VA-WV-MD-PA trip, quick question

C

chris in va

New member
I have a VA permit. Unfortunately I haven't gotten around to my FL CHP yet. If I leave say...my P11 in a small locked container in the back of my van, what are the laws pertaining to that in MD and PA?

I'll be camping in PA and could really use a little protection.
 
Chirs,

1) Here is the specific, applicable Federal stature (The United States Code, Title 18, Part I, Chapter 44, Section 926a):
"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."
 
Thanks. I'll just put it in a 'locked container' in the back of my Cherokee then.

EDIT: I saw this on Packing.org however under MD...

"Any person who shall wear, carry, or transport any handgun, whether concealed or open, upon or about his person, and any person who shall wear, carry, or knowingly transport any handgun, whether concealed or open, in any vehicle traveling upon the public roads, highways, waterways, or airways or upon roads or parking lots generally used by the public in this State shall be guilty of a misdemeanor"
 
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huH?

I think you better keep it locked in the trunk while going through MD. and don't stop or spend any money there... from what I understand MD is one of 'those' states.... but once you get to where you are going? why even have it if it has to stay in the trunk unloaded.. I think PA is better... as for the FL.. CWP... unless you are going to Florida... DO the NH non-resident permit... all you need is a copy of your VA liscense/permit ...fill out the form, I think you can download it. and include a check for $20 it takes 2 weeks!
 
Chris,

If you have time, Centre County in Pa can process a non-resident Pa CCW license in about two weeks. You don't even have to go there to get it. It costs $20, a SASE, and two passport sized pics (I cropped/resized, then printed a digital pic I had on hand). That'll at least cover your PA needs.

Here's the form

Chris
 
I did this trip once. Yak river white water rafting.

Heard some horror stories in the republik of MD. No handguns, allowed, if not going to a local maryland shooting range / event (peaceable journey law), so your choices are an unloaded rifle or knife.

PA is open carry friendly. WV recognizes our CC here in VA.
 
MD law allows transport of a handgun to a range, to a gun shop, etc., if inaccessible to persons in the vehicle, which means the trunk. In spite of the limitations, I doubt there would be any problems for a person travelling through the state if the gun were in a locked container in the trunk. Just drive reasonably and remove "gun stuff" from the inside of the car. A speed loader or pistol magazine spotted by a police officer is considered probable cause for a search for a gun.

In any case, the idea is not what to do if stopped, but to avoid getting stopped in the first place. Which means not calling attention to oneself or one's car. Avoid "Off the Pigs" stickers, "Cold dead hands" stickers, and the like. Drive with traffic, don't weave, don't give the famous salute to cops, don't wave guns around, etc.

Jim
 
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