Best firearm for interstate road trips?

General Firearms New to Firearms & Shooting
1

What is the best self-defense firearm for interstate travel by car, not to be concealed or carried, while conforming to the varied laws that exist west of the Mississippi? I am thinking long gun but I am open to something like the Shockwave if there is an argument for it.

Are semi-auto shotguns restricted the way semi-auto rifles are?

2

Most states with AWBs have something related to round count with semi-auto shotguns. Usually can’t have detachable magazines or pistol grips… as one point can create an “assault weapon.”

On another forum, I saw a guy talk about getting Shuff to take a Garand and make a Mini-G in .308. Travels to CA regularly, and seems to be ok with the enbloc clip. OAL of a Mini-G is identical to a M1 Carbine.

3

A shotgun is legal everywhere.

4

What about something like a Tac-14?

5

If you are traveling through states, you are covered as long as you may legally possess the firearm in the state of departure and the destination state. https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/traveling-with-firearms/private-vehicles/

Guns unloaded in a locked case, etc.

Andy

6

I would like to avoid that in as many jurisdictions as it is legal to do so. I also want to avoid this: “In states with strict gun laws (such as California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York), it may be a good idea not to stop at all.”

I am wondering what is the most effective item that is acceptable in the most number of places. Pump shotgun? Lever-action .44? Spear gun and a wet suit? :rolleyes:

7

I think you’ll almost need to plan your trip and doublecheck laws and experiences in every state you’re passing though. For example, just because you’re perfectly legal, doesn’t mean travelers experiences in that state haven’t been ideal (i.e. NJ, CA, etc.). I would never road-trip through NJ/NY with firearms or parts (in any condition) based on first hand experiences along with what I’ve have read and heard about. Perfectly “legal” situations resulted in arrest and significant time and money in order to come out on the other side out of legal jeopardy many months or years later.

Firearms are just one of those items where law enforcement encounters are inconsistent and can either ruin a great trip or be a non-incident within the same municipality. They are also situations where clear concise arguments and facts may not stop your arrest to figure things out later. Do your research and take the long way if necessary.

8

You specified West of the Mississippi, I’d say the only states you really have to worry about are the West coast ones, CA, OR, WA. Most of the others are going to be fairly relaxed as long as you are not doing anything stupid. I prefer to travel with a handgun as long as I’m not going into a restricted state. I can keep it in my luggage and take it into a motel with me when I stop. Military style rifles can be problematic in some states and shotguns, while legal, can be awkward.

9

A shotgun is perfect.

10

I cannot think of a state where it’s legal to have a loaded long gun in a car.

Andy

11

Tennessee

12

What about unloaded? Anyway:

“Oregon does not prohibit the open carrying of long guns in a vehicle.”

[California] “Without a CCWL, any firearm must be in a locked container or the vehicle’s trunk. A locked container is defined as a secure container which is fully enclosed and locked by a padlock, key lock, combination lock or similar locking device. [b]A locked container includes the trunk of a motor vehicle[/b], but not the utility or glove compartment.”

[Idaho] “Yes. You may carry any deadly weapon concealed in your vehicle including a loaded or unloaded firearm. However, if the firearm is a handgun, you must be at least 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States or a current member of the United States Armed Forces and not disqualified under Idaho law from obtaining a concealed weapons license for a reason other than not having attained 18 years of age.”

[Utah] “It is ILLEGAL to have a loaded rifle, shotgun, or muzzle-loading rifle in a vehicle [b]unless[/b]; you have a valid concealed firearm permit and it is your vehicle or you have consent from the owner of the vehicle.”

More research needed, but that’s why I am here.

13

Thompson contender in 857 Magnum! :jester:

14

Upon a little research, it really depends on the state. It is safe to say more states forbid it than permit it.

15

It’s insane to me to not be able to drive down the road with a loaded AR on the seat. Shit. I have a loaded SBR in my pick up right now!

16

You stated you wanted to avoid unloaded and cased. Although there are some few municipalities where they will create a headache, you can generally transport an unloaded cased (locked) firearm through any state.

The practical issues come with securing firearms overnight when traveling. Do you carry a cased long gun to and from your vehicle, have a secure “vault” for storage, or play the odds your vehicle will be safe? Obviously driving an RV and camping is different than driving a car/truck and spending the night in a hotel.

I prefer to carry a pistol legally in my car truck and into hotels. I sincerely wish you luck in your travels.

Andy

PS I am not trying to play devil’s advocate regarding the long guns. I often transport at least one rifle between Alabama and South Dakota when I visit family but it sure is a simpler trip with a handgun.

17

It’s all kind of a grey area to me which is why I am seeking advice. Overnighting is certainly on my mind. I think even a tent qualifies as temporary habitation making things a bit easier legally speaking? I’ll certainly check. Practically I would not want an obvious gun case in my luggage which seems to imply something compact.

18

It’s legal in Georgia.

19

Alabama’s law is the sole reason a pistol brace AR was attractive to me.

Andy

20

I keep an AR in my truck here in Utah. It can be legally carried loaded with valid CFP, but I keep it condition 3 (chamber empty, mag in and safety on).