Summer Gun Fun: Firearms at the Beach

With the rising temps and sunshine of summer, you might be considering spending some time at the beach. And, if you are, you’re probably debating the wisdom of taking your favorite carry gun along for the trip. We have some suggestions for guns at the beach, along with a pros and cons list for your consideration. Of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) depending on the location and activities involved. Here’s our primer on guns at the beach and how to do it right (or not at all).

guns on a beach in Israel
In Israel, it’s commonplace to see rifles at the beach. (Photo credit: New York Times/Associated Press)

Can you take your gun to the beach?

There are two answers to the question of whether you can take your gun to the beach. From a literal standpoint, yes, you can take your gun to the beach. Legally speaking, it’s going to depend on the location. This means that legally, it’s up to you to do the research and find out if the beach you’re planning to visit is a gun-free zone. (If it is, you might want to reconsider your visit to a soft target, but that’s another story entirely)

In Israel, it’s common for rifles to be seen at the beach. Here in the United States, you’re not likely to ever see firearms at the beach (and if you’re taking your gun to the beach, it really should be concealed anyway). From a practical standpoint, it’s not impossible to carry your firearm to the beach, but it does present some challenges. For example, your ability to carry will depend on whether or not you plan to get in the water or participate in certain other water sports. And, of course, you can’t and shouldn’t just leave your handgun with your stuff tucked under a beach towel or inside a cooler (we know you know that, but we still have to say it).

open carry while fishing
In some states, open carry is allowed, even at the beach. That doesn’t mean it’s the best option. (Photo credit: Florida Today)

What are the pros of carrying your gun at the beach?

Obviously, the biggest plus to carrying a firearm at the beach is the ability to defend yourself against credible threats. There have been assaults and shootings at beaches, so it isn’t outside the realm of possibility. After all, the first rule of a firefight is to have a gun, and the beach is a place where most people will be assumed to be unarmed, making them easy targets in the eyes of criminals. Really, it’s the one upside of being armed: having the ability to defend yourself.

gun seen at beach
A woman was seen at the beach with a replica rifle and managed to make the news. (Photo credit: kron4)

What are the cons of taking your gun to the beach?

There are quite a few downsides to taking your gun to the beach. One negative impact a gun can have on your beach time is making it impossible to get in the water. It can also require you to wear more clothing than you otherwise might while at the beach, because you’d be trying to conceal it. From a practical perspective, carrying a gun at the beach might have the effect of making it harder to fully enjoy yourself. (Conversely, not having a gun could have the same effect if safety is a concern.)

Here are a few things to consider on the con side of carrying a gun at the beach:

  • Overheating from extra layers of clothing being used for concealment.
  • Not being able to wear a favorite swimsuit due to the need to conceal a handgun.
  • Inability to get in the water because you cannot get the firearm wet.
  • Unable to sunbathe due to firearm overheating from direct sunlight for extended periods.
  • It might be illegal to drink alcohol while you’re armed (and if it’s not technically illegal, it might be considered a bad idea from a self-defense standpoint).
  • You might not be able to ride jet skis or other water-related motorized vehicles both from a comfort standpoint and from a practical one (also, laws vary on having guns on the water).
  • Might not be legally allowed (it’s your responsibility to do the research and find out).
  • If you wear less clothing despite carrying, you might end up with a visible weapon which can be considered brandishing in some locations (again, check your local laws).

We’re not saying to never carry a firearm to the beach, only that you should consider the pros and cons before doing so.

handguns in black and white
It can be appealing to take your carry gun to the beach, but is it logical? (Photo credit: Myrtle Beach Guns)

Should I carry a gun at the beach?

If you’ve considered all the pros and cons and discovered it is, indeed, legal for you to carry your firearm at your intended destination, here’s what it comes down to: it’s your choice. It’s a little like being the designated driver for a party. You won’t be able to participate in all the events and you’ll need to be more cautious, but it might be worth it for the added layer of protection.

Carrying at the beach is either going to require an under-the-clothing carry method or you’re going to have to wear something with belt loops that can support a gun belt and holster. Whatever you use, make sure it meets the requirements of a good holster and can be properly concealed. The trigger should be covered, the holster should provide a good level of retention, and it should be held securely against your body (among other things). You might also find that certain holster materials are better than others when it’s hot outside and you’re a lot more likely to get sweaty.

car console gun safe
Have no choice but to lock your handgun in your vehicle? Make sure you have a good safe available. (Photo credit: Console Vault)

What if I need to store my handgun at the beach?

So you’ve taken your handgun to the beach and due to unforeseen and totally unavoidable circumstances, you need to leave it in your vehicle? Should you simply shove it under the seat or lock it in the glovebox? No.

It’s smart to have a good safe in your vehicle for those situations where you have no choice but to leave your gun behind. These can range from a basic lockbox that bolts to the seat frame to a console insert with stellar locks and blending-in abilities. If you carry regularly, it’s worth considering making the investment in a quality safe that doesn’t stand out as being what it is. Having a secure way to lock up your handgun is worth the price.

Circling back to what you shouldn’t do, do not:

  • Put your handgun in the glove box and call it good, locked or not.
  • Shove the handgun under your seat.
  • Put a jacket over the handgun and assume it’s fine being left behind.
  • Drop the handgun in a factory console, loose and accessible to anyone who accesses the vehicle.
  • Remove the gun and put it in a safe or other compartment in full sight of random strangers milling around.

When it comes right down to it, carrying your gun at the beach is a personal choice. If you’re going to do it, do it correctly, and check your local laws. And remember, there are also secondary means such as pepper spray that you might find simpler to manage during a beach trip.

Kat Ainsworth Stevens is a long-time outdoor writer, official OGC (Original Gun Cognoscenti), and author of Handgun Hunting: a Comprehensive Guide to Choosing and Using the Right Firearms for Big and Small Game. Der Teufel Katze has written for a number of industry publications (print and online) and edited some of the others, so chances are you've seen or read her work before, somewhere. A woman of eclectic background and habits, Kat has been carrying concealed for over two decades, used to be a farrier, and worked for a long time in emergency veterinary medicine. She prefers big bores, enjoys K9 Search & Rescue, and has a Master's Degree in Pitiless Snarkastic Delivery.

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