Tiewraps for locks in regards to FOPA

[NavyLCDR]

I am going to be bringing numerous guns back with me to Washington from Wyoming. I will be in a hatchback with no trunk. I'll probably have 3 or 4 cases for the guns. So my question is, would one or two good, sturdy tiewraps through the holes in the cases for locks be considered as locking the cases for the requirements of FOPA?

1. What is the difference for me gaining access to the firearms between having the key to a lock in my pocket and having a pocket knife in my pocket to cut the tie wraps with?

2. If someone steals the cases, what difference does it make if there is a metal lock on the case, when all they have to do is cut or melt through the plastic case anyway?

 

[Ergosphere]

So my question is, would one or two good, sturdy tiewraps through the holes in the cases for locks be considered as locking the cases for the requirements of FOPA?

I believe the law specifically states a key or combination lock, or similar. As such, I doubt a zip tie is sufficient.

Don't bother asking questions based on logic... it's not logic, it's law.

 

[TexasRifleman]

Here's the whole text of the law, doesn't really say much about the type of lock. But, a tiewrap is not a "lock" by common definition so I'd err on the side of caution and not use one.

Agreed that trying to argue logic with gun laws is pointless. Gun laws are all stupid.

But, I wouldn't want to trust a tiewrap to keep me out of jail.

Notwithstanding any other provision of any law or any rule or regulation of a State or any political subdivision thereof, any person who is not otherwise prohibited by this chapter from transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm shall be entitled to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any other place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm if, during such transportation the firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle: Provided, That in the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver’s compartment the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.

 

[contenderman]

The road side is not an advantageous location for you to debate the meaning of gun laws.

Go to a local Dollar Store, K-Mart, Wall Mart or .... and buy some el cheapo locks for the cases. A couple bucks per lock is pretty cheap insurance toward avoiding a run in.

Lastly, if your mention of Washington is not relative to Washington State and your talking Washington, D.C. You better check in advance to see if you can even bring them into town. The "gun laws" are in serious flux there and you don't want to end up a test case.

 

[Ergosphere]

Hm, guess I misremembered the details... I've been reading too much firearm law lately.

 

[evan price]

I find that those freebie Project Childsafe cable-locks work great for securing gun cases, just wrap the cable around the handles a few times until it is snug, then lock it. Plus, did I mention they are usually free?

 

[NavyLCDR]

I was speaking of Washington State. When I make that trip, I avoid the corner of Utah so I don't have to mess with their gun laws. I know I am good to go with unloaded guns in the vehicle, plus my carry piece in my holster in WA (WA CPL), Idaho and Wyoming, so I just have to check OR anyway and I won't even have to mess with FOPA.

 

[Jax]

Are we talking handguns or long guns?

If it's handguns, put all the cases in a single suitcase and lock that. It certainly counts as a container and also counts as being locked - even if you are using on of the 25-cent locks that comes with the luggage.

A ratty old suitcase picked up at a second-hand store (goodwill/salvation army/etc) makes good camoflage.

 

[sanglant]

Have you thought about something like this? then you would just need the one lock, i think

 

[Car Knocker]

When I make that trip, I avoid the corner of Utah so I don't have to mess with their gun laws.

What gun laws does Utah have that are more restrictive than those of WA, ID or WY?

 

[NavyLCDR]

What gun laws does Utah have that are more restrictive than those of WA, ID or WY?

I honestly don't know. It's a pretty drive up through Kemmerer, WY and that way, so I just go that way and never bothered to look up Utah! Although, the last time I made the trip, that highway was under heavy construction and lots of delays, so maybe for the next trip I will have to look up Utah.

 

[NavyLCDR]

What gun laws does Utah have that are more restrictive than those of WA, ID or WY?

I looked it up. You can't carry openly, loaded without a permit. You can't carry loaded in a vehicle without a permit. Previously, without my Washington CPL, that's why I avoided UTAH. Now that I have the Washington CPL, it looks like I am OK to carry my SD gun in the way that I am used to carrying it.