Handgun Storage Before Border Crossing

H

HotMetal

New member
I will be traveling to Maine, staying for a few weeks and may want to cross into Canada for one afternoon for sightseeing purposes. I have a current CCL from my home state that has reprocicity with the state of Maine. I know that I CANNOT take my handgun into Canada. My question is, is there such a thing as a legal handgun storage service in Maine where I can check my pistol before crossing the border. I know that Washington D.C. residents use such services in Virginia to comply with the D.C. weapons debacle.
 
If you can find an FFL near where you're crossing the border (or somewhere convenient en route), they should be able to store it for you. You'd need to pay the transfer fee, and perhaps a small fee for storage, but that could still be relatively inexpensive peace of mind. I'd suggest finding some likely gun stores online and contacting them well before you plan to travel to see what you can work out.
 
Can it not be left where you are staying in Maine? Hotel safe? Friend/relatives's house? You said it was just for an afternoon. Right?
 
Those are all GREAT suggestions. I'm going to follow up on the FFL ideas. I did think of phoning asking the owner of the Inn that I'm staying at, but am a little concerned that if the guy or gal running the place is an anti gunner, they may choose not to not permit me to make a reservation. My wife would be PO'd because she picked the place! I still may do that, though!
 
Doyle said:
...find a nearby FFL/gunsmith that will take the gun in for "cleaning".
Click to expand...
This is arguably the ONLY convenient way to do it if the OP does not hold some sort of federal firearms license (FFL).

It's against federal law for a FFL to transfer a handgun to a non-licensed person who resides in a state other than the one where the FFL's premises are located, UNLESS the gun is given to the FFL for the purposes of "repair or customizing" [27 CFR § 478.124(a)].

If the handgun is transferred to the FFL solely for the purpose of storage (or pawned, before someone suggests that), it will have to be transferred to a FFL in the OP's home state in order to be returned, which kinda defeats the purpose.
jmhyer said:
Can it not be left where you are staying in Maine? Hotel safe? Friend/relatives's house?
Click to expand...
This could be construed as an illegal interstate transfer. :eek:

Additionally, it should be noted that a road trip from PA to ME requires one to cross through NY, which is a whole 'nuther can of worms. :(
 
Again, great feedback for me to consider. I will be staying around Machias and, if I did cross the border, would be around St. Andrews, Eastport, etc.
 
My understanding was that federal law permitted interstate transportation as long as the firearm is legal at point of origin and destination. Unloaded, disabled, locked separately from ammo, etc.
 
My understanding was that federal law permitted interstate transportation as long as the firearm is legal at point of origin and destination. Unloaded, disabled, locked separately from ammo, etc.
__________________
Click to expand...

Yes, but the OP wants to go into Canada for a day and Canada doesn't have that protection.
 
Sorry, I acknowledged that I would not be carrying into Canada in my original post. My federal transportation comment was in response to carguychris's comment about the great state of NY.
 
I wouldn't think leaving it with a friend would be considered an interstate transfer so long as the firearm was secured so only the owner could retrieve it. Even a simple lockbox (like the $30 ones you can use in a vehicle) might suffice. Lock it in there, don't give the person the combo, and pick it up later.

Of course, state law would differ.


Still, given the specifics, I think the recommendation of finding a FFL or gunsmith where you could leave it for "cleaning" would be the best idea. Gun gets a going over, no risk of legal issues. Just be sure not to take any ammunition into Canada either... while I'm not sure about Canadian law in that regard I know it's a definite no-no where Mexico is involved.
 
I suspect Doyle was referring to the portion of the trip transiting New York state.

From Pittsburgh, I would take I-80 to Hazleton, then I-81 north to Scranton, then I-84 across NY and into Connecticut. That keeps you reasonably north of NYC and Westchester County, it's a decent road and a pretty clean shot (no pun intended). Just be sure to comply with the FOPA rules and you should be okay.

CT and MA both respect (grudgingly, I'm sure) the FOPA. I-84 will take you all the way to the Mass Turnpike. From that you have a couple of route options for getting to I-95 in New Hampshire.

I'm envious. I hoped to make a trip to Eastport and Campobello Island, but circumstances didn't allow it to happen.
 
I really appreciate all of the dialog on my delemma. To keep it simple, I'll just resist any suggestion to go across the border. I backpacked in Maine years ago on the Appalachian trial, but never spent any time on the coast of Maine. This will be a cool trip and I will be sure to report back to TFL forum upon my return. In the meantime, I'd still be interested in hearing any new ideas. Great forum by the way. I've been reading it for years, but rarely have any thing of interest to post.
 
I hope you wait a little while before going up there. My boyhood buddy who lives in central Maine just posted on FB that it is 17 below zero there.:eek:
 
Again, great feedback for me to consider. I will be staying around Machias and, if I did cross the border, would be around St. Andrews, Eastport, etc.
Click to expand...
I tried to PM you but you don't have messaging set up. I live downeast near Machias, maybe I can help you work out your storage situation. PM me and we can talk about it. When are you going to be traveling? Also, don't forget that you'll need your passport or a passport card to get back into the U.S. from Canada.

I hope you wait a little while before going up there. My boyhood buddy who lives in central Maine just posted on FB that it is 17 below zero there.:eek:
Click to expand...
-10 on the downeast coast this AM, got to a high of 5. Tomorrow's supposed to be low 30s and snow. Woohoo!
 
Last edited:
Please don't think I'm belittling anything anybody said in this thread. It's all valid.

However; what fools passed laws that forces law abiding citizens to have these ridiculous conversations?

How many crimes have these laws actually prevented ?????

How many crimes have these laws actually created ?????

The time has come for Constitutional carry on a Federal level.

In fact, the time has come for the Federal Government to get it's nose the h##l out of any and all interstate business !!!!! :mad::mad::mad:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top