Mooseman
Member
Alright, I live in PA and own handguns, shotguns, and rifles. My dad lives in NJ near an outdoor shooting range. What do I have to do to cover my butt and take guns across the border to the range? Is it just not worth bothering?
Pa guns in NJ
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22-rimfire
Member
I have heard tales of folks that were stopped for a possible traffic violation and the police find a gun and 22 shells on the floor and prosecute. Prosecute for what I am not sure; maybe having the gun an ammo accessible inside the auto? Jersey is worse than California. To think we fought a war of independence and Jersey was involved. Which side is the question?
AK103K
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My kids thought that NJ was a communist country and not in the US until they got to school. I always used to tell them we were leaving the country when we crossed the bridge.
My dad still lives there and I used to shoot DCM/CMP shoots in south jersey for awhile. I never got stopped with a gun in the car, and I did my best not to give them any cause to stop me, which I still believe is the best way to go if your transporting firearms there. I was always told the guns need to be empty, in a locked gun case with the ammo separated from the gun, which is basically the way I did it.
Now, what happens when your stopped, and regardless of what the laws are, your experience may differ widely, mostly depending on the where you are and the cops idea of whether your legal or not.
A couple of my dads buddies "thought" they were doing everything right when they went pistol shooting at a sand pit in the pine barrens. They were just leaving when the cops pulled up. Their pistols were in a locked pistol case in the trunk, the remains of their ammo in a gear box in the back seat, as they were told was proper. The cops still took all their stuff. Why? Because they were told, the sand pit was not a "state approved" shooting range. (this was the first anyone had ever heard of this. Both boys were life long residents of the area and the sand pit was one of the places everyone shot.) It took about a year and a lawyer to get their pistols back.
I've heard a number of "horror" stories from both NJ and PA people over the years. Years ago, when I got my permit, the Deputy told me just two things, stay out of state parks and DONT GO INTO NEW JERSEY!"
Personally, I hate NJ and only go there when absolutely necessary. I no longer shoot there. About the only thing there IS aggravation.
My dad still lives there and I used to shoot DCM/CMP shoots in south jersey for awhile. I never got stopped with a gun in the car, and I did my best not to give them any cause to stop me, which I still believe is the best way to go if your transporting firearms there. I was always told the guns need to be empty, in a locked gun case with the ammo separated from the gun, which is basically the way I did it.
Now, what happens when your stopped, and regardless of what the laws are, your experience may differ widely, mostly depending on the where you are and the cops idea of whether your legal or not.
A couple of my dads buddies "thought" they were doing everything right when they went pistol shooting at a sand pit in the pine barrens. They were just leaving when the cops pulled up. Their pistols were in a locked pistol case in the trunk, the remains of their ammo in a gear box in the back seat, as they were told was proper. The cops still took all their stuff. Why? Because they were told, the sand pit was not a "state approved" shooting range. (this was the first anyone had ever heard of this. Both boys were life long residents of the area and the sand pit was one of the places everyone shot.) It took about a year and a lawyer to get their pistols back.
I've heard a number of "horror" stories from both NJ and PA people over the years. Years ago, when I got my permit, the Deputy told me just two things, stay out of state parks and DONT GO INTO NEW JERSEY!"
Personally, I hate NJ and only go there when absolutely necessary. I no longer shoot there. About the only thing there IS aggravation.
SJG26
member
Removed due to misuse of "humor".................lighten up guys!!
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benEzra
Moderator Emeritus
In a related question, is it possible to transport an unloaded, disassembled, trigger-locked, locked-in-a-hard-case SAR-1 (civvie AK lookalike) and magazines through New Jersey if you're going to Maine and not stopping in NJ except for fuel (on the Turnpike)? I know this is protected by Federal law, but I have heard that NJ considers the 1986 McClure-Volkmer Act to not apply to them, and I wouldn't want to be a test case.
Massachusetts also.
Massachusetts also.
I've lived in both states, and the rules are more-or-less the same regarding transport. Loaded guns in the car are the one really big no-no in either case. If you have a PA. CCW, i doubt it's recognized over here, so i'd unload the thing before you get here, if that's a concern.
As for rifles, shotguns & pistols in general, it is perfectly legal to transport gun(s) to and from your residence, to and from a range, hunting, target shooting, etc. unloaded and in a case in the pass compartment as long as the ammo. is stored seperately in the trunk, or is in a seperate locked container in the case of an SUV.
I would presume that you don't normally drive in a manner guaranteed to attract the attention of the state troopers or local gendarmes where you live so, if you don't do that over here either, chances are you won't have anything to worry about in the first place.
As for rifles, shotguns & pistols in general, it is perfectly legal to transport gun(s) to and from your residence, to and from a range, hunting, target shooting, etc. unloaded and in a case in the pass compartment as long as the ammo. is stored seperately in the trunk, or is in a seperate locked container in the case of an SUV.
I would presume that you don't normally drive in a manner guaranteed to attract the attention of the state troopers or local gendarmes where you live so, if you don't do that over here either, chances are you won't have anything to worry about in the first place.
don't even stop for gas/bathroom untill you reach maine,both NY and NJ consider the lawfull transport provisions of the federal law to be null and void in thier states. better yet, ship them to yourself at a friend's in maine via UPS/FEDEX.
it may be legal,but if discovered ,you will do the ride and getting your guns back will be a pain, if possible at all.
rms/pa
it may be legal,but if discovered ,you will do the ride and getting your guns back will be a pain, if possible at all.
rms/pa
22-rimfire
Member
Maybe they should label NY and NJ as the East Coast Gun Wall as far as transport goes.
It appears they enforce these kinds of things but they allow illegal aliens to walk across the border all the time free from prosecution. Just does not sound right. Who pays the bills?
It appears they enforce these kinds of things but they allow illegal aliens to walk across the border all the time free from prosecution. Just does not sound right. Who pays the bills?
.45man
Member
Yea,
Tell me about it.....
Here is what you need to do. Call the NJSP Firearms Investigative Unit (609)-882-2000 xt 2663 or stop by your nearest NJSP barracks.
This link sums up your question: See Q2 http://www.njsp.org/faq.html#firearms
Here is some additional helpful info:http://www.njsp.org/about/firearms.html
You are allowed to transport the firearm *through* the state (ie into and out of) per this link:http://www.njsp.org/about/fire_trans.html Para 1.B is the fine print. If you are just passing through, you are ok. But as in your case if you want to do some shooting at your dad's place, you will need to obtain a Firearm ID Card.
As a non-communist, dont get caught with a firearm and not have the FID Card. They WILL confiscate your firearms and you will get to try on those nice wrist bracelets and check out the obstucted view behind bars. This is not America.....This is the People's Republic of NJ.
There should be signs on the bridges from PA that read, "You have just left the United States."
That is why PA's state motto is "America Starts Here"....because it sure as
doesn't start in NJ....
Welcome to my nightmare.....
Tell me about it.....
Here is what you need to do. Call the NJSP Firearms Investigative Unit (609)-882-2000 xt 2663 or stop by your nearest NJSP barracks.
This link sums up your question: See Q2 http://www.njsp.org/faq.html#firearms
Here is some additional helpful info:http://www.njsp.org/about/firearms.html
You are allowed to transport the firearm *through* the state (ie into and out of) per this link:http://www.njsp.org/about/fire_trans.html Para 1.B is the fine print. If you are just passing through, you are ok. But as in your case if you want to do some shooting at your dad's place, you will need to obtain a Firearm ID Card.
As a non-communist, dont get caught with a firearm and not have the FID Card. They WILL confiscate your firearms and you will get to try on those nice wrist bracelets and check out the obstucted view behind bars. This is not America.....This is the People's Republic of NJ.
There should be signs on the bridges from PA that read, "You have just left the United States."
That is why PA's state motto is "America Starts Here"....because it sure as
doesn't start in NJ....Welcome to my nightmare.....
Mooseman
Member
Thanks for the replies all. I've come to the conclusion that I'll just do my shooting right here in good ol' PA. My dad can get off his duff and visit me if he wants to shoot.
I've come to the conclusion that I'll just do my shooting right here in good ol' PA. My dad can get off his duff and visit me if he wants to shoot.
SJG26 
Let's see now, IP trace? Or, maybe just have an eye or two kept on you?Lou629, There are many differences in gun laws between NY and NJ. One being, any Non-residents, Non-LE, may not possess a handgun, anywhere in New York, without a New York state pistol permit, which takes like two years to obtain. Such is not the case with regard to New Jersey law. If a New York pistol permit holder, would like to bring a pistol to a New Jersey range to shoot, it is permissible under New Jersey law, as long as you hold a NY PP.
Mooseman, As far as transport of firearms in and out of New Jersey. If your going to your Dad's, and want to shoot your guns at a New Jersey range. It is perfectly legal and permissible according to New Jersey firearms law, to bring along your unloaded, legally owned firearms in your vehicle, ammo stored separately. Magazines, no more than fifteen rounds for a semi-auto rifle, and no more than ten round mags for a pistol. However, some (very few) private ranges have their own rules regarding non-New Jersey residents. I belong to Cherry Ridge, my friends and family from out of state are allowed to purchase a one day pass, and shoot to their hearts content.
And to any other Meadow Muffins
out there. New Jersey has Non-resident hunting licenses too. Those of sound mind, may bring your shotgun and hunt on State land, or private property, with written permission from the land owner. That's the answer you were looking for...
Yea, New Jersey gun laws are tough. That's old news.
Let's not exaggerate.
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We have many residents from NY and PA come to our gun club for competition.
15 round mags are permissible for semi-auto rifles AND pistols (ala Glock 19). Nothing over 15 rounds. Temporary blocks don't count.
Leave the rifles and shotguns that are defined by NJ as assault weapons at home.
Leave the hollowpoints at home. Too confusing an issue.
Remember, unlike Texas, we can drink at our bars.
Moose: if you still feel antsy go and get a NJ firearms ID card.
15 round mags are permissible for semi-auto rifles AND pistols (ala Glock 19). Nothing over 15 rounds. Temporary blocks don't count.
Leave the rifles and shotguns that are defined by NJ as assault weapons at home.
Leave the hollowpoints at home. Too confusing an issue.
Remember, unlike Texas, we can drink at our bars.
Moose: if you still feel antsy go and get a NJ firearms ID card.
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geekWithA.45
Moderator Emeritus
If you pack carefully and drive carefully, you can bring carefully selected guns to carefully selected places to shoot them, very carefully and quietly in NJ without violating the law.
I've done it plenty of times, I just don't like it.
I've done it plenty of times, I just don't like it.
WT, You are correct about the New Jersey "AW" list, properly defined. I mentioned in brief about "legal to own" my wording was incorrect.
M-15, or MT-15, etc. types, and Vepr, SAR-1, etc. are permissible, as long as they do not have a folding stock, or more than three of the characteristics NJ considers an "AW."
Hollow points are sold and shot in New Jersey, and are O.K.
M-15, or MT-15, etc. types, and Vepr, SAR-1, etc. are permissible, as long as they do not have a folding stock, or more than three of the characteristics NJ considers an "AW."
Hollow points are sold and shot in New Jersey, and are O.K.
Aguila Blanca
Member
I haven't tested it, but I've heard that Massachusetts police are actually fairly well up to speed on the McClure-Volkmer act. If you do it by the book, MA should not be a problem.benEzra said:
I have tempted fate by going through NJ on my way to visit Philadelphia. I have not been stopped, so there's no test case to relate. I will state that I went out of my way to be sure I did it correctly. Long gun empty and locked in a hard case. Pistols empty and each locked in a hard case. ALL ammunition in a separate ammo can. NO magazines loaded, not even separate from the guns. Would it have mattered if I had been stopped? I don't know. I know I would not have given consent to search my vehicle.
When do you plan to go to Maine? If not immediately, do your best to keep tabs on the legal situation unfolding around the case of the gentleman who was arrested at Newark Airport after his flight was delayed and he had to claim his baggage and spend a night in an airport hotel. He was arrested the next day, as he was re-declaring his properly-packed and locked gun to the airline drone. After he had spent a week in the lock-up, I believe the prosecutor decided to drop charges, and the man has now sued the state, the airport, and I suppose the individual officer for several million dollars.
I hope he wins. It would make LEOs in the Garden State pay more attention to McClure-Volkmer.
Incidently, from NC to Maine you can easily skip NJ entirely by following I-81 up through PA, then take I-84 from Scranton across NY and CT to the MA Turnpike. Or stay on I-81 all the way up to the NY Thruway (I-90) and just follow that east ... it runs into the MA Turnpike.
oneshooter
Member
Every time I read threads like this I am GLAD that I live in Texas. When are y'all gona run the blissninnies out and reclaim your rights as a free people?
Oneshooter
Livin in Texas
Oneshooter
Livin in Texas
Calumus
Member
"Every time I read threads like this I am GLAD that I live in Texas. When are y'all gona run the blissninnies out and reclaim your rights as a free people?"
It's tough when the blissninnies have you out-numbered 4 to 1 and that's not even counting the dead ones that seem to vote in each election
Cheers,
Shawn
It's tough when the blissninnies have you out-numbered 4 to 1 and that's not even counting the dead ones that seem to vote in each election
Cheers,Shawn
firefighter4884
Member
You also have be able to throw them blissninnies somewhere... and no one else wants them...
Scott Daw
Member
Quote:
I suggest you pick a spot w/ good visibility of the bridges, and pick off the NJ-plate cars as they try to cross into PA
Don't let em spread over here............
Why is it that when I had to go to trenton nj for a concert that when i was in jersey everyone was plesant to drive on the road with but when those darn jersey drivers were in PA they're such retched drivers that they should have been picked off at the bridge?
I suggest you pick a spot w/ good visibility of the bridges, and pick off the NJ-plate cars as they try to cross into PA
Don't let em spread over here............
Why is it that when I had to go to trenton nj for a concert that when i was in jersey everyone was plesant to drive on the road with but when those darn jersey drivers were in PA they're such retched drivers that they should have been picked off at the bridge?
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