[TheLastBoyScout]

I'm 17 and I live in Pennsylvania... please answer these questions:

1) I was going out to pick up a pizza and out of the corner of my eye I saw one of my dad's pistols and a few pieces of range gear in the back of the van. Had I driven the van with the weapon in the back, would I have been commiting a crime because they weren't in the "trunk"? The gun was behind the final row of seats, but the van doesn't have a trunk.

2) When I get my own car (with an actual "trunk") would it be legal for me to transport an appropriately cased rifle or pistol? If not, why not? Is there an age cutoff for transporting guns?

[XLMiguel]

Not to be rude, but I'd suggest you check out your state's website, packing.org, nra.org, etc., for appropriate legal references. Tho we have lawyers among the membership, I doublt any woud care to hang their name/rep on such a broad question. Go do your homework.

[Gray Peterson]

I wouldn't even think of transporting in that method with a handgun, due to the Youth Handgun Safety Act of 1994 or 1995 (?). As for rifles and shotguns (other than NFA weapons), the laws of your state apply, but remember the gun free school zones act: That applies equally to all firearms.

[Hal]

1) I was going out to pick up a pizza and out of the corner of my eye I saw one of my dad's pistols and a few pieces of range gear in the back of the van. Ounce of prevention,,,, and what's done is done.

Have a talk with dear old dad. Tell him (in a polite manner) leaving the gun is the van isn't a good idea. His actions could have put both of you in the trick bag.

RE # 2 - Like above, consult local/state laws.