BLAZE Magazine Special Edition 2006-2016 | Page 59

Left: Once your
cased firearm
hits the belt, it’s
anyone’s guess
what torture it
might go through in
the hands of task-
oriented baggage
personnel. Plano’s
Field Locker Mil-
Spec cases provide
premium, worry-free
protection.
Keep your guns unloaded and cased in your trunk or
locked truck bed and you will be in compliance with
most state and local firearms laws.
also vary considerably from jurisdiction to
jurisdiction. Of course, it’s always advisable
to research the specific laws where you plan
to travel, but the multitude of diverse and
changing regulations can make a complete
and total understanding of all laws you may
encounter a fleeting prospect.
If possible, keep your gun cases locked
in your vehicle’s trunk or truck bed, as
long as your bed has weather-tight and
lockable security. If your guns are outside the
passenger compartment, in a case, unloaded,
and kept separate from ammunition, you’ll
be in compliance with all but the strictest
of local and state gun laws. If your truck
bed is not secure, or you drive an SUV or
another vehicle without a separate trunk,
you’ll need to do your best to keep the guns
as “inaccessible” as possible, per Yoder’s
recommendation.
In addition, Yoder points out that different
Plano’s All-Weather Gun Guard cases provide quality
protection at an affordable price, and are great choices for
all modes of travel.
law enforcement officials within the
same jurisdiction may be on a different
page when it comes to interpreting and
enforcing firearms transportation laws.
“Unfortunately, not every police officer you
may run into is a sportsman like you,” states
Yoder, who also points out that officers can
have differing opinions and outlooks on
civilians with firearms. His words are wise.
With the tremendous pressure being placed
on law enforcement officers today, they
are understandably careful, and are always
likely to err on the side of caution. If pulled
over with firearms, don’t do or say anything
to give them a reason to doubt your intent.
For his highway shotgun and rifle
transportation needs, Yoder selects Plano’s
model 108191 All-Weather Double Scoped
Rifle/Shotgun Wheeled case. Pistols go in
Plano’s model 108021 All Weather Large
Pistol Case. Inside these durable, hard cases,
each gun is fully encased in custom-trimmed
If firearms must be transported inside a vehicle’s passenger compartment, keep
them unloaded, inside a case, out of view, and as inaccessible as possible.
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foam. “These cases are capable of being
loaded in the truck and then having a ton
of gear piled on top of them,” Yoder says.
“They offer strong, lockable, all-weather
protection.”
After guns are packed away, Yoder points out
that it’s essential to pack and transport any
ammunition with similar care, and away from
the guns. Most state laws require this, and it
is essential to avoid any misperceptions of
improper intent, should you be pulled over.
Yoder packs bulk ammo in Plano’s various
rifle, handgun and shotshell ammo cases.
These cases are small, flat, and can be easily
stacked inside a larger lockable container,
allowing ammunition to be transported
in bulk, while in full compliance with the
widest range of state and local laws.
Air Travel
As tricky as hitting the highway with firearms
can be, air travel presents hunters and
shooters with even more challenges. Guns
must be unloaded, declared and inspected.
They must be locked in an airline-approved
case, and, in some case, be partially broken
down. Similarly, ammunition must also be
declared. But the cumbersome inspection
process is only part of the concern. Of
course, all firearms must travel as checked
baggage, so once they are inspected and
turned over, it’s anyone’s guess what torture
a gun case – and the precious cargo inside
– might go through in the hands of task-
oriented baggage personnel.
When checking in at the airport, travelers
need to declare that they are traveling with
a gun. At that point, airline personnel will
quickly advise the traveler of the need to
open his or her case and inspect the firearm.
Always wait for the TSA inspector before
SPECIAL EDITION 2006-2016 |
| 59