I dodged a really big bullet

[ml1209]

I was driving from TX to AZ, and passed through NM. There was a Border Patrol checking station on the highway and all the vehicles had to go through it.

Well, I thought they just waved the vehicles through so I didn't really stop. Mistake.

A Border Patrol agent called out to me, and eyed me suspiciously. "Why didn't you stop? Didn't you see the stop sign?"

Honestly, I didn't as the vehicle in front of me was a big truck that blocked my view. That's what I told him.

He then started to ask me a bunch of questions about where I came from, where I was going, was this my personal car, etc. Then, he shined a light into my backseat and looks to see what I had in there.

Finally, he waved me through. What he didn't find, was a Mossberg 590 shotgun, and a duffle bag filled with about ten handguns that I brought on the trip for range shooting when I got to AZ.

That would've been a little hard to explain.

 

[knayewesttx]

lucky!!

 

[ambidextrous1]

The border patrol agents are usually pretty cool; they have limited interest in activities that aren't related to enforcement of border security.

I pass through that check point several times a year. If I'm wearing sunglasses, I remove them before I get close, roll down the driver's window, and slow down. I have always been waved through before I come to a stop.

Maybe it's because I have red hair and blue eyes - but the BP agents don't have much interest in me...

 

[navyguy]

Is it against the law in NM to transport guns in your vehical?

 

[DrBart2]

I went through a check point once when coming from a motorcycle rally down in South Padre. They were really checking everyone out, looking closely at everyone and looking into their vehicles. I was ready to quickly dig out my DL and CHL, curious as to what they would say or do (it was a boring ride!). After they thoroughly checked out the car in front of me I pulled up, but before I could stop they just waved me on! I didn't even get to stop!
I was looking forward to the conversation. I guess I just didn't fit what they were looking for, either that or they were tired of talking to all the bikers coming from the rally. Bikers have a tendency to be a talkative bunch! The poor Border Patrol officers were probably tired of checking all the bikes comeing through! I guess I don't look like a typical border runner.

[url]http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h25/Chaos_l2eaper/MCtrip-Kerville034.jpg[/URL]

ml1209, I bet you would have been spending a little time with the Border Patrol if they had found those guns! If everything was legitimate all you would have lost was some time.

 

[DrBart2]

Is it against the law in NM to transport guns in your vehical?

No, I transport all the time up to NRA Whittington Center near Raton.

 

[Shorts]

Is it against the law in NM to transport guns in your vehical?

+1

According to the googling of NM gun laws, there is no conflict or confrontation.

The posting of this thread helps perpetuate the stereotype and attitude that firearms are wrong/illegal/something that should be hidden

 

[JKTex]

+1

According to the googling of NM gun laws, there is no conflict or confrontation.

The posting of this thread helps perpetuate the stereotype and attitude that firearms are wrong/illegal/something that should be hidden

+1

And that crashing a border patrol check point is cool. Ok, I'm just kidding about that last part.

But, I'm curious what "big bullet" was dodged? Not stopping was an honest mistake that got you questioned and looked at a little closer which is understandable. I don't see the big bullet.

I'm sure it was a little nerve racking though.

 

[JKTex]

Wait, as my brain digests this, I became perplexed.

Border Patrol with check points within the state, and between states? Isn't there enough to do "on" the border? And if enough was done "on" the border there would be a need to try to chase anyone within the state or states?

Just brain food....

 

[Shorts]

Wait, as my brain digests this, I became perplexed.

Border Patrol with check points within the state, and between states? Isn't there enough to do "on" the border? And if enough was done "on" the border there would be a need to try to chase anyone within the state or states?

Just brain food....

Yeah, they do them a lot in AZ. My husband got into a big argument with his mom (Tuscon resident) when he said he'd refuse consent to search...especially with his Hispanic wife in the vehicle


"Go Tim! Run it!"


Uh oh, did I just put myself on a terror watch list?? If it wasn't going to church, buying firearms, marrying a Navy man, or being a registered Repulican, I think I'm totally screwed atriot:

 

[40Arpent]

I don't see the big bullet.

Lighten up, why don't ya? I am sure that with all the hooplah over smuggling guns into Mexico, and his perceived reluctance to stop, the agent would probably have grilled him pretty good. Yeah, no harm, no foul, but one man's "a little nerve racking" is another man's "big bullet."

 

[baboon]

Many years back while out in Del Rio we went thru a B.P stop. Truck bed was littered with beer cans, locked & loaded .45 on the dash & my H&K 91 sitting between me & my buddy. They didn't blink an eye.

 

[brickboy240]

When I travel down to a buddy's house in Laredo, I always drive my old 91 Volvo sedan. The trunk is usually full of guns and ammo because we shoot alot down there.

Why that old car and not my Tundra? Well...because the Border Patrol does not even look twice at a 40 year old blue eyed anglo, driving an old Volvo...thats why!

I mean...seriously...unless I am firing my Ak out the window at them...I doubt they'd ever stop me.

LOL

- brickboy240

 

[M. Sage]

Yeah, they do them a lot in AZ. My husband got into a big argument with his mom (Tuscon resident) when he said he'd refuse consent to search...especially with his Hispanic wife in the vehicle

Good on him. As a rule, it's also not a bad idea to refuse to answer questions, too, though that annoys the crap out of them and then they start threatening you with "you know I can arrest you for not answering" and BS like that.

 

[45tex]

I made the run from Houston to LA 3 times last year. If you are on I-10 the Border Patrol is all over the place. They have always treated me with respect and I always thank them for their service. I think its a tough sucky job that is way too political. That's hard on the guy actually doing the job. That said you are OK until you reach the peoples republik de Kalifornia. The Border Patrol is still OK but the jack booted thugs in the CHP will if they are there, take a non Kalifornia Apple out of a kids hand. When I was a kid my Dad would stop and we would hide all the food and fruit snacks. I sincerely pray that I never have to set foot in that State again.
New Mexico and Arizona are great.

 

[Reacher]

I worked in El Paso for about 9 months and it didn't really matter if you were taking I-10 east or west, or if you were on 25 north. There is a checkpoint on every highway out of El Paso. They have never messed with me. I suppose I don't look very Latin.

 

[M. Sage]

The Border Patrol is still OK but the jack booted thugs in the CHP will if they are there, take a non Kalifornia Apple out of a kids hand.

That's not CHP, that's the agricultural inspection checkpoints on major freeways crossing the CA border. Why must I stop at Agriculture Inspection stations when I enter California?

 

[JKTex]

I worked in El Paso for about 9 months and it didn't really matter if you were taking I-10 east or west, or if you were on 25 north. There is a checkpoint on every highway out of El Paso. They have never messed with me. I suppose I don't look very Latin.

I used to travel to Silver City NM and when we didn't fly direct into the barn in Silver City, we'd fly in to El Paso and drive from there. I never once ever saw anything but El Paso Police and that was only to pull us over for speeding. Luckily a co-worker, a female from Boston, was driving so she only got a warning.

I guess the more current political climate has driven more visible actions like that.

 

[ambidextrous1]

I guess the more current political climate has driven more visible actions like that.

What does that mean?

 

[TxPhantom]

Wait, as my brain digests this, I became perplexed.

Border Patrol with check points within the state, and between states? Isn't there enough to do "on" the border? And if enough was done "on" the border there would be a need to try to chase anyone within the state or states?

Just brain food....

Yeah......I thought the same thing!!