Firearm purchase question

[telum01]

I'm a Georgia resident but spend a lot of time in Virginia. I want to buy an over-under shotgun for sporting clays. I tried buying one at Dick's but they said they don't sell to out of state residents (unless in an adjacent state). They said that was their policy and someone else might sell to me.

I can either go to GA to buy a gun and drive it back, or buy one in VA (or elsewhere). Regardless of where I get it, the gun will be stored in VA.

My question whether or not I'll get into any hot water for buying a gun and keeping it in a state where I am not a resident (I own my house in GA and also rent an apartment in VA), and if I'll get in trouble for transporting a gun across state lines (this is a bit more broad, since I might be buying in one state to store the gun in another, and since I'll be shooting in both VA and MD, if not elsewhere).

 

[papawhellie]

Long guns and handguns are treated different. You would need to check Virginia law. Long guns are not required to be registered, which neither are pistols in Ga unless you have a concealed carry permit. I know you have to give information to purchase. Purchase from an individual and stay under the radar. I would assume Virginia to be more restrictive than Ga since it borders the district of communism.

 

[swapmeet]

x2, buy from an indvidual and keep it in a locked case in your truck and you should never have a problem.

If you get pulled over, the first thing I would say after "good morning/ afternoon officer" is "I just want you to be aware that I have a unloaded shotgun in my vehicle, its locked but I wanted to let you know upfront."

Hiding stuff from the cops is what gets you in lotsa trouble. Unless its a dead body. Then you'd be in trouble regardless.

 

[telum01]

Great info, thanks guys. I'm looking to get something around the end of winter. Almost bought a really nice Browning Citori last month but got denied by Dick's. Figured I'd knock out a bunch of work on my cars before the snow hits, then try again on the shotgun.

 

[meltdown]

One of the problems with current gun laws is that they can vary drastically from state to state. A shotgun is one thing, a handgun/AR is a whole different ballgame. Certain guns may be legal in State A and illegal in State B.

I don't see how you would get into trouble purchasing an O/U shotgun in your home state and storing/using it in another. (I do this regularly during hunting season between LA and AR.) Having said that, I would advise you to check the laws in each state you'll be in. Laws pertaining to how you transport are the ones I would be most worried about. Some states require guns and ammo to be locked separately and out of reach of the driver. Other states are less restrictive. No matter how you transport, be sure to inform the officer if you get stopped.

 

[bofa]

x2, buy from an indvidual and keep it in a locked case in your truck and you should never have a problem.

If you get pulled over, the first thing I would say after "good morning/ afternoon officer" is "I just want you to be aware that I have a unloaded shotgun in my vehicle, its locked but I wanted to let you know upfront."

Hiding stuff from the cops is what gets you in lotsa trouble. Unless its a dead body. Then you'd be in trouble regardless.

Well, I wouldn't offer that up unless there is probable cause to search the vehicle. Not unless you want to sit in the back seat of the cruiser while he writes you a citation...

 

[ben550]

x2, buy from an indvidual and keep it in a locked case in your truck and you should never have a problem.

If you get pulled over, the first thing I would say after "good morning/ afternoon officer" is "I just want you to be aware that I have a unloaded shotgun in my vehicle, its locked but I wanted to let you know upfront."

Hiding stuff from the cops is what gets you in lotsa trouble. Unless its a dead body. Then you'd be in trouble regardless.

Well, I wouldn't offer that up unless there is probable cause to search the vehicle. Not unless you want to sit in the back seat of the cruiser while he writes you a citation...

I agree. There is no need to volunteer information like that. The probability of a search is minimal. Saying something like that will only prolong your traffic stop and likely lead to further questioning, a let me look at it and record the SN, etc... Don't open that can of worms if you don't have to.