Crossing State lines w/ my pistol

nortatoga · Jun 25, 2026

DoD1776 said:
All of my pistols are 9mm, I’ve been needing and meaning to get a .45 or something similar for the past year or so… seems like the 9 will basically be carrying a rock and you throw the rock and say “please stop” haha

9mm you say....

Ron White The Biggest Bear in Alaska Story #standupcomedy

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

FP1201 · Jun 25, 2026

I'll bet there's been as many put in the Hospital as put in the ground by the 9mm as most pistol shots are a crap shoot at best...sometimes you get lucky, other times it's snake eyes.

Bustedknees · Jun 28, 2026

DoD1776 said:
Yup, planned on carrying both the 9 banger and some bear spray!

Your "9" will only make the bear more angry.

Bustedknees · Jun 28, 2026

spat said:
Don't trust your apple maps *that* much...

It may be "boomer advice" to double check the navigation before a long trip, but that doesn't mean they're not right.

9 of the most epic GPS failures - Salon.com

The US launched a GPS satellite 25 years ago. It's been mostly helpful -- except when it leads drivers into a lake

www.salon.com

The wife and I just had this argument driving to Virginia and back. She loves her Apple Play and I'd rather use Google maps. Her way put me in fucking traffic jams both ways.

Bustedknees · Jun 28, 2026

One other thing. The president you hate is the only president in my lifetime that has uttered the words "National Reciprocity".

Bananabandit · Jun 28, 2026

Bustedknees said:
The wife and I just had this argument driving to Virginia and back. She loves her Apple Play and I'd rather use Google maps. Her way put me in fucking traffic jams both ways.

She just wanted to spend more time with you

Bustedknees · Jun 28, 2026

Bananabandit said:
She just wanted to spend more time with you

If I had a motorcycle in tow I would've left skid marks.

spat · Jun 28, 2026

FP1201 said:
I'll bet there's been as many put in the Hospital as put in the ground by the 9mm as most pistol shots are a crap shoot at best...sometimes you get lucky, other times it's snake eyes.

Shot placement matters more than anything.

A hit with a .22lr is better than a miss with a .50bmg

A 9mm through the eye socket can take down a grizzly, but a .300 win mag to the shoulder (from the front) might not stop it.

OfC, caliber does matter, that 300 win mag is a lot more forgiving of poor placement than the 9mm.

FP1201 · Jun 28, 2026

FP1201 said:
I'll bet there's been as many put in the Hospital as put in the ground by the 9mm as most pistol shots are a crap shoot at best...sometimes you get lucky, other times it's snake eyes.

spat said:
Shot placement matters more than anything.

A hit with a .22lr is better than a miss with a .50bmg

A 9mm through the eye socket can take down a grizzly, but a .300 win mag to the shoulder (from the front) might not stop it.

OfC, caliber does matter, that 300 win mag is a lot more forgiving of poor placement than the 9mm.

I personally know someone that killed in self defense, a possibly record sized Black Bear using a 12 gauge Mossberg Persuader loaded with #8 "Cove & Quail" Loads...Several years back (in NY?) there was a Homeowner that killed a Black Bear using a .22 Rifle, so certainly it can be done, but I don't recommend it or being converted to Bear shit.
Gabe Suarez, a man that HAS BEEN in several gun fights said the only "one shot stop" he ever saw was from a 9mm directly into the chest. now that doesn't make the nine a superior cartridge despite it's century plus popularity.
I couldn't find the original interview (it's been a lot of years back) but I did find an excellent read from him on barfcom: Another good read by Gabe Suarez- caliber and capacity choice > Georgia > AR15.COM

dean3690 · Jun 28, 2026

spat said:
If your weapons aren't accessible, and you don't stop for anything more than gas you can cross IL perfectly legally.

Still, if you can skip it without adding too much more driving, I'd skip it.

I thought that there was a recent decision that Mark Smith talked about on the Four Boxes Diner regarding this. The upshot was that you could now secure your gun and ammo separately, out of the drivers compartment AND stop in your travels including getting gas, getting food, stopping to use the restroom and stopping to rest, even over night in a motel before continuing on your way. Anyone have a bead on that decision?

dean3690 · Jun 28, 2026

Bustedknees said:
One other thing. The president you hate is the only president in my lifetime that has uttered the words "National Reciprocity".

I saw the video on Trump saying that at a recent rally and it made my day. One of the best things he has said in the last 16 months.

spat · Jun 28, 2026

dean3690 said:
I thought that there was a recent decision that Mark Smith talked about on the Four Boxes Diner regarding this. The upshot was that you could now secure your gun and ammo separately, out of the drivers compartment AND stop in your travels including getting gas, getting food, stopping to use the restroom and stopping to rest, even over night in a motel before continuing on your way. Anyone have a bead on that decision?

It all comes down to what the particular officer, prosecutor, and judge you draw considers "reasonable stops".

You might be fine staying in a motel in most of IL, but I sure as hell wouldn't risk it in Cook county.

The laws might be identical, but the application is not.

If you have the resources to push it all the way to SCOTUS, you'll probably come out victorious.

But the cook county goon squad won't suffer at all for the hell they'll put you through for that victory, so they have no incentive whatsoever not to drag you through it even if they know you'll win in the end.

livingston · Jun 29, 2026

spat said:
It all comes down to what the particular officer, prosecutor, and judge you draw considers "reasonable stops".

You might be fine staying in a motel in most of IL, but I sure as hell wouldn't risk it in Cook county.

The laws might be identical, but the application is not.

If you have the resources to push it all the way to SCOTUS, you'll probably come out victorious.

But the cook county goon squad won't suffer at all for the hell they'll put you through for that victory, so they have no incentive whatsoever not to drag you through it even if they know you'll win in the end.

Yes detour around the most anti gun states as you can . Why tempt fate.

Drinkthekoolaid · Jun 29, 2026

dean3690 said:
I thought that there was a recent decision that Mark Smith talked about on the Four Boxes Diner regarding this. The upshot was that you could now secure your gun and ammo separately, out of the drivers compartment AND stop in your travels including getting gas, getting food, stopping to use the restroom and stopping to rest, even over night in a motel before continuing on your way. Anyone have a bead on that decision?

I am not citing anything, so do your own research or blindly trust me and hope my memory isn't failing...
But there was very specific verbiage along the lines of being protected for "necessary stops" in unfriendly states, if the state you originate and end in your guns are legal at.

Necessary is up for determination by whoever happens to be on duty that day in the local yokel police department or how aggressively the local anti gun DA wants to cushion his resume that's he's tough on out of state gun crime.

You "should" be protected making necessary stops, gas, bathroom, food, but I would absolutely not do any sight seeing in an unfriendly state and stay as close to the highway you are traveling on as possible. Don't deviate off your route to get gas. An over zealous DA or cop might even question your choice of gas station or restaurant, why are you 5 miles from the interstate at this gas station/restaurant when there are closer choices right off the highway, it doesn't look like your making a necessary stop here to me. If they want to ruin your day, don't make it easy for them. What's easier to defend in court, that you stopped to get gas right at the exit and right back onto the interstate highway to leave, or, you drove past 2 gas stations and went into the next town to their gas station. Which one is easier to defend in court as necessary? (If it ever came to that). Think ahead. Protect yourself.

Be very careful. Be very mindful. Saying less is more. Give your vehicle a thorough pre trip inspection to ensure all your lights are working. Use cruise control , Don't speed, and use your turning directionals.

The only genuinely anti gun state Ive gone through was Maryland. I did not stop. I made sure I did not need to use the bathroom, had plenty of gas, and then set the cruise at 2mph over the speed limit and made my way through as boringly and mundane as possible.

TopShot · Jun 29, 2026

DoD1776 said:
So, late July I’m finally heading out to Montana after saying I was going “next year” for the past six years. I’ll be driving the whole way.

From what I’ve gathered, it’s federally legal to transport a firearm across state lines under FOPA, provided the gun is unloaded and not readily accessible. To play it safe, I plan on keeping it locked up with the ammunition stored separately.

Can anyone who has done this trip vouch for that? I understand federal law provides protection, but can individual state laws still create issues along the way? I’ll be passing through several states, so I want to make sure I’m squared away before I leave.

Once I’m out there, I plan on open carrying on my chest while hiking in the national parks. I just picked up a Vedder chest holster. I considered concealed carry, but with a backpack and other gear on long hikes, I don’t think it would be very comfortable. I’ll be doing some pretty lengthy hikes, so a chest rig seems like the most practical setup. Just trying to make sure I’m doing everything legally and responsibly.

You are correct, to be safe have your gun and the ammo in separate locked boxes away from you.
I carry a copy of the firearm transport law in my glove compartment. You should do the same.
For the states that your license or licenses do not cover you can
only stop for gas or to use the rest room, no overnight stays.
C.B

Brawny71 · Jul 4, 2026

Firearm Owners' Protection Act of 1986 (FOPA): The Ultimate Guide [US Law Explained]

[A comprehensive guide to the Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA) of 1986, covering safe passage for travelers, the Hughes Amendment, and its impact on your Second Amendment rights.]

uslawexplained.com

Drinkthekoolaid · Aug 3, 2026

@DoD1776 glad you're getting to see how incredibly beautiful the west is.

America is stunning beautiful and the national park system is a treasure. IMO It's truly awe inspiring.

Drinkthekoolaid · Aug 3, 2026

DoD1776 said:
Post op was pretty rough too lol. had a blood clot in my ear as well and didn’t know, I was in a lot of pain but the other day was cleaning out my ear and the clot came out, sadly was towards the of the trip but definitely worth it. I would move out there in a heartbeat if the housing prices weren’t destroyed by the Californians.

Might I add two things, 1. Glacier made the other parks look like section 8 lol

2. I think I had more weird looks from the ear than the firearm.

I guess one last note, the amount of foreigners (Asians and Indians) at Tetons and Yellowstone was really frustrating… I was a minority in my own country for one, and two, they were so disrespectful to the parks and lands. No respect for wildlife, trails, etc. it was super fucking annoying.
View attachment 286465 View attachment 286467 View attachment 286466

That ear looks pretty gnarly, get it checked by a doc to make sure it will heal right or if it needs any treatment.

I've heard incredible things about Glacier.

It's the top of my list of parks I have not yet been to. I'm more excited to go there than Yellowstone.

And you're right, tons of Asians (I believe mostly Chinese) in the national parks, and even a sizeable amount of Europeans, usually run into some French, brits and Germans.

The Asians are for the most part Oblivious of danger or anyone else around them and they spend most their time running around with cameras and selfie sticks. Super annoying actually.

Parzival · Aug 4, 2026

DoD1776 said:
I left Yellowstone within one day. I couldn’t stand the people. Tetons was wayyyy better in my opinion. Make sure to do cascade canyon at Tetons if you go.

I saw the most wildlife at glacier, every hike I went on I saw something.

I chuckled at your last paragraph because it’s 1000% true.

I have my post op appt on the 7th

Sounds like you had a great time, Glacier is by far my favorite park. Well, Banff is better, but the whole being in Canada thing ruins it.

Did you stop at a gun shops in Great Falls?

JRtraderny · Aug 5, 2026

DoD1776 said:
Post op was pretty rough too lol. had a blood clot in my ear as well and didn’t know, I was in a lot of pain but the other day was cleaning out my ear and the clot came out, sadly was towards the of the trip but definitely worth it. I would move out there in a heartbeat if the housing prices weren’t destroyed by the Californians.

Might I add two things, 1. Glacier made the other parks look like section 8 lol

2. I think I had more weird looks from the ear than the firearm.

I guess one last note, the amount of foreigners (Asians and Indians) at Tetons and Yellowstone was really frustrating… I was a minority in my own country for one, and two, they were so disrespectful to the parks and lands. No respect for wildlife, trails, etc. it was super fucking annoying.
View attachment 286465 View attachment 286467 View attachment 286466

Was that ear drum surgery if so my daughter had that done too . Looks just like your pics .

OwnTheRide · Aug 5, 2026

Parzival said:
You can carry in PA as long as you don’t leave the truck, so you are fine driving through from NY to OH.

“Exceptions…(11) Any person while carrying a firearm in any vehicle, which person possesses a valid and lawfully issued license for that firearm which has been issued under the laws of the United States or any other state.”

Waaaay late to the party here, but want to add something to this. Without a PA LTCF or other state's license that PA honors (and note that they distinguish between resident and non-resident licenses of states that they honor), you can carry outside of your vehicle, but you must carry openly.

Interestingly, this is something that only out-of-state people can do. It's kind of goofy.

Drinkthekoolaid · Aug 5, 2026

I just want to hijack this thread for like 10 seconds and make a public service announcement.

There's plenty of super cool awesome things to see here on the east coast.

But I encourage everyone possible to go out west and see how incredibly awe inspiring America truly is. I think you have to go out west to understand.

It's absolutely changed me. I can't recommend it enough. America truly is the beautiful.

JRtraderny · Aug 6, 2026

DoD1776 said:
Yes, I think so, I’m not too sure what they had to do but something about graphing, removing some skin behind the drum, they cut the ear about 3/4 of the way, folded it forward, did some shit with the drum, took my bone of hearing. I have to have another one in 6 months.

Exact same thing my daughter had done repaired a perforated ear drum , this was her 3rd surgery on it hopefully it's the last.

Crossing State lines w/ my pistol

.338 Win Mag

.338 Win Mag

12-gauge slug (smooth bore)

12-gauge slug (smooth bore)

12-gauge slug (smooth bore)

.338 Win Mag

12-gauge slug (smooth bore)

.950 JDJ

.338 Win Mag

.44 mag

.44 mag

.950 JDJ

20×102mm Vulcan

NYGF's own Whippersnapper !

.475 A&M Magnum

.357 mag

.223 Rem

NYGF's own Whippersnapper !

NYGF's own Whippersnapper !

.475 A&M Magnum

NYGF's own Whippersnapper !

.475 A&M Magnum

NYGF's own Whippersnapper !

.223 Rem

NYGF's own Whippersnapper !

.308 Win

NYGF's own Whippersnapper !

6.5 Creedmoor

.475 A&M Magnum

.308 Win