As a gun owner, you are responsible for adhering to all local and federal firearm laws. Understanding how to transport your gun legally and in accordance with state laws can help you avoid any issues while traveling.
This blog will prepare you to safely and legally travel with your gun and accessories.
Traveling in a car with a gun
The best way to transport your firearm while driving is to ensure it is unloaded, disassembled, and enclosed in a case. Firearm code requires your gun be broken down and stored either in an approved case or somewhere that it is not immediately accessible.
Using a case, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other appropriate container for transportation ensures compliance with the necessary codes. You may keep ammunition in your case as long as your gun is unloaded. There are no regulations about ammunition storage as long as you have a valid FOID card or your Illinois Conceal Carry License.
Remember the following rules, and you should have no issues transporting a gun in your vehicle.
- Keep your firearm unloaded and disassembled
- Secure your gun out of reach or in an appropriate container
- Store your FOID card or Illinois Conceal Carry License somewhere accessible
Traveling by air with firearms
Flying with a gun is easy if you’re prepared. Federal laws require you to keep your firearm unloaded and in a hard-sided locked box.
When you arrive at the airport, you must check in with an airline agent at the ticketing counter and declare any firearms.
If you’re traveling with additional parts like magazines, clips, and bolts, they must be in your checked baggage. TSA allows you to enclose them in the same hard-sided locked box as your gun.
When traveling with ammunition, you must declare it and place it in checked bags only. Make sure to pack it in a hard-sided locked case with the firearm or separately, following all packaging rules.
If you have questions about traveling with a gun, you should always ask your airline or visit the TSA’s website.
Traveling on foot with a CCL
Illinois Concealed Carry laws allow you to carry your gun in public as long as you have a valid Concealed Carry License (CCL). However, there are some restrictions.
Private property owners can post signs banning firearms from their premises, including restaurants, movie theaters, and stores. Illinois prohibits guns in the following places:
- Schools
- Government buildings
- Bars
- Public transportation
- Hospitals
Understanding where you can legally carry can help you avoid any issues with local law enforcement.
Leo’s Guns and Range is here to help you prepare to travel.
At Leo’s Guns and Range our knowledgeable and friendly staff are always ready to help answer your questions and recommend the best accessories to transport your firearm. We also offer conceal carry classes and recertification classes periodically, so you can easily obtain your Illinois CCL. For more information, call us at 779-210-7227 or visit us in-store at 7307 Edward Dr., Loves Park, IL.
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