Posted on 05/27/2009 5:03:35 AM PDT by RebelTXRose
We will be traveling to Texas and hope to be returning with a firearm or two. Does anyone know the law about crossing several state lines with a gun in your trunk? This would be from TX to NY. Just exercising our 2nd Amendment rights to own... will not seek concealed carry in NY as it is too restictive - just want one at home. (Course NY is wanting to restrict purchase of ammo now - via registering purchases so they will know what kind of gun you have that you are buying ammo for.)
Do NOT drive thru Illinois....
You might consider just shipping them....
Yes.
The 1986 Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA) governs the inter-state transporation of firearms.
Basically, if the firearm is legal in the state to which you’re transporting that firearm, you are good travelling through states which may have more stringent gun control laws.
1. Keep it locked in the trunk or a secure compartment, with the weapon unloaded and ammunition separate.
2. You’re allowed to stop in unfriendly states (gas, food, temporary lodging) as long as you’re not staying in that state.
Several states (Illinois and New York) are famous for violating this federal statute. The victims win in court, but not after a few days of state-sponsored lodging, court fees, etc. Be wary. Just because you’re right, doesn’t mean you’ll “win”.
As they say, “You can beat the rap, but you can’t beat the ride.”
You should probably check the individual state sites on your route. Most allow transport of an unloaded (and sometimes disassembled) firearm in a case. As mentioned in post 2, avoid Illinois. You need a special permit there to own a firearm or ammunition.
I think that you can transport firearms aboard aircraft if they are kept in the original box, without ammo, and in you checked luggage. I would assume similar conditions would be appropriate for ground transport.
I would think so....but it's likely to be difficult particularly the farther north and east you get.Plan your route,determine which states you'd be passing through and then determine what their laws are.Perhaps the NRA website could help.
Assuming you are purchasing these firearms legally...
Each state is different. You need to abide by the laws of each state.
In general, make sure the ammo is not together with the firearm. Make sure handguns are not able to be fired (have a trigger lock on them, take the magazine out of semi’s, e.g.).
When traveling, make sure you don’t break any other laws that would give them the opportunity to search.
http://www.nraila.org/GunLaws/Federal/Read.aspx?id=59
NY is not a state you want to be careless in.
also consider getting an out of state CCW. that’ll allow carry i nmany of the states you’ll pass thru.
In general firearms dealers are restricted to selling to residents of that state, or can ship to dealers in your state.
Private sales will not normally so restricted.
This is the correct answer.
I’m assuming that these firearms are going to be given to you. Does NY require a license to own? Registration?
Just stay here in little ole Texas. Then you won’t have to worry about them Nazi cops in Illinois or NY. :-D
The FFL is bound by the laws of your state as well as his own as to whether he can sell you a long gun over the counter. OTC sales of handguns to out of state residents is forbidden under federal law. That goes for casual sales also.
As for driving in the West over 35 years, I’ve been stopped and ticketed a half dozen times and nobody has ever asked to search.
It's generally stocked at places like Cabelas and Sportsman's Warehouse.
Could also very well be at places like Barnes & Noble.
Also, you’re under no obligation to grant the search, in which case they would need probable cause for a warrent.
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