Considerations - - -
Legality/LE perceptions - - -
I don't know the laws in Kentucky partaining to long guns. I'd think you could get the real scoop from talking with a couple of friendly cops and a survey of gun shops in your area. A call to your local LE agencies and perhaps the state police could yield some good information.
Other than a couple of REALLY restrictive states in New England/NE US, I shouldn't think any police agency would have a problem with any long gun locked in the trunk of a car. In other, freer, areas, there's no prob with having it in the passenger compartment. Besides which, the targets, stapler, hearing protection, and a couple of boxes of ammo indicate that you may want to stop by the range, first chance you have . . .
Safety considerations - - -
I don't believe any firearm should be kept in the trunk of a car with a round chambered. First, there are tremendous forces involved in many traffic collisions, sufficient to cause structural damage and failure of safety locks. Second, there is always the possibility of fire from various causes. I wouldn't want to be responsible for a round "cooking off" and injuring anyone. A loaded magazine can cause some noise in a fire but will not project the bullets out of the car trunk.
Ammunition considerations - - -
I prefer keeping the rifle and ammo in a padded case. Over a period of time, the powder in ammunition subjected to a lot of road vibration can begin to break down. Some, especially the extruded, "stick" granules can develop huge pressures when significantly reduced in size.
Firearm deterrioration - --
Already discussed. Many trunks are somewhat damp, and moisture is NOT your gun's friend. All of the AK and SKS series, especially without optical sights, are very strongly constructed, so vibration and minor road shocks should not harm the firearm.
Best regards,
Johnny
