50 state legal self defense rifles...

[TSH77769]

When I retire I would really like to do the RV road tripping thing.

I know we can not predict the future and how gun laws may change.

However, at this time, what might be some examples of some 50 state legal (I guess 49 state legal since I won't be road tripping to Hawaii, on account of the Pacific Ocean).

Obviously nothing NFA. Though, speaking of that makes me think of barrel lengths and over all lengths. For example, in some states, I think including Michigan, they have regs like that.

I'm not only loooking for what states have what laws but what guns meet those laws and still represent the best possibilities within the law.

tsh77769

 

[Sheepdog1968]

Lever action rifle would likely be safe.

 

[Hypnogator]

I'll throw in with Sheepdog, here. My personal preference would be a Marlin 1894 in .44 Mag, but any lever-action carbine in a pistol caliber (typically .38/357 or .44Mag/Spl) would give you plenty of firepower.

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Pump shotgun-----revolver

 

[tarosean]

Considering that even air rifles are regulated in NJ.. Im thinking a nerf gun or water pistol.

Not much help I know...

 

[MacTech]

Single shot break action like the H&R Handi/Pardner/Topper series

 

[Speedo66]

Are "out of staters" permitted to bring in and retain any firearms, other than just passing through, in IL or NJ?

 

[claiborne]

Full auto paint ball gun. Those things hurt like bejeesus and after the perp runs a way all the cops have to do is find the "painted" guy.

 

[Midwest]

Are "out of staters" permitted to bring in and retain any firearms, other than just passing through, in IL or NJ?

If you move to New Jersey with your firearms (as long as they are "NJ Legal") then no permit is needed to keep them in the state. But you still need the FID (Firearms Purchasers ID) Card to buy handgun ammo (maybe long gun ammo too).

If you move to Illinois with your firearms, you need the FOID (Firearms Owners ID) Card in order to possess them (and ammo) in the state as a resident. You also need the card to purchase ammo and firearms.

I think Massachusetts is the same as Illinois, ( but you have to get their FID card within 30 days of moving).

If you move to New York State, no handguns can be bought in whatsoever unless you have a permit (which can take as much as year or more even in some upstate counties).
In order to bring in your pistols from another state (and after you have your permit) they need to go through an FFL.

Maryland and Connecticut will have/ or now have an requirement for some kind of ID card for ammo/firearm purchasing.

 

[USAF_Vet]

Out of staters are exempt from the goofy 'Michigan pistol' long gun law. I'm pretty sure it may have even been repealed. As long as your long gun meets federal requirements for barrel/ over all length, you are good in Michigan.

For CCW, and I know you didn't ask, but you must be a resident of the state that issued the permit. So no nonresident permit from Utah or Florida. Sucks for Constitutional Carry states. I'm sure there is a way around it, just don't know what it is.

I figure a bolt action or lever action rifle, or a pump action shotgun will draw the least attention in the lower 48. California, New York and a few other states will probably cause problems unless you are just passing through.

 

[Speedo66]

In NY there would be no problems with long guns that don't fit their "assault" definition. Bolts and levers, no problem. Pump shotgun with normal capacity is fine too.

My question re: IL and NJ was not related to moving there, but rather just possessing long guns while spending time there as an "out of stater".

 

[LNK]

Stay out of MA

You need to have a MA LTC or FID card in MA to possess any firearm, unless engaged in shooting activity, competition etc. You also cannot buy ammoin MA without one of those. Sorry.....

LNK

 

[tepin]

Bolt, level and pump. In MN you can carry a loaded long-gun with a permit to carry, however, when transporting in a vehicle the long-gun needs to be cased and unloaded (unlike a handgun carried with permit).

 

[Art Eatman]

The question is about rifles, not handguns or shotguns. Travelling through, not moving to.

A majority of all states would allow bolt or lever rifles.

An I-don't-know: Do some states have a maximum capacity for lever guns?

 

[herrwalther]

An I-don't-know: Do some states have a maximum capacity for lever guns?

Yes. For example the NY SAFE Act only exempts .22 tubular magazines from their assault weapons definition of the bill. So if you have a tubular magazine larger than .22 that carries 7, that is an "assault weapon" by NY standards.

 

[LNK]

The question is about rifles, not handguns or shotguns. Travelling through, not moving to.

Actually he didn't say passing through. He specifically meant for all 49 car accessible drivable states. I cannot stress enough about not stopping in MA. Only bad things can happen....

LNK

 

[splithoof]

My method has been to have a cased, trunked GSR with separate magazines not attached. With this I have hunting equipment such as a vest, binocs, boots, outerwear, license, etc. I also go to the trouble of printing out a copy of that state's hunting regs appropriate to the rifle. The regs are in an envelope with the clothing. Generic permission slips to be signed by private land owners are also clipped to the regs. Sound like a lot? Not really; everything fits neatly in the trunk, and the hunting clothing doubles nicely for foul-weather if needed.
Lastly, I bring a relaxed attitude while being a very courteous driver, don't speed, don't attract attention, keep a low subdued profile.

 

[tarosean]

Are "out of staters" permitted to bring in and retain any firearms, other than just passing through, in IL or NJ?

FOPA covers you if you are traveling/passing through..

However, staying the night changes it. The states that require firearm ownership cards or permits are the ones you probably want to speed all the way through without stopping for anything...

 

[Midwest]

If you drive to Alaska, you will pass through Canada and will need the appropriate permits. It shouldn't be too much of a hassle getting the permits as long as you have a common rifle. But Canada does have restrictions on bullet capacity on some rifles. Maybe a Canadian member or someone who travels regularly through Canada can elaborate further.

Don't stop in New Jersey even with a long gun in the trunk, just pass through it under FOPA. However supposedly there are some exemptions in NJ for long guns like when hunting with a hunting license.

And the supposedly the FID card (which really is only used for purchasing in NJ by NJ residents) will allow you to make stops within the state according to what I read on the NJ gunforums. I believe out of state residents can get the NJ FID card. Maybe a NJ gun owner can better expand on that aspect.

And you might want to check New Jersey's assault weapons ban, I doubt if tube fed .22 rifles larger than 15 bullets is exempt from their AWB. And I would be concerned about this if even traveling under FOPA.

 

[BSA1]

Since you don't mention when you plan on retiring I am putting this in the dream column rather than something that will be happening anytime soon.

My suggestion is when you start to actually put your dream into action is to join a nationwide RV Club along with subscribing to RV Forums and magazines as I think folks that actually live the RV lifestyle and travel regularly will be a vast resource of current information.

 

[herrwalther]

If you drive to Alaska, you will pass through Canada and will need the appropriate permits. It shouldn't be too much of a hassle getting the permits as long as you have a common rifle. But Canada does have restrictions on bullet capacity on some rifles. Maybe a Canadian member or someone who travels regularly through Canada can elaborate further.

I thought of that after my first post on this thread. So really a 48 state legal rifle unless there is a ferry that goes to Alaska from the west coast I don't know about.

 

[Midwest]

From a Government site

http://canada.usembassy.gov/traveling_to_canada/bringing-weapons-into-canada.html

"Most ordinary hunting rifles and shotguns. These may be brought temporarily into Canada for sporting or hunting use during hunting season, for use in competition, for in-transit movement through Canada, or for personal protection against wildlife in remote areas of Canada. Anyone wishing to bring hunting rifles into Canada must be at least 18 years old, and the firearm must be properly stored for transport."

The forms cost $50 and the permit is good for a year from what I gather there are links at the page. There is also a process going from Canada back into the US. I believe you have to register your rifle before going into Canada so when you get back into the States you can prove your rifle was legally bought in. We are talking common hunting rifles here. Restricted items like handguns and other types of rifles need an 'ATT' ("Authorization To Transport" )well in advance. Otherwise it is a $50 fee and paperwork from what I can see on the page.

 

[danez71]

An I-don't-know: Do some states have a maximum capacity for lever guns?

In CA, only rimfire rifles that are tube fed are exempted from the 11+ (greater than 10) mag ban.


An I-don't-know: Are there any center-fire tube fed rifles that hold more than 10 rounds?

 

[Sheepdog1968]

Lever action rifle would likely be safe.

I guess I should add that in CA with a 16.75" barrel and a 12" LOP that it meets all of requirements to be legal. I think overall length is somewhere between 32 and 33" and that is more than long enough. I forget what the overall length needs to be. Also, try and keep to a 10+1 capacity in CA for center fires. I think most lever actions with 20" barrels and a full size magazine tube should be fine.

Bolt or lever actions are not an issue in CA.

The semi autos get to be a bit of a challenge and have quite a few restrictions in CA. Not impossible to deal with. Just a nuisance.

 

[oneounceload]

Are "out of staters" permitted to bring in and retain any firearms, other than just passing through, in IL

Many competitive target shooters descend on Illinois for the Grand in Sparta. Many International target shooters descended on Northbrook with their guns for a major competition. Both lasted several days to a week and no one needed anything special to do that, so that should not be an issue. I would also opt for a lever gun, even just a basic 30-30 should do fine