Moving question

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distra

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Our move is on the schedule for next week and have a couple specific questions for you guys who have recently moved. I have all my pistols in the original boxes and stored in a lockable tote. Do I need to have locks on all the pistol cases or is the tote local enough? Do my long guns need to all have locks on the cases or is the locked trailer enough? Same with the ammo dry boxes, do they need individual locks on the boxes? I'll be towing the trailer through some unfriendly territory and want to make sure I comply with Federal interstate transport law.
 
When I moved cross country, I left my long rifles and handguns locked in the truck of my vehicle and all ammo locked in a box in the backseat. The only "problem" state I was travelling through was NY and called a few friends of mine at the New York state police to let them know I was moving. Not a mandated requirement, was more of a CYA.
 
I was travelling through was NY and called a few friends of mine at the New York state police to let them know I was moving.

What was the response? Just follow federal law and not stop?

Sad commentary on our republic that this thread even has to be posted.

Yes, yes it is...I hold my breath traveling through NY until I get to PA and again through IL. Silliness, just plain silliness...
 
distra said:
What was the response? Just follow federal law and not stop?

One appreciated the call even though I didn't need to make it. And made the joke to remember not to pull over an overloaded Buick. After that he went over the federal transport law just to make sure we had the bases covered.
 
distra, understand this one tidbit about the '86 Firearms Owners Protection Act, safe passage clause: The FOPA provides an "affirmative defense." That means, if a state or locality arrests you and charges you for violating their local laws by possessing a firearm they don't allow while you're traveling through -- WHEN you get to court you may present your case that you were operating under the FOPA guidelines and the court (under federal law) must accept that reason (if you were indeed following the FOPA rules) and release you.

FOPA doesn't do anything at all to keep a state from arresting you and taking you to trial. They just can't convict you. Another way to say that is, "you can beat the rap, but not the ride."

A couple of states (NY is unfortunately, one of them) have a reputation for pushing this and dragging people through trial even though they know they can't convict. They do it just to make a point. It will cost you thousands to get through it, plus the little inconveniences of arrest, seizure of property, etc.

Long story short, follow FOPA and drive nice and steady -- not too slow, not too fast -- and don't stop for anything but gas and potty.
 
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