I am often questioned about traveling with firearms, with most people focusing on the method and type of storage for the actual movement of the firearms.
There are specific laws that make it legal for you to transport a firearm that you legally own from a place where it is legal to own to a place where it is legal to posses them even if if you must pass through a state that prevents the ownership.
18 U.S. Code 926A – Interstate transportation of firearms
Notwithstanding any other provision of any law or any rule or regulation of a State or any political subdivision thereof:
Any person who is not otherwise prohibited by this chapter from transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm shall be entitled to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any other place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm if,
during such transportation the firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle:
Provided, That in the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver’s compartment the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.
The above paragraph is generally refereed to as the “Safe Passage Provision” and the only law that supersedes or prevents the proper transportation of a firearm is if the person is a “prohibited person” such as a Felon.
Very specific rules and regulations are specified for air travel, but most people have found them to be convenient and the airlines to be helpful.
Now that is all fine and dandy, I have a way to transport my guns, but what about when I get there? If I am headed to a state with CPL reciprocity, meaning they respect and honor my CPL I am all set, but many do not and currently you are just plain out of luck.
Currently 39 States through either through “Permitless Carry” or CPL reciprocity honor the rights of Michigan Residents to carry in their states. I routinely carry when in these states either as a destination or when passing through. Heading to the east coast is another story however!
Having just returned from an 8 day vacation in Washington D.C. this was the longest period that I have been without a gun in 2 decades.
My concern on this trip was the deteriorating conditions as a result of the violent protests, Anarchists, “ Antifa” with individuals attacked in the streets and restaurants, etc…
Every building and attraction I visited had metal detectors and armed guards so I would not have been able to carry and I even had to leave my pocket knife in the hotel room. I watched people totally unaware of their surroundings, with their faces in their phone and earbuds in their ears.
Even in my home state of Michigan I know the rules on where I can and cannot carry and make my choices for safety by choosing when and where I will go. In the 11 states that do not recognize my CPL they have taken away my options for self defense. In D.C. every building and “Elite” person was accompanied by an armed guard, we deserve the same protection capability . It is time for National Reciprocity, please let your Representative or Senator know how you feel.