Maintain your chambered round when carrying?

[M1911]

Articelf:

Check the storage law again. I posted a link to the text. Read it. Note that storage is NOT transport.

 

[Arcticelf]

M1911: Yup. I don't see anywhere in the law that requires stored guns in cars to be unloaded, I also don't see any mention of storing guns in cars at all, which makes me nervous.


AE

 

[KMaurer]

I also don't see any mention of storing guns in cars at all, which makes me nervous.

It's between the subsections dealing with storing guns in basements and storing guns in attics. IOW, since there's no subsection spelling out different requirements or imposing specific prohibitions, then it's no different from storing guns any place else.

Ken

 

[M1911]

Articelf:

Note that storage in a vehicle (when the vehicle is not moving) is different from carrying in a vehicle (when a vehicle is in motion).

For carrying, see MGL C140 S131c:

Chapter 140: Section 131C. Carrying of firearms in a vehicle

Section 131C. (a) No person carrying a loaded firearm under a Class A license issued under section 131 or 131F shall carry the same in a vehicle unless such firearm while carried therein is under the direct control of such person. Whoever violates the provisions of this subsection shall be punished by a fine of $500.

(b) No person carrying a firearm under a Class B license issued under section 131 or 131F shall possess the same in a vehicle unless such weapon is unloaded and contained within the locked trunk of such vehicle or in a locked case or other secure container. Whoever violates the provisions of this subsection shall be punished by a fine of $500.

(c) No person possessing a large capacity rifle or shotgun under a Class A or Class B license issued under section 131 or 131F shall possess the same in a vehicle unless such weapon is unloaded and contained within the locked trunk of such vehicle or in a locked case or other secure container. Whoever violates the provisions of this subsection shall be punished by a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $5,000.

(d) The provisions of this section shall not apply to (i) any officer, agent or employee of the commonwealth or any state or the United States; (ii) any member of the military or other service of any state or of the United States; (iii) any duly authorized law enforcement officer, agent or employee of any municipality of the commonwealth; provided, however, that any such person described in clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, is authorized by a competent authority to carry or possess the weapon so carried or possessed and is acting within the scope of his duties.

(e) A conviction of a violation of this section shall be reported forthwith by the court or magistrate to the licensing authority who shall immediately revoke the card or license of the person so convicted. No new such card or license may be issued to any such person until one year after the date of revocation.

Cross-X is a MA attorney well versed in the MA firearms laws. I'm sure he has his reasons for recommending that you store it unloaded. Perhaps it would be best if you contact him and ask him to explain his recommendation.

 

[Lugnut]

Cross-X is a MA attorney well versed in the MA firearms laws. I'm sure he has his reasons for recommending that you store it unloaded. Perhaps it would be best if you contact him and ask him to explain his recommendation.

Yes- Inquiring minds want to know.... I've been told this by others as well (not to store loaded guns in a car).

 

[FITH]

M1911: Yup. I don't see anywhere in the law that requires stored guns in cars to be unloaded, I also don't see any mention of storing guns in cars at all, which makes me nervous.


AE

Yes but it does note "LOCKED TRUNK" making storage in a SUV..or Truck illegal...! Bythe letter of the law. Well unless you have a wooden trunk in your vehicle!!!

( I do know there is bolt in locking devices to be bought)

 

[M1911]

Yes but it does note "LOCKED TRUNK" making storage in a SUV..or Truck illegal...!

Huh? And just which law is that that you are referring to?

If the "storage" section of the law applies, then this language is binding:

...in any place unless such weapon is secured in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device, properly engaged so as to render such weapon inoperable by any person other than the owner or other lawfully authorized user.

No reference to a trunk. A locked container or trigger lock will do.

If the "transport" section of the law applies, then this language is binding:

...shall possess the same in a vehicle unless such weapon is unloaded and contained within the locked trunk of such vehicle or in a locked case or other secure container.

So get a hard-shell gun case and put a lock on it. Trunks are not required.

 

[FITH]

Transport

 

[M1911]

Transport

Ok, so it is transport (which I would argue doesn't apply, but I'll play along). What part of "or in a locked case or other secure container" makes you think you can't store a gun in an SUV?