Legally Transporting My Weapon

[ikeaboy1]

I've done a ton of reading on where I cannot legally carry my weapon, but I haven't read anything specific about how to carry it legally. I do not have a concealed carry(yet), and I drive an SUV without a lockable trunk. How am I legally advised to carry my weapon and ammunition to the range? Can the gun be in its locked case inside a bag with the ammunition, or does the ammunition and gun need to be in entirely separate bags/containers and/or in different parts of the car.

Thanks for any helpful advice. I hope to be an active member of this community, and look forward to clarifying this so that I may be able to have some fun without worry. Thanks.

[ProShooter]

We do a class that may be just what you are looking for-
http://proactiveshooters.com/general-co ... rry-in-va/

[zephyp]

I've done a ton of reading on where I cannot legally carry my weapon, but I haven't read anything specific about how to carry it legally. I do not have a concealed carry(yet), and I drive an SUV without a lockable trunk. How am I legally advised to carry my weapon and ammunition to the range? Can the gun be in its locked case inside a bag with the ammunition, or does the ammunition and gun need to be in entirely separate bags/containers and/or in different parts of the car.

Thanks for any helpful advice. I hope to be an active member of this community, and look forward to clarifying this so that I may be able to have some fun without worry. Thanks.

First of all welcome to VGOF !!!! Lots of knowledgeable folks here and you'll find them more than willing to provide some good info.

VA is an open carry state so you can carry your pistol unconcealed and loaded on the way to the range without a CHP. Lots of differing opinions on how to do this while on the way to the range in your vehicle. If you're uncomfortable with that the best way to do it is to put you guns in the trunk unloaded and the ammo up front with you. As long as they are unloaded you're fine. Just make sure if you carry a loaded HG its not concealed. Here's the code reference so you can make an informed decision...

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504 ... d+18.2-308

A. If any person carries about his person, hidden from common observation, (i) any pistol, revolver....For the purpose of this section, a weapon shall be deemed to be hidden from common observation when it is observable but is of such deceptive appearance as to disguise the weapon's true nature.

[ikeaboy1]

Excellent response. Thank you.

Does carrying a weapon in its factory case count as carrying concealed? May I transport it in its case to the range without worry, and carry it into the range while in its case?

These questions are probably elementary to most, but I want to be 100% confident so that I can get the maximum enjoyment from owning a firearm in Virginia. Thanks for the welcomes, also.

[zephyp]

Excellent response. Thank you.

Does carrying a weapon in its factory case count as carrying concealed? May I transport it in its case to the range without worry, and carry it into the range while in its case?

These questions are probably elementary to most, but I want to be 100% confident so that I can get the maximum enjoyment from owning a firearm in Virginia. Thanks for the welcomes, also.

Hey, if you dont know, asking is the best thing to do. We may not have all the answers but we can certainly find them....most of the time.

I think the key is if its loaded and hidden its probably going to be considered concealed. For instance if you dont have a CHP and the HG is loaded, in the factory case, and on your back seat then you're creating a legal problem for yourself.

VA does not require a weapon to be cased for transport. If its unloaded, wrapped in a towel in your trunk, and separated from the ammo then you are good to go. Some states do require it to be cased and/or in a locked case even if in your trunk...

[wally626]

The following exceptions to the concealed carry law covers most trips with a gun, except just driving around for fun.

§ 18.2-308. Personal protection; carrying concealed weapons; when lawful to carry.
3. Any regularly enrolled member of a target shooting organization who is at, or going to or from, an established shooting range, provided that the weapons are unloaded and securely wrapped while being transported;

4. Any regularly enrolled member of a weapons collecting organization who is at, or going to or from, a bona fide weapons exhibition, provided that the weapons are unloaded and securely wrapped while being transported;

5. Any person carrying such weapons between his place of abode and a place of purchase or repair, provided the weapons are unloaded and securely wrapped while being transported;

6. Any person actually engaged in lawful hunting, as authorized by the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries, under inclement weather conditions necessitating temporary protection of his firearm from those conditions, provided that possession of a handgun while engaged in lawful hunting shall not be construed as hunting with a handgun if the person hunting is carrying a valid concealed handgun permit;

The law does not say the gun has to be in the back of the vehicle or trunk, but most I think would advise this.

I do not know how strict the police are on #3, but joining the NRA should qualify you.

[zephyp]

The law does not say the gun has to be in the back of the vehicle or trunk, but most I think would advise this.

I'm pretty sure you are correct, however, if the guns are unloaded and in the trunk for transport it leaves very little room for any LEO to have a problem. Plus, if you stop for a soda at the zippy mart you dont have to worry about someone drooling over them or the phenomena of growing legs...

[SgtBill]

Sorry Jerry but I have to ask as a lot of the Law in Va. is depended on the following, how old are you?
Bill

[zephyp]

Sorry Jerry but I have to ask as a lot of the Law in Va. is depended on the following, how old are you?
Bill

Excellent point Bill and thanks for bringing it up...I always forget...