Transporting AR w/ Mags

[LloydXmas250]

I'm posting this here because I'm asking specifically about a rifle and I figure this page gets more traffic the the law page. I know I'm probably opening up a can of worms here as any search regarding the transportation of firearms devolves into a war between posters. But I'm still somewhat unsure. I just bought a case to transport my AR in. It has pockets for magazines on the outside. Can I have a magazine in those pockets while my gun is in the case? Also, does my gun or the case to the gun need to be locked? Also a bit curious on the mags being loaded or not. Thanks, and I hope this doesn't just start and argument, and in case it does, I'm sorry ahead of time.

[lorax3]

Instead of addressing these questions again I refer you to the CGF Wiki.

Excerpt from

How do I legally transport a long gun (rifle or shotgun)?

Unloaded.

Is a case required to transport a long gun?
No.

Do I need to transport a long gun in my trunk or other locked container?

No, except:
When traveling through Gun Free School Zones Federal law requires long guns to be in a locked container or a locked gun rack.

Can I have ammunition in the same case and compartment as the gun?
Yes.

Can removable magazines for rifles have ammunition in them?

Yes, so long as no loaded magazine is in the magazine well.

[anniepoks]

...all said by lorax3.
and i usually do open bolt for added quick "safe" look in case LEO flags you down.

[LloydXmas250]

So according to that, I can put my AR in its case, zip it up, place a loaded mag on the outside pocket and be completely legal? Now of course I could still run into Johnny Law who has no clue and will say that's illegal. Does anyone use any other methods to make it overly legal that an LEO wouldn't try to cite?

[anniepoks]

yes to all, except:
you have the right not to be searched or carry the Sac PD memo always w/ your gun.
i bet you know now but just in case -

http://www.hoffmang.com/firearms/Sacramento-PD-OLL_Training_Bulletin-2008-11-18.pdf

[lorax3]

I lock every firearm I transport, although not legally required in all scenarios it would prevent be from a bogus federal school zone charge.

I keep gun related items out of sight, in the truck, under a blanket, etc. In the case I get pulled over the officer would have no idea I was transporting firearms unless he had some cause to search my vehicle.

[LloydXmas250]

Alright. So if I buy a padlock that I can lock the two zippers that open the case, is my gun considered locked away? Thanks for the nice easy help by the way. Appreciate it.

[evidens83]

I keep my AR unloaded with unloaded magazines in outside pockets. No need to padlock it since your trunk is considered a locked container.

[gasol1ne]

although not necessary, i always transport with an unloaded mag inserted. i feel that i can better explain that my AR is a fixed magazine weapon if there is actually magazine fixed on the gun.

[LloydXmas250]

Alright. So to clarify the advice given here. It is not necessary to have my rifle locked or have ammo stored away from the rifle, I just can't have ammo in the rifle. However most people lock their rifle to be on the safe side. I'm guessing I should just have empty mags as well just to be even safer. Thanks for all the help and for posting that link to the letter. I hope an LEO would take the seriously but the pessimist in me thinks they would not even think about reading it. Thanks for the help.

[glockwise2000]

Dem, Lorax pretty much said eveything.

[lorax3]

No need to padlock it since your trunk is considered a locked container.

Unlike CA, the federal school zone law does not specifically list trunks as examples of locked containers.

[IsaacGlass]

Alright. So to clarify the advice given here. It is not necessary to have my rifle locked or have ammo stored away from the rifle, I just can't have ammo in the rifle. However most people lock their rifle to be on the safe side. I'm guessing I should just have empty mags as well just to be even safer. Thanks for all the help and for posting that link to the letter. I hope an LEO would take the seriously but the pessimist in me thinks they would not even think about reading it. Thanks for the help.

Then again, dont give LEO a reason to pull you over and you should be okay.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=186405

[9mmepiphany]

although not necessary, i always transport with an unloaded mag inserted. i feel that i can better explain that my AR is a fixed magazine weapon if there is actually magazine fixed on the gun.

i would think that should avoid any possible misunderstanding on their part. you won't have to explain the BB, they wouldn't be able to remove the "fixed" mag

[GunDog]

i would think that should avoid any possible misunderstanding on their part. you won't have to explain the BB, they wouldn't be able to remove the "fixed" mag

Concur!