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RVing with a gun

wittmeba

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 9, 2014
Messages
143
Location
New Castle, Va
We have considered RVing to see more of the beautiful country but have concerns with carrying a gun, holster & ammo. Any element suggests a gun present and with some states not so friendly I see a potential for some issues.

Being raised in SoCal and both having family in the area we have lots of reasons to return to that area to visit. But I would hate to get stopped for some reason and end up with our vehicle and RV being searched. Trying to learn all the laws of the various states is not an easy task.

What do others do or suggest?
 

wittmeba

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 9, 2014
Messages
143
Location
New Castle, Va
Thank you, nightmare for your quick reply.

I did find this. http://www.gunlaw.com/gun-law-articles/12-driving-interstate-with-firearms.html And it includes the actual text of the passage.

My interpretation is in the unfriendly states the best location to carry would be in the RV for the gun and ammo, unloaded. If in the vehicle it would require a separate lockable compartment such as a lock box bolted to the floor. Other more friendly states the normal reciprocity laws could be applied. Right?
 

The Truth

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 18, 2014
Messages
1,972
Location
Henrico
From nearby South Carolina

SECTION 16-23-20. Unlawful carrying of handgun; exceptions.

It is unlawful for anyone to carry about the person any handgun, whether concealed or not, except as follows, unless otherwise specifically prohibited by law:
[ ... ]
(9) a person in a vehicle if the handgun is:

(a) secured in a closed glove compartment, closed console, closed trunk, or in a closed container secured by an integral fastener and transported in the luggage compartment of the vehicle; however, this item is not violated if the glove compartment, console, or trunk is opened in the presence of a law enforcement officer for the sole purpose of retrieving a driver's license, registration, or proof of insurance; or

You seem to be researching and citing SC Law quite extensively lately. Do you spend much time there?
 

Grizz272

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2008
Messages
86
Location
Frozen Tundra, , USA
From My experience almost all campgrounds do not allow firearms. Most campers are not built strong enough to truly secure a firearm. Check out
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm for more info. When I started on the rv forum it was basically why do you need a gun. That has changed, more people are caring regardless of campground rules or travel laws. A lot of campers practice don't ask don't tell. Even if you do ask, If I don't know you I may not tell you. Follow all the laws. If you get caught in a campground you will have to move.
 

SouthernBoy

Regular Member
Joined
May 12, 2007
Messages
5,837
Location
Western Prince William County, Virginia, USA
If an RV is anything like a boat... then if it has sleeping quarters, a head, and a galley, it qualifies as a second home. I would assume one can have a firearm in their second home. Could be wrong with this when it comes to RV's.
 
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HPmatt

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 18, 2013
Messages
1,467
Location
Dallas
Southern Boy that was my thought too. It is my castle. I would also assume a cop would need a warrant to search my car or my motor-home. So perhaps only in fascist states would I be really concerned. Of course what is the saying about assume - would definitely want to look up the legal specifics of a defined camper/motorhome, esp in light of it being my home on wheels.
 

OC for ME

Regular Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2010
Messages
12,452
Location
White Oak Plantation
RSMo 563.011. Defense of Justification - As used in this chapter the following terms shall mean:

(2) "Dwelling", any building, inhabitable structure, or conveyance of any kind, whether the building, inhabitable structure, or conveyance is temporary or permanent, mobile or immobile, which has a roof over it, including a tent, and is designed to be occupied by people lodging therein at night;

http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/C500-599/5630000011.HTM
Some boats have sleeping accommodations.
 

deepdiver

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Apr 2, 2007
Messages
5,820
Location
Southeast, Missouri, USA
While you would have to research every state through which you intend to travel to be sure, my memory is that except in a few NE states such as NJ, NY, CT (maybe CA) and in DC, at most you would have to case your unloaded firearm and lock the case and put your ammo in a separate locked container. I recall that NJ and NY only recognize the federal peaceable journey exception if you do not stop for anything more than fuel and food. Spend the night and you are violating the possession laws unless the gun is licensed in that state. CA and others where you could stay withouut running afoul of any laws with a sidearm in the RVV may still have a prohibition on even possessing any mag which holds more than 10 rounds.

My memory isn't what it used to be though....
 
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