Unloading/loading when Traveling through non-carry states with semi-auto ccw

[drew-67]

Hi, I am traveling on road trip and looking for tips for when entering states that do not honor or allow ccw (Maryland-Washington DC) etc.
It makes it very difficult to have to unload and secure handgun in lockbox in trunk..and then reloading/reholstering after leaving the state..."Especially racking the slide to chamber a round"
This has been challenging in a public environment-parking area etc.,, even in restroom, with the noise it makes.
Hoping you can all offer give me some pointers on experience of your experiences..
I've traveled a bit in the past,,but always with snub nose revolver and that didn't pose the reloading-noise issue.
Thanks for any help!

 

[OKFC05]

(Maryland-Washington DC)

Bad news for you. If you get caught in DC with so much as a live round in your vehicle, you are subject to arrest for a felony. NO GUNS, period.

Maryland allows passage through the state under Federal law, but as soon as you stop traveling you are then subject to state law. Maryland allows transportation of guns only between authorized destinations, which does not include traveling around being a tourist.

Strongly suggest you follow the state links on handgunlaw.us and read the specifics of the states you intend to traverse. You will find NJ, NY, CT, MA among those very strict and unforgiving toward transgressors.

 

[gregintenn]

Drive around them.

 

[Doug M.]

Avoid such places if possible. If not, simply remove your pistol and holster as a unit and put them in a solid container that you can lock (with a padlock or two) and place it within a locked suitcase in your locked trunk. DON'T MESS WITH IT. Needless administrative handling is dumb. Just leave it loaded.

Don't stop if you don't have to, don't stop in stupid places period, and NEVER admit having a firearm or ammo or consent to a search. Anyone who consents to a search is a blithering idiot, and the only time you would need to admit having a firearm is in certain states when you are carrying it as far as I know. If you have someone traveling with you and you have not taught them to say NOTHING EVER about firearms (and I include spouses and children), shame on you. Correct that. If you have target stickers on your car (any of the ones that indicate you are a firearms enthusiast), pay someone to administer slap therapy with vigor and un (screw) yourself.

 

[Triathloncoach]

I lived in NJ most of my life, driving with a gun in your car is something you don't want LE to discover. I also believe NJ takes a hard stance on hollow point bullets too. That's why NJ has no gun crime.

 

[mauser9]

Post made me think of the Traveler's Guide to the Firearms Laws of the Fifty States always advertised in the American Hunter magazine from the NRA. Was considering ordering a copy but anyone know if it is accurate? Changing laws are confusing.

 

[drew-67]

Just to clarify, I am not stopping in Maryland or Washington DC; just driving through...But,,my understanding is handgun must be unloaded and locked in separate lock box and ammo locked in another lock box while driving through them,,then once I arrive in Virginia, I would reload "which is crazy and almost poses a safety issue, when trying to do it in a parking lot / rest area or restroom in public places etc.
It would certainly be a much safer transition to keep it loaded in a lock box and secured in trunk while driving through and then just have to reholster when in ccw friendly states that honor the licenses/permit.
I really need to clarify if this would be acceptable..
Thanks for the replies!

 

[dmar]

You've gotten some good advice so far, but personally, I would not take LEGAL advice from well-meaning people on the Internet. You need to research the laws of the states in which you'll be traveling. The handgunlaws.us site is a good reference, and has direct links to statutes.

I would be very careful in super-lib states. I would not want to subject myself to mandatory prison sentences due to ignorance of the law. Some of these states (and DC) prohibit any possession, regardless of whether it is locked up, or not. Of course there are some federal protection if traveling through, but you never know when you might have to stop, and then get stopped, or encounter a situation where your possession becomes apparent...

That being said, I have transported stuff through unfriendly areas. When doing so, I've just kept them stowed and secured during the whole trip, until I reached my destination in the promised land.

As for loading/unloading, personally I wouldn't sweat it. Of course there is some degree of risk each time you do this with an auto, but if you know what the heck you're doing, take care, and keep your darn finger away from the trigger, you should not have a problem. I've been doing this for many, many years, and no problems, yet. I am careful, but really don't tend to stress about this operation. I would not think it should be a hitch to your giddy-up plan... Do it right in your car, weapon pointed in a safe direction (and hearing protection in place ).

Long story short, I hate to admit it, but when faced with similar travel plans, I've usually just left the hardware at home. I'd rather take my chances with the street criminals than with the courts enforcing these immoral laws. They'll turn you into a criminal real fast if you get pinched! Mandatory sentences are nothing to play around with...

 

[Fishinfool]

What ever else you do, do not secure a loaded handgun in your lock box / trunk. To be in compliance with federal law / traveler status, the handgun must be unloaded and stored separately from its ammo. Personally speaking, I don't see the big deal, upon reaching a legal state, of just pulling over in a safe location, and loading your weapon. Why would you want to do it in a bathroom stall, or crowded commuter parking lot with people close by?

Larry

 

[star1]

consent to a search

Avoid such places if possible. If not, simply remove your pistol and holster as a unit and put them in a solid container that you can lock (with a padlock or two) and place it within a locked suitcase in your locked trunk. DON'T MESS WITH IT. Needless administrative handling is dumb. Just leave it loaded.

Don't stop if you don't have to, don't stop in stupid places period, and NEVER admit having a firearm or ammo or consent to a search. Anyone who consents to a search is a blithering idiot, and the only time you would need to admit having a firearm is in certain states when you are carrying it as far as I know. If you have someone traveling with you and you have not taught them to say NOTHING EVER about firearms (and I include spouses and children), shame on you. Correct that. If you have target stickers on your car (any of the ones that indicate you are a firearms enthusiast), pay someone to administer slap therapy with vigor and un (screw) yourself.

I thought the same thing about consenting to a search until I had a State Trooper tell me that if anyone refuses to consent they will call in for a search warrant and hold you there (could be several hours) until they get one and then they will go through your vehicle with a fine tooth comb.

 

[Kframerbluvr]

My wife and I and some friends drove to NJ from VA last year to board a cruise ship in NYC. Even though I am active LE, I chose to leave my two "travel" carry guns at home. Too much hassle. I don't like to leave unattended firearms in a vehicle for extended time periods. YMMV.

 

[Joe F]

It is legal to transport a firearm through DC, just don't make any stops.

DC Law:
(a) Any person who is not otherwise prohibited by the law from transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm shall be permitted to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where he may lawfully possess and carry the firearm to any other place where he may lawfully possess and carry the firearm if the firearm is transported in accordance with this section.

(b) (1) If the transportation of the firearm is by a vehicle, the firearm shall be unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported shall be readily accessible or directly accessible from the passenger compartment of the transporting vehicle.

(2) If the transporting vehicle does not have a compartment separate from the driver's compartment, the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console, and the firearm shall be unloaded.

(c) If the transportation of the firearm is in a manner other than in a vehicle, the firearm shall be:
(1) Unloaded;
(2) Inside a locked container; and
(3) Separate from any ammunition.

 

[Jessie]

I thought the same thing about consenting to a search until I had a State Trooper tell me that if anyone refuses to consent they will call in for a search warrant and hold you there (could be several hours) until they get one and then they will go through your vehicle with a fine tooth comb.

Don't they need probable cause to hold you and convince a judge to issue the warrant? I know in real life it's all in how something is worded, etc., but depending on why they're talking to you in the first place, if its a speeding ticket or such, what? they smelled a firearm in your trunk?
But then I'm not a judge, lawyer or trooper.

 

[walkin' trails]

I thought the same thing about consenting to a search until I had a State Trooper tell me that if anyone refuses to consent they will call in for a search warrant and hold you there (could be several hours) until they get one and then they will go through your vehicle with a fine tooth comb.

Search warrants require probable cause that a crime has been, or is being committed. Furthermore, not every traffic stop ends in a vehicle toss unless there are reasons for an officer to have articulable suspicion. Even then, your constitutional rights apply. If you're not speeding or intentionally violating traffic laws, you shouldn't get stopped in the first place. But you're concerned, do as others have suggested and and research their rules personally or just avoid the hassle and steer clear. Use common sense when reloading or otherwise handling you pistol in places they are legal.

 

[ladder13]

In about a month I'll be visiting NC and FL, straight down I95. I could carry in either state, since I have the required licenses,but passing thru NJ, MD and maybe DC..... I'm leaving my guns home.

 

[pjpjr]

I thought the same thing about consenting to a search until I had a State Trooper tell me that if anyone refuses to consent they will call in for a search warrant and hold you there (could be several hours) until they get one and then they will go through your vehicle with a fine tooth comb.

That may be true but know that an officer calling in for a search warrant is a legal situation and the officer must have probable cause to obtain one. Also being unnecessarily detained for no legitimate reason or waiting on a search warrant to be issued is a grey area of law also, unless you are charged with a crime.

 

[Smoke]

NRA: Guide to the interstate transportation of firearms.

NRA: Guide to the interstate transportation of firearms

NRA: Guide to the interstate transportation of firearms | Human Events

Under FOPA, notwithstanding any state or local law, a person is entitled to transport a firearm from any place where he or she may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any other place where he or she may lawfully possess and carry it, if the firearm is unloaded and locked out of reach. In vehicles without a trunk, the unloaded firearm must be in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console. Ammunition that is either locked out of reach in the trunk or in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console is also covered.

 

[reppans]

Bad news for you. If you get caught in DC with so much as a live round in your vehicle, you are subject to arrest for a felony. NO GUNS, period.

WOW.... just did a search, possession of empty brass casings can even get you arrested in DC!!

 

[SC_Mike]

I've found the following helpful. Travel safe.

https://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/

https://www.nraila.org/articles/20150101/guide-to-the-interstate-transportation

 

[OKFC05]

It would certainly be a much safer transition to keep it loaded in a lock box and secured in trunk while driving through and then just have to reholster when in ccw friendly states that honor the licenses/permit.
I really need to clarify if this would be acceptable..

Read the following for your answer and go to the MSP FAQS link at the bottom. (Short answer, absolutely NOT)


FYI, MD considers having a CHL from your home state to be probable cause to search your vehicle to determine if you have your gun with you. And yes, that has passed muster in MD court. While I was visiting the NWS Headquarters in Silver Spring, MD, a room and car at the motel were raided based on a motel employee seeing a gun case in the luggage and calling the police. The gun was confiscated and the out of state tourist arrested. Having been stationed in MD/DC twice, I wish you good luck on playing cat and mouse with them regarding firearms.

Notice: [FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Maryland has a unit called, "Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center." They have license plate reader cameras around the state that read license plates of vehicles. Some are connected to Criminal Background Check programs and Permit/License Holder lists from the different states that will supply them with that information. Do use caution when even driving through Maryland. They can know if you have a firearms permit/license without even stopping you. Other States most likely have a similar system. [/FONT][/FONT]

Maryland does not honor any other state Permit/Licenses.

Note: From the Maryland State Police FAQs
Q. [FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Are out of state handgun permits valid in Maryland? [/FONT][/FONT]

A[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]. [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]No. The only exception is to armored car drivers who possesses a valid permits from other states, who are on duty in Maryland. [/FONT][/FONT]

For those of you quoting the FOPA, several locations do NOT honor it, including DC, NJ (if your wheels aren't turning), MD (if you have stopped in the state), and NY City (which does not even honor a NY state license.) Federal court recently upheld a NJ case in conflict with FOPA. Sure, you can sue to have the conviction overturned, but that hasn't always worked.

How can I legally transport firearms within / through Maryland?
​They must be unloaded, in a carrying case, holster with a flap and the ammunition should be separate. It would be best to keep the unloaded weapon in the trunk where you do not have access to it. There are further regulations but essentially you can only transport a handgun between residence, to and from a repair shop, a shooting sporting event, between a residence and place of business if substantially owned and operated by the person. For more information please contact our Licensing Division​.

FAQs

Note: [FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]If you stop in DC for any reason while transporting firearms you are no longer covered by Federal Law (Title 18 Part 1 Chapter 44 [/FONT][/FONT]§ 926A) [FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]but fall under DC law and can be arrested and your firearms Confiscated if you do not have a valid Permit/License Issued by DC. [/FONT][/FONT]

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