INGunOwners FAQs (sticky)

[Pami]

Other contributions to the FAQ + Answers to help pull this together would be much appreciated. Please note them in this thread (http://ingunowners.com/forums/genera..._gun_faqs.html) and I'll update or add the questions/answers. Thanks!!

This is obviously a "living document." I broke out the questions into "categories" and made them separate posts for easier reference. I hope this helps. Please don't hesitate to poke me if something needs to move or another category should be added, and *definitely* correct me if I'm completely (or even partially) wrong about something.

Table of Contents for this thread:
About the LTCH (License to Carry a Handgun): http://ingunowners.com/forums/genera...tml#post187167

About Carrying Your Handgun: http://ingunowners.com/forums/genera...tml#post187168

About Guns (in General): http://ingunowners.com/forums/genera...tml#post187170

About Women & Guns: http://ingunowners.com/forums/genera...tml#post187171

About Shooting with Other People: http://ingunowners.com/forums/genera...tml#post187172

About INGO: http://ingunowners.com/forums/genera...tml#post187173

Getting Training: http://ingunowners.com/forums/genera...tml#post218810

The INGO FAQ: http://ingunowners.com/forums/genera...tml#post483029

About Gun Shows: http://ingunowners.com/forums/genera...tml#post630600

Or you might read the excellent PDF files that Kludge put together for his classes. You can find them all together here: http://ingunowners.com/forums/handgu...y_classes.html

And just in case that didn't answer your questions:

Originally Posted by jamstutz

You may just want to post a link to http://www.in.gov/isp/files/firearms_FAQ_02_08.pdf [The ISP Firearms FAQs]. It answers a lot of the questions I've been asked.

You might try that.

Or you might try this:

Originally Posted by snojet

I thought this would help the community as a whole. I've read through many posts and some questions that people are asking are answered in this link that is provided below.
http://www.lcav.org/states/Indiana.asp

Recently I got this information in a printed form from the Carmel Police department when I applied and had an interview with the police chief for my LTCH permit.

Or you might try a copy of Bryan Ciyou's book Indiana Handgun Law. Read both editions; they're excellent and worth reading.
Amazon.com: Indiana Handgun Law: Bryan Lee Ciyou:...

Or you might start a new thread in the appropriate forum and see what happens.

[Pami]

ABOUT THE LTCH:

This thread actually covers a wide range of questions about the LTCH in general (except how to apply for it):
*** http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_...t_is_this.html

How do I apply for my LTCH?
http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_..._for_ltch.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_...ting_ltch.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/politi...ode_240_a.html

What's the difference between an LTCH and a CCW?
LTCH is a License to Carry Handgun. Concealed or open is not specified. The type of weapon is specified. This is the type of license/permit that Indiana offers to its residents. CCW is a Concealed Carry Weapon (permit). Concealed is specified. The type of weapon is not specified (although it is usually restricted to certain types). Indiana does NOT offer this type of license/permit.


What the heck IS an LTCH?
LTCH is a License to Carry Handgun. This is the type of license/permit that Indiana offers to its residents. It is ONLY legal to carry a handgun if you have a valid LTCH, with a very few exceptions to that rule in either direction. Also note that it's a license to carry a handgun. It's not an authorization for any other type of weapon (such as a switchblade, which is illegal to possess or carry in Indiana).

Two things to note:
1) If you do not have an LTCH, you can still buy a handgun and transport it back to your fixed place of business, or to your residence, or to/from a place of repair. The gun must be unloaded and in a secure wrapper (such as a locked hard-shelled case).
2) You cannot transport your handgun to your favorite range without an LTCH, even if the gun is in a secure wrapper, separated from the ammunition. Click here for a thread by a member who demonstrates that even if a police officer tells you it's ok, it's NOT ok:
http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_...your_help.html

Also note this Indiana Code: Indiana Code 35-47-2

IC 35-47-2-1
Carrying a handgun without a license or by person convicted of domestic battery
Sec. 1. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b) and section 2 of this chapter, a person shall not carry a handgun in any vehicle or on or about the person's body, except in the person's dwelling, on the person's property or fixed place of business, without a license issued under this chapter being in the person's possession.
(b) Unless the person's right to possess a firearm has been restored under IC 35-47-4-7, a person who has been convicted of domestic battery under IC 35-42-2-1.3 may not possess or carry a handgun in any vehicle or on or about the person's body in the person's dwelling or on the person's property or fixed place of business.
As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.326-1987, SEC.1; P.L.195-2003, SEC.6; P.L.98-2004, SEC.155; P.L.118-2007, SEC.35.

IC 35-47-2-2
Excepted persons
Sec. 2. Section 1 of this chapter does not apply to:
(1) marshals;
(2) sheriffs;
(3) the commissioner of the department of correction or persons authorized by him in writing to carry firearms;
(4) judicial officers;
(5) law enforcement officers;
(6) members of the armed forces of the United States or of the national guard or organized reserves while they are on duty;
(7) regularly enrolled members of any organization duly authorized to purchase or receive such weapons from the United States or from this state who are at or are going to or from their place of assembly or target practice;
(8) employees of the United States duly authorized to carry handguns;
(9) employees of express companies when engaged in company business;
(10) any person engaged in the business of manufacturing, repairing, or dealing in firearms or the agent or representative of any such person having in his possession, using, or carrying a handgun in the usual or ordinary course of that business; or
(11) any person while carrying a handgun unloaded and in a secure wrapper from the place of purchase to his dwelling or fixed place of business, or to a place of repair or back to his dwelling or fixed place of business, or in moving from one dwelling or business to another.
As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32.

Note NONE of this says anything about going to a range to practice except for #7 above, and that does NOT include the general populace.

How long does it take to get an LTCH?
As of September 2009, we're hearing reports of people receiving them in as little as 2-4 weeks.
http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_..._ccw_wait.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_..._now_what.html

Should I get the Lifetime or the 4-year? Personal Protection or Target/Hunting?
Lifetime Personal Protection. Yes, it costs more to get the Lifetime rather thanthe 4-Year, but Indiana is currently the only state that offers it, and it saves you the hassle of having to remember to renew your license every four years. Go ahead and get the Personal Protection license rather than the Target/Hunting license. This gives you the option to carry it should you ever decide you want to, and on the off chance you "forget" to take it out of your car and somehow managed to get pulled over, your Personal Protection license clearly covers you. This is also a strong reason why your Significant Other and anyone else who may be driving your vehicles (children..?) should have a LTCH also.

Of note: While the Lifetime LTCH is usually recommended, those of you who are not IN residents the 4 year is the only one you can have. Also, the cost breaks even after what, three renewals? So if you don't plan on being here more than 12 years, perhaps the 4 year would be better.


When can I renew my current license?
Within 180 days of your current license's expiration date and not before.
http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_..._lifetime.html


My license expired two months ago, but I reapplied for a new license yesterday. Can I still carry my gun?
No. If the application for renewal of an existing license is filed within thirty (30) days of its expiration, the existing license is automatically extended until the application for renewal is passed upon. You'll need to carry your application receipt along with your license until the renewal arrives. If you reapply after the license expired, (even if it's within 30 days), even the receipt does not allow you to carry legally. You must wait until your new license arrives.

Some tips once your LTCH arrives:
In this order:
1) Make copies. If you can, scan it and save it to your computer.
2) Store the original in your safe.
3) Sign each of your copies.
4) Laminate each of your copies.
5) Have one EVERYWHERE.
6) SIGN BEFORE YOU LAMINATE.
http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_..._was_told.html
One of our members, Printcraft, is offering free LTCH lamination to members of INGO: http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_...o_members.html

So am I really allowed to make a copy of my LTCH?
Technically... No. But you still may find this thread interesting. Cordex actually ASKED the people who should know!
http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_...mit_redux.html

Oops. I didn't make a copy of my LTCH, and I've managed to lose the one I have. Can I get a replacement?
Yes. You just need to request a duplicate from the ISP. At this time, it's a $20 replacement fee. When you get it, make copies.
http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_...ment_ltch.html
http://www.in.gov/icpr/webfile/formsdiv/53228.pdf

What happens if I move?
You need to inform the Indiana State Police within 60 days of your address change. They won't send you a new license with your new address unless you also pay $20 for a new copy. Your old license will still be valid, provided you've notified the ISP of your address change. Here's a link to the form:
http://www.in.gov/icpr/webfile/formsdiv/53228.pdf

What happens to my Lifetime LTCH if I move out of state?
INGO member CountryBoy19 called the ISP and asked them. There are special provisions for military deployment as their residency may still technically be in Indiana, but for civilians, you notify the ISP of your new address and your license will be "deactivated". If you move back to Indiana, you can have it "re-activated" without going through the license process again.
http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_...tml#post355104

I heard that the lifetime LTCH won't be available anymore. Is this true?
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO.
http://ingunowners.com/forums/politi...in_danger.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/politi...ry_permit.html

[Pami]

ABOUT CARRYING:


I have a handgun. What do I carry it in?
A holster. I recommend Raven Concealment Systems
Although, there are a plethora of threads on this topic, asked and answered by people much less biased than me:
http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_...you_carry.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_...b_holster.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/access...kholsters.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/access..._holsters.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/access...ruger_lcp.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/access...t_holster.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/access...gun_comps.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/access...lock_23_a.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/access..._pictures.html


Where am I allowed to carry in Indiana?
Assuming you have your LTCH...not schools (including churches with preschools), not most government buildings, not most Federal property, not most of Indy City Parks. Yes, you can carry in most state parks.

A more specific list of where you can NOT carry:
k-12 schools, property used for school functions
school buses
Head Start
preschools
private schools
riverboat casinos
airport sterile areas
shipping ports
State fairgrounds during State Fair
Post office (questionable, as it may not actually be Federal property)
Where prohibited by local ordinance, on gov't property

Some of these are not mandated by state statute, but are delegated. For example, there is no actual law prohibiting carry on riverboat casinos. However, there are laws delegating the authority to the Indiana Gaming Commission to define their own administrative rules. The IGC has significant "teeth" to enforce their administrative rules, including providing for criminal prosecution.


Without your LTCH, there is nowhere that you can carry legally. As always, there are a very few, very restrictive exceptions to this rule. However, that said, just in case it hasn't been made clear enough: you can NOT carry from your home to your favorite range (public or private) without your LTCH. The term "carry" encompasses not only on your person in a holster, but also in your car, truck, boat, plane, in a locked container separate from your ammunition.

IANAL.

Some threads:
http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_...you_go_to.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_...rohibited.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_..._downtown.html

Click here for a thread by a member who demonstrates that even if a police officer tells you it's ok, it's NOT ok:
http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_...your_help.html


Indiana Code clicky: Indiana Code 35-47-2

IC 35-47-2-1
Carrying a handgun without a license or by person convicted of domestic battery
Sec. 1. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b) and section 2 of this chapter, a person shall not carry a handgun in any vehicle or on or about the person's body, except in the person's dwelling, on the person's property or fixed place of business, without a license issued under this chapter being in the person's possession.
(b) Unless the person's right to possess a firearm has been restored under IC 35-47-4-7, a person who has been convicted of domestic battery under IC 35-42-2-1.3 may not possess or carry a handgun in any vehicle or on or about the person's body in the person's dwelling or on the person's property or fixed place of business.
As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.326-1987, SEC.1; P.L.195-2003, SEC.6; P.L.98-2004, SEC.155; P.L.118-2007, SEC.35.

IC 35-47-2-2
Excepted persons
Sec. 2. Section 1 of this chapter does not apply to:
(1) marshals;
(2) sheriffs;
(3) the commissioner of the department of correction or persons authorized by him in writing to carry firearms;
(4) judicial officers;
(5) law enforcement officers;
(6) members of the armed forces of the United States or of the national guard or organized reserves while they are on duty;
(7) regularly enrolled members of any organization duly authorized to purchase or receive such weapons from the United States or from this state who are at or are going to or from their place of assembly or target practice;
(8) employees of the United States duly authorized to carry handguns;
(9) employees of express companies when engaged in company business;
(10) any person engaged in the business of manufacturing, repairing, or dealing in firearms or the agent or representative of any such person having in his possession, using, or carrying a handgun in the usual or ordinary course of that business; or
(11) any person while carrying a handgun unloaded and in a secure wrapper from the place of purchase to his dwelling or fixed place of business, or to a place of repair or back to his dwelling or fixed place of business, or in moving from one dwelling or business to another.
As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32.

Note NONE of this says anything about going to a range to practice except for #7 above, and that does NOT include the general populace.


What states have reciprocity with Indiana?
http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_..._s_permit.html

I'm not an Indiana resident. Is my CCW/LTCH (resident or non-resident) permit valid in Indiana?
Indiana recognizes licenses from any state or foreign country as long as the holder is not an Indiana resident. Indiana residents must have an Indiana LTCH.
http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_...te_permit.html

How do I transport a gun across Illinois?
The Federal Peaceable Journey Statute allows you to transport a handgun through intervening states provided you may legally do so at both the start and end of your journey. For example, you can legally pass through Illinois on your way to Iowa provided you are legal in both Indiana and Iowa. Anywhere you actually stop (gas, food, etc.) may be considered your "destination". That said, Illinois is extremely hostile to gun owners and you may not be able to assert your rights under the statute until after you've been arrested and charged. Avoid Chicago entirely. Here is the relevant statute:

Code of Federal Regulations

Title 18 > Part I > Chapter 44 > § 926a
§ 926A. Interstate transportation of firearms
Release date: 20050803
Notwithstanding any other provision of any law or any rule or regulation of a State or any
political subdivision thereof, any person who is not otherwise prohibited by this chapter from
transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm shall be entitled to transport a firearm for any
lawful purpose from any place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any
other place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm if, during such transportation
the firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported is readily
accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle:
Provided, That in the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver’s
compartment the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked container other than the
glove compartment or console.

As always, laws are subject to change, so please seek competent legal advice before your journey.

http://ingunowners.com/forums/genera...hat_is_il.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_..._illinois.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_...s_weekend.html


Concealed or open carry?
Yes. The Indiana LTCH does not specify whether a gun must be carried openly or concealed, therefore either manner is acceptable and is entirely your personal preference. There are many schools of thought on this, but either way is legal. There are certain areas west of Indianapolis where officials will tell you it is illegal to carry openly, but that is absolutely not true.

http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_...n_hammond.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_...pen_carry.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_...pen_carry.html

How do I register my handgun or long gun?
Indiana does not have gun registration of any kind. You are not required to register either your handgun or your long gun with any agency.

[Pami]

ABOUT GUNS:

Where do I register my guns?
You don't. There is no Indiana state or federal law that requires you to register any of your guns, with the exception of NFA items. If you can legally carry a firearm, chances are pretty good you can legally own a firearm. When you purchase a handgun from an FFL holder (several private citizens as well as every gun shop), you will have to fill out a form and pass a NICS check, which essentially checks to make sure you have no felonies or history of mental illness. If you purchase your firearm from a private individual without an FFL, this is considered a FTF (face-to-face) transaction, and legally requires no paperwork, although many insist it is prudent to give and/or receive a bill of sale (BoS) when doing this sort of transaction. Please note: if you intend to carry your newly purchased, completely unregistered handgun, even just to the range to practice with it, you are required to have a License to Carry a Handgun (LTCH). As always, IANAL. YMMV.

Which is better? Glock, SIG or HK? (All other manufacturers need not apply.)
SIG. But I'm biased. Actually, if you go based on popularity of carry, it's Glock of the 19 variety. /sigh
http://ingunowners.com/forums/handgu...ck_vs_sig.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/handgu...e_handgun.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/handgu...y_and_how.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/handgu...ns_please.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/handgu...f_defense.html

What is an NFA item?
Anything that is covered by the National Firearms Act of 1934, such as machine guns, suppressors (aka "silencers"), short-barreled rifles, etc.
http://ingunowners.com/forums/class_...nfa_faq_s.html


So about this Assault Weapon Ban...
Bringing up the AWB of 1994 is a bit of a hot topic around here, especially in light of the current political climate. You'll find dozens of posts where the AWB was brought up and ranted about for pages and pages and pages. Just to give you a taste, here's a thread where a new member brought it up just to "light a fire" so he could make an informed decision in voting for the presidential race.
http://ingunowners.com/forums/politi...be_banned.html


What is the best ammo to carry?
The kind that fits in your gun without blowing up your gun.
On calibers specifically: http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_..._-_suarez.html


Can I sell/purchase a gun out of state?
Handguns through an FFL only. Long guns may or may not be legal, depending on who you ask. USC18 Section 922 suggests even long guns must go through an FFL.
http://ingunowners.com/forums/genera...ate_lines.html


Can I buy a handgun without having a valid LTCH?
Yes.
http://ingunowners.com/forums/genera..._permit-3.html


Where is a good gun shop?
Plainfield Shooting Supply or Bradis or Wyatt's or His & Hers Target Sports or Beech Grove Firearms.
Not Don's Guns.
http://ingunowners.com/forums/local_...et_sports.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/local_...ing_goods.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/local_..._supplies.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/local_...adis_guns.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/local_..._-_thanks.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/local_..._firearms.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/local_...fight_but.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/genera...gues_what.html
List of Indiana Gun Shops
Spreadsheet of Indiana Gun Shops
TomTom POI file of Indiana Gun Shops and Ranges


Where is a range close to me?
Atterbury, Wilbur Wright, Pop's Guns, Riley Conservation Club, MCFG, HCFG, Martinsville, or Eagle Creek.
TomTom POI file of Indiana Gun Shops and Ranges

Oh, NO! Some scumbag stole my gun! Can INGO help get it back?
Well, you obviously need to report the theft to your local law enforcement agency, but we have a way to alert your fellow INGO members of the theft so that they can be on the lookout for it. PM a moderator with all of the information and it will be posted to the Official Firearm Theft Report Thread.
http://ingunowners.com/forums/genera...to_report.html

[Pami]

ABOUT WOMEN AND GUNS:

My [wife/sister/daughter/girlfriend/mom] [is afraid of/hates/won't talk about] guns. What do I do?
Don't expect a reasonable or quick turn to a firearms fanatic. It takes time, often in the category of "years," definitely not overnight. Ask her why she's afraid of guns. Show her yours if she's willing. Talk about why it's important to learn to defend yourself. This is really a very long discussion, but essentially, go slow, keep talking, don't push.
http://ingunowners.com/forums/women_...d_of_guns.html

My [female] [needs/wants] her own gun. What should I get her?
Ask her. It needs to be her decision, not yours and not the shopkeeper's. Help her make an informed decision, but it needs to be her decision in the end. And remember: a .22 in the pocket is better than a .45 in the safe.
http://ingunowners.com/forums/women_...your_life.html

Is it possible to truly understand women?
No. Just accept that fact and move on. But, in case you are persistent, here are a few diagrams to nudge you in the right direction: http://ingunowners.com/forums/break_...tml#post647601

[Pami]

ABOUT SHOOTING WITH OTHER PEOPLE:

How do I get involved in USPSA?
Quick answer... PM rhino or obijohn.
http://ingunowners.com/forums/shooti...gue_-_act.html

United States Practical Shooting Association
indygunracers.com - home


How do I get involved in IDPA?
Quick answer... PM rhino or obijohn.

International Defensive Pistol Association
indygunracers.com - home


How do I get involved in an Appleseed shoot?
Quick answer.. PM techres or hawkhavn.
http://ingunowners.com/forums/politi...heir_code.html
The Appleseed Project
Appleseed - INGunOwners

What other shooting sports are there?
Check out the Shooting Sports section of the forum to learn more about shooting steel (MCFG has Friday Night Steel matches pretty regularly), skeet, trap, and bowling pin shoots!

[Pami]

RANDOM INGO-ISMS:

Why do I have to have 50 "quality" posts to be able to send a PM to a member or to post in the Classifieds section of the forum? What is a "quality" post anyway?
This is really two separate questions, but they frequently get asked together, so it's a little easier to answer them together.

For the first question: the short answer is "to reduce spam." We created this forum to be a community of firearms enthusiasts in the state of Indiana. It is first and foremost a place where like-minded people can get together and chat about a topic that is relevant to them and that they are passionate about - firearms (of all types). We added the Classifieds section as a perk to our contributing members so that individuals could buy, sell or trade items (not necessarily firearms related) within the Indiana firearms community.

We do not intend for the Classifieds section to become another "Craigslist" or "eBay" for guns. We require 50 "quality" posts because many of our members do not like to do business, especially in regards to firearms, with people they do not know. Posting in other places in the forums can give members an idea of what kind of person you are (in general). You do not have to necessarily post about firearms. You can spend all of your time posting on the silly threads in the Break Room. The idea is to show us a little bit of your personality. You don't have to give us your life history. A small blood sample will suffice.

As far as "quality" of your posts goes, we just want to see something more than a "one-liner" in response to a thread. In some contexts, a "one-liner" is appropriate. For example, if the topic is "What do you carry?" a response of "G19, 3:00" is entirely acceptable. However, 50 "Welcome!" posts in the Intro & Greetings forum may not be construed that way when you yourself are brand new to the forum and then you subsequently head straight to the Classifieds section. In other words, we would like to see a post that actually contributes to the thread and not something that just takes up space.

To help put it in perspective, this was from one of the moderators as we were discussing this particular topic one day:

For a new member, it's intimidating. You don't know the social rules yet, and so maybe you sort of "dip your toe in" a little bit as you try to become part of the group. This is why I try to let their posts go past ten so I can see where they go from there. If it's obvious what they're doing, on the other hand, then all bets are off.

Just remember, we are a community that borders on family. Jump in and have fun, and show us who you are before you try to sell us that hot new gun collection you have!

On a lighter note, read this thread and watch the videos in the OP! http://ingunowners.com/forums/break_...ed_before.html

What ARE the Classified Rules, anyway?
I'm glad you asked! You can read all about posting in our classified sections right here:
http://ingunowners.com/forums/firear...e_posting.html

Do I need to post pictures in my Classified ad?
No, it's not required. However, it's good business to do so and the other members will invariably ask you for pictures anyway so you might as well. Try to post pictures of the actual item and not a picture grabbed from the manufacturer's website with a caption that says "but it looks just like this!".

I can't figure out how to post pictures!
That's not a question, but I'll try to help anyway. The picture uploading feature on INGO is currently disabled to save bandwidth. You must host pictures offsite for the time being. Please see this thread for a handy tutorial on using a couple different free picture hosting sites:
http://ingunowners.com/forums/break_..._tutorial.html

What happened to my post? Why was it deleted/edited/moved? Don't you believe in the First Amendment as much as the Second?
This question comes up from time to time. The short answer is that of course we support the First Amendment, but the First Amendment doesn't apply here. Think of it this way: You got invited to a party at someone's house. If you are disruptive or obnoxious, you may be asked to settle down or leave the party. INGO is owned and operated on Fenway's dime and is presented to you 100% free of charge. He has asked that certain topics not be discussed here and that a certain level of civility is maintained. He has charged the moderators with maintaining those rules. In a sense, this is Fenway's house and Fenway's party. This does not mean that you have to agree with everything everyone else says. You just have to follow the rules. Be polite. Don't be disruptive. Don't bring up banned subjects (especially this, as it's hard to run a website when your server has been subpoena'ed).

Eric (Glocktalk's maintainer) put it succinctly in a post on GT not too long ago. It applies to message boards in general:

It is an enormously complicated balancing act to keep such a large melting pot of personalities and cultures and ideologies and religions as we have represented in the members here coexisting in anything close to harmony. In order for any society to work, individuals are going to have to conform to a minimum set of standards that the whole society can live with, in order for that society to endure. Anarchy as a societal model does not work. Ask any of the message board communities that have sprung up and were dedicated to having zero rules, many of which were created by people who were pi**ed off at how I run this site. Only, you can't ask any of them, because none of them are still around.

As long as you behave and follow the rules, we'll all be happy. The moderator's job is to ensure that the rules are followed to maintain the integrity of the site. Occasionally that means we need to delete or edit posts. If you can't deal with that, then you shouldn't be on INGO. Asking about the policies is perfectly fine, but if you're just going to complain about it, then please keep it to yourself. We've heard all the complaints and insults (Nazi mods!) before and we don't want to keep hearing them. They haven't changed the board policy yet, they won't in the future, and it'll just lead to you getting banned for being disruptive.

Here is a post from Fenway that might help shed some light on his philosophy and vision for INGO and what he's trying to accomplish:
http://ingunowners.com/forums/site_n...epic_post.html


I can't figure out how to post/edit my settings/PM people/etc.
Check out the Forum Rules/Forum Tips FAQ.
http://ingunowners.com/forums/introd...e_posting.html


What the heck is up with this "bacon" thing?
It's Scutter01's fault.
http://ingunowners.com/forums/break_..._the_gods.html

How do I become a Site Supporter?
http://ingunowners.com/forums/site_n..._are_here.html

Who is in charge of this place anyway?
Fenway.

Who are the Moderators?
Pami, Scutter01, esrice, VUPDblue, Spasmo, techres, shooter521, and Bill of Rights.

Does INGO ever have any meet-and-greet type events?
Just a few. In no particular order whatsoever (more like, in the order we thought of them...), here are some of our 2008 and 2009 events:


INGO NFA Day 2008 -- BEST EVENT EVAR!
INGO NFA Day Alumni Shoot 2009 -- WATERMELONS!!!
INGO NFA Day 2009

INGO Class with Shay VanVlymen -- Basic Pistol Class at Eagle Creek Pistol Range

INGO Mosin Nagant group shoot - Mosin Shoot at Hamilton County Fish & Game

AR15 Build Party - A couple of our resident NFA experts got together with some AR newbies and helped them build out some ARs.

Open Carry Breakfast in Terre Haute

Big Ugly Challenge at Bub's in Carmel plus photos

Basic Class by Matt Pierce - May 10

IDPA Match at Hamilton County Fish & Game - A match where some of our members met the nice folks at HCFG

2009 INGO Family Picnic at ECPR

There are numerous others... just keep your eyes open for them!


So when is the next INGO Get Together?
The last big get together just happened on September 26 and 27, 2009. See the list above to see what you missed! There are a few meet-and-greet breakfasts and dinners coming up soon, as well as the INGO Halloween Shoot. Keep your eyes peeled for random shoots hosted by Moderators, Site Supporters, and other members! You never know when someone might be looking for a range buddy or six.

Will INGO have a table at the next 1500?
Yes. Come with cash -- Fenway will have hats and patches and various other INGO swag for sale!

Where can I get one of those super cool INGO hats?
PM Fenway!

What does [insert favorite acronym here] mean?
http://ingunowners.com/forums/break_..._acronyms.html
Some popular ones:
FTF = Face to Face, or Failure to Feed/Fire, depending on the subject
INGO = Indiana Gun Owners website
IANAL = I am not a lawyer
SHTF = Stuff Hits the Fan (hey, it's a PG13 site, ok?)
WTS/WTB/WTT = Want to Sell/Buy/Trade
NIB = New in Box
LNIB = Like NIB

When a group of INGOers gets together, what am I supposed to call it?
The preferred nomenclature is "A baconing of INGOers". Also, please note for the official record that Pami is neither "old" nor "a fart".
http://ingunowners.com/forums/forum_...tml#post518531


INGO needs a live chat!
No matter how many times you request it, the answer will always be NO.

[Pami]

GETTING TRAINING

Training is important as it is a key element of responsible gun ownership. Train early and often, especially if you choose to carry your firearm as a self-defense weapon. Learning how you react to stressful situations should not learned as "on the job" training. Learn how you will react BEFORE you need to react.

Why should I get formal training?
It's great that you have decades of experience with your firearms. It's awesome that your Marine-trained dad taught you everything you know. But, have you ever had to USE that informal training in a real life scenario? Do you KNOW without a doubt how you will react in a real life situation?

During some down-time in a personal training session I had recently, my trainer related a few stories to me about some force-on-force classes he had taught in the past.

One gentleman he trained found out that he stops listening when put into a stressful situation. His focus was so completely on what was going on in front of him that he stopped listening to what was going on behind him. Even if an instructor was standing right beside his ear, this student didn't hear the instructor. This is bad because (as an example) if police do come on to the scene and shout for you to drop your gun, you need to drop your gun. This gentleman learned that because his ability to hear evaporated during stress, he needed to work on extending his other senses like being more aware of his peripheral vision to acknowledge the lights of police vehicles or noticing additional BGs coming up behind him.

Do you really KNOW how you will react when under stress? As many of your actions as possible need to be trained and practiced so they become second nature. If your gun fails, you need to automatically tap-rack-bang. If the bang part doesn't happen, drop the mag and put a new one in without thinking about it. Get back in the fight. Move while you're clearing your malfunction. Quality training will provide you with instructors who generally have spent years learning about and teaching the most effective techniques to keep you in the fight if you can't defuse the situation. Being in an actual fight is not the best time to find out what your weaknesses are. Get training frequently and practice often.

I've taken trainings where the class members ranged from complete newbies (usually me) to people who have been shooting for years but have had no formal training to people who have had over 600 hours of formal instruction. Every single time, every single person has taken at least one thing away from the class and found it worth every penny he (or she) paid for the class. Even if you take away what not to do in a situation, you learned something.

Where do I get training?
Check out the Tactics & Training forum. There are a lot of options as far as training goes: some are good and others are not so good. If you are completely new to guns, or even new to just handguns or just long guns, it is strongly recommended that you at least check out a NRA Basic class. From there you can move on to use-specific types of training, such as defensive pistol training by Tactical Response, TDI, Gunsite, etc. Some schools offer trainings on shooting sports in addition to their defensive courses, like our own ACT. For someone new to shooting long guns, the Appleseed program is an excellent source of training as well. There are a lot of options for just about everything; take advantage of as many opportunities as you can! A single well-placed round is a lot more effective than a magazine of rounds that miss.

A couple of links to some training companies we've discussed in threads on this forum (in no particular order)

Mindset Laboratory
Indy Gun Safety
Adaptive Consulting & Training
Dignitary Protection Group, LLC (DPG) - Home
Tactical Response
MODERN COMBATIVE SYSTEMS - Self Defense Training for Civilians, Military and Law Enforcement Agencies - Open Hand, Stick, Knife and Pistol
MDFI - Home
Gunsite- NRA firearms training pistol carbine rifle
Tactical Defense Institute
Defense Training International, Inc.
E.A.G. Tactical
Front Sight Firearms Training Institute
Suarez International USA, Inc.
Realistic and Practical Firearms Training

Just remember when looking for a company to train with that what you take away from the class depends most on the open mind you take to it. Even the same course offered by the same instructor at the same range by the same company may give you something different just based on how receptive you were to the material and/or how your classmates received the material. Not all classmates are the same; not all instructors are the same; not all courses are the same; and not every company is the same!


Should training be required to own a firearm?
There are a lot of opinions on this. Some die-hard gun enthusiasts will say that some form of training should be required in order to receive a license to carry or to purchase a firearm. Others who are training junkies themselves will say that requiring training is just a crutch: those who understand the importance of training would seek it out anyway, and those who take the training solely because it's required won't get anything out of the required training anyway. That is something that you will have to decide for yourself, but here is a couple of threads where we have discussed it before:

http://ingunowners.com/forums/tactic..._training.html
http://ingunowners.com/forums/carry_...d_testing.html

[Pami]

The INGO FAQ

Why doesn't INGO have a FAQ with questions that seem to be asked often around here?
Amazingly enough, INGO does actually have a FAQ. It was officially stickied in January 2009, and is periodically updated by the Moderators of this forum. As soon as we can remember where we put it, we'll post a link.

Where can I find a link to the INGO FAQ?
Most Moderators actually have a link to the FAQ in their signatures. Just find a post by a Moderator and click the link!

I couldn't find the answer to a commonly asked question in the FAQ. Can I submit a request for it to be added?
Of course you can! Just go to this thread (CLICK HERE) and submit your request. Actually posting an answer and relevant links to threads about your question will get the question/answer added a lot faster!

Are you still reading?
A little bonus if you not only managed to find and read the FAQ, but are actually still reading at the end:

O freddled gruntbuggly, thy micturations are to me
As plurdled gabbleblochits on a lurgid bee.
Groop, I implore thee, my foonting turlingdromes.
And hooptiously drangle me with crinkly bindlewurdles,
Or I will rend thee in the gobberwarts with my blurlecruncheon, see if I don’t!

Now we're going to throw you out the airlock. Oh, and by the way, the first person who PM's Scutter01 the poem will get a free INGO bacon morale patch.

ETA: The morale patch has been claimed. Guess you should have read the FAQ sooner... Keep your eyes peeled. You never know if there's another secret contest going on. Maybe RIGHT NOW!

[Scutter01]

Are there any gun shows in my area this weekend?
Here's a website that keeps track of some shows. We can't track them all for you, so you're on your own. Keep an eye in the threads, though. People usually talk about the good ones a week before they come up.
Indiana Gun Shows

When is the next Indy 1500?
Welcome to the Indy 1500 Gun & Knife Show

How much does it cost to get in?
Parking is usually $5 and admission is $10. If you sign up for their mailing list, you'll get a postcard in the mail a week before the next show for a dollar off admission.
Welcome to the Indy 1500 Gun & Knife Show

Which building is it in?
The 1500 generally alternates between the South Pavilion and the West Pavilion. Check their website for more info. Frankly, it's not hard to figure it out once you get down there.

Will INGO have a table there?
Maybe. Definitely possibly. Watch for an announcement from Fenway a week before the show. We don't usually have a table at the regional shows, but the 1500 is much more likely.

Will there be any cool INGO swag?
Maybe. Definitely possibly. Fenway usually tries to have some nifties for sale, but they won't always be announced ahead of time. Also, don't expect the same things as the previous show. If you missed out on that cool t-shirt or patch at the last show, you might not have another chance. Get it while you can.

Can I carry my self-defense gun into a gun show?
Virtually all gun shows require you to unload all guns PRIOR to entering the show. Unload outside and then present your guns to the people manning the tables inside. They will zip-tie them for you. be sure you do not present them noisy-end first as people don't generally like having a gun pointed at them, unloaded or otherwise! Note that "unloaded" is usually taken to mean that the magazine is empty of rounds, too.

At the Indy 1500, the zip tie will be a different color from the vendor zip ties. They serve as a sort of receipt to show that the gun is yours upon exiting the facility.

Can I carry any other gun into a gun show?
Yes. Many people bring their guns to the shows to sell or trade. See the part above regarding zip-tying.

How do I go about selling or trading my gun at a gun show?
Again, making sure to get your gun zip-tied is a requirement. Many people like to make a sign and either pin it to their back, or tape it to a dowel to insert in the barrel (in the case of a long gun).

Indiana Statute requires that the person you sell a handgun to in a face-to-face transaction must be 18 years old and an Indiana resident. Furthermore, you may not sell a gun to a person prohibited from owning one. Since you have no way of performing a background check, you may prefer to have an FFL broker the trade for you and perform a NICS check. Otherwise, many people ask to see a driver's license to verify residency and age, and an LTCH to make at least a token effort to verify if the buyer is a "proper person". If the buyer resides in another state, the sale must go through an FFL. The FFL will have full details about the requirements and procedures. You should also plan to write out a receipt for the sale. Have two copies, one for you and one for the buyer. He may need it to get out of the building with his new purchase, and you may need it for your records.

In general, face-to-face sales can happen inside or outside the show. Most gun shows have a sign asking you not to sell in front of the door as it usually blocks traffic.

Will there be food at the show?
I've never been to a gun show yet that didn't serve food of some kind. In general, the food is concession-stand prices. Be prepared to pay for it.

What's the best way to make a good deal?
Cash is king! Dealers who see you walk up with cash in hand (not credit cards) will be far more likely to cut you a deal. Remember, if you don't buy it, they have to haul it back to their shop on Sunday. Don't be afraid to haggle, but don't be a jerk about it either. Some dealers don't bargain.

Take along a small notebook. Note the price and location when you find an item you're interested in. Ask if the price is good all day or if it goes up when you walk away from the table. If you decide to continue to shop, you'll be able to find your way back to the table later on.

(Psst! Some dealers are INGO advertising supporters and will cut you a special INGO deal if you ask them about it...)

I don't have my LTCH yet. If I buy a gun at the show, can I take it home?
Per IC 35-47-2-2, one of the exceptions to licensed carry is that you are allowed to bring a handgun home from the place of purchase provided it is unloaded and in a "secure wrapper". The IC doesn't specify what a "Secure wrapper" is, but it's generally thought to mean a locked hard-shelled case such as a lock box or the plastic case most handguns ship in.

Note that you are not authorized to make side-trips on the way home. Not evern to stop for a coke at McDonald's. See the previous sections of this FAQ for more information.

Of course, long guns don't require a license at all, so you're good to go either way for that.