How can i legally transport an antique handgun?

[saj12100]

I have a trigger lock on the gun, i just want to be sure I'm transporting it legally

 

[chinalfr]

Your question is very vague. Be a little specific then we can help to answer. Probably some info about from/to location will helps.

 

[saj12100]

Your question is very vague. Be a little specific then we can help to answer. Probably some info about from/to location will helps.

Staying in MA, i heard that either the gun has to be out of arms reach or have it in a locked case or trigger lock

 

[joehaus]

Trigger locks are for storage not transport. What year was the gun made?

 

[saj12100]

Trigger locks are for storage not transport. What year was the gun made?

The gun was made in 1891

 

[Len-2A Training]

The gun was made in 1891

It is a true antique in that case and it is "NOT considered a gun" by the law. So there are no legal requirements.

That said . . . most cops won't have a clue about this exemption and thus it is best to keep it in a case in the locked trunk . . . especially since it might actually have significant collector value if in decent shape.

 

[joehaus]

Well if it meets this definition:

any firearm, rifle or shotgun manufactured in or prior to the year 1899;

(B) any replica of any firearm, rifle or shotgun described in clause (A) if such replica: (i) is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition; or (ii) uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition which is no longer manufactured in the United States and which is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade; and (C) manufacturers or wholesalers of firearms, rifles, shotguns or machine guns.

Then there are no special transport requirements. I would put it in a bag, in the trunk and out of sight and I can't imagine you'll have any problems.

If it doesn't fall under that definition then I would abide by the following from mass.gov

Transporting Firearms

Q: How do I transport a gun in my vehicle?

A: A person with a Class "A" LTC may transport a handgun loaded or unloaded on his person or under his direct control in the vehicle. If the handgun is not under his direct control, it must be unloaded and in a locked case, locked trunk or other secure container.

A person with a Class "B" LTC must transport handguns unloaded and in a locked case, locked trunk or other secure container. All persons transporting large capacity rifles and shotguns must transport them unloaded and in a locked case, locked trunk or other secure container. Trigger locks do not meet the requirements of securing a weapon during transport in motor vehicle.

For more specific information see M.G.L. c. 140, §131C.
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Q: Do I need to lock my non-large capacity rifles and shotguns in a case while transporting them in a vehicle?

A: No. They must be transported unloaded, but are not required to be in a locked case while transporting.
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Q: Can I leave my gun in my car if I need to go into the store on my way home from the range or from hunting?

A: If your handgun or large capacity rifle or shotgun is transported in accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. c. 140, §131C (i.e. unloaded and in a locked case, locked trunk or other secure container) then the gun may be left unattended in the vehicle. Weapons transported in this manner will automatically be considered "stored or kept" in compliance with the safe storage requirements of §131L.

A person leaving a non-large capacity rifle or shotgun in an unattended vehicle is required to lock the rifle or shotgun in a case/container or in the trunk, or install a mechanical locking device on the weapon (i.e. cable or trigger lock).