re: is it legal to have gun in car on the seat?

quote:

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Long story, but I explained it to the cop, and he sent me on my way, after clearing my gun and unloading it.

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I understand it is lawful for a LE officer to disarm someone at a traffic stop since you have to "submit to a patdown and disarm," but I would think the officer would be smart enough to realize this:

Any time a gun is handled, there is a risk of a discharge. It's much smarter if he/she just keeps his/her eyes on the person being stopped to make sure they don't do anything sketchy. Plus, if the person admits to having a firearm and shows the cop where it is, the chances of this person being dangerous are practically nil.

I know, I know, "cops have a dangerous, thankless job." And I understand that. I just think a little common sense would make these encounters that much safer. What would happen if a cop gets Glock-legged with your handgun trying to clear it? Who's at fault there? Or if you're carrying concealed, the officer draws your gun from the holster and accidentally pops you through the arse. Who's at fault there?

It just makes more sense to me if they didn't touch the damn thing at all. But I guess I've driven that point home.