Transporting a handgun to a different state to shoot?

[crispy]

I know that we all have seen the question from noobs where they ask if they can take their gun to the range if they don't have an LTCH. This is a slightly different take on that. I'll lay out the scenario exactly, and tell me if it is legal.

Father-in-law resides in Pennsylvania and has purchased a handgun in PA. He doesn't have their version of an LTCH yet. Can he transport the firearm to Indiana (passing through WV and OH) to shoot at my range with me? Obviously he would follow all of the standard rules (unloaded, in case, in back of vehicle).

Thanks,

 

[JettaKnight]

Just observe the standard rules and you'll be legal and fine. Transporting is legal in most states. In others, you can travel through without stopping under federal interstate transportation laws.

EDIT: Does he have a CCP for PA? It will be valid here, maybe WV, but probably not in OH.

 

[crispy]

No carry permit of any type.

Anyone know any place where this is spelled out in print? Would love to send the appropriate statutes to him.

 

[Bigtanker]

Handgunlaw.us

The laws are downloadable in PDF form.

 

[IndyGunworks]

I still don't like Ohio wording even though its much better than it used to be.

The way I read it if you get pulled over, don't have a license, but the handgun is stored unloaded, with the ammunition separate from the firearm in its own enclosure, do I have a duty to "promptly inform"? It seems that the duty to inform only applies to CCW holders, and only if you have a loaded firearm.

Its also a little vague on "enclosure". Currently I put the unloaded hangun in the center console ( I believe that meets their definition of a "box") and the ammunition in the glove compartment (also meets the definition of a separate enclosure), but I really don't want to be the test case.

 

[Gary Slider]

That is not the center console or glove box.

 

[Mgderf]

I still don't like Ohio wording even though its much better than it used to be.

The way I read it if you get pulled over, don't have a license, but the handgun is stored unloaded, with the ammunition separate from the firearm in its own enclosure, do I have a duty to "promptly inform"? It seems that the duty to inform only applies to CCW holders, and only if you have a loaded firearm.

Its also a little vague on "enclosure". Currently I put the unloaded hangun in the center console ( I believe that meets their definition of a "box") and the ammunition in the glove compartment (also meets the definition of a separate enclosure), but I really don't want to be the test case.

I'm not current on gun laws other than those in Indiana, but I do know that in years past, some states definition of a secured firearm meant that it had to be stored outside the reach of the vehicle occupants. This pretty much limited you to the trunk.
It still had to be unloaded and ammo stored separately.

ALWAYS check the localities you plan to travel to or through.
The hand gun laws website posted above is an excellent reference. Read it and understand the nuances of each state and/or municipality.
Some have a "duty to inform" while others do not.

Some ranges restrict handgun shooters to license holders.

 

[IndyGunworks]

I just read the statute from ohio again and it give AN option of storing it in a manner that you would have to leave the passenger compartment of the vehicle to retrieve it... but it also states OTHER acceptable methods, like two pouches each with its own zipper would qualify even if they were laying on the seat next to you. At least that's the way it sounds to me.

 

[GingerKid]

I haven't read through all of the states on that site, but I was under the impression that "duty to inform" applied to concealed carry and not transporting unloaded firearms that are out of reach. I take it there are states where this is not the case?

 

[Bill of Rights]

I am going solely on memory here, but I know that OH used to require that ammo be removed from magazines, even if the mags were not in the gun, for the gun to be considered "unloaded".

I also recall that that was possibly changing, but don't recall if it did.

I mention it only because doing that would be one more step you took to attempt to comply with the law, and would possibly stand you in better stead, should you have to explain yourself.

As always, reference sites such as handgunlaw.us (mentioned in post #4, of which Mr. Slider, of post #6, is a principal) are excellent. They are, IMHO, your second best reference, second only to reading the law for yourself.

Blessings,
Bill

 

[mrortega]

I am going solely on memory here, but I know that OH used to require that ammo be removed from magazines, even if the mags were not in the gun, for the gun to be considered "unloaded".

I also recall that that was possibly changing, but don't recall if it did.

I mention it only because doing that would be one more step you took to attempt to comply with the law, and would possibly stand you in better stead, should you have to explain yourself.

As always, reference sites such as handgunlaw.us (mentioned in post #4, of which Mr. Slider, of post #6, is a principal) are excellent. They are, IMHO, your second best reference, second only to reading the law for yourself.

Blessings,
Bill

Good point on the mags. Some states consider the loaded mag as a loaded gun while others don't. Another point to consider is that even the people who mod handgunlaw.us state that you still better cover your butt yourself and not depend on them for legal advice.

 

[Tactically Fat]

FYI: Ohio no longer considers a loaded handgun magazine to be a loaded handgun.

 

[cosermann]

The Firearms Owners Protection Act contains the "safe passage provision." [1] The firearm has to be able to be lawfully possessed on both ends of the trip.


[1] - Firearm Owners Protection Act - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

18 U.S. Code § 926A - Interstate transportation of firearms | LII / Legal Information Institute