Can I Legally Leave my Home Defense Weapon Loaded?

[DaMeMe]

I was wondering if I can legally have my AR15 loaded with ammunition in a home defense scenario because I believe you can get charge with having a firearm loaded. Supposedly it allow criminal to gain access to a deadly weapon that can be use.

[8886]

The only thing I could think of is kids and negligent discharge, etc.

[ElDub1950]

You can leave it loaded.

Criminal Storage laws ONLY apply if your children or their invited friends get access to your gun and cause damage/injury. It does not apply to anyone (child or adult) who illegally enters your home.

The wisdom of leaving a firearm unsecured when you're not home is an entirely different issue.

[wpage]

No rule against it. As long as you obey the child part.

[FrankMo]

The wisdom of leaving a firearm unsecured when you're not home is an entirely different issue.

Excellent. Unsupervised guns should be locked up.

FrankMO

[MarikinaMan]

HD guns have to be on the ready. It can be loaded.

What you want is for the gun to be on the ready, but have controlled access.

That can be as simple as being in a hidden place, a gun lock, under the table magnet holder and gets more costly from there.

Quick access safe, covert gun cabinet, under the bed quick access drawer etc are some options.

[jrpowell3]

Personally, I wouldn't use an AR-15 as a home defense weapon. It's bullet's muzzle velocity is in the 3100fps range and will definitely go through several layers of drywall.

[Jak Nobody]

Personally, I wouldn't use an AR-15 as a home defense weapon. It's bullet's muzzle velocity is in the 3100fps range and will definitely go through several layers of drywall.

However, the smaller grain weight of the projectile leads it to frament quicker than a pistol load will, when using non-fmj loads (which you shouldn't be using in an HD situation anyway). Ideally, something in the 55gr weight with a hollow-point would actually likely be far better than any centerfire pistol load when it comes to reducing over-penetration.

[jrpowell3]

Or just use a shotgun.

[Tovarish]

There is no law about the firearm being loaded.

There are laws about leaving firearms where people or children might access them. In that case, the law should be the least of your worries. Don't leave guns where kids could find them.

[omega]

I always leave my HD firearms loaded, but they get locked up as soon as I leave the house, even if it's a just a couple hours, they still go in the safe if I leave.

[ABR]

I always leave my HD firearms loaded, but they get locked up as soon as I leave the house, even if it's a just a couple hours, they still go in the safe if I leave.

Likewise. Spare mags loaded as well-always.

[HardwoodRods]

I hope so, since all of mine are

[MotoFahren]

Keep them all loaded.
Also make sure you have a full kit ready, for bumps in the night or full blown zombie apocalypses.

[MotoFahren]

Another more serious topic that is overlooked most of the time is medical gear.
If you're prepared for a firefight but not for aftermath you need to look into it. Medical training and gear close at hand. I prefer buying kits from skinny medic.

http://shop.skinnymedic.com/