Pistol with Blues

[p575]

I should probably know the answer to this, but they didn't cover it at bootcamp...

If I have never qualified with a pistol, am I authorized to carry one while in my blues? More specifically, if so, would I be limited to the Beretta, or would a good ol' 1911 be allowed? Obviously either would be a personnel weapon and all other state/local laws would be followed.

Thanks for any help.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Uhhh. No. Unless you want to get locked up, that is.

The only time Marines carry a pistol with Blues is when they are on duty.

[p575]

Uhhh. No. Unless you want to get locked up, that is.

The only time Marines carry a pistol with Blues is when they are on duty.

First off I'm not trying to be argumentative here. However, who would it get me "locked up" by? I'm referring to a formal occasion, off-base. In a state and place where a civilian can very legally carry a firearm concealed or open without repercussions.
I guess I'm more specifically looking for a MCO that deals with the subject.

Thanks again

[Old Marine]

Since most of you kids these days seem to know everything there is to know about most everything, just strap it on and go to whatever function you want to. Better hope it does not bite you in the ass.

[Quinbo]

If a pistol is not specifically part of the prescribed uniform then it can not be worn with your blues. No different then if you were asking if you could wear a fanny pack and ear rings while in blues.

That said there is a white cartidge belt, magaizine pouches, and holster in the current supply inventory that are designed for the purpose of carrying a pistol while in blues. The .45 and 9 mil.

I know a couple Marines that dressed up in john wayne style blues and took pictures and lost a stripe over it.

[MGySgtSki]

First off I'm not trying to be argumentative here. However, who would it get me "locked up" by? I'm referring to a formal occasion, off-base. In a state and place where a civilian can very legally carry a firearm concealed or open without repercussions.
I guess I'm more specifically looking for a MCO that deals with the subject.

Thanks again

If it isn't your issued weapon (ie gov't property), you would not be authorized to wear it in uniform and certainly not in a non-duty capacity.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

1: Locked up by the Police. Simple as that. If your state allows it, then fine. The Marine Corps, however, doesn't. You aren't 'on duty' and 'under arms'. The only people who wear pistols with blues are Embassy Guards these days. You aren't authorized to do so, and in fact, so doing might just get you charged under the UCMJ.

2: Why the heck would you WANT to??? Having worn a pistol with dress blues on duty, I can tell you it's uncomfortable, difficult to remove from the holster, and just a big fat pain in the arse.

3: Unless you have the proper holster, as well as the CORRECT dress white pistol belt, holster rag, and mag pouch, the whole thing will look like something out of a bad Hollywood movie. Good luck in finding that equipment, unless you feel like sprining for the bucks for it. It isn't cheap.

5: I'm all for legal carry of firearms...but common sense prevails. Lastly, I can't even imagine what your 1stSgt/CO will say when you come strolling in with a pistol on your hip. Likely as not, see #1, above.

[foxman]

I'd like to hear Gunney Emry's reply to this. I think it would go something like this: Who are you trying to impress you dipstick? Is her Daddy rich ? Just buy her a good dinner and go see a movie......

[TunTvrnWarrior]

I am pro-gun rights. That said...... Have really thought this out?
1. What purpose would you have to wear said pistol with your dress blues?
2. People love to take pictures of us in our blues. Have you heard of Facebook? I can see it now, someone from the media gets ahold of that picture and creates a story to sell newspapers or advertising on TV.
3. What do you think will happen to your SNCO, 1stSGT, CO? Their butt will be on the carpet because some General got his azz chewed by the Secretary of the Navy or Mr. President himself.
4. After your SNCO, 1stSGT, and CO have been chewed up and spit out, they will be looking for someone. Guess who?
5. Instead of ever dating girls again, you will be the "new girl" at Leavenworth. Do you like that prospect?

You have been taught to follow orders instantly, without thinking. Now is the time to start thinking. Your decisions can affect not only yourself, but your SNCO, 1stSGT, and C.O. Plus you would embarass the Corps, and any leaders who have trained you or you have respected as long as you have been in.

I remember a World Series when we had a Canadian and American team in the mix. Colors were presented. Our Marines had the Canadian Colors upside down. There was hell to pay. The Commandant had some C.O.'s ass. You would make this incident pale in comparison if you were boot enough to think you were impressing others by wearing a pistol with your blues unless authorized in the normal line of duty in your job in the Corps.

[CplAllen]

Hahaha. You know I saw this thread earlier and thought "this HAS to be a joke". I think you've been watching A Few Good Men, a FEW too many times. If this is for real than all I have to say is wow. You really were thinking of going to some formal event, in blues, with a PISTOL!! I just want to know WHY. You really thought you would be a hotshot John Wayne cowboy didn't you.

I have heard it all now. I mean, I'm not trying to be a douche here but get a grip.

[josephd]

Hahaha. You know I saw this thread earlier and thought "this HAS to be a joke". I think you've been watching A Few Good Men, a FEW too many times. If this is for real than all I have to say is wow. You really were thinking of going to some formal event, in blues, with a PISTOL!! I just want to know WHY. You really thought you would be a hotshot John Wayne cowboy didn't you.

I have heard it all now. I mean, I'm not trying to be a douche here but get a grip.

hahahaha....first thing that came to mind when I read the OP was A Few Good Men, when the Lt. Col. takes his pistol out in the hotel room

[Ed Palmer]

If a pistol is not specifically part of the prescribed uniform then it can not be worn with your blues.
I know a couple Marines that dressed up in john wayne style blues and took pictures and lost a stripe over it.

In his case he doesnt have any to lose.

About p575
Rank
E-1 Year Exited Marine Corps
Still in Service

[CplAllen]

The first time I came into this thread I actually stopped reading after he said:
"If I have never qualified with a pistol, am I authorized to carry one while in my blues?"

[Mongoose]

Im telling you. Some of these people! You cant look at thier profile and learn anything about them. How in the hell do you know who your talking to? How do you even know if theyre a Marine?

[elliscraig12]

If a pistol is not specifically part of the prescribed uniform then it can not be worn with your blues. No different then if you were asking if you could wear a fanny pack and ear rings while in blues.

That said there is a white cartidge belt, magaizine pouches, and holster in the current supply inventory that are designed for the purpose of carrying a pistol while in blues. The .45 and 9 mil.

I know a couple Marines that dressed up in john wayne style blues and took pictures and lost a stripe over it.

I have to agree with that. I spent 10 yrs as an Armorer, and I know that if you aren't issued a pistol, you simply just don't wear it. Is it really that important? Blues look just as good with or without a side arm. Besides, it's not like you can just drag an M-16 around whenever you feel like it.