Can I transport a rifle in back seat of car?

[Bushwack44]

I have a bolt action rifle that is too long to place securely (in a locked Flambeau case) in the trunk of my car.

I'd like to know if I remove the bolt from the rifle, place it in a locked container in the trunk, and transport the remainder of the rifle in the Flambeau case on the back seat of my car, is this permissible (legal)? The rifle (in its case) will just fit length of the back seat. But it won't fit in the trunk (whether in a hard case or a soft case).

Rifle is useless without the bolt. Can this be considered legal regarding transporting a rifle?

[edgerly779]

No need to remove bolt . case not required but prudent to put in one.. Ammo can be with rifle but probably good idea to put in trunk.

[mshill]

I would at least get a sock for it just to keep it covered while loading into the car and while driving. Heaven forbid you need to stop someplace to eat or take a leak, you never want to leave an exposed firearm in your locked car, you will come back to a broken window and a missing gun.

[CSACANNONEER]

LOCKED case or avoid all GFSZs.

[russ69]

Locked and loaded is AOK in Arizona...

[Divernhunter]

Must have a case. If in a gun case it does not need to be locked unless in a school zone----so good idea in town to lock. Bolt need not be removed. No live round in the chamber. Ammo can be with rifle.
Then you are good to go.

[BB-AR]

As far as I can tell laying a non aw firearm on the back seat is legal but I'd still try and at least cable lock it to the vehicle.
From ca doj
Nonconcealable firearms (shotguns and rifles) are not generally covered within the provisions of California Penal Code section 25400 and therefore are not required to be transported in a locked container. However, as with any firearm, nonconcealable firearms must be unloaded while they are being transported.

[casoreh]

I just bought a new firearm and I need to know this information as well. I use the best waterless car wash to avoid problems with my firearm. Because I don't want to spoil my gun with water. I love my car as well.

[jaysantosauxiliarypolice]

Can you fold one of your backseats down and store as much of the rifle/case in the trunk?

If so, I would just do that. Then take a bunch of jackets and cover what's visible from the cabin.

Chances are, if you are ever stopped by a LEO and he sees a rifle, 99.99% chance that he will pull his weapon and point it at your face. You will then be asked to exit the vehicle, face on the ground as he cuffs and stuff you until the incident is straightened out. God forbid his trigger finger gets twitchy and you now have a nice hole in your right lung.

[Lebaneseblonde]

Locked and loaded is AOK in Arizona...

Useful answer to the op question.

[ChuckDizzle]

LOCKED case or avoid all GFSZs.

This is good advice, with 1000 feet being the buffer for schools it's nearly impossible not to pass through one in any area.

[oddball]

Legally, you can transport any long gun (rifles, shotguns) without the use of a locked case or trunk, as long as it is unloaded, and as long as you're not near a school.

But like some things in life, just because you can, doesn't mean you necessarily should.

[Joshua Tree]

Use a locked case, and you are good to go. I drove a hatchback for years (no trunk at all, of course), and threw a blanket I always kept in the hatchback over the case/s.

[MaHoTex]

Locked and loaded is AOK in Arizona...

Uh, yeah, because this is ZonaGuns.

[MaHoTex]

Must have a case. If in a gun case it does not need to be locked unless in a school zone----so good idea in town to lock. Bolt need not be removed. No live round in the chamber. Ammo can be with rifle.
Then you are good to go.

Wrong on the first part. Rest is good.

From OAG:

Nonconcealable firearms (shotguns and rifles) are not generally covered within the provisions of California Penal Code section 25400 and therefore are not required to be transported in a locked container. However, as with any firearm, nonconcealable firearms must be unloaded while they are being transported.

Summary: You can unload it and toss it in the seat next to you and go about your business.