Rifle soft case question (magazine storage)

[erwos]

So, I have a few of those soft rifle cases that have the magazine storage pockets on the front. Does anyone know if there's a legal issue with me using them for magazine storage while being transported in my car? They're not in the same physical container as my rifle, so I'm thinking it may be OK, but there are always details I may be forgetting..

(I'm thinking about buying a new range bag, and whether I can use the rifle case pockets for storage will inform this somewhat.)

 

[Travis Bickle]

I believe it would be illegal if the magazines are loaded. Otherwise I think you're in the clear

 

[aberforth]

So, I have a few of those soft rifle cases that have the magazine storage pockets on the front. Does anyone know if there's a legal issue with me using them for magazine storage while being transported in my car? They're not in the same physical container as my rifle, so I'm thinking it may be OK, but there are always details I may be forgetting..

(I'm thinking about buying a new range bag, and whether I can use the rifle case pockets for storage will inform this somewhat.)

Are you looking for FOPA coverage or just coverage within MD? I don't have it handy but there is an AG opinion stating that loaded mags not in the gun do not constitute a loaded weapon for statutory purposes, but beware pre-1985 local laws. A non-exhaustive list of which can be found here


ETA: Opinion is attached to this post.

Double Edit: After re-reading that opinion only strictly speaks to handgun mags (but I'd swear I've seen a more verbose and detailed opinion that covered mags in general).

 

[erwos]

I just need protection within Maryland. The thread with local laws didn't seem to mention magazines anywhere, so I guess I'm good from that perspective. I knew about the AG's opinion, but there's also this theory that "loaded mags plus gun in same container = loaded gun". This isn't the same container per se, but it's closer than two separate containers.

*ponder* I'll have to give this one some thought.

 

[Mooseman]

I carry my AR in a soft case with 4 loaded magazines in pockets on the outside of the case. Don't tell anybody. On a side note, the magazines are empty for the trip home.

 

[Andras]

I believe it would be illegal if the magazines are loaded. Otherwise I think you're in the clear

There is no legal support for this statement.

There is no 'same container' for long arms. Long arms do not have to be cased either, for transport within MD.

 

[Dave MP]

Here is the AG opinion on magazines.

 

[CharlieFoxtrot]

but there's also this theory that "loaded mags plus gun in same container = loaded gun". This isn't the same container per se, but it's closer than two separate containers.

That theory is not the law in Maryland.