Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Firearms (Read 1126 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Firearms

Yahoo Message Number: 81668
Being new to Rving, and being raised in Philadelphia, I believe is self protection.
So what firearms are we allowed to carry in our motorhomes, without going outside of the law. Thanks, John/Jackie 03 Allure 30951

Re: Firearms

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 81672
Unfortunately, it varies by State and although I'm sure you could look up the regulations in each State, there is a book available: 2012 Travelers Guide to Firearm Laws in the 50 States, that is a concise summary by individual State. Try RV Bookstore,

Roger Harper
2006 Intrigue
#11990

Re: Firearms

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 81682
I also recommend the book Roger mentions, and there are many others. There are also several websites including gunlaws.com. A google or similar search engine will indicate many websites. Each state will also have their laws available on websites - that is ALWAYS the only 100% reliable source.
Being a lifetime gun owner, 26 years in uniform and over 40 years RVing in can offer some concise suggestions.
First, when you are parked and CONNECTED TO UTILITIES your RV is, usually, consider your home. When you are on the road it is considered a motor vehicle - period. Same rules as for cas apply. In some cases you can dry camp but that is iffy. Connected to utilities makes it your home.
If your state issues a concealed carry permit, get one! If not, many states, like FL, issue permits to non-residents but they are usually not as widely recognized. The reason is if your permit is recognized by your and other states you will keep out of trouble from not following the storage while traveling rules as the permit will obviate that issue. This is a BIG advantage from having a permit even if you don't choose to actually carry concealed. My FL permit is recognized by about 40 states, UT is also widely recognized.
States to avoid like the plague (I am not exaggerating - violate a gun law in these states and it can cost you big time including jail/prison time). New Jersey (probably the worst), New York, DC, Massachusetts, Hawaii (probably not an issue) and much of the rest of New England. I can't pull all of them from memory so I defer to the published information and the states themselves for details.
But, the two major suggestions I make with extreme emphasis are get a permit and stay out of New Jersey! If you are a resident of NJ you can obtain permits to transport guns you own but only for certain purposes. A nonresident has no legal way to get a permit so it's a Catch 22, you cannot transport a firearm, even if locked away, in NJ legally - there is literally no way - under their laws. The reason is New Jersey and probably Massachusetts refuse to recognize the Federal McLure Volkmer law which basically states no one should be stopped or prosecuted for transporting a properly stored (locked up) and otherwise legally owned firearm. Even where that law is recognized, you cannot stop, except for fuel, or you are "living" in that state and all their laws apply. You can't visit a relative, stay overnight at a campground, Wal-Mart or anything else - keep driving until you cross the state line. Fortunately only a couple or three states are that bad. New Jersey is the worst. Did I say that often enough? ;-)
We live in FL. With my FL permit I can carry concealed, keep in the RV, etc through all the states going north until I get past VA. After that it's difficult to impossible. I have family in Maine. Maine is pretty much OK with firearms but I can't get there by driving without suffering either problem states or all the rules in Canada. I haven't visited them in decades.
You didn't mention Canada or Mexico. If you follow the rules and applications processes you can bring many models of guns through Canada - note I said through. If you register them (the same way Canadian citizens must) you can also stay in Canada. Concealed carry or ready availability while driving is out. Many models are also outright prohibited, "military type" rifles, small easily concealable handguns, etc. Shotguns are not usually a problem. So Canada is not impossible but is restrictive.
Mexico is VERY VERY tough on guns. More than one American has spent years in Mexican jails when all the authorities found was a loose bullet inadvertently missed by the owner and no weapon present. Don't even think about bringing anything into Mexico.
I hope this gives a picture, it is not 100% for all problems or solutions. You must research it yourself starting with the various books and websites and then the individual states you plan to travel through. You can't rely 100% on books because the laws change all the time. Lately it is for the better most of the time but there are still some tough places where you can get in serious trouble.
And there are other issues such as some states require that you notify law enforcement you have a gun either on your person or available if you are stopped. Others do not require notification. So again I recommend that you research each state you are going to travel through and educate yourself as needed. If you have a concealed carry permit and it is recognized by the state you are traveling through it can avoid lots of problems but you still need to know and comply with the local requirements. Most states have preemption laws so the rules are consistent throughout the state. That may not be true for some of the "problem" states where big cities (like New York City) have laws and rules of their own more restrictive than the state. Education is your only choice to avoid problems.
We have enjoyed our travels very nicely without leaving a dime where we are not welcome with our means of self defense - which is a human right of the first order.

Bob (rthandren@...)
'05 Inspire 51178

Re: Firearms

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 81685
Quote from: Robert Handren

> I also recommend the book Roger mentions, and there are many others. There are also several websites including gunlaws.com. A google or similar search engine will indicate many websites. Each state will also have their laws available on websites - that is ALWAYS the only 100% reliable source.
> Being a lifetime gun owner, 26 years in uniform and over 40 years RVing in can offer some concise suggestions.
> First, when you are parked and CONNECTED TO UTILITIES your RV is, usually, consider your home. When you are on the road it is considered a motor vehicle - period. Same rules as for cas apply. In some cases you can dry camp but that is iffy. Connected to utilities makes it your home.
> If your state issues a concealed carry permit, get one! If not, many states, like FL, issue permits to non-residents but they are usually not as widely recognized. The reason is if your permit is recognized by your and other states you will keep out of trouble from not following the storage while traveling rules as the permit will obviate that issue. This is a BIG advantage from having a permit even if you don't choose to actually carry concealed. My FL permit is recognized by about 40 states, UT is also widely recognized.
> States to avoid like the plague (I am not exaggerating - violate a gun law in these states and it can cost you big time including jail/prison time). New Jersey (probably the worst), New York, DC, Massachusetts, Hawaii (probably not an issue) and much of the rest of New England. I can't pull all of them from memory so I defer to the published information and the states themselves for details.
> But, the two major suggestions I make with extreme emphasis are get a permit and stay out of New Jersey! If you are a resident of NJ you can obtain permits to transport guns you own but only for certain purposes. A nonresident has no legal way to get a permit so it's a Catch 22, you cannot transport a firearm, even if locked away, in NJ legally - there is literally no way - under their laws. The reason is New Jersey and probably Massachusetts refuse to recognize the Federal McLure Volkmer law which basically states no one should be stopped or prosecuted for transporting a properly stored (locked up) and otherwise legally owned firearm. Even where that law is recognized, you cannot stop, except for fuel, or you are "living" in that state and all their laws apply. You can't visit a relative, stay overnight at a campground, Wal-Mart or anything else - keep driving until you cross the state line. Fortunately only a couple or three states are that > bad. New Jersey is the worst. Did I say that often enough? ;-) > > We live in FL. With my FL permit I can carry concealed, keep in the RV, etc through all the states going north until I get past VA. After that it's difficult to impossible. I have family in Maine. Maine is pretty much OK with firearms but I can't get there by driving without suffering either problem states or all the rules in Canada. I haven't visited them in decades.
> You didn't mention Canada or Mexico. If you follow the rules and applications processes you can bring many models of guns through Canada - note I said through. If you register them (the same way Canadian citizens must) you can also stay in Canada. Concealed carry or ready availability while driving is out. Many models are also outright prohibited, "military type" rifles, small easily concealable handguns, etc. Shotguns are not usually a problem. So Canada is not impossible but is restrictive.
> Mexico is VERY VERY tough on guns. More than one American has spent years in Mexican jails when all the authorities found was a loose bullet inadvertently missed by the owner and no weapon present. Don't even think about bringing anything into Mexico.
> I hope this gives a picture, it is not 100% for all problems or solutions. You must research it yourself starting with the various books and websites and then the individual states you plan to travel through. You can't rely 100% on books because the laws change all the time. Lately it is for the better most of the time but there are still some tough places where you can get in serious trouble.
> And there are other issues such as some states require that you notify law enforcement you have a gun either on your person or available if you are stopped. Others do not require notification. So again I recommend that you research each state you are going to travel through and educate yourself as needed. If you have a concealed carry permit and it is recognized by the state you are traveling through it can avoid lots of problems but you still need to know and comply with the local requirements. Most states have preemption laws so the rules are consistent throughout the state. That may not be true for some of the "problem" states where big cities (like New York City) have laws and rules of their own more restrictive than the state. Education is your only choice to avoid problems.
> We have enjoyed our travels very nicely without leaving a dime where we are not welcome with our means of self defense - which is a human right of the first order.

Bob (rthandren@...)
'05 Inspire 51178
The book is available at the NRA store here:
http://www.nrastore.com/nrastore/ProductDetail.aspx?p=PB+01566&ct=e
Pete

03 Allure #31916

Firearms

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 82916
How many CC owners carry firearms? I've own a 9mm that I want to keep in our mh. What's legal, a shotgun? Thanks, John 03 Allure 30951

Re: Firearms

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 82924
There has been this discussion before if you search the archives; the short version is that it varies GREATLY by individual state. There are several books available that have the summarized version of each States regulations; or you can check each individual state regs via a web search,

Roger Harper
2006 Intrigue
#11990

Re: Firearms

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 82926
You definitely don't want to bring a firearm into Canada. Even if you can legally carry a gun in the US, it is not allowed in Canada. My friend who has a son in the RCMP in Vancouver knows that during the Olympics US police and Army, who were protecting the US team were not allowed to bring their firearms into Canada. If you hide it and it is found they will confiscate your motorhome !!

Ron Baran 09 Magna 7025

Re: Firearms

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 82933
On three different occasions I have legally brought a shotgun into canada. The last time I did this was about 4-5 years ago. Check the forms regs online. They have barrel length requirements. I filled out everything before arriving at the boarder. You pay a fee, can't remember the amount. Twice they came into the coach and asked to see the gun. The first time it was a brand new boarder agent and the second time it was a seasoned salt who just wanted to see a "high-end" shotgun with lots of nice engraving. Their laws may have changed, so check it out before you go.
AND DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BRING IN A HAND GUN. There were no exceptions to that rule!

Good luck and safe travels.
Den

2001 42" Affinity, Bed&Breakfast #5972

Re: Firearms

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 82937
If you are a fultimer the coach is your home. The laws in each state is very different so you have to be very careful. As in New York, they will probably take it away and you will have to go to court to get it back. If you have it in the coach and would only take it out under extreme cases, you probably will be OK to have one. But that is a decision you have to make and live with that decision. I usually have one with me, but I'm a former law enforcement officer and have a permit to carry.
Some one here made a comment about Canada. what they said is true. We just got back from Alaska and I did take a firearm with me. I took a rifle in the coach. It cost me $25 to bring it in and this allows you to have it in Canada for 60 days. They did want to see it and check the serial # on it. there was no problem at all. They will not allow any type of handgun to come into Canada from the states, except via mail or shipping.
Dave

07 Country Coach Allure 430 #31495 12 Jeep GC Toad Mountains of So Cal
Dave & Jodi
2007 CC Allure 40’ Tag #31495
2012 Jeep GC
Big Bear Lake, Ca & Henderson, Nev

Re: Firearms

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 82943
I legally brought my hunting rifles, 2 12ga., shotguns, and a Ruger .44 mag., pistol, both northbound and southbound through Canada.

Jim Hill
253-905-3966

Re: Firearms

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 82946
While bringing a firearm into Canada isn't the easiest thing to do and some firearms cannot be brought in under any circumstances, it is not true that it cannot be done at all. Canada is more lenient than some of our states, New Jersey for example. If you are not a resident don't even think about it since NJ ignores Federal Law on this matter and visitors have no way to comply the way the NJ laws on transport are written. I refer you to any of the several books and websites that discuss these matters.
If you wish to bring a firearm into Canada that is of a permitted design there are some rules for long guns and shot guns that permit them and some ammunition for hunting purposes. A fully loaded AR15 is outright illegal and hard to convince (in Canada) the authorities is a valid hunting implement. For hand guns there is a process for accomplishing this which includes an application form. You will be basically registering yourself and your firearms the same way as a Canadian citizen is required. The regisration is good for something like 60-90 days, please read the Canadian sources for verification. It is restrictive and bueacratic but not impossible.
http://www.canadawelcomesyou.net/firearms.html will get you started. Our own government has a site or two as well but the last time I read them they were less clear and somewhat incorrect versus what the Canadians have to say. I believe I would take the advice from the Canadian authorities for the simple reason US authorities have no authority in Canada so how they interpret things is irrelevant, like so many other subjects. (Sorry, couldn't resist.)

I agree 100% on the comment not to try and bring one in illegally. The firearm will be confiscated and forever gone and you could spend some jail time. I have not heard of rigs being seized but I can envision circumstances, such as clear smuggling activities, where that could happen. They also have gun/ammuniton/explosives sniffing dogs which have caused some rigs to be nearly disassembled during a search. Because of the dog situation, if I had ever had anything the animal might alert on in my rig I would either bring a compliant long gun/shot gun and or go through the registration process and present an acceptable handgun. This would hopefully show a desire to comply and explain any alert the dog might make - just my .02.
Try anything like this in Mexico and you WILL go to jail, for a long time. One US citizen spent 5 years in a Mexican jail because the Mexican authorties found a forgotten loose.45ACP round under a seat. Look it up via Google or most any other search engine. Canada is a piece of cake in comparison.

Bob (rthandren@...) '05 Inspire 51178

Re: Firearms

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 82948
I just want it to be said that there are many of us who disagree with the idea that people who are not part of an "organized militia" should be able freely to carry firearms, particularly those that are semi-automatic with large clips, or assault weapons that have no "value" other than the killing of people (including police, by the way).
Do not write back to argue with me! I will not join the argument. I just want to make a statement about beliefs that some of us hold, and that I feel need to be recognized by those who would, in my opinion, subvert the intent and meaning of the Second Amendment.

Ken Harrison

'04 Allure #31035

Re: Firearms

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 82950
Can't do a drive by here Ken. You voiced your opinion, its only right you listen to others that may have an opposing view. I don't care what kind of gun it is. Guns don't kill people, people kill people. When you outlaw guns, only the outlaws will have guns. Rosie O'Donnel complained about guns but failed to mention that the person she hired as a body guard carried a gun to assist in her protection. If you don't want to carry a gun that's fine, but let some SOB break into my rig and I'll have a clean shot from the rear of the coach to the front. Oh and just an FYI Ken you joined this argument when you posted your opinion.

Steve & Jane

1998 Intrigue

#10557

______

Re: Firearms

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 82953
As you all may have guessed I also carry a firearm. Its a Taurus 357 mag. It has an 8 round cylinder. I have it for one reason and one reason only, and its not for hunting. I live full time in my coach, so its my home and I will defend my wife and my self.

Steve & Jane

1998 Intrigue

#10557

______

Re: Firearms

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 82957
Steve/Jane, I totally agree with you. We live on a lake and the nearest house is 150yrds away from us. Someone could break in and no one would it.
My Sig Sauer 9mm is very close, should we ever need it. I hope that it never comes to that.
A motor home out in a remote area is another story. Some people will see the MH and think money. Times are very bad for many folks, and I think desperate people will do things out of the norm.
I didn't mention anything about taking firearms into Canada. I live in Northern Michigan and I know their strict laws.
I think a pump shout gun is a good choice for a MH, one with a short stock. The racking of one should deter anyone, unless you're really stupid.
John/Jackie 03 Allure 30951

Quote
To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com > From: sfortier@...

Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2012 05:55:58 +0000 > Subject: RE: [Country-Coach-Owners] Firearms > > As you all may have guessed I also carry a firearm. Its a Taurus 357 mag. It has an 8 round cylinder. I have it for one reason and one reason only, and its not for hunting. I live full time in my coach, so its my home and I will defend my wife and my self.

Steve & Jane

1998 Intrigue

#10557

______

From: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com [Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com] on behalf of grandmajackiem [quietstorm366@...] > Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2012 1:16 PM > To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com > Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Firearms > > How many CC owners carry firearms? I've own a 9mm that I want to keep in our mh. What's legal, a shotgun? Thanks, John 03 Allure 30951 >

info/terms/

Re: Firearms

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 82958
Crossing Canada from MI to NY with an approved firearm couldn't be any easier. I left the handguns at home and only took a shotgun. Filled out the paperwork before crossing, paid 25.00 and they could have cared less. No inspection, no hassle, all they wanted was the money.

Tom

Lifeline Batteries
97 Prevost

Re: Firearms

Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83047
As I recall, it began with how to transport our firearms in our "Country Coaches", or SOB coaches. So, if it doesn't fit the proper protocol for being here, when a fellow coach owner asks question about the subject, then perhaps, asking questions about "toads" is also off limits!

Jim Hill
253-905-3966

2008 Tribute 260
81138

Retired Federal Law Enforcement Officer
Retired U.S. Army

(I believe that I fought for these freedoms)

Re: Firearms

Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83049
I agree 100%, Jim. Our discussions are far ranging in scope and do not ALWAYS involve the coach itself, but preipheral issues as well.

BTW, Thank you for your service!

Dave Trotter

01 Intrigue 11215

Re: Firearms

Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83052
This discussion is relevant to all brands of coaches of which Country Coach is one. Use your delete button. Barrie Boas 94 Concept 5111

Re: Firearms

Reply #19 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83065
Hello, I'm the Country Coach owner who asked the question concerning firearms.
Bob, I'm sure that if I spent time looking for answers to this question, I could have found the answers I was looking for.
Since this is our very first Country Coach, I felt it would be alright to ask this group, which I am a member of, what would be the best legal way to go about keeping a firearm in our home. On our 36'sailboat, I carry a stainless steel pump shotgun. It's home is in the sailboat.
I agree with Dave, there is room for gray matter, it's not all black and white. Also, if you don't like the subject matter, you don't have to read it, just delete it. You can't please everyone. I see subjects all the time that don't interest me, do I open them. Not. There's always someone who has to complain about something. You know what, save it for the big stuff.
Thanks, John 2003 Allure 30951

Re: Firearms

Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83066
John,

There is nothing wrong with the subject of firearms until the responses shift to the moral and political issues and become the focus rather than the legal facts. Clearly there are very strong moral and political feelings concerning the conditions under which it is someone's right to shot someone else. Expressing one's own feelings in that light contributes nothing to the legal aspects of the various states as well as Canada and Mexico.

As for what discussions are relative on this forum, it is totally up to the owner/moderator Herb Strandberg. The forum is not a democracy. Once a post is sent only Herb can delete it.

Don Seager

2004 Allure 31046
 

Re: Firearms

Reply #21 –
Yahoo Message Number: 83067
John, Thanks for the discussion on the subject. I also sometimes carry a weapon, but it depends on where I plan to go. If I plan just a short trip somewhwere and plan to use a FamCamp at a military base, then the hassle of declaring the weapon with security is not worth the trouble. Most military installations do not allow any personal weapons. If I plan to cross into Canada, no way would I attempt to hide a weapon. If I travel about the lower 48 I am usually armed. If I plan to be in a state that does not have a recip agreement with Florida, I leave the weaponed secured in a locked place in the rear of the coach. I feel this is my home on wheels and I use the same rule of reason of owning a weapon in my stick built home.

Jim Hughes

2000 Allure #30511