Driving to Indiana

**rxer311** · August 9th, 2012, 08:41 PM

Hey everybody. I used to live in Indiana and in a few weeks I am going back to visit some friends. While I am there we are planning on doing some shooting on my friend's private property.

I have a PA LTCF. I know that I have Reciprocity in Indiana but I don't in Ohio. I am not sure about West Virginia either. Anyway, when I am driving through Ohio (and possibly WV) how should I transport my firearms. I am planning on taking 3 guns (my M&P Shield as my carry gun, a 1911, and an AR-15). My truck does not have a separate locking compartment (I am obviously not throwing my guns in the bed with just the tonneau cover on. Would I have to get a lockable case for my rifle and pistols? Right now I only have soft cases. I assume that I would also have to carry the mags seperate from the guns.

What are your recommendations on what I should do? FYI, my wife and daughter will also be travelling with me.

**donm** · August 9th, 2012, 09:53 PM

West Virginia recognizes your LTCF so you're OK there. Ohio does not, but isn't as restrictive as PA on transporting unloaded handguns without a license. It has to be unloaded and in a case. I'm not sure if it has to be inaccessible, like in the trunk, but that's how I'd do it. One oddity of Ohio law is that a loaded magazine or speedloader anywhere in the vehicle "loads" the gun, so you'll need to empty your mags as well.

**Preble Pro** · August 9th, 2012, 10:02 PM

I suggest you get a Utah CHP and you can carry in Ohio, all you want.

**rxer311** · August 10th, 2012, 07:20 AM

Originally Posted by donm

West Virginia recognizes your LTCF so you're OK there. Ohio does not, but isn't as restrictive as PA on transporting unloaded handguns without a license. It has to be unloaded and in a case. I'm not sure if it has to be inaccessible, like in the trunk, but that's how I'd do it. One oddity of Ohio law is that a loaded magazine or speedloader anywhere in the vehicle "loads" the gun, so you'll need to empty your mags as well.

Like I said though...I don't have a trunk. Will they be okay in a soft case unloaded with my magazines unloaded in a different location?

**vinman** · August 10th, 2012, 09:38 AM

Originally Posted by rxer311

Like I said though...I don't have a trunk. Will they be okay in a soft case unloaded with my magazines unloaded in a different location?

As long as they are cased and unloaded you will be fine. Wrap the cased guns in a blanket or sheet and put them on the floor. that will keep them out of sight.