Locked Transportation?

[MellonPopper]

As I was packing my stuff up last night to head out for a range day today, I looked at my Plano handgun box, and I thought, hmmmm this thing is pretty flimsy. I have it for my .40 and put it and two mags inside, then locked it with my Master padlock. Then I undo both the latches and lift, and sure enough, I have full access to the gun even when the box is locked.

Should I worry, or am I "technically" compliant? We're heading to Nevada, and will stop by Cabellas on the way, should a better lockbox (or a 2nd padlock) be on my list?

-MP

[Dhoggs]

If your guns are in the trunk(<<<considered locked container) of your car you should be ok. Make sure though that the mag is not inserted in the pistol if loaded.

[Edwood]

There is no clear definition of what determines a locked case. Other than it's locked. You can have a cardboard box as long as it has a lock on it.

The key is that tampering and destruction of the case must be evident for gaining unauthorized access to contents inside. So for zippered cases, you must make sure that if it has self heading dual zippers, you need to make sure the lock secures the zippers in the way that they cannot be zipped up and down the zipper track together, otherwise they can pop a pen to separate the zipper, open up your case, zip the dual zippers (still locked) and close up the zippers making it look like nothing happened.

So if you are talking about pure legal compliance, any lockable case designed to carry guns, regardless of how flimsy they are, is good enough for legal compliance.

[saudadeii]

I bought a cheap steel cash box at Walmart for my Sig. Big enough for my gun and 2 spare mags. Won't offer much resistance but it's "secure" and "fully enclosed"

http://wiki.calgunsfoundation.org/Transporting#Secure_container

[XDJYo]

As I was packing my stuff up last night to head out for a range day today, I looked at my Plano handgun box, and I thought, hmmmm this thing is pretty flimsy. I have it for my .40 and put it and two mags inside, then locked it with my Master padlock. Then I undo both the latches and lift, and sure enough, I have full access to the gun even when the box is locked.

Should I worry, or am I "technically" compliant? We're heading to Nevada, and will stop by Cabellas on the way, should a better lockbox (or a 2nd padlock) be on my list?

-MP

I suppose if would depend on what your intent is. Whether you just want to comply with the letter of the law (locked container) or if you want a means to keep your pistol safe inside the container (safe from a quick pry of the case).

My personal feeling is that I want to keep it safe from someone else (criminals) vs. "legal transport". I have a higher likelihood of thieves in a parking lot than a police stop and search of my car.

But, to each his own.

Happy shooting and be safe.

[Just-in]

A range bag that locks is another option to consider.

[Sheepdog1968]

If you are worried, just get a metal portable tool box. Most of the ones I've seen dont lend themselves to being easily open or inspected.

[PandaBear]

I transport my handguns in a pelican case with TSA combination locks. Usually put them inside of a bag that goes on the back seat. I do not put them in the trunk.

[ExileArms]

I picked this up: Combo Locking MaxxSecure Handgun Case

It reminds me of a bank cash deposit sleeve with a combination lock at the end of the zipper. It is thin and can easily fit in a normal looking messenger bag so I can "Gray Man" my way to the range. I wonder if I can also fit a triangular Pelican single pistol hard case inside of the sleeve for some extra protection.

[Edwood]

I picked this up: Combo Locking MaxxSecure Handgun Case

It reminds me of a bank cash deposit sleeve with a combination lock at the end of the zipper. It is thin and can easily fit in a normal looking messenger bag so I can "Gray Man" my way to the range. I wonder if I can also fit a triangular Pelican single pistol hard case inside of the sleeve for some extra protection.

Nice and sleek, but does not offer the same protection as actual bank cash deposit bags. Would've been nice if it were reinforced with more slash / knife resistant materials, otherwise, any pistol rug case that's lockable with a small combination lock will suffice.

[Twiki357]

Isn't it just for the purpose of meeting the legal requirement for transport? Protecting the contents from being stolen out of the container seems like an exercise in futility unless the locked container is well secured to the vehicle, otherwise a thief will just take the whole range bag/box.

[MellonPopper]

Isn't it just for the purpose of meeting the legal requirement for transport? Protecting the contents from being stolen out of the container seems like an exercise in futility unless the locked container is well secured to the vehicle, otherwise a thief will just take the whole range bag/box.

I kind of think so. That being said, my only intent is legal compliance. I have I truck, with no lockable container other than the cab. We were driving yesterday from Sacramento to Fernley NV, for a shoot day in the dessert. My Dad has his CCW, but my interview isn't until Sept, and I just wanted to make sure I was traveling legal, as we had LOTS of guns with us, and I didn't want any LEO to have any kind of excuse to hassle, in the event we ran into one.

[Jason95357]

As I was packing my stuff up last night to head out for a range day today, I looked at my Plano handgun box, and I thought, hmmmm this thing is pretty flimsy. I have it for my .40 and put it and two mags inside, then locked it with my Master padlock. Then I undo both the latches and lift, and sure enough, I have full access to the gun even when the box is locked.

Should I worry, or am I "technically" compliant? We're heading to Nevada, and will stop by Cabellas on the way, should a better lockbox (or a 2nd padlock) be on my list?

-MP

The PC says a "locked container" has to be "a secure container that is fully enclosed." I'd say if you can open it while locked and access the gun, it's neither a secure container nor fully enclosed and therefore not a locked container. However, neither "secure container" nor "fully enclosed" are defined in the PC.

http://wiki.calgunsfoundation.org/Transporting#Locked_container

[Bluesteak]

What about in the cab of a truck like OP stated?

I too have a truck and the guy at Turners said cablel lock on the gun and a lock on the case is good to go in a cab of a truck.

Thoughts?

[MellonPopper]

Just to be on the safe side, I've just decided to get another Master Lock for now. In reading the law, it does say "secure locked container" and although "secure" isn't defined, I would think any random 12 people could likely agree 1 lock does not make this secure...

Good enough to leave the gun store...


Not really secure though....