Quick carry question

[DIY-Pete]

I am a resident of Iowa and plan to be traveling to New Mexico after the first of the year and had a question about their carry law.

In my research I know that I can't conceal\open carry in NM even with my Iowa permit but it appears that I can have my pistol loaded and within easy reach in my car. I am not clear on how to legally move the gun from my car to where I am staying. Is it ok to just case it? Do I have to unload it then case it? Does the case need to be locked?

Thanks for your input.
Pete

 

[Art Eatman]

Not legal advice: You're legal in the vehicle. You're legal in the motel room or friend's house. I'd conceal it between car and residence in order to avoid any panic attack on the part of some passer-by who's a Nervous Nellie about firearms.

 

[X-Rap]

I think if you conceal it must be unloaded.
Last I knew NM is still an OC state but you need to verify on one of the carry websites at the minimum.

 

[Frank Ettin]

Another option might be to obtain a non-resident Arizona permit. They are honored by New Mexico (according to handgunlaw.us) and may be obtained by mail. In my experience the Arizona DPS is pretty efficient, and the renewals of my Arizona permit have always been expeditious. But I don't know if you'd have enough time, at least for your upcoming trip. If not, it's a possibility for the future.

 

[DIY-Pete]

Thanks Gentlemen. I did some more reading and between Handgunlaw.us and the NRA-ILA sites I have been able to verify a few things.
I can carry loaded in my car and it is not against the law to carry an unloaded weapon. So I will just have it in the car and then unload and case it when I am transporting it outside of the vehicle. I will only be in state a couple of days and mostly in the "back 40" so I'm not worried about getting on the wrong side of a bad guy.

I didn't know that about the AZ permit but I will follow up after the first of the year. Once the Christmas craziness is over.

Pete

handgunlaw.us
From the Department of Public Safety FAQ.
Question: Do I have to be licensed to have a concealed loaded handgun inside my vehicle?

Answer: No. New Mexico law allows a person who is not otherwise prohibited to have a concealed loaded firearm in his/her vehicle (including motorcycles and bicycles). See 30-7-2 NMSA 1978. If you are not licensed to carry concealed in this State or in a state that NM recognizes, you may not have the weapon concealed on your person when you exit your vehicle or motorcycle.

NRA-ILA
It is lawful to carry an unloaded firearm. It is lawful to carry a loaded rifle or shotgun in a private automobile or other private means of conveyance, for lawful protection of person or property.

 

[MedWheeler]

If NM prohibits open carry in public places of a loaded firearm, that's gotta be something relatively new. I've spent time out there, though not in a few years, and it was legal then. My Florida license permitted concealed-carry of a firearm as well, but NM restricts licensed concealed carry to one gun only; at that time, any second gun had to be carried openly.

I think I do remember hearing about some changes to the law there a while back..