Avoid Running Afoul Of The Law When Traveling To And From A Shooting Range
Even states with severe restrictions for issuing concealed carry firearms permits offer exemptions to gun owners interested in transporting pistols to a shooting range. The statutes that define the exemptions are frequently narrow. Violations of the narrow parameters could make you guilty of illegal possession or unlawful transport of a firearm. So, take extra steps to avoid problems with law and save yourself from facing serious charges in court.
Secure All Guns and Ammo While Transporting
Do yourself a favor and always place your unloaded guns in the trunk so they are never in close proximity of your reach. Better yet, put all weapons inside a locked carrying case prior to storing it in the trunk. Extra steps to take include:
- Removing magazines or cylinders from pistols.
- Keeping the breech open with all rifles and shotguns.
- Use a locking device to block the breech from closing.
The more safety steps you take, the better.
Buy a Proper Carrying Case
Investing in a gun transport case with a built-in lock would be a wise plan. If you do not have such a case, affix a small padlock to a normal, zippered case. Do the same with a separate bag with your ammunition. Don't just transport ammunition in its retail box. Never put guns and ammo in the same carrying case. Most definitely do not load ammo in magazines under any circumstances.
Check the Law
Read up on the local statutes in your state. Are you legally allowed to travel with guns and ammo in the same storage compartment at all? Or would you have to keep guns secured in the trunk and the ammo in a locked container inside the vehicle? Never make any assumptions. Review the law and direct all questions to a criminal lawyer. Avoiding inadvertently committing a crime is easier than having to mount a defense in court.
Keep the Receipt
Always ask for a receipt from the gun range. In the event of an unfortunate incident, this receipt is timed and dated proof you were just at the range. The receipt could be submitted as evidence in a court of law. Now, that might be fine proof when you leave the range. What about before you get there? Call the range before you leave to confirm they are open. Placing a call prior to leaving creates a phone record that a criminal defense attorney may be able to submit as evidence showing you were on the way to the range. The person you spoke to on the phone could be called in as a witness.
Parting Shot
Sure, these may seem like a lot of extra steps to take. However, they are easier to do than a stint in jail. If you do find yourself in trouble, contact a criminal lawyer like Kaiser Law Group.