I'm moving from California to South Dakota. Is it legal to transport my shotguns in my car?

GySgt Brian Johnson — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 15:36:58 -0400

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Oct 23 at 2017 3:42 PM

SPC Casey Ashfield — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 15:42:59 -0400

There are no overly restricting states between CA and ND so there shouldn't be any problems. The Safe Passage clause of the Firearm Owners Protection Act applies if several conditions are met when transporting firearms. 1) The firearm is not accessible to the driver or occupants (locked case in the trunk). 2) and the ammunition is unloaded and kept separate from the firearm.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2017 4:20 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 16:20:56 -0400

Do not even consider making a side trip to the Mexican border with weapons in your vehicle. Warmest Regards, Sandy :)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2816530/Mexico-judge-orders-release-Marine.html

Mexico judge orders immediate release of Marine

Andrew Tahmooressi, 26, was freed on the orders of a Mexican judge. The Afghanistan veteran was accused of breaching the country's gun laws after straying across the border earlier this year.

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Oct 23 at 2017 5:23 PM

MSG Stan Hutchison — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 17:23:14 -0400

I have travcelled all over the western Us and have never had any problem transporting firearms. I drive a pick-up so carry my long guns in the back seat, under a cover. Unloaded and no ammo in reach.
Enjoy SD,, this is gun-friendly country.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2017 6:29 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 18:29:43 -0400

Good rule of thumb regardless of where you're going is to put the guns in the trunk cased with a lock and place the ammo in a different compartment!

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Oct 23 at 2017 7:03 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 19:03:51 -0400

Only after you leave Kalifonia

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2017 10:14 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 10:14:57 -0400

Wait, you currently live in Cali and own a gun? Stay right there while I call the cops. All kidding aside, check here: https://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/state-gun-laws/. A lot of information.

Or, just call each state's Highway Patrol and ask how to do it lawfully.

Response by SGT Eliyahu Rooff made Oct 24 at 2017 2:18 PM

SGT Eliyahu Rooff — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 14:18:14 -0400

I don't believe there's any restriction on it, but just to avoid stressful situations if you're stopped for any reason, it might be a good idea to break each of them down before putting them in the car. No one will feel threatened by a disassembled shotgun.