Transporting a firearm in your RV

Dallas Baillio · Post by **Dallas Baillio** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 10:59 am

I've been reading on the web about the various local, state and federal laws regarding carrying a firearm from state to state. From what I've read there really is no legal way to do so. Laws vary so much from state to state that you are almost certain to be in violation if your travel involves even passing through several different jurisdictions. I read on this site recentlly of an individual who carried a hunting rifle into Canada and explained how he registered it there. From what I have read hunting rifles are subject to as many, or more, restrictions as handguns. For example it is illegal in some locations to have a hunting rifle in your vehicle at night or out of season.

Dave&JanPotter · Post by **Dave&JanPotter** » Mon Mar 21, 2011 10:01 pm

Highly recommend the below publication to anyone contemplating carrying a firearm in their RV.

http://rvbookstore.com/shop/detail.aspx?p=367&m=2

Bill Dodgen · Post by **Bill Dodgen** » Sun Mar 27, 2011 12:03 pm

Guess I should buy that book and see how many state laws I violated carrying an unloaded 12 guage shotgun from TN to AK (and back) in my Born Free last summer.

Bill

Roger · Post by **Roger** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 6:14 am

This is one of those things for which there is no good answer. What is needed
is a nationwide reciprocity law just like for drivers licenses.

Having said that, in over 50 years of driving in all 50 states and western
Europe (in military) both in autos and RVs, I have NEVER had my vehicle
searched! As a holder of a concealed weapons permit, I often carry a
handgun in my RV. My belief is that if you encounter a situation where you
need a gun, you need it desperately! Some applicable sayings I've heard:

I'd rather be judged by twelve than carried by six

When seconds count, the police are only minutes away

Regards, Roger

oliverpsmile · Post by **oliverpsmile** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 10:15 am

The most restrictive states are New Jersey and Massachusetts.

David Potter posted, on this forum, a VERY Good reference on the subject- a lot of details in it.

However, since an RV is considered a home rather than a transportation vehicle, there should be no restriction owning a firearm in the house (not near the driver seat for the most restrictive states).

Last winter in Arizona I saw,at the range, hundreds of shooters from all over US enjoying the sports (pistol, rifles, shot guns). As far as I am concerned, the Second Amendment is still valid.

Dallas Baillio · Post by **Dallas Baillio** » Tue Apr 05, 2011 9:53 pm

When the law has you by your short hairs I'd like to be fly on the wall and hear what the cop has to say to some of this reasoning. Or when you appear before the judge for your preliminary hearing and offer the excuse that you have a valid permit from your home jurisdiction. Cops don't take too kindly to unlawful (in their jurisdiction) gun possession.

Dave&JanPotter · Post by **Dave&JanPotter** » Tue Apr 05, 2011 10:03 pm

Here's another resource for those who are considering carrying a weapon in their RV or on their person. The dues are a bit pricey but they don't accept any advertising so I've found their opinions/reviews are a bit more unbiased than the NRA. They also issue a free newsletter with good info on things like reciprocity.

http://www.usconcealedcarry.com/index.asp

mockturtle · Post by **mockturtle** » Sun Apr 10, 2011 9:31 am

Bill Dodgen wrote:Guess I should buy that book and see how many state laws I violated carrying an unloaded 12 guage shotgun from TN to AK (and back) in my Born Free last summer.

Bill

We carried an unloaded 12G in our Foretravel all over the country, too. No one ever saw it and we didn't even think twice about it except that we knew we couldn't cross the borders into Canada and Mexico.

Brent · Post by **Brent** » Mon Apr 11, 2011 2:51 pm

For those discussing taking firearms into Canada - please note the following link:

http://usgovinfo.about.com/library/weekly/aa012601a.htm

My reading of this is that "traditional" rifles and shotguns may be transported into Canada using this process. I would welcome other's interpretations.

It would be interesting to see if anyone has the documentation saying a typical rifle or shotgun could NOT be carried through most if not all states - in the US - in an RV.

Pistols and firearms designed as anti-personnel are another story - they will likely be more limited in the ability to carry in the RV.

Most holders of a CCW permit will find reciprocity for most states on this link, also remember a concealed weapon may not be a firearm.

http://www.usacarry.com/concealed_carry ... _maps.html#
and
http://www.nraila.org/recmap/recguide.pdf

The philosophy of needing this protection and using it - even if having it is not legal is understandable; but likely anyone inflicting harm on another with an illegal weapon will have legal and civil repercussions that they would not have to deal with if the weapon were legal. Just my opinion.

mockturtle · Post by **mockturtle** » Mon Apr 11, 2011 4:29 pm

Yes, you can take hunting rifles and shotguns into Canada but if you read what steps are required to do so you will find it's probably not worth it. At least, IMHO.

And Mexico [where you might really want one], forget it!

Brent · Post by **Brent** » Mon Apr 11, 2011 5:24 pm

Yes, you can take hunting rifles and shotguns into Canada but if you read what steps are required to do so you will find it's probably not worth it. At least, IMHO.

Maybe I'm more tolerant of the process but filling out a triplicate form, paying $50, and investing a couple of hours seems like a small price to then be able to legally have a firearm in Canada. [/quote]

mockturtle · Post by **mockturtle** » Mon Apr 11, 2011 8:18 pm

Apparently you are.