Question on Gun Transport...

[Republicrat]

So transport of a gun in a vehicle is illegal in PA without a LTCF with some exceptions.

One of the exceptions is traveling to or from a range.

My question is this...If you're traveling home from a range and stop at the grocery store or wherever...are you breaking the law?

I've always found this law in PA sort of insane...many Western states allow carry of a loaded gun in a car without a permit but in PA you can't even legally carry it locked and unloaded in a trunk.

[tl_3237]

(4) 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.

Non-essential stops is a gray area but I believe the intent is to be going directly to and from. A stop at the grocery store etc. would be pushing the envelope. IANAL

[imperialism2024]

First of all, long guns are not "firearms" for the purposes of your post. You can go driving around with a shotgun in your trunk all day if you care to do so. Just don't load it (in the vehicle), as that's always illegal regardless of having a LTCF.

So, then, "firearms" are generally pistols and SBRs/SBSs. There's some discussion about the legality of transport, but here on PAFOA it's generally held that it is illegal to so much as have the frame of a gun locked up in a safe in your trunk if you daudle too long at the traffic light on the way home from the range. If you can legally get a LTCF, you should get one if you ever plan to move your gun beyond walking distance. Once again, that's the general consensus around here.

It's an incredibly shitty law. Our unlicensed transport laws look draconian even compared to the most anti-gun states. Yet our Commonwealth is most likely going to squander political capital this year on making it extra-legal to shoot people who attack you, even though Pennsylvania already has great self-defense laws... unfortunately, the groups who wish to profit from passing unnecessary pro-gun laws continue to spread the lie that one is not allowed to properly defend himself in this Commonwealth. But I digress.

Make sure that your range/gunsmith/gunstore trips while in constructive possession of a handgun are direct, and don't make unnecessary stops.

Get a LTCF.

[LittleRedToyota]

My question is this...If you're traveling home from a range and stop at the grocery store or wherever...are you breaking the law?

yes. (er, well, yes in regard to "firearms" as defined by the UFA. long guns are a different story.)

I've always found this law in PA sort of insane

yes again.

[Republicrat]

Thanks all.

This is basically my interpretation as well.

I hate traveling to and from the range and realizing I need orange juice or extra socks or whatever and deciding it's better to drive home, drop off the gun and then go about my day instead of risking stopping somewhere where it's a legal gray area.

Stupid law...protecting car trunks I suppose.

[psion_008]

Slightly off the given topic of this post.

I need to take my Remington 700 5-r Milspec and Springfield XD to Arizona to attend GPS Defense's Sniper/Counter Sniper Course. I intend to fly out, What kind of B.S. Hoops do I need to jump through? I already have a Pelican 1750 with 2 TSA approved locks.

I am sure it looks good to try and get through security with gear:
3 sets bdu's + ghullie Suit
3 day assault Pack
Wind gauge / range finder
Log Book
Sniper weapon and pistol
etc....

[doctor1911]

...but to be clear, get an LCTF and the point is moot.

I understand that in Philly and other urban areas it might be daunting to get one, but most Pennsylvania county sheriffs I've met are nice, accommodating, pro-2nd amendment types. So just take the money one would spend on 2 boxes of handgun ammo and get the LCTF instead. Then no worries.


Just my 2c worth

[bgeddes]

...but to be clear, get an LCTF and the point is moot.

A LTCF has little to do with long guns.

[psion_008]

Thanks for the reply,

I already have a LTCF and carry the XD mentioned above daily. I have never flown with a weapon; and could use any advice, sagacious wisdom, or knowledge of the hoops I will have to jump through.

Thanks Again

[headcase]

Slightly off the given topic of this post.

I need to take my Remington 700 5-r Milspec and Springfield XD to Arizona to attend GPS Defense's Sniper/Counter Sniper Course. I intend to fly out, What kind of B.S. Hoops do I need to jump through? I already have a Pelican 1750 with 2 TSA approved locks.

I am sure it looks good to try and get through security with gear:
3 sets bdu's + ghullie Suit
3 day assault Pack
Wind gauge / range finder
Log Book
Sniper weapon and pistol
etc....

Check this thread