RHC: Yes, I remember seeing on the news that local police in New Orleans were disarming citizens they found carrying firearms. I also remember reading stories of people almost randomly being shot along the highways while they were stuck in traffic, after being robbed. Chaotic scenarios like Katrina bring out the best and worst in people, and I think the cops probably honestly thought they were assisting the situation taking firearms that were being openly displayed, out of circulation. It was a bad time for all, and it's easy to find fault after the fact.
Personally, as a Canadian, I find it difficult to envisage a need to ever carry a concealed firearm. I know of no place in Canada - even the worst parts of Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver, where this would ever be necessary. One of the local Sherrifs I shoot with in Florida is always asking me why I don't apply for a CCW permit. I would never use a firearm under any circumstances against another person, so I don't see the need to ever have such a permit. He did say correctly though, that in travelling to Florida, if I am stopped by local cops along the way who don't happen to agree with the Safe Passage law in the US, a concealed weapon permit - even from out of state - would guarantee I could go on my way unimpeded (rather than having to spend the weekend in jail before the local judge throws the case out of court)
He may have a point there !! I guess I should have done so before since as of June of this year, Florida CCW's are no longer available to anyone from out of state.....
Traveling within Canada with firearms (especially restricted handguns) is SO difficult that permits are needed for every kind of movement, and this makes it pretty easy to know what permits are required. Requirements are clearly laid out in the law (other than in Quebec where they may or may not follow the Federal law...surprise, surprise !! ). Traveling within the US with firearms is so varied from state to state that it's almost impossible to guarantee yourself that you are always doing so legally. There are books available on the subject, it is so varied and complex !!!!
For example, even locked according to stringent Canadian standards on transportation of restricted weapons (trigger lock, barrel lock, two case locks, case locked to frame of the car, and concealed from view in the trunk), I still cannot travel through Chicago, New York City or Washington, DC. The only time I've ever been hassled is by one US Border Agent in New York who didn't know the law and refused to let me pass through because I wasn't law enforcement. One hour later with the assistance of the ATF in Virginia, they did let me through (with no apologies of course for holding me up needlessly, or because they obviously didn't know the law). Canadian Border Agents are always astounded when I cross with handguns; however, I usually bamboozle them with a huge binder full of permits, and after a cursory glance at them, they let me through....:)) They often use students at border crossing points during the summer months however, and since they don't know poop from paint about the gun laws, this always requires me to insist they send out their supervisor to clear the matter (Canadian society is absolutely paranoid about guns being smuggled in from the US.....)
It makes for some interesting times.....:))))