Transporting a pistol under 21?

[Mastiff4570]

Here is a question i cant seem to find an answer too. I am 19 years old and want to go shooting at a range but when i want to go with out my dad can i transport it with out the risk of getting into a legal issue? in other words can i take my pistol to the range alone? thanks for any advice you can give me.

[LittleRedToyota]

yes, you can.

you must transport the handgun unloaded with ammo in a separate container. (i would recommend locking both in your trunk, but there is no requirement to do so.)

you must also go directly to and from the range.

you must comply with all range regulations. (some ranges might have their own regulations about handguns and age.)

[Mastiff4570]

alright thank you very much for the advice!!

[Pa. Patriot]

LRT is correct.

For ref, See: 18,PACS §6106. Firearms not to be carried without a license.

[idpasharpshooter]

i have been transporting handguns to and from the range sense i was 17. it is diffrent for under 18 but 18 and older has been covered well enough. i drive a pickup so what i do is put all ammo in ammo cans, mags and holsters empty in a bag and handguns in cases all of which i put in my tool box. the idea is that they want the gun to not be easily accessible while your driving. but if you dive a car the best place is the trunk.

[Mastiff4570]

I usually drive a station wagon is the backseat ok?

[idpasharpshooter]

i would say no. is there some sort of divider behind the rear seat that makes a trunk of sorts if so inside there would be the best place. if not make sure there is a lock on any box or case you put your handguns in.

[LittleRedToyota]

I usually drive a station wagon is the backseat ok?

yes...there isn't anything in the law about it needing to be in the trunk or anything like that.

here is the exact wording of the exception in the PA UFA (to which Pa Patriot posted a link) that allows you to do it:

Any persons engaged in target shooting with rifle, pistol, or revolver, if such persons are at or are going to or from their places of assembly or target practice and if, while going to or from their places of assembly or target practice, the cartridges or shells are carried in a separate container and the rifle, pistol or revolver is unloaded.

i was just suggesting keeping it in the trunk because some LEOs don't know the law and it will just avoid the issue if you are pulled over. but, it is perfectly legal to have it in the back seat...or even the front seat for that matter.

[Mastiff4570]

Thank you guys very much for the very sound advice.

[Pa. Patriot]

Yep. The firearm and ammo need only be in separate containers, not separate compartments of the vehicle. Separate compartments removes any doubt, but not needed per the letter of the law.