Approximately 30 percent of adults in the U.S. own a gun. Are you one of them? Are you getting ready to take it with you on a big trip?
If so, especially if this is your first time trying to travel with a gun, there are some important things you need to know. Read on to learn the basics of traveling with a gun and how you can do it while avoiding breaking any laws.
Traveling on the Road
According to Federal Law in the United States, you are allowed to travel across state lines with a gun in your car. There are some specific criteria you need to meet first, though, including the following:
- You must have a license to carry a firearm in your home state
- You’re able to lawfully possess a firearm in your destination state
- The firearm in your car is not loaded
If you meet these three qualifications, you’re not breaking Federal Law when you travel with a gun. Every state has its own specific gun laws as well, though. It’s a good idea to brush up on what is and isn’t allowed in the states through which you’ll be traveling before you leave.
Legal experts also recommend locking your firearm and your ammunition in separate lock boxes. Keep them in the trunk as well so they’re not easily accessible to you (or anyone else who might be in the car with you).
Air Travel
You’re also allowed to travel with a gun on an airplane as well. As with car travel and guns, though, there are some specific requirements you must meet if you want to be able to get your gun through airport security. They are as follows:
- Firearms must be unloaded
- Firearms must be locked in a hard-side container
- Firearms are only allowed in checked baggage
- You must declare the firearm and any ammunition you’re carrying to the airline when you check your bag
- You cannot store your firearm in a case that can be opened easily
As long as you check all these boxes, you shouldn’t have to worry about having your gun confiscated when you get to the airport. With a little prep work, you’ll be good to go.
Safety and Security Tips to Remember
There are plenty of steps you can take to ensure you and everyone with whom you’re traveling stays safe as you transport your gun to your destination. Here are some key tips to keep in mind, especially when you’re flying with a firearm:
Arrive Early at the Airport
If you’re planning on flying with a gun, it’s in your best interest to arrive early at the airport. Remember, you cannot store a gun in your carry-on bag, even if it’s unloaded. It has to be stored in your checked bag, and you have to declare it to the airline.
This process can be time-consuming in some cases. To avoid feeling frustrated or rushed as you try to board your flight, allow plenty of time to check your bag and declare your gun.
The earlier you arrive, the more time you’ll have for this and the less frazzled you’ll feel. This is especially true if something goes wrong and things end up taking more time than you originally thought.
Photograph Your Firearms
Before you pack your guns in your checked bag, take the time to photograph them. Write down their serial numbers, too.
This step will be invaluable in the event that the airline loses your checked bag (and, by default, your firearms). Having pictures of them and copies of their serial numbers will help you ensure you get them back as soon as possible.
If you’re traveling with a very high-value gun, you might also want to make sure it’s insured. If it’s not insured and the value exceeds the airline’s insurance policy, you could end up having to replace it with your own money, something no one wants to have to deal with.
Invest in a Good Gun Case
Purchasing a good gun case will make the process of traveling with a firearm (on the road or in the air) a lot easier. According to the experts at Strike Industries, there are lots of high-quality gun cases on the market that are available at a variety of price ranges. Regardless of your budget, you should be able to find one that meets your needs and doesn’t break the bank.
Many gun enthusiasts swear by metal gun cases. These cases are more durable than plastic models, although they do cost more money upfront. If you’re planning on making traveling with a gun a regular occurrence in your life, it might be worth it for you to invest in a pricier case now.
Use Extra Padding
When you’re packing your gun in its case, consider including some extra padding in there along with it. You could use a soft, padded gun case for additional cushion, for example, or you could utilize a few items of clothing.
This padding will help to protect your gun from dings and scratches that might occur during the flight or while you’re on the road. Take steps to protect your investment. Don’t leave it vulnerable to a careless baggage handler or unexpected pothole in the road.
Pack Rifles and Shotguns the Right Way
If you’re taking a rifle or shotgun with you on your trip, bear in mind that there’s a right way to pack these firearms. Store them with the bottom of the gun facing toward the hinge of the case. That way, if the case gets dropped or jostled in some way, the sights and the scope are less likely to hit the hinge and become damaged.
Tape Your Case Latches
Get in the habit of putting tape over the latches of your gun cases. This helps to save them from getting snagged on baggage conveyors.
You can use masking tape, duct tape, or electrical tape to cover the latch. Be sure to wait to tape it until after you’ve declared your firearm, though. This saves you from having to peel off the tape before you can check your bag.
Include an ID Card
In the same way that you include an ID card with your luggage, attach an ID card to your firearm case. As an extra precaution, you might want to put a second card inside of the case. Make sure all of the ID cards include your name and address.
Taking the time to create extra ID cards helps you get reunited with your firearms as soon as possible. If your luggage tags get ripped off before your suitcase arrives, the airline will still be able to open it up, identify your equipment, and get it back to you right away.
Break Your Gun Down Before Leaving
If you’re traveling with a gun that can be broken down, it helps to take it apart before you leave. There are a few reasons for this.
First, breaking down your gun will make it more compact and allow you to travel with it more easily. You’ll have more room in your checked bag for other items and won’t have to worry about packing multiple bags to fit all your belongings.
Breaking the gun down also makes it easier to handle. It helps to reduce the risk of it getting damaged during your travels, too.
Store Guns Out of Sight
This rule applies when you’re traveling by car as well as when you reach your destination. Remember, when you’re in a car with a gun, it’s best for that gun to be stored in the trunk (unloaded and in a separate case from the ammunition).
Taking this step helps to reduce your risk of being pulled over for any suspicious activity. It also ensures the safety of everyone riding in the car (including you).
When you reach your destination, make it a priority to find a safe place for the gun as soon as possible. If you’re staying in a hotel, your best option is to lock your firearms in the safe and keep the key with you at all times.
Do not leave your firearms in the car unattended. It’s too easy for someone to break in and steal them before you even know what’s happened.
Are You Ready to Travel with a Gun?
As you can see, there’s a lot you should keep in mind when you’re preparing to travel with a gun. It doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking experience, though.
Whether you’re traveling on the road or by plane, these tips will help you stay safe and avoid violating any laws. They’ll help you ensure your gun reaches your final destination in good condition, too.
Do you want to learn more about safe travel (with or without a firearm)? If so, head to the Travel section of our site today. You’ll find lots of great resources there that will help you get the most out of your next trip.
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