Traveling through Mass with Firearms

[CTGunner]

We are planning a trip from Connecticut to Vermont and need to pass through Massachusetts to get there.

Is it legal to have a handgun unloaded, cased, and locked in the trunk of my vehicle while passing through Mass? (by Note: My understanding is that Federal Law Protects transportation of firearms between states where I can legally posses a gun..I know that I am legal in CT and believe that I would be legal in VT. With that said, I have heard rumors that MA doesn't play by the rules)

Is it legal to transport hollow point ammunition, separate from the gun, through the state?

Is it legal to Conceal and Carry a loaded firearm in the state of Vermont (I'm pretty sure I can have a handgun there but not sure about the conceal and carry part).

If I can't go with the handgun, can I take a shotgun through or does that present problems as well?

Your advice is appreciated.

 

[Deanimator]

With that said, I have heard rumors that MA doesn't play by the rules

Federal law isn't a suggestion.

Google "FOPA". Follow its provisions and you're completely legal.

 

[LemmyCaution]

You can carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle in VT. It can be carried concealed or openly. VT does not distinguish between open and concealed, nor do we require permits of any kind.

You may not carry a loaded long gun in a vehicle in VT. The ammunition can be anywhere in the vehicle, except in the gun, or in a detachable magazine.

There are no state restrictions on what type of ammunition you may possess in VT.

FOPA will protect you, if you follow its guidelines, transporting a firearm through MA. Whether or not FOPA covers ammunition is an open question. Personally, I would carry FMJ through MA and pick up HPs at the VT border. If you're coming up RT91, Windham Armorer and TriState Firearms are in Brattleboro. If you're coming in via RT7, there's a small gun shop just past downtown Bennington that will be able to help. I can't remember the name if it, but it's in half of the gas station there, the other half is a convenience store.

Obviously, you'll want to drive carefully and inconspicuously through MA (this might be impossible, given the driving skills of the average MA resident). FOPA may protect you, but that won't stop the MA authorities from making your life difficult while you appeal to a higher court. Follow the letter of the law, make as few stops in MA as possible, and you should be just fine.

 

[Curator]

One thing for sure, do not stop in Massachusetts, not even to get gas if you can manage that. If the unloaded guns and ammo are in seperate cases locked in the trunk you should be OK. If you stop or worse, stay overninght, you could be in big trouble.

 

[CTGunner]

You can carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle in VT. It can be carried concealed or openly. VT does not distinguish between open and concealed, nor do we require permits of any kind.

You may not carry a loaded long gun in a vehicle in VT. The ammunition can be anywhere in the vehicle, except in the gun, or in a detachable magazine.

There are no state restrictions on what type of ammunition you may possess in VT.

FOPA will protect you, if you follow its guidelines, transporting a firearm through MA. Whether or not FOPA covers ammunition is an open question. Personally, I would carry FMJ through MA and pick up HPs at the VT border. If you're coming up RT91, Windham Armorer and TriState Firearms are in Brattleboro. If you're coming in via RT7, there's a small gun shop just past downtown Bennington that will be able to help. I can't remember the name if it, but it's in half of the gas station there, the other half is a convenience store.

Obviously, you'll want to drive carefully and inconspicuously through MA (this might be impossible, given the driving skills of the average MA resident). FOPA may protect you, but that won't stop the MA authorities from making your life difficult while you appeal to a higher court. Follow the letter of the law, make as few stops in MA as possible, and you should be just fine.

Thank you for the information, it's extremely helpful. I will come up 91 so your shop recommendations are very much appreciated also.