Question regarding transporting firearms from home to the range and back

mshilto89 · Dec 14, 2012

So the other day when I went to the range, I was asked by one of the clerks at the counter if I had cases for my Saiga 12 and my wife's M&P 15-22. He advised me that I needed to get one. Am I to understand that it is a requirement by MD law to have the weapon in a case while transporting them? Or is that something that is optional. Thanks in advance for the help guys.

gmhowell · Dec 14, 2012

Maryland transport law

gmhowell · Dec 14, 2012

Which, with a second look, doesn't seem to address long guns.

MdGunFiend · Dec 14, 2012

It doesn't necessarily have to be a case does it? Don't brown bags work?

Thought it just had to be enclosed in something

I just keep my gun in a holster, and ammo in a brown bag

sgt23preston · Dec 14, 2012

Sgt Preston here...

Forget about the law for a minute...

Common sense would say that "Evil Black Rifles" should be shielded from public view...

There are just too many anti-gunners out there...

They feed off of our "casualness" with our weapons...

Bag em...

mshilto89 · Dec 14, 2012

gmhowell said:
Which, with a second look, doesn't seem to address long guns.

Yea, well when I was moving them they weren't loaded and I put the guns in my trunk and had the *unloaded* mags up front with me.

Mooseman · Dec 14, 2012

I am not a lawyer. I don't think long guns have to be cased to transport them. I would case them to protect the guns.

fivepointstar · Dec 14, 2012

maybe its a rule at the range

mshilto89 · Dec 14, 2012

Well I got a case for the wife's 15-22, I still have to find one large enough for my Saiga.

j8064 · Dec 14, 2012

I'm no lawyer either, but when transporting long guns B&F from anywhere it's good common sense to enclose them in rifle bags or cases and keep them out of view of any potential or inadvertant "prying eyes".

Think of the firearms...they need protection too. Duh...

mshilto89 · Dec 14, 2012

j8064 said:
I'm no lawyer either, but when transporting long guns B&F from anywhere it's good common sense to enclose them in rifle bags or cases and keep them out of view of any potential or inadvertant "prying eyes".

Think of the firearms...they need protection too. Duh...

Yea, I was really excited to shoot the Saiga, I didn't want to wait to buy a case. I suppose that's kind of a slip up on my end.

Fox123 · Dec 14, 2012

Oh the days of having a gun rack in the back window of the pickup.....

cowboy321 · Dec 14, 2012

gmhowell said:
Which, with a second look, doesn't seem to address long guns.

Do not walk in public with a firearm not in a case. People think maybe you are going to shoot their kids. Use a case. . follow the news lately?

Name Taken · Dec 14, 2012

In that section "handgun" means a short barrel shotgun/rifle as well as a handgun.

So if your shotgun and AR arent SB then you dont *have* to have it encased for transport.

It is however a VERY good idea. They make several cases that dont scream gun case.

Furthermore the Attorney General office indicated that Disturbing the Peace charges may be filed against someone for open carrying.

Food for thought.

mvee · Dec 14, 2012

I think Baltimore city has a law that requires cases or racks for long guns.

Fox123 · Dec 14, 2012

Name Taken said:
Furthermore the Attorney General office indicated that Disturbing the Peace charges may be filed against someone for open carrying.

Food for thought.

Oh but you can carry a shotgun for protection.... As argued in court..... [/sarcasm]

anthem4arequiem · Dec 14, 2012

IANAL but you only have to have regulated firearms in an enclosed case or enclosed holster. From what I was told by a state trooper, enclosed means it can't be removed with one motion, there has to be something holding it in.

Also on this note, it is legal, yes I said LEGAL, to open carry a LONG gun (as in non regulated long gun) in the state of MD. I am sure you will get stopped and put in handcuffs some time during the day for brandishing a weapon, reckless endangerment, etc. But that is useful knowledge when trying to remember the long gun laws.

Name Taken · Dec 14, 2012

anthem4arequiem said:
IANAL but you only have to have regulated firearms in an enclosed case or enclosed holster. From what I was told by a state trooper, enclosed means it can't be removed with one motion, there has to be something holding it in.

The law doesnt mention regulated firearms...just handguns, SBS, and SBR.

Also there is nothing about retention. It needs to be an enclosed case or a holster. The box the gun came in, a slide in holster, an old school holster with a flap....all appear to be ok.

Anything else is added made up laws unless someone here can cite case law contary to what the law is.

Biggfoot44 · Dec 15, 2012

Almost. There is no ( a ) between "or" and " holster" . Making the meaning an enclosed case , or enclosed holster. Kicking in the distinction of some sort of strap or retention device requiring seperate movement to release.

But back to the OP's situation : 4-203 pertains to "handguns" , case is not required for rifle by State Law ( consult usual refrences for pre-1985 local ordances) .

However it is wise and prudent to make use of a case for at least three seperate reasons : Not needlessly arouse the ire of lightwt yuppie neighbors , not needlessly advise the local burglars where to find cool stuff to steal , and to procect your firearms while in transit.

iobidder · Dec 15, 2012

Range rules

Question regarding transporting firearms from home to the range and back

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