Legal transport case?

[Executive]

Is an atache or breifcase (lockable) considered a suitable "locked container" for purposes of transport? Naturally I'd never leave it unattended in a vehicle, it's just too inviting to a theif, but can I use one to cart an extra pistol or two that won't fit in my regular range bag?

 

[News Shooter]

http://www.goal.org/PDF/needknow.pdf

 

[FITH]

What is the def of locked case? thought it had to be hard!?

 

[drgrant]

What is the def of locked case? thought it had to be hard!?

There doesn't appear to be any hard and fast rule. If there was I would think that GOAL or someone else would have published it and it'd be a sticky here somewhere. "Secure Container" will always be a debateable subject... To me, it's just about any container with a lock that probably can't be opened without tools of some kind.

FWIW I've never heard of anyone getting prosecuted for having a gun in a locked soft or locked hardcase.

On the other hand, a locked container could be a nullity if you have a soft rifle case, say, that has a big hole in the side of it but is still locked... course at this point we're doing the whole "what if" game.

The law says "“secured in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety
device" but what the hell exactly does that MEAN? To a locksmith, "tamper resistant" is a TL-30 plate safe.... to joe consumer, it might be DOSKCIL cheapo rifle case with a couple of chinese padlocks on it, or a padded rifle case with a lock on the zippers.

-Mike

 

[Pilgrim]

About everyone I know, including dealers, say that a zippered 'gun rug' is allowed under the law.

 

[Cross-X]

So long as your gun is unloaded, and the briefcase is locked, and you are properly licensed, you are good to go!

Darius

 

[highlander]

Was in 4 seasons one day gent bought a pistol and had a 30 cal ammo can with a big sucker lock on it to carry it home in. I would think a firearm with some type of trigger lock and a "secure container" should be enough to keep any LEO off your back,but IANAL.

 

[M1911]

I would think a firearm with some type of trigger lock and a "secure container" should be enough to keep any LEO off your back,but IANAL.

According to MGL CH 140, trigger locks are acceptable for storage but not for transport. For transporting a handgun that is not under your direct control, it has to be unloaded, in a locked trunk, locked case, or other secure container.

Just what constitutes a "locked case or other secure container" is an interesting question. Has there been any case law on this?

 

[JGreen]

No:

Better:

Best:

 

[Executive]

So long as your gun is unloaded, and the briefcase is locked, and you are properly licensed, you are good to go!

Darius

I'm going with the IAAL reply. Thanks Darius.