Owning a handgun for Protection in Colombia

adrimm says on Mar 26, 2005, 11:46:

"AMERICAN"? Won't being "American" suffice?

Have you looked into what other businesses do for security and would the risks be really that much more for you vs other businesses of the same sort with similar product/income/location?

Just some thoughts to ponder in the meantime. I believe that legal firearm ownership depends on what sort of residency arrangement you will have. You may have to become Colombian (gasp).

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British Paisa says on Mar 26, 2005, 11:54:

Go to the army barracks or Brigada in Cali and they will give you all of the info.

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Hunter says on Mar 26, 2005, 12:08:

zak There have been several threads on this over the last year, try a search.

Hunter

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Gator says on Mar 26, 2005, 12:18:

First.., before you can even start, you need a cedula (Colombian ID card).

The legislative authority which regulates the possession of firearms by civilians is Industria Militar (INDUMIL). INDUMIL is also the legislative authority that regulates the sale of firearms and firearm supplies to civilians. Licencing Requirements:
You must meet the following requirements to be granted a licence to possess firearms:

Applicants must be over 18 years of age with full citizenship or have Colombian cedula; A form provided by Industria Militar must be duly completed; Duly authenticated photocopies of the applicant's identity card and police record must be presented; Proof of the need to possess weapons for the applicant's safety and protection must be provided; and medical certification of mental and physical fitness to use weapons must be presented; persons known to be suffering from chronic alcoholism, dependence on narcotic drugs or psychotropic drugs may not receive a permit and you must complete an approved firarms training course (certificado maneso de armas.)

I have no idea if the above requirements are still in force or accurate. I do not have a permit because I do not carry on my person-just keep in the house/apartment or, occasionally, in the car. I did ask my brother-in-law (retired military and at one time in his career was the military police commandant of the military district-Bogotá.)

His reply was if you are a gringo watch out but he also said the percentage of people who do have a firearm with them is very, very high. BTW, you shoot and kill someone with a gun and do not have a license there is a mandatory jail sentence of six months. This applies even if it is self defense.

I personally never want to have to say. "El cárcel es magnífico. Mucho mejor que me apartamento." (Nice jail you got. Much better than my apartment.) Are Colombian "jails bad? For a good idea I suggest you rent and watch closely the 1978 movie "Midnight Express."

Under Decree No. 3664 of 1984, article 1 provides for an imprisonment period of between one year and four years and confiscation of the weapon in cases of illegal carrying, transport, manufacture or distribution of firearms.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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utopiacowboy says on Mar 26, 2005, 13:22:

So wait a second, Gator. At the same time that they have all these stiff gun laws, everyone is carrying a piece?

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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YEP says on Mar 26, 2005, 13:34:

Here's one of the threads you should read ....
A little down it you can see a lot of info:

http://www.poorbuthappy.com/colombia/node/5912



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Just another scandinavian getting ready to explore South America

------------------------------------------------------------------- Just another scandinavian getting ready to explore South America

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Gator says on Mar 26, 2005, 19:06:

Golly Gee... the US has "tough" gun laws also. Not everyone, not even close to it, carries a gun in Colombia. Kinda like robbing a bank-it ain't against the law unless you get caught.

Believe me it isn't worth paying a visit, maybe a year or so before the trial, to La Modelo. If you get to Bogotá have the taxi just drive by the outside then go back to the hotel and see how many grey hairs you have after just a quick look.

BTW, with out the cedula no permit, period!

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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zak says on May 22, 2005, 15:47:

Container shipping To Buenaventura I am planning to ship household goods in a 20 ft. Container later this year. How are the Customs inspectors at that port..Do they open up everything to check for unlisted items on the manifest..I have heard both YES and NO to that answer..Does anybody know for sure..

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poco says on May 22, 2005, 16:43:

Just say NO Is this related to the topic? Probably,,,

Resume: Grew up in Rural area, hunted and collected firearms all my life and have a permit to carry in Texas.

Pay attention,, do not even think about it,, get it past customs,, then what,, illegal,, want to register,, ha,, where did you get it,, want anyone to know you have a weapon,, don’t think so, think you’ll be able to defend yourself,, take the permit class to see how long it takes someone to attack vrs. Deployment of weapon,

Laws are TOUGHER in Colombia then the U.S. even having a stolen gun in the U.S. in your possession has less penalty than Colombia. The normal method of killing someone is assassination in Colombia,, They walk, drive or pedal a bicycle and shoot you in the HEAD… This is NO JOKE… Hell,, they made it illegal for TWO persons to ride a moto in Medellin back when Pablo was the drug king,, tooooo many moto’s pulling up next to a car with the guy on the back opening fire. Think about this,, hiring these guys is CHEAP. Think Colombia has Forensic Detectives? How many hired assassinations are caught in the U.S.??? Remember Chicago in the 30’s,, St. Valentine day massacre? Jimmy Hoffa? Colombia reminds me of Chicago in the 30’s. Want a gangster image?

Colombia is the LAST place I’d want to have a weapon,, even at the house. That is WHY they have steel doors and broken glass topped walls. If nothing else you’d be a target for theft and more than likely be shot with your own gun.

Get Law and enforcement in Colombia then think about a gun for protection.

Gezzzzzzz,, be a good guy and get a machete for the store, house and be careful going to the bank,, its only money

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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zak says on May 22, 2005, 17:15:

law and enforcement in Colombia Is this a book you speak of? where can I read this info?

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poco says on May 22, 2005, 18:41:

You are right Book,, no,, ha,, should have read

When they get law and enforcement in Colombia,,,,,,

Not that they don't have any,, just not like the U.S. Very difficult to hire U.S. assassins and the police hunt killers FOREVER,,, Colombia,, doubt they have much more than records of how many were killed and were,, funeral is usually next day,, maybe cities take a few days,, UNLESS you are something special.

Think about this,, someone knows you have a gun,, hummm wonder why? Maybe that gringo has lots of money? Let's watch him,, think about him, see where he goes,,, do you want this type of attention?

Shoot someone with an unregistered weapon,, I see BIG trouble. Maybe a poor person can get off with a few years,, rich gringo,, probably same,, but costly.

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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Rubiazo says on May 22, 2005, 20:00:

my novia's friend was killed in his car, shot in the head 3 times. They DID do an autopsy with "real forensic scientists", and they are still investigating the crime. Some of you guys are just plain prejudiced, what do you think, there's no civilization down there??

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poco says on May 22, 2005, 23:29:

I'll aware of whats down there Yes they do have forensics in the large cities. I’ve met one student studying forensics. Colombia also enlists the help of the FBI and U.S. laboratories.

The numbers of crimes of all kinds, not to mention murders by paid assassins are staggering. Sure,, cities have some facilities,, but almost NO WHERE else.

Believe I can write a report:

Subject was a male aged 25 in his car at Calli 22a, Carrera 10 at a stop sign. An unidentified male pulled up beside him on a motorbike and fired 5 shots into the car striking the subject 3 times in the skull. Two entered just above the ear and one penetrated into the back of the skull. The subject died instantly. The caliber was 9mm. etc. etc.

OK,, now what? Witness? Oh,, gosh,, they could be murdered next. My advice,, see someone murdered,, look and walk the other way. Sad,, but practical in Colombia.

Facing the authorities next is the problem that large numbers of people do not have a cedula,, why do you think they are killers? Do they have mug books,, I know,, artists sketches. Other than that,, not a bad place to stay,,, out of trouble and of course the line of fire.

When I get back I’ll do some scans from the local news rags with pictorials of these graphic murders. Maybe an obituary list.

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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poco says on May 22, 2005, 23:38:

Career Move Hitman Have you considered a career with the U.S. Postal Service?

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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Rubiazo says on May 23, 2005, 21:08:

Poco that intersection is WAY too close to where novia works :))

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Chavo del 8 says on May 23, 2005, 21:13:

A gun never makes you

A gun never makes you happy or makes your life more secure. If you think so then you better rethink that. If you dont feel safe in Colombia without gun, then dont move to Colombia, move to a safe place, to Sweden or so.

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vicshere says on May 24, 2005, 12:14:

chavo woow u sound like one of them there peace activists..... I have a 9MM pistol and you know what I do fell a lot more safe in my home at night.. first they have to break thought the steel garage door them 18 rounds of 9mm coming at them and believe my target practice is really paying off.....safe anywhere in the world give me a break.... Colombia isn't any more dangerous than any other country.... the difference you can legally have a hand gun here and use for self defense with any problem... use the gun for self defense back in the us of a and see what happens.....be happy be safe and carry a loaded 9mm just to be sure



listo
"con mucho gusto"
Vic

listo

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