Is this a realistic scenario? (gun transportation question)

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.cheese.

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I finally settled 100% on driving to Minneapolis with my entire collection.

My family however, is giving me nothing short of hell over it.

They claim, that along the way, I'm going to pass through towns that make the majority of their local govt income by giving speeding tickets to people passing through on major interstates. Ok - so far that seems plausible, so I won't speed.

Then they go on to say that I'll be driving through the South, so I could be pulled over just because I look Jewish. That sounds ridiculous to me.

Lastly, and the issue I'm posting about, is that they are claiming that if I get pulled over either for speeding, or randomly (not sure why I'd get pulled over randomly as there has to be reasonable suspicion that I'm committing a crime if it's for any reason other than a traffic violation) - should the officer search my vehicle and find that I'm transporting a decent number of firearms (about 22) along with a fair amount of ammunition in ammo cans, that I'll be arrested.

My counter to that is that to search my vehicle, again there has to be reasonable suspicion as well as probable cause, OR, I have to consent to a search (which I'm not going to do).

Lastly, I plan to bring with me a print-out of the federal laws pertaining to interstate transport of personally owned firearms, a print out of the individual state laws on transporting firearms, and to keep all guns in their cases, which will be in cardboard boxes, taped up, in the trunk, unloaded, with the magazines in separate boxes, and with the ammunition in the ammo cans.

Is their claim valid and I'm taking a real risk, or am I right that they're exaggerating the whole thing?

ETA: I forgot to mention that I'll also have a folder with the receipts of all my firearm purchases as proof of ownership.
 
I have driven the MN to FL route many times with firearms. (normally under 3 I do have to admit) I keep it to 5mph over at most/normaly in 68mph area. The only advice I would have is fill up before going into IL (or avoid it all together) I won't spend a penny in that state unless I have to.
Do NOT stop in Chicago/go thru there even if you can help it.
I would remove/cover any gun related stickers/markers visible from outside of car.

If you DO get pulled over and they ask the "any guns" question DOWNPLAY your answer. "Yep I am moving to MN and have my dads old shotgun and the .22 rifle he gave me when I turned 15 some ammo and stuff" (if you have them along) I really wouldn't worry but stick to speed limit/make sure all lights work properly. (always a good idea)
 
I have a minor resentment. Just minor. Southerners are not racist, not in and of themselves. "look jewish"...how praytell are the police going to look at you through the windshield.This is not directed at you, just your family's opinion. (not even at them, just the opinion). Sure we have our share of them, but I can say the same thing about northerners.

If you follow the law, you should be fine. Though I can think of a few places in the south where the police are historically corrupt, but I can think of other places in the north where I can say the same thing (Chicago and New York come to mine).

Follow the law, don't speed, have your car paperwork in order, do not act nervous. I am not a lawyer but you cannot be arrested for having the guns, interstate transport, but you might have to explain why you have so many to somebody if they are found. Receipts, registration or permits might help. Those who know more than me...Would a letter from a LEO help? "John Smith has several guns, here is a list. I can attest that Mr. Smith has lived in our community for 3 years and is a law abiding citizen who simply likes to collect, shoot and hunt with guns."
 
I live in GA. I have driven from Miami to Montana and about everywhere in between multiple times. I have always had at least 1 gun in my vehicle. Only time I was ever stopped was in a speed trap in Arizona. Paid my $65. Never had an issue with my guns. I stay prety close to the speed limit and as far as I know I follow local laws, which means it has to be locked up in some states. Don't worry about the Southern states. For the most part they are pretty gun friendly. Larger cities like Atlanta maybe less so.
 
If it was me I would make sure my route did not go anywhere near Chicago... Maybe cut from Lexington KY to Louisville, over towards Urbana, Galesburg, Davenport before heading north again, but other than that I think you will be fine.
 
I am from MT and when I had MT plates on my vehicles, I could pretty much drive any speed I wanted, 2 wheels in the air and firing a handgun out the window and I still wouldnt get a ticket. Montana is a hard place to get a ticket.

I loved growing up there
 
Larger cities like Atlanta maybe less so.
Click to expand...

Yeah, but if you get pulled over in Atlanta, you must be doing something crazy. If you are NOT doing 80, you WILL get knocked out of the way. :D

Generally, the South is more gun friendly than our neighbors to the north. Just don't do anything stupid and you should be just fine.
 
I am under the impression that it is illegal to transport more than four firearms in a vehicle at any one time. I don't know where it heard this, or if it was a state or federal law. Perhaps there are some LEO members who can chime in on this.
 
.cheese.

You'll pass within about 25 miles of me when you hit the I57/I64 interchange. Be happy to buy you coffee if you need a rest stop. PM me for my contact info.

Jeff
 
I am under the impression that it is illegal to transport more than four firearms in a vehicle at any one time. I don't know where it heard this, or if it was a state or federal law. Perhaps there are some LEO members who can chime in on this.

I have NEVER heard of such a thing. If it was I would have broken it many times. Including once with over 6 loaded on my person. (Just to try it) New part time Officer quit after first one. :) :) The Chief and I were in on it. :)
 
When you get here, .cheese, I've got a spare smaller safe--12 long guns, one shelf, magnetic handgun racks on the door-- that's available cheap.

E-mail me if you are interested, and call anyway when you get here. I'll take you out to our local club here in the western exurbs.

Jim H.
 
Follow the appropriate statutes and get some bland "trunk" type (foot lockers, tough boxes, etc.) containers and package everything inside of locked containers.
 
I also "look Jewish." I drive the interstates of Tennessee every day. I regulary visit the Carolinas and Georgia. I was pulled over once for speeding, because I was speeding.

I will offer this warning, If your route takes you through National Parks or Forests watch your speed closely.
 
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