Firearms in NM state parks

[ChuangTzu]

Is anyone here familiar with the firearms regulations in New Mexico state parks? All I could find is this:

19.5.2.20 FIREARMS AND BOWS:

A. Visitors shall not possess firearms, including concealed firearms, with a cartridge in any portion of the mechanism or discharge firearms, including concealed firearms, except during designated hunting seasons or in authorized areas. No such activity is allowed within 300 yards of a developed park area or occupied campsite. Subsection A of 19.5.2.20 NMAC does not apply to on duty law enforcement officials.

and section B of that code which talks about firing those weapons.

With regard to part A, does anyone have any idea what they mean by "the mechanism?" Which mechanism? It sounds kind of like the magazine or mag well needs to be empty... Also, loaded muzzle loaders seem to be permitted...

[bigcalidave]

At least it isn't 40+ pages of confusing contradictions. Sounds like you just can't have a loaded firearm. Is there an exclusion for concealed weapons permit holders?

[ChuangTzu]

That's what I was wondering too. There seem to be no exceptions except for on duty LE. There also seems to be no exception for inside your tent while camping...

[choprzrul]

Could the exclusion be written into their CCW PC?

Just a thought.

.

[ChuangTzu]

Could the exclusion be written into their CCW PC?

Just a thought.

.

Hmm, that's a possibility I suppose. Lemme poke around a bit...

Update: There doesn't seem to be an exemption there. There is only this clause:

A. Nothing in the Concealed Handgun Carry Act [29-19-1 NMSA 1978] shall be
construed as allowing a licensee in possession of a valid concealed handgun license to
carry a concealed handgun into or on premises where to do so would be in violation of state
or federal law.

Seems like that's there to dissuade anyone from thinking that there might be such an exemption.

[cineski]

You're going into the woods where cougars and bears exist. How much is your life worth? That said, I'd recommend stopping into the powers that be before your trip and talk to them. At least ABQ's police dept is pro gun.

[ChuangTzu]

It appears that NM treats state parks like schools, court houses, and other "sensitive areas":

http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/newmexico.pdf

That's pretty disappointing...

[ChuangTzu]

Bump.

I was hoping there might be a New Mexican (or whatever you guys call yourselves) here or someone else with direct experience with this...