Guest post by Richard Douglas

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There are plenty of reasons why you may need to take your firearm across state lines. Maybe your friend has a hunting cabin “up North”, or you are taking part in a competition just over the state border, or maybe you finally booked that dream hunt in the Rockies. Whatever the reason, don’t pack that rifle and scope just yet! Make sure you are traveling safe and legal.

Basic Safety

This almost goes without saying, but regardless of which states you may be traveling through you need to transport your gun safely. Always keep it locked up, unloaded, and out of reach. Keep any and all licences and permits on you when carrying.

State/Local Laws

State laws can be the most confusing because they can all be different and are changing continually. Make sure you look up the most recent laws for every state you will cross, even if you just went on that same trip last year. Many states along the Eastern seaboard have very restrictive gun laws.

Some cities also require special permits. For example, you will need a specific New York City permit for your handgun; just having a New York state licence is not sufficient. Any time your gun is readily accessible within reach (on your hip, glovebox, or under a seat) state and local laws apply.

Federal Law

Assuming you are legally allowed to own a gun, the Senate Bill 2414, aka the McClure-Volkmer Act, lets you travel with your firearm across more restrictive states but ONLY IF you comply with specific rules:

1. You have a license to carry firearms in your home state for any lawful purpose (like self-defense).

2. You can lawfully possess firearms in your destination.

3. The car doesn’t have a loaded firearm. It must be out of your reach along with the ammunition.

This allows you to travel through a state with restrictive laws, but don’t dawdle. If you stay longer than necessary, stop to visit sites, visit with family, or take a wayward route, this could be construed as a destination. In this case, it could be argued in court that the federal law does not apply. Try not to spend more than 24 hours in any state you need to travel through due to local or state laws.

Note that this law applies to firearms and ammunition, but does NOT apply to larger capacity magazines, “assault weapons,” or other firearm accessories prohibited in a particular state. Make sure all your accessories are legal for any states you will be traveling through.

Just remember: as soon as that gun is loaded or within reach, state/local laws apply regardless!

Flying Commercial

If you want to fly commercially with your firearm, gun parts, ammunition, or other shooting accessories, there are strict TSA rules to follow:

1. It must be declared verbally or in writing

2. Unloaded

3. Locked in a hard-sided container

4. Checked as luggage, or stored inside your checked luggage

5. Ammo must be locked separately and also checked

6. The passenger must have the key/combo

Remember that all checked luggage is subject to inspection. If this occurs you may be required to unlock the container for further inspection. Make sure to look up ammunition quantity and packaging requirements for your particular airline as they can differ. Also be aware of the local/state laws where you have a connecting flight or layover as you will need to abide by local laws there as well.

Special Considerations

There are certain exceptions you will want to keep in mind when planning your route:

1. Native American Reservations: Each nation/tribe has varying regulations regarding firearms. While most of them follow state guidelines for non-tribal members, be sure to look up and abide by any and all laws applicable.

2. Federal Facilities: Currently firearms are banned from all federal facilities. These include but are not limited to post offices, park ranger stations,

3. National Parks and Wildlife Refuges: While you may possess a firearm in most of these areas (in accordance with that state’s particular law), it can be a little tricky. There may be federal facilities (ranger stations, visitor’s centers, etc.) within the park/refuge where guns are not allowed. The rules can vary by park, especially if it is located across multiple states. The parks may also post signage indicating other locations where you may not have firearms. Make sure you research the regulations for any parks you will be traveling through.

4. International travel: Few countries are as gun-friendly as the United States. Be sure to understand and follow each country’s laws and restrictions when visiting places outside the US.

With all the complexity and complications of traveling with firearms, the next time you are headed to your sandy beach vacation you might want to leave the gun at home.

Guest Author Bio:

Richard Douglas is a long-time shooter, outdoor enthusiast and technologist. He is the founder and editor of Scopes Field, and a columnist at The National Interest, Cheaper Than Dirt, Daily Caller and other publications.