Transporting knives/guns from NM to NC by car

[corwise]

I'm moving back to the States after being overseas for several years. I need to pick up my knife collection and a few guns and transport them from New Mexico to North Carolina. I'm planning to drive (need to get my truck and dog there as well) and plan to have all the knives/guns in the quad cab. I have a variety of large and small knives including a switchblade and butterfly knife, and up to a Busse AK and Kurki.
I am concerned about getting stopped with that amount of knives and a few guns (4) in my car. Anyone know of any states on the way that would prohibit me from driving though them? Other then not speeding, any other tips? Any other options (way to many to mail). Thanks.

 

[zzyzzogeton]

When I did a PCS, I used 5 foot lockers with locks for my guns and ammo, guns in 2 and ammo in the other 3. I had 3 other lockable foot lockers for my knives, swords and bayonets. Then I had a four sea bags for clothes, uniforms and foot wear. The rest of the truck was filled up with scuba, hunting, fishing and camping gear.

I would buy an old locking camper shell for the truck, throw everything under the camper shell and take off. When I got to the new duty station, after finding a new place or at least a storage facility, I would unload the truck and then sell the camper shell. It was worth any small loss on the sale to compensate for keeping every thing dry and locked up for the move, but it wasn't worth paying to store it for a year or three.

When you're moving PCS, especially cross country, if you stay out of trouble no one gives a rat's patootie about what you have locked up in the back.

 

[OhShoot]

,,,Anyone know of any states on the way that would prohibit me from driving though them? ...

Not really. Although some of those states allow loaded guns in vehicles without permit, unload them and separate ammo just to be safe under FOPA so you don't have to check each state's law. (TN just as of yesterday now allows loaded firearms in vehicle for anyone allowed to own them, btw.)

Technically, some states you'll pass through have legal knife blade limits for public carry, but just box all the blades up and stash 'em, you'll be fine.

- OS

 

[NMpops]

Assuming you are going to drive via I-40, none of the states you will pass though will give you any problems. I've moved back & forth on I-40 to NM a few times.

 

[Karda]

http://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/articles/2010/guide-to-the-interstate-transportation.aspx

Just to be safe I would follow zzyzzogeton's advice and at least buy some lockable storage container and keep the firearms in there for the trip in case you should be pulled over. The officer will be less likely to mess with you if you appear to have done some research and are trying to follow the letter of the law.
Also, you may want to have and purchase/ownership documents for them accessible, so that you can prove rightful and legal ownership.

Federal law does not restrict individuals from transporting legally acquired firearms across state lines for lawful purposes except those explicitly prohibited by federal law to include convicted felons; persons under indictment for felonies; adjudicated “mental defectives” or those who have been involuntarily committed to mental institutions; illegal drug users; illegal aliens and most nonimmigrant aliens; dishonorably discharged veterans; those who have renounced their U.S. citizenship; fugitives from justice; persons convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence; and persons subject to domestic violence restraining orders. Therefore, no federal permit is required (or available) for the interstate transportation of firearms. Title 18- Part 1- Chapter 44- s926A

Many states and localities have laws governing the transportation of firearms. Travelers must be aware of these laws and comply with legal requirements in each jurisdiction. There is no uniform state transportation procedure for firearms. If in doubt, a traveler should carry firearms unloaded, locked in a case, and stored in an area (such as a trunk or attached toolbox) where they are inaccessible from a vehicle’s passenger compartment and not visible from outside the vehicle. Any ammunition should be stored in a separate locked container.

TRANSPORTATION BY MOTOR VEHICLE

In most states, firearms may be transported legally if they are unloaded, cased, and locked in the automobile trunk or otherwise inaccessible to the driver or any passenger.The exceptions to this rule apply mainly to transportation of handguns and so-called “assault weapons.” The myriad and conflicting legal requirements for firearm transportation through the states make caution the key for travelers.

If you travel with a trailer or camper that is hauled by an automobile, it is advisable to transport the firearms unloaded, cased and locked in the trunk of the car. If your vehicle is of the type in which driving and living spaces are not separated, the problem becomes one of access. If the firearm is carried on or about the person, or placed in the camper where it is readily accessible to the driver or any passenger, state and local laws regarding concealed carrying of firearms may apply. It is recommended, therefore, that the firearm be transported unloaded, cased, and placed in a locked rear compartment of the camper or mobile home, where it is inaccessible to the driver or any passenger.

Generally, a mobile home is considered a home if it is not attached to a towing vehicle, and is permanently attached to utilities, placed on blocks, or otherwise parked in such a manner that it cannot immediately be started up and used as a vehicle.

Once you reach your destination, state and local law will govern the ownership, possession, and transportation of your firearms.