I've run into a snag regarding transporting my guns

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C

.cheese.

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I noticed that my stuff was taking up more space than I envisioned, so I tried putting everything I've boxed up (only half of my collection) into the trunk of my car and it just barely fit.

I can put more boxes in the rear seat of my car, but then it wouldn't be in the trunk which creates a legal issue from what I understand.

I'm not sure what to do. I still have more rifles and handguns, along with boxes of magazines and ammunition to load up.

Use the rear seat of my car? Am I wrong about it being a legal problem?
 
I think I might be able to get away with just putting the actual guns in the trunk, and then the ammo and mags in the rear seat. I'm not sure though. I won't know until I box the rest up and try it. The rifles are really the problem.
 
oh sorry - I assumed that I've started so many threads on the general topic of my move that members here knew the situation.

This isn't just Florida. It's interstate. I gotta look at the federal law again.
 
Notwithstanding any other provision of any law or any rule or
regulation of a State or any political subdivision thereof, any person
who is not otherwise prohibited by this chapter from transporting,
shipping, or receiving a firearm shall be entitled to transport a
firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where he may lawfully
possess and carry such firearm to any other place where he may lawfully
possess and carry such firearm if, during such transportation the
firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition being
transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the
passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle: Provided, That in
the case of a vehicle without 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.
Click to expand...

Does that mean my idea in post #3 is ok?

Which is better, the firearms in the passenger compartment with the ammo in the trunk, or the other way around? Personally, it would be easier to fit if the firearms were in the passenger compartment with the ammo and mags in the trunk. All firearms will be wrapped in tissue paper, which is wrapped in bubble wrap, which is in a custom cut cardboard box, taped up all around, and wrapped in postal/parcel brown paper, taped all around.
 
I carry my guns across state lines on occasion. I hunt in MA. I have yet to run into a problem with transporting them But I useually look at all the states I'm going throuh's firearm laws and then adjust when I need to.
 
Yeah, you're going to want to look at Federal law, but you knew that I'm sure.

To give yourself options, see if it matters whether the guns are in the trunk or in the back seat, so long as they're seperate from the mags and ammo.
 
I sent an email to my mother and cousin about possibly giving me some Westlaw time that I can reimburse them for. It's cheaper to do it that way than to set up a subscription myself.

I need to pull not only the federal law (which I have), but also distinguishing cases to answer this question. I need Westlaw for that.

Or..... maybe I can ask the law school I'm currently enrolled at to begin this Fall to give me a training access code for "an early start". I doubt they'll be able to help me though.

Too bad I'm not with the local criminal defense agency I was with for 7 months now. I got free Westlaw with unlimited searches that weren't billed by transaction. Looks like I quit a little too early. :(
 
What are your options?

I haven't been following this 100% but IIRC it was a relocation from FL to MN (I'll hold my tongue) by road.

Do you have options re: storage in FL? The last time I did something similar I took only a minimum set on the initial trip and the rest stayed in a secure location until I had assessed the new housing/shooting/security environment and could do things in good order.

Another option for the heavy and fungible parts of your kit (ammo being the prime example but perhaps reloading supplies or unused accessories -- my own policy says "not the guns") is to sell in FL and buy at your destination. That drops the packing weight to zero (and this is a good market window for doing that).

To limit myself to the question you actually asked: You can put the guns (unloaded) into soft gun cases, string those tiny little luggage padlocks through the zipper pulls, and stack them in the back seat and you are OK too. Or load them in suitcases. They aren't readily accessible, they are in locked cases, everything is covered, you are meeting your obligation under the law. Put the ammo into locked cases or in the trunk just to be cautious.

Another option would be a small u-haul box trailer (designed for towing behind a car) if you aren't already towing something.

Carrying too much in a single load, especially on long trips, can be a real bear. If you have any option for making two trips or sending some of the stuff by another means (including, for example, packing up a box for UPS shipment in FL, addressed to YOU at your destination, and paying UPS to ground freight long guns, ammo, or if you want to avoid ORM-D stickers just accessories that would otherwise weigh you down.
 
Do you have options re: storage in FL?
Click to expand...

Ehhh... I thought so, but apparently not. My folks originally were pushing for me to leave my stuff in their house. Then they changed their mind when they realized how many construction workers there would be in the house over the next few years as they refurbish the house. I'm happy to bring all of it with me, I just need to figure out the logistics of getting it all in the car. My car seemed bigger in my head than it turned out to be.
 
during such transportation the firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle:
Click to expand...

It seems to me, that if the ammo is locked up and in the back seat and the firearms are in the trunk you should be fine. Locked up ammo isn't readily or directly accessible from the passenger compartment.

However, IANAL.
 
IMHO, Ed's got a pretty good idea. Besides the guns themselves (and maybe the mags too) I'd see what all I could sell before you left Florida. There's a bit of a run on ammo right now, and depending on what you have, you could not only free up some space in your car (and save it the burden - ammo is damned heavy!) and make yourself a nice little bit of dough to boot.

Then, once you get to MN and get re-settled, buy back what you need as you need it.
 
Well I really don't think you will have a problem making it to NC with everything, then you can just stop by my house and I'll gladly empty your rear seat for you. :evil: but seriously have you looked into possibly renting a trailer? put the ammo in the trunk and the guns in the trailer, both will be locked and secure. if you stop for the night just pick a place were you can back the trailer up against a wall to keep people honest. just a thought
 
It would cost quite a bit more but what about the smallest uhaul truck and towing the car on a dolly?

Uhaul does make tiny little enclosed trailers that just about any car can pull.

Keep in mind, the Federal law specifically says "LOCKED CONTAINER" for inside the passenger compartment for either guns or ammo. If your counting on Federal law, your boxes in the passenger compartment will not meet the requirement of a LOCKED CONTAINER.
 
I figured it out. I had to take the handguns out of their cases and wrap them in tissue paper, and then place them into smaller boxes, 2 per box. That worked. Now all the guns fit in the trunk just barely.

I'll bring the cases separately. I kind of don't like the idea of not having them locked in their cases, but then again a thief could make off with the whole case anyways so it doesn't really make much of a difference.
 
Go to the local FEDEX/UPS place. Buy boxes. Go home. Load guns into boxes with quality packing material. Take them back with labels addressed both to be delivered to you and being sent by you, and pre-pay the shipping but do not turn over yet.

Have your folks hold them until you arrive in MN.

When you arrive, have your parents drop them off at the shipping establishment.

You are in MN to receive your own firearms.

In previous posts here on THR, this was described as legal.
However, I am not a lawyer, so my advice is worth precisely what you paid for it.

Edit to add: you posted while I was interrupted by answering a phone call. If space is still tight, you could also ship your EMPTY, pistol-less cases to yourself without any problem. No laws regarding shipping other plastic containers.

Q
 
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sure it's legal.

I just don't trust somebody else with my guns. I entertained the idea... but didn't like it.

as for the cases. That can go in the passenger compartment without a problem.
 
Signal us upon your successful arrival.
Click to expand...

I should be doing the drive in early to mid June. I wanted to do it this month but it turns out I need minor surgery and the earliest the surgeon I know could fit me in was late this month. So factor in 1 to 2 weeks of recovery time (just making sure I don't develop an infection) until I can start the drive.

I should certainly be settled up there by the end of June I think.

The only other thing I need to do is get things set up for a Dakota Safe (modular RGC/Safe) to arrive at my apartment the same day I do. That way I can set it up immediately and move things from the car directly into the safe.

Then the cats are being flown up courtesy of a family member. I'll sleep on an air mattress for the first few days until I can get furniture delivered.

It would be nice if I have the apartment done by independence day.

I still need to work out a few things gun wise, like - what drawer safe to have for a pistol in my bed side table. I think I'll go with a Gunvault.

Anyways, at least the hardest part gun-wise is over of figuring out how to legally get my guns up there.
 
Depending on your longguns, you could carry barreled actions in the trunk, and stash the stocks in the backseat.

I know you have a number of ARs. You could carry the lowers in the trunk, and the uppers in the back seat, well hidden of course.
 
Rent a small U-Haul truck,tow the car...More expensive,but worth the cost in peace of mind...
 
I have moved a few times. As I recall, you're headed to the Denver area. You always have more stuff than you think. Always.

Long guns are a pain. That's why I stored mine for years at my father's house so I didn't have to move them again and again. Still have some there. You forget about them and essentially replace them with something new.

Transport is fine. I would just make sure you could survive a search by LE and keep everything unloaded. You aren't going through DC, NJ, or NYC, so you should be just fine legally.

In the long run, it is easier to rent a truck and tow the car. That way you won't have to worry as much when you stay at motels on your way. I've moved 1000 miles with my car piled to the ceiling and just enough room for me to drive. I don't recommend that. Youth..... oh the bliss....
 
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