
1. Why just those two?
2. Why not something "bigger"?
3. Why just one?

Unless concealing is an issue then the bigger the better aka more effective, larger capacity, etc, IMO.
It's why I usually keep a smaller footprint on me and a larger one with me (car, briefcase, etc) if possible.
YMMV

OP said that is the only 2 he has to choose from.

Why not an AR pistol if you have one?

Have you checked with the PMO office or the MP station on this? The reason I ask is the general rule for Army bases is you may transport a handgun if it is unloaded and in a locked case. The ammo must be in a seperate locked area. When I am on West Point this is what I do if I'm carrying.