PA LTC in VA, transport through MD

[PA Highlander]

Now that PA and VA have reciprocity, I'm interested in how VA's laws differ from PA's. My wife is from VA and as a result we visit the Stafford/Woodbridge/Chantilly area from time to time. Can any VA locals give me an idea how the laws will apply to a PA resident with PA LTC?

Also any recommedations on transport through the hostile territory of MD?

Thanks!

(BTW, long time lurker - finally found a question search didn't answer clearly )

 

[geekWithA.45]

Back when HQ was in VA, before reciprocity, I'd put my unloaded handgun in a lockbox in the trunk for the trip through MD, relying on and in accordance with Federal peacable travel. (I didn't carry in VA, but wanted something relatively close to hand, with an eye towards exercising open carry if I deemed it necessary.) Note that I had no loaded mags, which MD law irrationally interprets as a firearm.

VA's got this weird "no concealed carry in establishments serving liquor" thing, but open carry is OK. As a result, whenever I went to dinner w/ friends, they'd re-arrange their shirts into open carry configuration during the meal. Nobody ever noticed.

 

[Kael]

Note that I had no loaded mags, which MD law irrationally interprets as a firearm

Respectfully,
the AG defines loaded mags as such, the law does not. I've had several conversations with the Firearms enforcement branch State Police asking for clarification on the law about loaded magazines and they told me in no uncertain terms there was no such law. (I have an email from them I'd be happy to pass along if you are interested.)

Functionally you are of course correct: the AG has stated he will consider loaded magazines as a weapon and prosecute accordingly.

Respectfully submitted,
Pat

 

[PA Highlander]

So seeing as I drive either an extend cab pickup or SUV, in a locked case out of my reach should meet the transport requirement? I carry a snubby, so as long as the ammo is not in the case with the revolver I would think I'm in the clear there. I'll have to keep the loaded magazine rule in mind if I pick up a semi again.

As I figured, getting through MD would be more of a hassle than carrying once in VA. I imagine most of my carry would be at some of the stores we don't have here in my part of PA (BJs, Costco) and restaurants while in the area visiting family.

 

[Kael]

PA Highlander,
I believe so.
Maryland State Police may be a good resource.

Something to keep in mind, the AG's opinions on loaded magazines applies to speedloaders as well.

 

[geekWithA.45]

NRA ILA's discussion of interstate transport of your arms:

http://www.nraila.org/GunLaws/Federal/Read.aspx?id=59

 

[Hobie]

The section of 81 through Maryland is short as is the section through WV, once in VA you are "safe". I don't see troopers sitting on the border looking for NRA stickers.

 

[Kael]

It hasn't been my experience that Maryland chooses to recognize the validity of Federal peaceable journey laws.

Furious Styles;
could I ask you to elaborate on that? Do you have experience other than the state law?

respectfully submitted,
Pat

 

[Kael]

Kael, if I had more "experience," it wouldn't be likely that I would still retain my LTCF/CCW credentials.

my apologies, I didn't mean to imply you did; the answer you gave was the "experience" I meant. Thanks.