
Originally Posted by
Badger89
I'm gonna have to agree with GH41 on this one... I don't see how having it in the trunk, underneath the spare tire cover, potentially disassembled, would help you at all in any kind of situation where you might need it. If you live in a state where your concealed carry permit allows you to carry any type of weapon concealed (rather than just a pistol) I would opt to have the long accessible from the drivers seat... perhaps secure it to the back of the "60" section of the 60/40 folding rear seat if your vehicle has one. That way all you have to do is recline the drivers seat all the way (which would offer you cover/concealment anyway) and fold down the rear seat. Unhook the rifle and you're in business. Of course, as stated you would need a folding rear seat for this to work, and you would have to be able to fold it from the inside (they have to be folded from the trunk side in some vehicles). Otherwise throw it in a hard case in the back seat with a couple loaded mags in the case if the law in your state allows. Just my 2 cents.
First, Florida law is very specific AGAINST having loaded long guns that are accessible in a vehicle. I can't find the specific statute (I'm trying) but basically if you have a loaded rifle in your passenger compartment you are going to the pokey. I'm still trying to find out if that applies to the trunk. The law says it must not be ready for immediate use OR securely encased with something that has a lid. The trunk has a lid, therefore it should be allowed to be stored securely encased.
Secondly, I will take having a long gun with me in the vehicle over not having one with anytime. Aside from getting my vehicle stolen (because smash and grabs rarely get inside the trunk, which is difficult to do on a Benz anyway) what am I risking by keeping it in the trunk? Its an option. An option I wouldn't have if I kept it at home in the safe.
ETA:
FL LAW 790.25 states:
(5) POSSESSION IN PRIVATE CONVEYANCE.––Notwithstanding subsection (2), it is lawful and is not a violation of s. 790.01 for a person 18 years of age or older to possess a concealed firearm or other weapon for self-defense or other lawful purpose within the interior of a private conveyance, without a license, if the firearm or other weapon is securely encased or is otherwise not readily accessible for immediate use. Nothing herein contained prohibits the carrying of a legal firearm other than a handgun anywhere in a private conveyance when such firearm is being carried for a lawful use. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to authorize the carrying of a concealed firearm or other weapon on the person. This subsection shall be liberally construed in favor of the lawful use, ownership, and possession of firearms and other weapons, including lawful self-defense as provided in s. 776.012.
The above says that you can have a rifle in your car anywhere BUT, it does not give you permission to have it concealed in the automobile. 790.01 does not exclude a rifle so you can, and will get arrested if it is concealed and not securely encased. The law is not clear but case law is and supports the above. To be legal with a rifle in your car it must NOT be "concealed from ordinary sight" unless its concealed because it is "securely encased" like in a gun case. A rifle clearly visible in a rack or just laying visibly on the seat should be legal but that still doesn't help me with it being in the trunk loaded. Unloaded should be okay because it is "not available for immediate use", but then again even loaded, in the trunk, it is "not available for immediate use".
I wonder how Florida LEOs feel about this. I'll call some of my buddies just to get some word from their perspective (although not legally binding, its a good starting point)
Last edited by Eurodriver; 07-14-13 at 20:59.
Why do the loudest do the least?
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