Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

Hey guys/Girls,

Since my purchase of my AR-15 a few weeks ago, I've taken to having it in my car, with a magazine or 2 of ammo ready to go. I don't have a trunk (toyota Rav4) so it typically sits (Unloaded of course) under a pile of clothes, and other supplies in the back of my car, where it's not visible. The mags are kept in a container built into the vehicle (think glove compartment in the back)

So my question is this: IS my current set-up legal? I want to be a LEO in the future, so I'm not looking to break any laws, especially gun laws. However, I don't want to be "that guy" who might get caught in a bad situation (read Arizona) and not have my rifle.

Thanks for the help, and any input.
-Alex

It is most likely legal unless you go to a post office or a school.
I'm not sure if "under a pile of clothes" includes a case, but it should probably be in one.

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rromeo wrote:It is most likely legal unless you go to a post office or a school.
I'm not sure if "under a pile of clothes" includes a case, but it should probably be in one.

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No requirement in VA for a weapon to be cased AFAIK...

The question is, does carriage in the cargo area qualify as being "car[riage] about his person" under 18.2-308. The exceptions specify that the weapon must be securely wrapped.

So, unless there's some case law, it's a judgement call.

There may not be arequirement for a case, but remember who we're dealing with. Think of it from another perspective. If (when) the officer glances in the car as he walks by, a black nylon case under some clothes does not jump out. A rifle barrel with a flash hider does.
I picked up a guitar case on eBay for $50 shipped.

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rromeo wrote:I picked up a guitar case on eBay for $50 shipped.

You need a Thompson to carry in that

Actually,I think they used a violin case if I remember correctly

VBshooter wrote:Actually,I think they used a violin case if I remember correctly

True, but they probably had a SBR Thompson instead of the "legal" 16" barreled semi-auto's of today.

VBshooter wrote:Actually,I think they used a violin case if I remember correctly

Pardon me, I wasn't around back then.

You can get a decent cloth AR case for $35 online. Besides, it's one more layer of protection to help keep things out of the bang hole that shouldn't be in there.

Best answer? Don't speed! If there's no reason to pull you over, they don't have to look. It's pretty simple, folks.

Jim

State code § 15.2-915.2. This section empowers the governing body of any county or city to, by ordinance, make it unlawful for any person to transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road, or highway within such locality. Any violation of such ordinance shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $100. Game wardens, sheriffs and all other law-enforcement officers shall enforce theprovisions of this section. No ordinance adopted pursuant to this section shall be enforceable unless the governing body adopting such ordinance so notifies the Director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries by registered mail prior to May 1 of the year in which such ordinance is to take effect. The provisions of this section shall not apply to duly authorized law-enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, nor to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifleor shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business.

jrswanson1 wrote:Best answer? Don't speed! If there's no reason to pull you over, they don't have to look. It's pretty simple, folks.

Jim

Additionally NEVER consent to search!

Jakeiscrazy wrote:

jrswanson1 wrote:Best answer? Don't speed! If there's no reason to pull you over, they don't have to look. It's pretty simple, folks.

Jim

Additionally NEVER consent to search!

+1

Personally I would get a case and place it in that. You can find a guitar case that will fit an AR. Personally I wouldn't want it in just a case in my back seat. I would be to afraid someone would break into my truck one day for the change on the floorboard and find that jewel in the back seat, but that's just me.

FreelanceEMT wrote:Personally I would get a case and place it in that. You can find a guitar case that will fit an AR. Personally I wouldn't want it in just a case in my back seat. I would be to afraid someone would break into my truck one day for the change on the floorboard and find that jewel in the back seat, but that's just me.

A guitar case is probably a bad idea - I can see that being more of a temptation than a nondescript soft case. Guitar's a lot easier to sell/pawn than a gun.

[/quote]A guitar case is probably a bad idea - I can see that being more of a temptation than a nondescript soft case. Guitar's a lot easier to sell/pawn than a gun.[/quote]

Thats why I said I wouldn't want it in my backseat in a case. I would rather have it in a trunk or something I can lock to keep people away from it. I was saying you can get a guitar case it will fit cause someone else said you can't.

I know an AR-15 in the "M4" config will fit perfectly in a guitar hard case with three mags, and sling...

Don't ask me how. I just know...it fits.