Mexican carry - what pistols are safe for this CCW method?

vern

get a safepacker, sew on a first-aid patch on it and stuff a couple band-aids and tylenol in the pockets in it and leave it in your general luggage. then you will have something reasonably usable with you, and not have to explain a holster to la migra

the uncle of my neighbors best friend told me this works lol
 
rgv said:
Get a safepacker, sew on a first-aid patch on it and stuff a couple band-aids and tylenol in the pockets in it and leave it in your general luggage. then you will have something reasonably usable with you, and not have to explain a holster to la migra

the uncle of my neighbors best friend told me this works lol
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Thanks man. Iam working in a very safe country these days. Inshallah!

I had a look at the Safepacker. Excellent piece of kit! I could also use one in Canada for ATC with my 4" .357 magnum.
 
Funny story about this thread. My first time in a muslim country, I got sent out of the house to get some beer or groceries or something, late at night. No street lights, and pitch FN black outside... All the guys I was working with were crotchety old vets, and they said not to bother holstering up and putting a vest on, just wear a jacket and tuck it in the back of your pants. So Im halfway to the shop, and crazy loud prayers start pumping out of the minuarets of the Mosques all over town, and Im freaking out. No idea whats going on. So Im running, and my auto falls down the back of my pants. I get to the shop, sweaty and pale, and I look like I #### a load in my jeans. Lucky I didnt shoot my own ass off.

I wouldn't carry in my waistband. It is a bad idea. seriously.
 
MacDeth said:
Oops, my bad! You know how these forums can be. By your response, I had you pegged as a pre-pubescent eighteen-year-old fresh off an online Farcry 2 grudge-match... :redface:
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no really, i was way out of line.

go back to sipping your soy-latte with extra ### and i'll leave you to it.

by the way, your more than welcome to learn to shoot with us this summer at our Fighting Pistol and Advanced Fighting Pistol classes. to learn more go here:

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=293142

happy shooting!
 
Artiz said:
Only actors, in movies, do that.
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667 said:
Mexicans don't even mexican carry...
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actually they do. I probably wouldn;t have believed it if i hadn;t seen it, but it is not uncommon in the interior for local sherrif/constabulary types to carry like this.

For that matter, i wouldn;t have believed that pearl handled chromed 1911's really existed either, but they were also not uncommon among those same types.

we used to laugh like hell when we saw guys with the imprints on their jeans. like a skoal can imprint, only 1911 shaped.

geoligist, the safepacker is great for carrying when you want ot keep a low profile, and like I said, is ideal for having along in your field gear when you end up borrowing a pistol. I've got a couple laying around if you want to play with one. the gov't size fits a 4" k-frame perfectly along with a couple speed strips
 
geologist said:
It's pretty easy to get a carry permit in CR as long as you have a cedula (national ID card), CR can be rough, especially at night.
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I don't think CR is all that rough. Are you intentionaly looking to cause trouble 'especially at night'?
 
When I was in Costa Rica, I was told they prohibited firearms, also even the police don't carry, but I'm sure they would love to arm the tourists ???
 
john@ said:
I don't think CR is all that rough. Are you intentionaly looking to cause trouble 'especially at night'?
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I guess it depend's on ones definition of "rough".

My Canadian buddy's fiance was shot in San Jose while they were there on their honeymoon. She survived.

The CR geologist I worked with has lived in CR his whole life. He was applying for a carry permit in 2007 and said that expats could get them as long as they had a CR cedula (ID card). If a professional man who has lived in CR his whole life feels the need to carry, I consider the country (San Jose especially) "rough". Maybe you're tougher and smarter than my Costa Rican geologist buddy.

I don't go to other countries as a tourist looking for trouble. I go there because it is my job. I go for 5 - 7 weeks at a time so I get to see the countries that I work in through different eyes than a tourist who is there for 12 days.

I have worked in 22 different countries and in most of them do not feel the need to carry. I am currently working in Colombia, find it safe and do not feel the need for a carry permit here.

You should read up on the countries that you visit. Here's a write up dated April 2008.

Source: https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=81286


Costa Rica 2008 Crime & Safety Report
Crime & Safety
Americas - Costa Rica
8 Apr 2008


Overall Crime and Safety

All travelers and American citizens residing in Costa Rica should consult the Department of State’s website, http://travel.state.gov for current information about the security situation in Costa Rica. The Department of State currently considers the crime rate in Costa Rica to be high. The Embassy routinely deals with U.S. citizens who are victims of criminal activities. Criminals frequently prey on tourists through street scams, automated teller machine thefts, robbery of their effects while transiting from the airport to their lodging, and increasingly, credit card theft, to include number skimming. Rental vehicles are targets for thieves. The Embassy in San Jose receives more reports of passport theft than any other U.S. Embassy in the world. The majority of cases involve the theft of bags from rental vehicles.

There are numerous crimes associated with rental vehicles. The most common is to puncture a tire on the victim’s rental car, and follow the car until the driver pulls to the side of the road. At this point the criminals, posing as “good Samaritans” approach the vehicle to replace the tire and in the process steal the personal effects of the tourist. Tourists who rent vehicles have been victims of carjacking, thefts, and assault. All criminals should be considered armed with firearms or knives. The criminals, if challenged or threatened, will quickly use their weapons. Credit card fraud or ‘numbers skimming’ is common. ‘Numbers skimming’ is the theft of the information contained in the magnetic strip on the backside of the credit card. The theft of the information occurs when a criminal swipes the card through a machine that stores all the information. With this information the criminal can charge items to the unsuspecting victim’s credit card. Only when the monthly invoice arrives does the victim realize that they have been swindled. Travelers should carefully monitor their credit cars, and frequently check their credit card accounts. Travelers should avoid using debit cards for point-of- sale purchases.


In 2006, Costa Rica experienced a rash of travelers (approximately two dozen reported incidents over a three-month period) being targeted for robbery at gunpoint while driving from Juan Santa Maria Airport after 10:30 PM. During these robberies, a vehicle full of arm d men would approach a moving car and force the vehicle to pull over and the travelers would then be robbed. In most cases, the victims were not injured during the robbery. Police were able to target the ring and these types of robberies have ceased. However, travelers should be aware of this past trend and when arriving in Costa Rica are encouraged to arrive during daylight hours when more traffic is on the road and a potential armed assault of a passenger vehicle is much less likely to occur. If travelers encounter an unidentified vehicle on the road that attempts to stop them, they should consider not stopping and driving to the nearest public area for assistance. Long term visitors to Costa Rica must be alert for ever increasing auto theft rings, and escalating incidents of carjacking. Also, 2007 saw an increase in the number of smash-and-grab thefts from vehicles stuck in traffic. The robbers would break vehicle windows to steal purses, laptops or other valuables. Residential break-ins are common. All residences should be appropriately secured by grills, fence or wall, and protected by an alarm system.

Political Violence

Costa Rica is a stable, well-developed democracy which abolished its military nearly 50 years ago. Indigenous terrorist organizations are non-existent. There is no known organization targeting U.S. citizens or U.S. affiliated interests in Costa Rica. However, US citizens should always exercise caution and regularly consult the U.S. Department of State’s website for the latest information about the security situation in any country. Labor strikes and protests are fairly common in Costa Rica. While normally peaceful, all protests and demonstrations should be avoided.

Police Response


Costa Rica does employ a 911 emergency assistance system. However, response time varies widely. Crime discovered after the fact must be reported in person at the nearest organization of Judicial Investigation (OIJ) office. OIJ is also responsible for investigating major crimes. Victims should be prepared to wait a couple of hours to complete the necessary reports. As of December 2006, Costa Rica deployed the first group of Tourist Police, focused on tourist crime and assistance to the nearly 2 million visitors to Costa Rica each year. The deployments of these officers, who wear a white uniform shirt with “Tourist Police” clearly printed on the back, is currently around 120 officers, with more planned deployments in the future. Some of the initial Tourist police areas of deployment are: San Jose, Jaco, Monteverde, Arenal, Los Chiles (border with Nicaragua), and Quepos, the location of Manuel Antonio National Park.

How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

Be aware of your surroundings; ask your guide or hotel for crime information. Even though you are in a foreign environment, trust your instincts. When planning your travel, remember that Costa Rica receives about 12 hours of sunlight a day, year round (5am-5pm).

Street crime: Leave expensive jewelry at home or put it in the hotel safety deposit box. Take only the amount of money you need with you and do not carry it all in one pocket. Do not change money on the street as money changers cheat clients and pass counterfeit currency. Do not flash a lot of money when making purchases. Pay particular attention to your belongings when transiting airports and bus stations. Teams of thieves are known to work these locations; one will distract an individual while the other will steal anything left unattended. Have recorded and safely stored the account numbers of your credit cards, and the contact numbers for each card, in case they are stolen.

Although relatively safe during the daylight hours, downtown San Jose becomes more dangerous at night. Walking around downtown San Jose is not recommended at night and travelers who must go downtown should use taxis to travel to and from the city.


Laptop computers have become an increasingly attractive target for thieves in Costa Rica. Pedestrians should not carry a laptop computer while walking anywhere in Costa Rica. Most electronic items are more expensive in Costa Rica than the U.S, with laptop computers, personal data assistants, or digital cameras attractive targets for theft in any location in Costa Rica.

Car Theft

Travelers should purchase an adequate level of locally valid car theft insurance. It is rumored that thieves have master keys to many of the popular models of rental cars, so do not leave anything visible in the car. Never leave luggage in a parked vehicle. Park in paid lots whenever possible; if unavailable, park in a well-traveled area and in a lighted place at night. Always lock vehicle doors and use the anti-theft device and alarm system if the car is so equipped. To minimize the risk of smash-and-grab robberies from vehicles, keep valuable items hidden and if possible, within reach. Valuables left in plain view on the passenger or back seats are easy targets. Visitors using local taxicabs should be made aware of “unofficial” cabs. The “unofficial” cabs do not have a company logo or identifying roof mount and generally do not have a meter, which is called a “Maria” in Costa Rica. Visitors should not use non-metered vehicles, as there have been reports of extreme overcharges to customers.

When traveling by bus, avoid putting bags or other personal belongings in the storage bins. Thieves will take property from the bins when the bus makes its periodic stops. A good rule to follow is always having your belongings in your line of sight or in your possession at all times.

Passport Theft


GOCR’s immigration service conducts random inspections throughout the country. Travelers should be prepared to present their passports upon entry into Costa Rica. Due to a recent change in Costa Rican Immigration regulations, photocopies of passports, with the biographical and entry stamp page can be carried while in Costa Rica. Tourists are encouraged to leave passports in hotel safes or other secure locations while enjoying Costa Rica. You will be required to present the original passport and valid license when renting a car and/or driving.

Your U.S. passport is the single most important document that you will bring with you. While the vast majority of passport theft involves the taking of a bag, or purse, criminals looking to illegally enter the United States may target U.S. passports for theft. Post received 1401 reports of stolen U.S. passports during calendar year 2007. Passports have been reported stolen from inside the airport, as well as other locations throughout Costa Rica, but principally from rental cars. The Consular Section can issue an emergency passport to accommodate urgent travel. Lost or stolen passports can only be replaced during the Embassy’s regular business hours (8am - 4:30pm), Monday - Friday.

Hotel Security

The quality of hotel security varies greatly in Cos a Rica. When making reservations for hotel stays, travelers to Costa Rica should question hotel personnel for specific security information regarding the accommodations and be wary of hotels without access and compound control procedures, room safes, or hotels lacking a 24 hour front desk presence.
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Greaves024 said:
When I was in Costa Rica, I was told they prohibited firearms, also even the police don't carry, but I'm sure they would love to arm the tourists ???
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Did you notice the security guards outside your hotel and outside most high end restaurants in San Jose? The ones with the Mossberg 500's?

Read my post above. Unless the law has changed since I was there, IMHO you were misinformed.
 
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w w w.therealcostarica.com/moving_to_costa_rica/bring_firearms_costa_rica.html

Bringing Guns Firearms to Costa Rica

You may bring your firearms to Costa Rica subject to the laws currently in effect.

In order to own a firearm, you must have legal residency. A carry permit can be issued.

A corporation may also be the registerd owner of a firearm, but a carry permit will never be issued. It must remain in the corporate office.

Note: In order to carry a gun, you must have a carry permit and that is only issued to legal residents of Costa Rica.


ALSO....

w w w.cntraveller.com/guides/Costa_Rica/

Interesting fact: After a bloody civil war in 1948, Costa Rica disbanded its army and passed a law forbidding the maintenance of a standing army. Its police officers dont carry guns. The only armed force in the country are the border guards, who carry rifles.

Hope your a resident, or you don't get caught :(
 
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Greaves024. You are correct in that you must be a "legal resident" of CR in order to get a carry permit.

expats could get them as long as they had a CR cedula (ID card).
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Once you are a "legal resident" you get the cedula and hence can apply for a carry permit.

There are four ways of achieving "legal resident" status.

http://american-european.net/index.php?id=22

Living in Costa Rica - Getting Legal Residency
Getting your residency is no picnic, but you will have plenty of time relax in your hammock while you wait for it to go through! Tips for getting legal residency in Costa Rica. Look for ways you can qualify as a legal resident, including work permits, rentista, pensionado and inversionista status. You must hire a lawyer registered with the Costa Rican bar association. A good lawyer will charge from $1000 to $1500 for the process.

Costa Rica residency Options for the Retiree or InvestorPensionados: (Pensioner Residents)
You may acquire this status if you can prove that you have a guaranteed monthly income of at least $600 per month from a qualified source, such as a government pension. You will be required to exchange this amount each month into Costa Rican currency via the state banking system, to show proof of the exchange, and to live in Costa Rica for at least four months per year.

Rentistas: (non -working residents with interest or dividend income)
You may acquire this status, if you can prove that you are receiving income from interest or dividends of at least $1,000 US dollars per month from a foreign or national bank. The bank must issue a letter certifying that you will receive such monies and that you will exchange them into Costa Rican currency. The bank must renew its certified letter every five years. You will be required to exchange this amount each month into Costa Rican currency via the state banking system, to show proof of the exchange, and to live in Costa Rica for at least four months per year.

Inversionista: (Investor Status)
You may acquire this status if you invest in a local business in Costa Rica. According to the Center for the Promotion of Exports and Investments (PROCOMER), the current priority investment areas of business are ornamental plants, leather articles, spices, fruits and vegetables, processed foods, wood products, and tourism. You will be required to invest at least $50,000 US dollars in one of these areas. If you prefer an area of investment not listed by PROCOMER, you must invest $200,000 US dollars in that business. You must live in Costa Rica for six months per year and will not be required to maintain a minimum monthly income.

Costa Rica Residency Work Permits: Qualified Business Representative or Technician, Domestic ServantIf you are a qualified business executive or a qualified technician from an accredited institution, a qualified worker in an educational center with a special contract, or a domestic servant, you can get a work permit or temporary residency. At the end of your contract you must leave the country. The institution will be held responsible for the applications before the General Direction of Immigration Department. The Immigration Department of Costa Rica determines the requirements for a specific job category at its own discretion.
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geologist said:
I guess it depend's on ones definition of "rough".

My Canadian buddy's fiance was shot in San Jose while they were there on their honeymoon. She survived.

The CR geologist I worked with has lived in CR his whole life. He was applying for a carry permit in 2007 and said that expats could get them as long as they had a CR cedula (ID card). If a professional man who has lived in CR his whole life feels the need to carry, I consider the country (San Jose especially) "rough". Maybe you're tougher and smarter than my Costa Rican geologist buddy.

I don't go to other countries as a tourist looking for trouble. I go there because it is my job. I go for 5 - 7 weeks at a time so I get to see the countries that I work in through different eyes than a tourist who is there for 12 days.

I have worked in 22 different countries and in most of them do not feel the need to carry. I am currently working in Colombia, find it safe and do not feel the need for a carry permit here.

You should read up on the countries that you visit. Here's a write up dated April 2008.

Source: https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=81286
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I was surprised by this as well.

Post the one for Columbia!
 
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