Not an answer to your question but…

Suggesting you get yourself safely out of that kinda dangerous living situation (key word, safely).

I’m trying. It’s hard when breaking the lease is $15k and I have nowhere else to go up here.

Roommates are hell.

I have one here. Also female and do a lot of walking, or if we go out after dark and I bring it in my pocket. I bought it off Amazon and had it shipped to family on CT. You can probably drive over the boarder and buy one or deliver them elsewhere. I had to do that will pepper spray too, but I just bought more and it let me ship it to RI.

I doubt it’s enforced. I always assume that if I’m getting attacked and the street and use it, then I don’t think I’ll be the one getting charged with anything. I would get one, keep it hidden, don’t tell people. But if it comes to self defense and saving you’re life, I don’t think you’ll get in trouble.

Apply for a RI CCW permit after taking a Utah qualified class. RI was the reason the 2nd amendment exists, visit r/liberalgunowners for more info on how being in the north as a Democrat and being pro-2nd Amendment aren’t mutually exclusive. There’s dozens of us, DOZENS!!

I ordered one on eBay because Amazon wouldn’t deliver it here!

I assumed the same thing. When I pressed charges on my ex for DV in Texas, the cop gave me a ticket for not changing the address on my license within 30 days of moving… after I told him it’s because I was too scared & didn’t want my ex tracking me down. Lol. I haven’t dealt with the police here so I just wanted to double check! Thank you!

Thank you! I’m not comfortable having a gun right now. I had one when I was with my ex and it ended up being put to my head.

My roommate is a piece of shit and turns out he has a DV conviction. I had a PI run a background check on him before I moved here but this didn’t come up for some reason… I’m very petite and weak, and based on my previous experience, it’s pretty easy to snatch a gun out of my hands and point it on me. Just don’t want to risk it.

[removed]

When did I say that?

Welcome to Rhode Island. Our priorities are:

Naming a State appetizer ✅

Revamping our license plate with the same design ✅

Spending 5 million dollars on the State slogan: "Cooler & warmer" ✅

Stripping you of your inalienable right to protect yourself, your loved ones and your property. ✅

What a dramatic take. There's so many gun owners in RI and obviously a healthy gun culture in RI, West MA, and rural New England.

• another liberal gun owner

Understandable, although I would argue the most effective defense weapon is one no one knows about. The time that it is necessary to use it is when it’s pulled. Please be safe and know that bankruptcy is temporary even if that’s what’s needed to get to safety. You have choices regardless of how difficult they may seem initially.

I wish I had options for you but hope others can add what they know about resources.

When you are thinking about a taser for safety, that’s a HuGe ReD flag that it’s time to find a safe exit plan.

You didn’t.

I see you’ve already ordered yourself one, but just wanted to reaffirm the fact that your life is worth more than a (likely) fine you’ll get from using one. Pepper spray/mace is widely available here as well, although it’s a lot less ideal to use in a self defense scenario. The fact that it can be kept on your keychain is a plus factor. Signing up for a self defense class is also an option you can pursue.

I was trying for a little humor to broach the topic. The dramatic take is historical context, last to ratify the constitution for the bill of rights is what I meant. I understand the NE has a healthy and lively firearm culture. Many people I know from the south don’t realize the number of gun owners and enthusiasts that live here. Recently I had an elderly customer from Alabama talk to her friends about the “gun loving yankee” she met, she couldn’t believe it.

Based on your replies you would be better served with pepper spray or a firearm. Depending on what someone is wearing a taser may not even make contact. You don't seem to have much confidence in anything physical so I assume you dont mean a handheld contact stun gun,you need to be too close to use it and it also may not stop an attacker without good contact. No matter what you get try and practice with it and don't tell anyone you carry it so nobody can prepare.

Well… Rhode Island isn’t #1 in the country for the number of mass shootings, so something’s working. I don’t agree with the restrictions on tasers though.

Thanks for clarifying ☺️ I'm a TX transplant and LOVE the gun culture here in RI and really enjoy being in an environment where multiple opinions can exist at once.

You are a criminal. I am a criminal. We just haven't committed a crime yet. That's the logic behind our lawmakers irrational decisions. You say that police in the South don't understand what a Federal court ruling is? Neither do our legislators. Just drive to MA or CT whichever state a taser is legal in and buy one.

Absolutely agree!!

Having a license from any other state has standing in the state of RI.

Only a state of RI carry license will allow you to carry in RI.

Correct, but you can apply for reciprocity based on that out of state license.

RIGL 11-47-42, which prohibits stun guns and tasers was struck down by the federal court as unconstitutional in March of 2022.

The AG’s office stated they’d respect the ruling and did not appeal.

The law is still “on the books” as in the law hasn’t been updated, but as of now, you won’t be charged with a crime if you are found carrying one.

There is a bill that was proposed that would outline that anyone 18 and older can carry, which would codify it, but it hasn’t gone anywhere.

You sure can, you can also ask for a tax break from the department of taxation, doesn’t mean you’ll get it.

I’m not aware of anyone requesting and being granted reciprocity from any other state, especially a blanket license like Utah.

Hell, even people in CT and MA have to still apply for a license here, and it’s still held to the same standard, regardless of your status elsewhere.

We have a lot of laws on the books that don’t pass constitutional muster. That’s just the way of Rogue Island, our forefathers committed arson and burned down the Gaspee, after going against the crown they made sure the right to bear arms was in the State constitution. Then 250 years later the State legislature banned so called king fu weapons, because they where afraid of the Ninja.

I bought a flashlight taser years ago when they would still ship to RI. You can still buy them out of state or have it shipped to someone you know out of state. Even so, a small taser isn't going to do much for you besides buying you some time to escape if you're lucky, and you have to have it on you at the moment.

I'd try taking a self-defense class for women. Same idea as a taser, it only buys you a small amount of time, but you don't have to carry it with you. My yoga teacher is also a taekwondo black belt and I wouldn't mess with her. She's tiny but evil lol. Find someone qualified to teach you a few basic things and you can carry those with you for the rest of your life. Don't think that just because you're petite you are 100% helpless. Your goal isn't to win fights, but make someone think twice about fucking with you and buy a few moments to escape. And don't forget cardio is your bestie in those cases.

Well, it is a legal way to acquire a license in this state. Doesn’t even have to be your own home city department as long as you do business there. Any pro 2nd local chief has “shall issue” verbiage by law. The out of state license is to show compliance with safety standards and knowledge of CCW practice. Firearm safety isn’t rocket science and doesn’t needed to be treated as such. Reciprocity was the incorrect term to use.

Edited*

Not sure. It's pretty dumb. I opt for a baseball bat myself

Eighteen (18) and over in RI you can carry a stun gun.

Liberal gun owners unite.

It’s also illegal to have a night stick or police baton. FFS.

I’m more concerned about having some sort of protection than getting a ticket for carrying a stick around.

D&L guns sells tasers and pepper spray. I'm sure other gun stores sell the same things. just bought both like 2 weeks ago

Gun control exists explicitly so that cops can slaughter black people without any opposition. This has historically been the case ever since the first gun control we've ever proposed in America back in the 1800s. Modern gun control exists because people like Ronald Reagan wanted to disarm the Black Panthers. Liberals are counterrevolutionary idiots whose ideology is based on nothing but feelings. They talk a big taco and it comes to actually ending income inequality there silent. Gun control exists to make the most vulnerable people in our society even more marginalized insusceptible to violence from the state and right-wing actors.

As someone in law enforcement, I second this. Stun guns will not be effective against another individual if they have multiple layers on, not to mention only a temporary shock. Like the commenter above, pepper spray is a great tool because it can be sprayed from a distance and also, if used effectively, causes temporary loss of sight and great pain that allows you a chance to escape.

They actually refuses to even vote on it for several years now. This is deliberate.

The law still being on the books means you can/will be charged, and also prevents many/most places from shipping or selling it to you.

A big taco sounds fantastic right about now

I think I like this idea better actually

There's also r/RIguns for a more local take. I haven't seen much of a political split there other than the obvious anger and frustration with those in the statehouse in general.

Also better off just getting a NH license than a Utah one if your intention is to get a RI ccw, but of course get whatever level of training you need.

Here's a sneak peek of /r/RIGuns using the top posts of the year!

#1: "Magazines are not arms or in common use, so we can regulate them" is the dumbest argument for gun control I have ever heard. | 28 comments
#2: Today in a lawsuit we're watching, a judge denied a motion for preliminary injunction against Rhode Island's ban on magazines holding more than 10 rounds, calling it “common-sense public safety legislation” that "violates no one's constitutional rights." | 61 comments
#3: Looks like FPC is FINALLY getting involved | 19 comments

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Just be sure to get a glove to make it less obvious.

Also keep a sock on the business end of the bat. If someone tries to grab it, the sock will slip off. Like a long boi toob sock

Looking for any logic in laws relating to firearms, weapons, or anything self-defense related is a fools errand - unless of course you understand the real logic behind it, that the state want's a monopoly on violence and the ability to defend itself.

This law was rendered unconstitutional per Caetano v. Massachusetts some years back, which is binding to RI and the AG's office did say they would respect it.

That being said - our esteemed state legislature has decided not to strike the law from the books yet.

RI is one of, if not THE safest state in the union, and has enjoyed (up until recently) a healthy respect for the 2A. That is all slated to change however as last year they passed a magazine capacity bill under questionable methods, and signs point to them doing the same this year with an "assault weapons" ban.

Meanwhile - you can count on one hand the number of times rifles affected by such a ban (or high capacity magazines) were used in crime in RI year over year, and if you want to be pedantic, with both hands you can count all gun crime (assuming you don't count those committed by the police).

OP - FWIW I carried a Taser Pulse for a few years when I had to go into anywhere I couldn't bring my legal handgun - mostly just NYC - but I was fortunate enough to never have to use it.

I abhor all the restrictions on your ability to defend yourself, especially since as you described yourself as a "small (sic) female with no self defense skills" - you need something to balance the scales and even the playing field. It is unfortunate that the state legislature seeks more and more to strip that ability from you. That being said - the best thing you can do is to try to get yourself out of your situation as quickly as possible. That should be your first priority. Once that is sorted - myself (and any other member of the r/riguns community I'm sure) would be more than happy to walk you through whatever the next steps you seek in order to defend yourself adequately to your own comfort.

Good luck!

Please look into getting your CCW here in the Ocean State. I live in a town where it was considered very difficult to obtain a town permit but got it first shot (no pun intended). A lot of municipalities saw the writing on the wall once the Supreme Court decision against NYC came down and have been much more receptive to applicants. DM me if you need any advice. Good luck.

Just realize you have to get within a couple feet of someone to use a stun gun. Better bet is pepper spray.

How would respecting and supporting the 2nd amendment be only a conservative issue?

Real Americans only use real guns. /s

I don’t think it is, but that’s the feeling I’ve gotten from many, many, people.

Additionally - there's a pinned thread in the r/RIguns subreddit that has a lot of good information as well as to obtaining your RI CCW license.

That seems very excessive. Check the RI Tenant Handbook (PDF) to make sure that's all on the up and up.

I don’t know why you’re being downvoted. I live in the border of CT and it’s true, a CT license doesn’t transfer to RI.

Because some people think they’re suave and know how to game the system.

I think some wires are being crossed here.

• With an out-of-state license, you can apply to any town for a CCW. This isn't a sly workaround, it's how the law is written.

• Without an out-of-state license, you can apply to the town in which you reside. Some towns are gun-friendly, others are not, some have waiting lists well over 6 months long.

So for some people, it's easier to get an out-of-state license first, then apply to the town of their choosing. This is a downstream effect of some police agencies failing or simply refusing to do a part of their job.

OP isn't saying that having a Utah license or whatever lets them concealed carry in RI, it just lets them start the process for a Rhode Island license with less fuss.

It's funny how they respect this ruling, but not the one that says all concealed weapons permits need to be "Shall" issue.

God I can only up vote that once but if I could I’d do it 100 times

They aren’t

Democrat gun owner here. Get a carry permit and don’t worry about it.

Bit off topic from the thread, but do you have any range recommendations for people with these multiple opinions? I've been looking at potentially joining a club / membership range as opposed to just going to public ones, but am a bit worried about figuring out the culture at different places. If it doesn't require an NRA membership even better, but that seems pretty standard so I'm not holding out for it.

Even easier get one through new hampshire not classes needed just $100 and a one she application

You don't ger reciprocity. Having and out of state license allows you to go to any town in RI. This means you can go to a more 2a friendly town and get a permit.

I don’t believe jumping through bullsh*t hoops to express a constitutional right to be gaming the “system.”

Maglite also still makes those nice big C/D-cell self defense flashlights.

Well, it is a blue state, and the scales are starting to slide, but yeah so far we have held up better than some.

Not addressing a housing crisis caused by short term rentals and real estate investment firms ✅

I definitely feel safe here, I’m just living with a piece of shit who can’t be confronted about paying his portion of rent or utilities without getting hostile. Aside from that, RI is the safest place I’ve ever lived. Unrelated, but in December, the news reported on what I think was the 9th homicide in Providence for the year. That was crazy to me! I’m from Dallas, and I checked how many homicides had occurred in Dallas up to that date…. 210! Insane difference.

There are pros and cons to both more and less restrictions. Guns I get. Tasers I don’t. That’s just ridiculous. I don’t expect this guy to do more than get in my face and act like he’s going to hit me (exactly what he did last time & it scared the shit out of me) so I think I need something just to be safe.

I have never heard of a range *requiring* that you are an NRA member. I went to Elite Indoor Gun Range in SK for a while and never was asked to become a member of the NRA.

Where do they do that?

Pretty shitty PI if they couldn't uncover a DV charge. I would ask for a refund.

You’re not the person I fear having a stun gun. It’s people (some of them cops) who will unnecessarily use these weapons, to excess, who are the ones in frightened of.

If you, as a small single female, feel that’s the only way to get out of a dangerous situation, then go for it.

There is no logic in most of the self defense bills passed in this state.

I’ll have to double check some of the ones I was looking at in RI. When I was living in MA every single private range and club in my radius included a mandatory NRA membership in order to join, at least in greater Boston. It was starting to crack due to everyone being dissatisfied with them at least. I don’t remember the names but I remember seeing a few places mentioned in the MAGuns Reddit that weren’t requiring, though none near enough to me.

Welcome to RI dude

[deleted]

Well said

Good luck, all the laws in this state turn law abiding citizens into criminals. Please stay safe!

Huh. Yeah, doublecheck. I have never heard of that.

I have a really handy 4D cell in my car and a C cell om my desk. You can never have too many flashlights

This is smart. Most “self defense with a gun” is fantasy, and it’s more likely that a “concealed carrier” will get disarmed and shot with their own gun than use it to stop a criminal.

Yes you want to shoot the person not just stop them! - Pawtucket PD

You can buy them online, we used to carry them as kids for the fun if it.

Yeah, obviously.

If someone is going to do violence against you, they forfeit their right to life.

The gun "clubs" require an NRA membership and usually a panel of whatever 65+ yr old boomers are members to decide if you are a "good fit" for the club after some probationary service period. This seemed pretty standard across the 5-6 diff clubs I looked into initially.

Having shot at several of the clubs during some pistol league competitions, I was not optimistic that someone openly gay/trans/ not white would have an easy time getting membership (totally an assumption, possibly an unfair one). Combine that with having to be an NRA member to enroll and I didn't bother.

Indoor ranges (not gun clubs) around the state don't force you to have an NRA membership. There is also the Great Swamp Range in S. Kingston area that is free, but its only open from April to late October. You have to submit some paperwork that is a bit slow so definitely get in there. It's a very nice outdoor range and often not crowded at all.

hear hear

The logic is that only the police should be able to use force and you must be dependent upon them for your safety.

​

As to "why" that is the logic behind these rulings is an exercise for the reader.

you can find what youre looking for at most flea markets...

This was an absolutely clear, concise, and correct version of my horrible explanation previously. Thanks!

Was it a facebook/Craig’s list roommate?

You’ll notice in both 11-47-11 and 11-47-18, you still need cause.

Problem is, not a lot of people can show good cause.

But yes, if you meet the age requirement, aren’t a prohibited person, and show cause, it is shall issue under 11-47-11.

Under 11-47-11, you can only choose another town beyond the town you reside in if you have “bona fide business” in that town.

So you can’t cherry pick your towns like you cherry pick a doctor to give you Vicodin.

Yes you can lol people are doing it through foster that don't live in foster. All you have to have is an out of state license.

“license or permit to carry a pistol or revolver concealed upon his or her person issued by the authorities of any other state or subdivision of the United States, issue a license or permit to the person to carry concealed upon his or her person a pistol or revolver everywhere within this state for four (4) years from date of issue, if it appears that the applicant has good reason to fear an injury to his or her person or property or has any other proper reason for carrying a pistol or revolver, and that he or she is a suitable person to be so licensed”

And I can assure you, there aren’t a whole lot of people doing this out of Foster. And regardless of a permit elsewhere, you still need to show need here.

Don't forget nunchuks and other "kung-fu" weapons!

The laws are hilariously awfully written when you actually read through them.