Anyone near Niagara Falls border crossing?

The Big D

Member
Joined
Sep 30, 2007
Messages
3,536
Reaction score
3,597
Location
Maryland
Posting first in this section given knowledge conveyed to another member traveling to NY.

Traveling to Canada circa July 13, and would like to find a "home" for my gun in the Buffalo/Niagara Falls area...preferably not too far off the beaten path. :)

I am absolutely legal to possess and CCW in NY per LEOSA and will be toting a j-frame thus wholly NY compliant.

Would much prefer to entrust the gun to a Forum member who is, of course, "legal" to take care of it for a spell. Will be in Canada for about a week.

Don't think this violates any law(s); kindly advise if it does.

Will consider any viable option(s) should any of you have a suggestion.

Thank you, in advance.

Be safe.
 
Register to hide this ad
Much like NJ, i believe that a physical transfer of a hand gun in NY State would entail an FFL and firearm permits.
Even storage by a gun shop for limited periods would requite permits.....
Leave it home or choose a far more gun friendly venue for your vacation.
 
Big,the last time I crossed into Canada at the Niagara gate I was told by the guy searching my Harley,( right down to my dirty socks) if I had a firearm I could declare it at the time of pulling up to the guards,and answering their query.
. Not so after the search began. He said they would put it in a locked safe and return it to me if I returned through that same gate within 7 days. He was not amused when I asked if he would then call the U.S. side and alert them to a gun coming through !.. I truly doubt they offer that option anymore, nor would I take it if they did.
 
Other than another cop, I think your best answer is to go to a bank during business hours and get a safety deposit box for a week. NY permits are serial # specific.
 
Other than another cop, I think your best answer is to go to a bank during business hours and get a safety deposit box for a week. NY permits are serial # specific.
That is an excellent idea....I didn't even think of it but it covers all the OP's critera. I do believe however most banks require at least a Month long commitment but depending on the cost still an excellent alternative.
 
This is off the wall and don't know if it even exists, but at the old train, bus terminals, or malls, there are lockers for rent. Don't know how frequent they are emptied, but its a thought.........it always worked for Jason Bourne or James Bond
 
Maybe the NYSP will extend a professional courtesy to a LEOSA carry.
..and then again maybe they'll keep it and send it too the crusher later this year.

Hard to figure what they might do if you just showed up there.
Better to contact them first I'd imagine.

They have several sub-stations in and around the Niagra Falls/Buffalo area.
This one is right in Niagra Falls
State Police Department in Niagara Falls | State Police Department (716) 297-0755 # 3609 Witmer Rd, Niagara Falls, NY 14305 | <Government & Community/Law Enforcement> - Yahoo! US Local


Another P/Permit holder can't take it in as it isn't registered on their NYS Permit.
An FFL w/a NYS Dealer/Gunsmith License can't take it in.
As a handgun, coming from an out of state source/owner,,it must be logged in from another FFL (NYS reg).

They don't make it easy,,,
 
This is a perfect exemple on how law abiding citizens are struggling to keep their guns legal while the thug couldn't care less, probably crossing the border with a firearm multiple times a week.
 
NOT recomending this, but...About 10 years ago, myself and a couple friends were heading to Canada via the 1000 island crossing to spend a week fishing. Prior to crossing the bridge, I casually mentioned to my friend "You did leave your pistol home, right?"

Ooops. His Glock 17 was still stashed between the seats up front in the truck. We did end up driving down a country road on the NY side, marking a tree with our GPS and a roofing nail, and burying his gun in a zip-lock plastic bag. Picked it up on the return trip none the worse for the experience.

Larry
 
Last edited:
Thanks for your replies, folks. Some interesting options there...and dig the gun in a tree idea. :)

Have inquired with a Buffalo area range...no reply from them yet.

And a kind Forum member in PA has offered to babysit it for me. That may be my only/best option...and the offer is truly appreciated.

Well done, all.

Be safe.
 
The problem with using an FFL is it has to go on their books and they can't transfer it back to you if you are not a resident of the state, so that's not going to fly.
 
This is a good way to get arrested in NY by a zealous Cuomo supporter.
 
Check with the U.S. side Border Patrol station where you're going to cross, they should have courtesy lock boxes for LEOs going into Canada. I've left my gun at two different stations here in Maine, one of the crossings into Quebec and one of the crossings into New Brunswick. You lock up your stuff in their box and take the key with you, pick it up when you come back through. I don't know if they'd extend the courtesy to a retiree carrying on LEOSA or not, you'll have to ask.
 
Another P/Permit holder can't take it in as it isn't registered on their NYS Permit.

THIS^^^^^^^^ ALL handguns are noted on your license along with serial number, caliber, make and model.
I would come up thru PA into western NY, leaving the gun in PA.
 
If ya go to Canader via Maine haha Ill stowe it for ya for no charge. No BS permitting for that here either.
 
"Problem" solved...

...and a big "Thank You" to all of you who attempted to assist.

Details to follow.

Be safe.
 
Big fat liars!

So...the "problem" was not, in fact, solved. I contacted a gun range in North Tonawanda, NY, via telephone on July 9. Advised the man who answered I was LEOSA qualifed and traveling into Canada and needed a place to store my gun for approximately one (1) week. He said that would be no problem, they would do it for me, and told me to ask for (name withheld by OP) when I got to their range. Arrived there Saturday afternoon, contacted the person named, and was stonewalled. That person and another staffer were variously condescending and not at all knowledgeable re: LEOSA. They flat out refused to store my gun. :mad: They did "offer" to take it and mail it back to me (via local FFL) but that seemed no more than a money making enterprise for them and not at all of benefit to me.

There was a alternate happy ending, though. I am now in Canada and my gun is being stored at a law enforcement facility in Buffalo.

As an aside, used the Lewiston Bridge crossing into Canada; the wait was not bad at all. Was advised by personnel on both sides of the border to arrive before 1000 any day to avoid major backups. Was subjected to rather lengthy questioning by Canadian border LEO. That was not a problem and wholly understand their duty but it seemed my questioning was longer than others I watched whilst waiting to pass into Canada. Maybe I looked shifty. :eek:

Be safe.
 
Back
Top