You should be ok. The advice here seems reasonable. But here’s one thing not mentioned: take the gun rack out of the back window. Nothing good will come of that.
And, FYI, in Mass you will be ok if the guns are transported in a locked container ( the trunk, a bag, or case.). Don’t store your hand gun in a glove box. That will get you shot by a nervous trooper. But, since driving from Ohio to Idaho the chances of coming through Mass are pretty slim. And if you do so...you might not be bright enough to own a gun. ( just kidding...by asking the question, you proved you had smarts.)
Hey, we pull over our tourists all the time. And they still keep coming back. /s
You’ve received appropriate advice and references on your basic question so now I’m going to help you improve your vocabulary: Eliminate the words/phrase “assault weapon” from your vocabulary. You only play into the hands of the libs by even accepting that as a legitimate concept.
Lesson over - have a nice drive back to Idaho.
Once you hit Montana you're pretty much good. There actually is a speed limit there now - didn't used to be, which is why I ended up hitting I90 at...uh...55 mph, Your Honor. I swear. Take care at Fourth of July Pass (if you're going that way) and stay safe when you hit the Promised Land. :-)
My suggestion: find an FFL gun dealer at both ends of the trip. Have to one in OH ship them to the one in Idaho. They’ll add a nominal charge.
If one is not familiar with the route, going Westbound, one can end up getting off of I-80, and onto the Skyway. Toll roads to deal with there, too. No big deal for the junk in the trunk as long as nothing accidental happens, but still a consideration. Heavy traffic around Chicago. Main travel hours are murder. Can stretch until late in the evening, too.
There are other ways across from Central Ohio that can miss Chicago. Get a good, large book type Atlas. In truck stops the paperback binding kind can usually be had for less than ten dollars. I always used the ring binder type. More expensive, but I was driving without any electronic nav aids. All old fashioned maps.
Oh, wait. Some backroad areas in Ohio, also watch for Amish buggys going real slow. Those small towns can be loaded with traffic cops too. Be smart, and not in a big rush.
Some cell phones can give one maps and direction, but there isn't quite anything like having a map one can hold in their hands, even if also using the electronic stuff of any type (smart phone, or gps).
For long range driving, we would always figure 50 mph average. One can beat that with an automobile, particularly in States which may have varying speed limits for trucks and passenger cars. Yet to maintain that average over available working hours, one would still need to keep their butt in the seat, and their hands upon the wheel.
You'll be on I-80 most of the way? There shouldn't be much trouble. Don't be paranoid of course, but consider "rush hours" when transiting any metropolitan area. Rush hours it can be a little crowded around places not real big, like Davenport Iowa, Des Moines, Omaha Lincoln, Nebraska, but not too bad. There's a real beauty of a truckstop near Grand Island, Nebraska. Exit 312. Has some sections salvaged from the World Trade Center on display. Near Davenport, but a bit West there is "The Largest Truckstop in the World". It's not a big deal to me... I don't think the food is all that good. Hell, I'd park at the Pilot on the South side of the Interstate if I had a delivery the following morning in the Davenport area, just to save the time getting in and out of the joint, and crossing over the highway.
Avoid Indianapolis if possible and practical too, that is if your Ohio location is in the Southern part, which could well lead you through Indy. Heavy traffic...a few cops on the side of the road here and there, both East and West...they will nail drivers for little over in "town".
Haven't been driving OTR for about ten months, but would expect there still to be some construction around Indy, and maybe on the West side I-70 too, out some miles. Someone else could weigh in with more specifics.
Avoid Illinois at all costs. Take the ferry from Michigan to Wisconsin - well worth the $150 the thugs in Obamaland.
http://www.ssbadger.com/home.aspx
Ya better stay put. In fact you should just turn yourself in now and beg for mercy.
There may be restrictions that are different for each state. Some may require residency to transport rifles. You might be able to present them as "gifts" to transfer ownership, but there may be a charge to bring them into the state including filing paperwork.
Be very, very careful. You are correct. You could get into serious trouble under the wrong circumstances. Best to work it out with locals who are sympathetic and want to support your God given rights.
Or...according to the leftists: Ak-47 assault weapons...please see media guide below:
If you are concerned, and I might be due to many LEOs overstepping their bounds and arresting folks for things that aren’t illegal, then take them to a gun shop in Ohio and have them shipped to a Gun Shop near where you live - you can bet they know al the rules and will abide by them so it will be legal. I had some of my Dad’s guns shipped from New York to Mississippi after he died and his wife said he wanted me to have them.
However, there are a number of cities and states that have shown they don't give a damn, and will ignore the federal law and lock you up anyway. I believe this has been the case in both Illinois and New Jersey.
One reason for the law was to ensure that competitors at Camp Perry were allowed to legally transport their weapons to the competition.
Mark
I was talking about your dilemma to my kids and we looked at a map. One of them suggested going through Northern Michigan as a way of avoiding Obama-land. Not a bad idea, nice empty roads. Only drawback is that there’s no freeway in Northern Wisconsin, so you’ll slow down a bit there. I’d probably take that route if it were up to me.
Judging by the Posts here, it seems like we are living in the former Soviet Union rather than the United States of America.
When did Gun paranoia take over this Country? I'm in my late 50’s and I remember my older Brother taking his .22 Rifle to Middle School because he was in the Shooting Club.
This wasn't out in small town Mid West, it was Long Island, New York. After we moved to California, we went shooting in the Angeles Forest all the time and I had a Gun Rack to carry my .22 and 30/30 Rifles in my Ford Pickup when I was 18 years old. Never thought it was a big deal because it wasn't.
The irrational fear of firearms has me perplexed. It's a different world in our own backyard. What a shame.
Go to a local sporting goods/gun shop in Ohio. They will pack and send them to you or a shop in your state. About $30-$50 per weapon. Each state has different rules and prices but it is easy and convenient. Did it from NY to Fl last year, no hassle