MILLER: Have gun, will travel

washingtontimes.com ^ | 11 April, 2012 | Emily Miller

[marktwain]

Law-abiding gun owners can run into serious trouble when on the move. Venturing into firearm-unfriendly states creates confusion about what individuals need to do to abide by a confusing maze of regulations. Congress should act to prevent honest citizens from winding up behind bars because police are misinformed.

Rep. Morgan Griffith introduced legislation in late March to strengthen national gun-transport laws. “The most important clarification in this bill is that when you are traveling, as long as your weapon is in a locked container and unloaded, you shouldn’t have to worry about being arrested,” the Virginia Republican told The Washington Times.

The danger is real. “Gun owners traveling through states like New York and New Jersey are being harassed by the failure of these local jurisdictions to follow federal law,” said Chris W. Cox, chief lobbyist of the National Rifle Association. “This bill will help ensure that the provisions of the Firearm Owners Protection Act are enforced throughout the country.”

Mr. Cox is referring to a statute that protects individuals transporting firearms from any local restrictions that would otherwise prohibit passage. Guns can be moved between any two places where they can be legally possessed as long as they are properly stowed.

The House legislation makes it clear that travelers have the right to make stops, overriding any state laws that only allow transport directly to and from a firearm-related activity. This would clarify that it is lawful to get gas, buy food, perform vehicle maintenance, obtain emergency medical treatment or conduct any other incidental activity. Resting in temporary lodging overnight is also allowed.

The bill makes clear that transporting properly stowed ammunition is protected by Congress. Last month, a New Jersey appellate court upheld felony charges against Brian Aitken for bringing ammo along with his legally owned firearms

[marktwain]

Poll on the left:

George Zimmerman has been charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. Will he be found guilty?

Yes

No

Undecided

Other

[RexBeach]

Nope.

[G Larry]

As long as it’s concealed and you keep your mouth shut, you shouldn’t have to worry about being arrested!

[no dems]

I voted in the Poll. Are you going to FReep the poll in a separate Thread? If not, I will. The "No" to a conviction is running way ahead of the "Yes" votes. Surprised me. This being a DC newspaper.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

A young cowboy named Billy Joe
Grew restless on the farm
A boy filled with wanderlust
Who really meant no harm
He changed his clothes and shined his boots
And combed his dark hair down
And his mother cried as he walked out

"Don't take your guns to town, son
Leave your guns at home, Bill
Don't take your guns to town."

- - Johnny Cash

[mosaicwolf]

Of course he will be found guilty. Holder's people will threaten violence and burning cities if he is found innocent. The guy doesn't have a chance.

[Gator113]

I don’t even tell people that know me that I am armed.

[TheOldLady]

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[grobdriver]

“The most important clarification in this bill is that when you are traveling, as long as your weapon is in a locked container and unloaded, you shouldn’t have to worry about being arrested,”

You wouldn't "have to worry" about defending you and your family, either. Just call 911, I suppose - "we'll get someone right there".

Pooh. How about you just remove the "properly stowed" part and recognize one's vehicle as an extension of one's home; defendable by deadly force, and no state law can say otherwise.

..."Properly stowed" is cocked and locked, anyway.