Trunk Gun Loaded?

[12GA00buck]

Does your "Trunk Gun" need to be unloaded, or is it being locked in the trunk enough? I've always kept my trunk gun unloaded, but I'd prefer to keep it loaded. Anyone know the laws?

I've read through the state firearm laws; it only specifies that if your under 18, guns need to be unloaded while your transporting them to and from hunting, target shooting etc. I couldent find anything about adults keeping a loaded gun in their trunk.

Thanks in advance

 

[Hoppy590]

laws depend on state. in MA the idea of a trunk gun is possibly criminal. loaded, unloaded, etc

 

[ball3006]

Depends on the state....

here in Texas I keep a loaded AK behind the seat of my truck. It is out of sight that way and I can use my pistol to fight my way to it.......chris3

 

[mlandman]

In Fla. you can have a gun in a car ("private conveyance") as long as it is "Securely Contained" and not on the person, if you do not have a CWL.

Title XLVI, chapter 790, section 790.25 Lawful ownership, possession, and use of firearms and other weapons.
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(3) LAWFUL USES.--The provisions of ss. 790.053 and 790.06 do not apply in the following instances, and, despite such sections, it is lawful for the following persons to own, possess, and lawfully use firearms and other weapons, ammunition, and supplies for lawful purposes:
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(l) A person traveling by private conveyance when the weapon is securely encased or in a public conveyance when the weapon is securely encased and not in the person's manual possession

Securely Contained is liberally defined as:

Title XLVI, chapter 790, section 790.001 - Definitions
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(17)"Securely encased" means in a glove compartment, whether or not locked; snapped in a holster; in a gun case, whether or not locked; in a zippered gun case; or in a closed box or container which requires a lid or cover to be opened for access.

 

[ChestyP]

You didn't say what state

In WA, it is a violation to carry a loaded long gun "in or on" a motor vehicle. Return to your pick-up from a morning in the field, lay your shotgun on top of the cab to unlock the vehicle... and you've just violated the law.

CPL holders can possess a loaded HANDGUN in a vehicle.

That's WA. Hopefully Alaska would be more reasonable.

 

[SSN Vet]

in Maine (which generally has pretty good gun laws) it is illegal under any circumstance to have a loaded long gun in a motor vehicle.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

Oregon:

There is no law against carrying loaded magazines. In fact, Oregon has no law against carrying loaded rifles in your car. Localities may restrict loaded carry of firearms by persons without concealed handgun licenses, but only in public places, which your car is not.

 

[Dain Bramage]

In WA, it is a violation to carry a loaded long gun "in or on" a motor vehicle. Return to your pick-up from a morning in the field, lay your shotgun on top of the cab to unlock the vehicle... and you've just violated the law.

True. So don't run into a game warden who's run out of his Preparation H.

However, AFAIK, having a loaded magazine next to your rifle is OK. So is an otherwise loaded, but uncapped black powder rifle.

It's another reason that all those SKS truck gun threads have no traction for us in Washington state.

 

[tmajors]

90% sure Idaho doesn't care as long as you have a CCW, OR if it is in plain view (on a gun rack for example). Also that only applies actually inside city limits. Outside city limits it just doesn't matter.

 

[12GA00buck]

Thanks for the input gentlemen; Sort of an odd coincidence, I'm in WA visiting family. Guess I'll keep it unloaded till I make my way back north.

 

[Rustynuts]

"90% sure Idaho doesn't care as long as you have a CCW, OR if it is in plain view (on a gun rack for example). Also that only applies actually inside city limits. Outside city limits it just doesn't matter."

So Idaho is a City!!?

 

[Geronimo45]

Texas doesn't care about long guns, at all. You might want the chamber empty with some long guns, since I don't think all of 'em have a firing pin safety.

 

[Ric in Richmond]

How about Virginia? With CCW

 

[ctdonath]

Given the pervasiveness of "no loaded long guns in cars" laws throughout the country, better to keep it unloaded.
Given that "insert magazine, release bolt" is normal function, and that you're already taking significant time running to the car, opening the trunk, getting the thing out, etc. I'd think you'd have time to slap a mag in and work the bolt.

If your gun isn't "slap in mag/clip" simple, you've got the wrong gun for that job.

 

[Lennyjoe]

No such thing as a truck gun for me and I own a truck.

The only gun I have with me is the one on my hip. I prefer not to leave any weapon unattended in a vehicle. I've paid too much to have it ripped off.

God forbid someone gets shot with a gun that I left in a vehicle.

Ok, call me paranoid.......