Rifle Cases

[Sam Cobra]

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How do y'all transport your cowboy rifles and shotguns?  My typical rifle cases are the tactical looking nylon style and I would like something more appropriate for my cowboy rifles and shotguns 

[Thomas O'Hawk]

I actually use an Indian Print soft case.  Seems a shame they just get cased to get to the range then off to the cart they go.

Apologies for the long link:  http://www.cabelas.com/product/Indian-Print-Muzzleloader-Gun-Case/740858.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dgun%2Bcase%26x%3D0%26y%3D0%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=gun+case

[Daniel Nighteyes]

I hate to say it, but "it depends."  It depends on what kind of vehicle you're using, the state you're in, and a couple of other variables.

 ATF regulations require firearms to be transported unloaded and in a locked container so neither they nor the ammunition are easily accessible by the driver or passenger(s).  If you're in an automobile, the trunk will suffice.  If, on the other hand, you're traveling in a SUV or have the rifles in the cab of a pickup, they need to be in separate, locked containers.

While California laws essentially echo the ATF regs, the laws of other states may not.  As an advocate of the old Russian proverb "The prudent man wears a belt AND suspenders,"  I always transport my firearms in locked, hardsided cases.  The ammo is in a separate, also locked, hardsided case.

TEXT of ATF REGULATION

§ 478.38   Transportation of firearms.

Notwithstanding any other provision of any law or any rule or regulation of a State or any political subdivision thereof, any person who is not otherwise prohibited by this chapter from transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm shall be entitled to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where such person may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any other place where such person may lawfully possess and carry such firearm if, during such transportation the firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle: Provided, That in the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver's compartment the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.

[Danny Bear Claw]

I have transported rifles and shotguns on the rifle rack mounted on the back glass of the cab of my pick-up truck.  Used to do that in Arizona when I lived there and I've done it here in Texas a few times too.  Any of my fellow Texans know if I was breaking the law or not?   

[WaddWatsonEllis]

Hi,

I took a trip to Tejas (hey, I was born there!) and did some flying on Southwest to get there and back ...

This is good for all 50 States .... I first put all my long guns (pistols too) in their socks, then put the guns-and-socks in the four gun areas in the case ...

I then locked tha case using the little luggage locks gound in travel shops ... watched them be loaded on ... requested that they ride on top  of all  other luggage ....

The case was expensive ... the cost of a cheap gun ... but worth the lack of hassle before, during, and after the flight ...

http://www.americase.com/catalog/rifle-cases/AT-FULLHOUSE.aspx

TTFN,

[Daniel Nighteyes]

I have transported rifles and shotguns on the rifle rack mounted on the back glass of the cab of my pick-up truck.  Used to do that in Arizona when I lived there and I've done it here in Texas a few times too.  Any of my fellow Texans know if I was breaking the law or not?  

Danny, as I see it, that violates the letter of the ATF regulation.  With that said, I wouldn't worry about it -- certainly not in TX, some parts of NM, AZ and the Gulf states.  In these areas it seems to be one of those laws that the local LEOs only enforce when they've already got a bee in their bonnets about something else. Besides,  I haven't seen any ATF enforcement squads patrolling the roads...

I only know about this because I drive a Ford Explorer, and a friendly deputy sheriff gave me a heads-up.

Anyone who drives a regular passenger vehicle and keeps the firearms and ammo in the trunk should be alright.  S/he could wrap 'em in an old blanket and still be in compliance!

[Thomas O'Hawk]

Since I posted above with the soft side case, I have attended a shoot in neighboring Maryland and researched a bit more restrictive carry laws (or exposed my ignorance).  Anyway, since then I have aquired a lockable hard case that rifle, shotgun, and both revolvers fit into.  Not only does it comply with the carry laws, but it is easier to keep all of my firearms together in an easy to carry format.