Road trip to New York and California

[Jeanguypataterubberboot]

Hi folks,

We are planning an RV trip cross country and I was worried about going through New York and California. I want to do it legally. I heard that if you carry it in the trailer unloaded and locked as well as have the ammo in a separate locked container you are ok. Is it that simple or is there more I need to know? It is a S&W .44 magnum revolver and some ammo.

Thanks for any input.

JG

[murphydog]

That sounds correct for CA, but checking both their and NY state's websites for current information is always recommended. Certain cities within each state may also have even more restrictive laws, so either more research or avoiding them in your travels if possible is also a good idea. Safe travels!

[bigwheelzip]

RVing cross-country is great fun. I wouldn't go through the northeast states with a handgun or hollowpoint ammo. A carbine is the closest I'd get.

[SchemaEnigma]

Originally Posted by bigwheelzip

RVing cross-country is great fun. I wouldn't go through the northeast states with a handgun or hollowpoint ammo. A carbine is the closest I'd get.

Weapons that meet the respective state (or in some cases, city) definitions of "assault" weapons are banned in:

California
Connecticut
Illinois (Chicago, perhaps others)
Maryland
Massachusetts
New Jersey
New York

Laser sights are also banned in some jurisdictions (e.g Chicago).

Federal law protects you if you are merely traveling through these states so long as your firearms are unloaded, secured, inaccessible, and legal at your destination (but some will enforce their law if you stop e.g. for gas, since you are technically stopped and not driving through).

[Capt. F.]

Four years ago my wife and I did our dream trip of a lifetime - Maine to the left coast and return. Towing our teardrop camper, we were gone two months, did 11,300 miles, burned 980 gallons of gas, went to 9 National parks and numerous state parks.
And we did it with a 4” pre-29 and a model 66 2 1/2” in the car except when going through the Communist states. Traveling through those, the guns went into the camper.
Had no problems even with the NRA LIFE MEMBER, Gun Owners of Maine and Registered Maine Guide stickers on the side windows of our SUV.
Maine’s CCW permit is not linked to our vehicle registration so you might want to check your state to see if yours is.

[double-dipper]

It would be a good idea to get on the states websights you are going to travel through and read the gun laws for yourself. I would even print out a copy to take with me.
IMO. If I had to travel to New York or California I wouldnt take a gun. No on second thought I would change my plans and go to gun friendly states.

[1075tech]

As far as NY - Locked in a case, unloaded, separated from the ammunition and in a place not accessible from the vehicle's passenger compartment.

Only allowed to stop for incidentals i.e. gas, food, etc.

Do NOT, take it out of wherever you have it for any reason. And avoid NYC.

I am not a lawyer. This is not legal advice.

[Rob613]

Upstate NY, you’ll be fine following federal law (locked box, unloaded, separated from ammo and not accessible).

Stay out of NYC and the counties around it. Since it’s a revolver, you don’t have to worry about magazine restrictions.

Don’t consent to a vehicle search and no one will ever know.

[shamuscull]

Yeah I think you can not have a firearm in New York. You can be arrested. You ultimately may win it court but you still will be arrested. New York requires a permit for possession of a firearm. Oh yeah New York sucks also. Beautiful state horrible politics.

[ladder13]

NY could use some new residents since people are leaving in droves. NYC will even provide full accommodations @Hotel Rikers Island for as long as you like.

All kidding aside if you stay 50+ miles north and west of the city, and tread lightly, you will be ok.

Don’t go anywhere near NYC or LI.

[RCL-09]

Originally Posted by shamuscull

Yeah I think you can not have a firearm in New York. You can be arrested. You ultimately may win it court but you still will be arrested. New York requires a permit for possession of a firearm. Oh yeah New York sucks also. Beautiful state horrible politics.

That has been my understanding, particularly as it related to NYC. You might win the case but not the arrest.

I also hear (hearsay) that even LEOs carrying in NYC will be detained, taken to the station and then have their department confirm the identity of the officer as well as if they are on the job.

[GypsmJim]

Don't take a handgun into NY state...under any circumstances. Don't lock it up, don't have ammo in a locked container, don't stick it under the floorboards in your camper. Just don't!!

Now, I'm sure you are a law abiding citizen and you won't do anything bad, but if you have an accident and somehow a police officer sees your contraband just by mistake, it won't be a happy day.

Leave the 44 at home and pack a 12 ga. double barrel coach gun if you don't feel safe. That weapon is not covered by NY's Sullivan law.

Just as an aside, if you lock up a firearm and ammo in separate places, what good can it possibly be?

[SchemaEnigma]

Originally Posted by GypsmJim

...Just as an aside, if you lock up a firearm and ammo in separate places, what good can it possibly be?

The OP is going on a cross-country RV road trip. It won't be stored like that in other states.

[majick47]

Residents and businesses fleeing CA and NY, why would anyone want to visit either one? Spend your travel money some place else.

[Ackley1952]

Why would you enter a state your not allowed to protect yourself in? They tell me Iran is nice this time of year. Chicago is a great place to jog.

[OIF2]

Originally Posted by RCL-09

That has been my understanding, particularly as it related to NYC. You might win the case but not the arrest.

I also hear (hearsay) that even LEOs carrying in NYC will be detained, taken to the station and then have their department confirm the identity of the officer as well as if they are on the job.

Not true. I've been through NYC numerous times, both active and retired (LAPD). Never hassled, even at the airport. Airport cops even took me to their office so I could take my gun out, load it and put it on without being observed.
Bob

[Johnnu2]

I've lived in both of those states (still in NY); my recommendation is to NOT VISIT either one. You won't be missing anything and you won't be contributing to their economies by skipping them... sorta a 'boycott' if you will.. :-))))

J.

[Mr. K]

Originally Posted by Jeanguypataterubberboot

Hi folks,

We are planning an RV trip cross country and I was worried about going through New York and California. I want to do it legally. I heard that if you carry it in the trailer unloaded and locked as well as have the ammo in a separate locked container you are ok. Is it that simple or is there more I need to know? It is a S&W .44 magnum revolver and some ammo.

Thanks for any input.

JG

NO!!!! NY will NOT allow a gun in ANY vehicle unless you are a NY resident. In NYC there are NO handguns (or any gun) allowed. Please do not come to NewYohkistan with a ANY gun. Do a web search about out of staters and LONG jail times in NY.

[1075tech]

As said before, you can transport THROUGH the state following federal law.

For those that said to bring a carbine or shotgun instead, it still has to be unloaded.

The only loaded firearm allowed in a vehicle in NYS is a handgun with a NYS pistol permit. Rules are different for NYC.

[Squarebutt]

Why a .44 magnum? If the mission is self-defense, the odds of over penetration in a populated area are higher than say a .38 or 9mm, or even a .45 ACP.
Massachusetts won't bag you for transporting any kind of firearm, as long as it's properly stored, locked in a hard container. However, possession of any magazine that holds more than 10 rounds, loaded or empty, is a felony, the only exception being old pre-ban magazines.
Hollow points are illegal in New Jersey.
Anyway, enjoy your trip and don't worry too much about the locals.

[Moo Moo]

Most Gunshops here in Australia have safe storage facilities that allow you to keep your guns there for a small fee. Could you find a LGS on the border with NY State, leave them there, and then pick them back up on the way out?

[jeffrefrig]

I had that "Firearms Laws In The 50 States" which is updated annually to try to keep up with the changing laws. As far as NY State, you kinda don't want to stop overnight if you have a gun; even if it's in 17 different parts & safes, etc. They do want proof that you are going where you say, like a reservation in a motel in Pennsylvania. You may want to scrape all the NRA stickers off your vehicle, along with the bumper stickers like "Gun Control Is Being Able To Hit Your Target." New York is such a beautiful state on the Western side away from the city. Traveling from the states North of NY to the rest of the country, you have to deal with NY or NJ, unless your vehicle can swim. Perhaps mail your gun from a FFL to FFL, by-passing your gun in the car while in NY? Hassle, heck yeah, but better than jail. I didn't realize how "strict" NY gun laws were until I read them in that book. Come to PA; beautiful country and we like guns so far.

[ISCS Yoda]

NY is insane when it comes to firearms. In NYC it is black letter law that you cannot have a firearm without a permit and it is a mandatory 1 year jail sentence if you're caught with a handgun. Upstate is not as bad but there are still permitting issues. NYC police and prosecutors have no interest in the FOPA (NJ is just about as bad). They're so bad in NYC that if you get off a plane with a high capacity magazine they'll arrest you. As one example.

I always use the 1984 Bernard Goetz case as the best example. He was known as the subway vigilante after he shot some ne'er-do-wells looking to hurt him in a NYC subway car. After some jury nullification he was found not guilty on every count of the shootings EXCEPT possession of a handgun without a permit. One year in jail. Even THAT jury couldn't find a way to nullify that obvious violation of a City ordinance.

I have family in NYC and NJ so I HAVE to go there from time to time but believe me I feel naked and afraid 100% of the time. Especially since the knife laws suck, too!!!

This is both professional courtesy and being cooperative under the law that permits LEOs to travel with guns; it will not help any non-LEOs:

Not true. I've been through NYC numerous times, both active and retired (LAPD). Never hassled, even at the airport. Airport cops even took me to their office so I could take my gun out, load it and put it on without being observed.

[ladder13]

Originally Posted by ISCS Yoda

?......

I have family in NYC and NJ so I HAVE to go there from time to time but believe me I feel naked and afraid 100% of the time. Especially since the knife laws suck, too!!!
.......:

You may not feel naked in Dallas but you should be afraid even with multiple guns.

2020
NYC population ~ 8,400,000 Murders 447
Dallas population ~ 1,400,000. Murders 251

[dockmurgw]

Originally Posted by bigwheelzip

RVing cross-country is great fun. I wouldn't go through the northeast states with a handgun or hollowpoint ammo. A carbine is the closest I'd get.

With all do respect...bad advice. Geographically speaking, most of the Northeast consists of 3 states. Vermont, that has been constitutional carry since its founding, Maine and New Hampshire, who were recently inducted into the constitutional carry club. Any citizen from any state can carry, no ammo restrictions. I would be much more worried in SC and many of the other so called free states than most of the Northeast.

[dockmurgw]

Originally Posted by Jeanguypataterubberboot

Hi folks,

We are planning an RV trip cross country and I was worried about going through New York and California. I want to do it legally. I heard that if you carry it in the trailer unloaded and locked as well as have the ammo in a separate locked container you are ok. Is it that simple or is there more I need to know? It is a S&W .44 magnum revolver and some ammo.

Thanks for any input.

JG

Assuming your not a drug mule for a mexican cartel, or venturing close to the Nord border, you wont be searched. Contrary to forum lore, Stalin isn't hiding behind every tree in NY.

[BAM-BAM]

Reviewing "Handgunlaw.us" is a place to start

[2152hq]

Lock the gun, lock the gun up in a secure box. Place that in a separate compartment from the passenger compartment.

Ammo the same and separate from the firearm.
Keep ammo in orig boxes. Do Not store ammo in firearm magazines, speedloaders, ect.

Don't over-nite stay in NY.

Traveling through is OK (FOPA). Stops for fuel, ect.
Do not do any over-nite stops.
Do not do any sight seeing stops.
Firearms are not permitted an any NYS Parks or recreation areas.
(Exceptions are made during Hunting season for certain areas in certain parks.)

Stay away from the down state area around NYC (my advise).
My advise is to Travel NYS Thruway (rt90) across state from PA line and into Mass.)

It's a long boring drive but it's the only way to NEngland w/o a boat or going thru Canada.
Don't even think about the latter w/a firearm especially a handgun. The border is still closed right now anyway.

The idea is to get across the state and get to New England.
There is no NYS Non-resident Pistol Permit.
NYS does NOT recognize any other States pistol permit.
The only thing you will be flying on is the FOPA regs. So adhere to them tighter than ever.
SAFE Act restricts any handgun magazine to 10rds capacity. Don't have anything that has a capacity of more than 10rds.

Long guns,,no NYS permit needed. Registration required in NYC though I believe.
Standard Fed rules on bbl lengths and OAL.. No loaded guns OR Magazines in a veh.
Transport them the same way as a handgun if going by FOPA.
******
Not given as any sort of legal eagle advise. Just from living here for far too long

[Miami_JBT]

Unless you are qualified under LEOSA, you can't have a handgun in NYS for the most part. FOPA will not give you any legal protection whatsoever because you will not simply be traveling through. Also, FOPA is not an affirmative ddefense either.

[GypsmJim]

Originally Posted by jeffrefrig

Come to PA; beautiful country and we like guns so far.

That's debatable.

I went thru all the training requirements and have the need, so I qualified for a NY full carry pistol permit. I also have an FFL.

Pennsylvania does not accept my qualifications and I cannot carry in that beautiful state. My only option is to apply for a PA permit, pay for it and renew it every so often.

NY permits ARE accepted in a variety of other states.

[BAM-BAM]

Originally Posted by GypsmJim

That's debatable.

I went thru all the training requirements and have the need, so I qualified for a NY full carry pistol permit. I also have an FFL.

Pennsylvania does not accept my qualifications and I cannot carry in that beautiful state. My only option is to apply for a PA permit, pay for it and renew it every so often.

NY permits ARE accepted in a variety of other states.

What state are you in????? Pa. has reciprocity with 29 states

[Muss Muggins]

Originally Posted by BAM-BAM

What state are you in????? Pa. has reciprocity with 29 states

Read his/her post again carefully . . .

[ISCS Yoda]

You may not feel naked in Dallas but you should be afraid even with multiple guns.

2020
NYC population ~ 8,400,000 Murders 447
Dallas population ~ 1,400,000. Murders 251

I'm always afraid. Or, should I say, I'm always aware. But there's a world of difference between being armed and unarmed regardless of the murder rate.

[ladder13]

Originally Posted by ISCS Yoda

I'm always afraid. Or, should I say, I'm always aware. But there's a world of difference between being armed and unarmed regardless of the murder rate.

The stats speak for themselves.

[BAM-BAM]

Originally Posted by Muss Muggins

Read his/her post again carefully . . .

Ahhhhh..... got it. Pa. requires reciprocity and god forbid NY. recognize Pa. permits.

[bigwheelzip]

Originally Posted by dockmurgw

With all do respect...bad advice. Geographically speaking, most of the Northeast consists of 3 states. Vermont, that has been constitutional carry since its founding, Maine and New Hampshire, who were recently inducted into the constitutional carry club. Any citizen from any state can carry, no ammo restrictions. I would be much more worried in SC and many of the other so called free states than most of the Northeast.

That's still my advice, and worth exactly what the OP paid for it. All roads to those other states lead through NY or Canada. Other routes to new england from cross-country travel go through northeast anti-gun NJ and MD.
Without firearm possession, you have carte blanche to all kinds of regional adventure. With a handgun and ammo, I'd only ingress and egress New England through PA on Interstate 84, with fingers crossed on the shortest possible non-stop NY transit stretch of roadway.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

[ladder13]

CT and MA are no bargains either.

[RCL-09]

Originally Posted by OIF2

Not true. I've been through NYC numerous times, both active and retired (LAPD). Never hassled, even at the airport. Airport cops even took me to their office so I could take my gun out, load it and put it on without being observed.
Bob

Well, as I said it was hearsay.

[c good]

In California you can have it in the tow vehicle. You don't have to keep it in the trailer. Wherever you keep it, it must be unloaded and in a "locked container". I travel often with a locked hard case for my revolvers. I have been stopped at Border Patrol checkpoints and randomly sent to secondary. They didn't blink an eye at the locked cases. Sent me on my way.

[ISCS Yoda]

I have been stopped at Border Patrol checkpoints and randomly sent to secondary.

Border Patrol doesn't work for California and citizens with guns are not their concern.

The stats speak for themselves.

Actually, they don't. The two cities are worlds apart in configuration, population density, etc. Numbers don't always tell the entire story. Besides, pandemic numbers are awful everywhere.

[Capt. F.]

Originally Posted by Squarebutt

Why a .44 magnum? If the mission is self-defense, the odds of over penetration in a populated area are higher than say a .38 or 9mm, or even a .45 ACP.
Massachusetts won't bag you for transporting any kind of firearm, as long as it's properly stored, locked in a hard container. However, possession of any magazine that holds more than 10 rounds, loaded or empty, is a felony, the only exception being old pre-ban magazines.
Hollow points are illegal in New Jersey.
Anyway, enjoy your trip and don't worry too much about the locals.

In our case we took the .44 magnum because part of our trip across country would be fly fishing in remote areas of Wyoming and Montana. In bear country over penetration is your friend.
The 66 was the “ social purpose” gun on the trip.

[fatcat3]

Originally Posted by dockmurgw

With all do respect...bad advice. Geographically speaking, most of the Northeast consists of 3 states. Vermont, that has been constitutional carry since its founding, Maine and New Hampshire, who were recently inducted into the constitutional carry club. Any citizen from any state can carry, no ammo restrictions. I would be much more worried in SC and many of the other so called free states than most of the Northeast.

The real New England

[Johnnu2]

A p.s. re: my state.... the Safe Act made any and all magazines over (I think it's 7 rnds but may be 10 rnds) a FELONY. I forget what level felony but I do remember that it is a felony of the class that includes rape (I think it's Class A Felony). NYC and it's 5 boroughs are even more restrictive. I would STAY OUT... it just isn't worth the risk. I'm a resident with a full carry CCW permit and I'm always afraid of being pulled over by someone who has very little knowledge of the law, so, I simply never carry. (BTW, a NY state CCW does NOT allow NYC/5 boroughs carry). HR-218 is a different animal and I cannot speak to it.
Yes, I'm working on convincing the wife to LEAVE..:-)
J.

[ladder13]

Originally Posted by ISCS Yoda

.......... The two cities are worlds apart in configuration, population density.........

Right, which makes it more amazing.

[SchemaEnigma]

Originally Posted by ladder13

Right, which makes it more amazing.

What do you have against Dallas? You seem to be going out of your way to make some point or other. Per capita murder rate doesn't tell you much by itself.

[G-Mac]

My understanding is that if you are in "possession" of a handgun in New York State without a New York State Pistol Permit, you could be charged with a felony. Until I see something, in print, from the New York State Police or other agency/governmental office with jurisdiction/authority that's what I'm going with. I've seen actual news reports of soldiers from Fort Drum being arrested with "items" that were fully legal in their home states, but not legal in New York. I was at a pistol match once, here in NY, where there were many competitors from other states. I wondered how they did that. Somebody told me that it was legal to travel into NY for competition purposes....but I've never seen the actual law in print that allows this. Does it really exist? I don't know but I wouldn't chance it without finding out for sure. I live here, so it doesn't effect me. NY doesn't recognize Pistol Permits of any other state. That I do know.

[Rolex28]

Go to USCCA website they have a USA map and you can click on each state for their current laws... I believe USCCA updates the map weekly..
Read each states laws carefully before you stop or even are just passing through.. There are states such as Illinois that I would actually drive around.

[SchemaEnigma]

Originally Posted by Rolex28

Go to USCCA website they have a USA map and you can click on each state for their current laws... I believe USCCA updates the map weekly..
Read each states laws carefully before you stop or even are just passing through.. There are states such as Illinois that I would actually drive around.

I drive around IL when going to visit family in the southeast. It makes for a longer (but more relaxed) trip. And, I'm not supporting the oppressive state or city governments there by spending any money in the state.

On the subject of the thread, I would not take any firearm of any kind, or any mags or ammo, into either NYS or NJ.

Someone mentioned finding a FFL in PA that would store your firearms while visiting NYS. Does anyone know of any business that will do that?

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Originally Posted by ladder13

CT and MA are no bargains either.

Not very hard to get a non-resident permit from CT. Takes a little time and reasonable proof of training, but they will follow their law and give you a permit that lasts about five years. They may not like black rifles or today's standard-capacity mags, though.

[sipowicz]

Might be a good idea to get some magnetic stickers for the rear of your RV. When driving through blue states display your “Antifa for Life” and for the red states, “Blue Lives Matter.” For purple states I’d just go with “Trans Veteran.”