Firearms Transport in Tennessee?

[JSMcustoms]

I live in North Carolina, but have been looking at traveling to range across state lines over in Tennessee. It's actually the range closest to my location and the most practical to visit. My question is, with Tennessee's convoluted firearms laws regarding carry and transport, what laws/legislation etc. should I be aware of? Is it acceptable/legal to transport a firearm (handgun) into Tennessee that's unloaded for purposes of a range trip provided it's in a locked container separated from any magazines and/or ammunition?

 

[UffDa]

As usual, the internet is your friend. Except for a few pinko nanny states, transporting a handgun from state to state is not a problem.

https://www.nraila.org/articles/20150101/guide-to-the-interstate-transportation

http://smartgunlaws.org/guns-in-vehicles-in-tennessee/

 

[10after10]

A couple of months back, when I traveled through TN, with shotguns & pistols, I just made sure my shotgun was unloaded and my unloaded mags were separate from pistols. Pistols were in my range bag, shotgun was in a case. I didn't even know TN had convoluted gun laws. Of course, when I traveled through TN, I didn't break any other laws, not that I'm one to do so anyhow.

 

[22-rimfire]

Convoluted firearm laws in TN? I live here and would not characterize them as such. Basically if you have a valid handgun carry permit accepted by TN, you can carry a loaded handgun on your person or in your vehicle. Long guns as far as I know just have to be unloaded. I don't carry them in any kind of case or concern myself with that unless I'm trying to protect the gun from dings. Inside Smoky Mt NP, you need to keep the long guns locked up in your trunk and unloaded. I would keep the ammunition separate from the gun.

 

[22-rimfire]

Is it acceptable/legal to transport a firearm (handgun) into Tennessee that's unloaded for purposes of a range trip provided it's in a locked container separated from any magazines and/or ammunition?

Yes, as it is in most states. The only time I keep long guns particularly out of sight is in a National Park (Smoky Mt NP). But it is always legal to transport firearms unloaded. Always a good idea to transport guns and ammunition in separate containers. Never really heard of any locking requirement.

The reason I responded again, I really didn't answer your question. But I was wondering what your impression is of Tennessee's firearm laws is?

 

[OhShoot]

Convoluted firearm laws in TN? I live here and would not characterize them as such. Basically if you have a valid handgun carry permit accepted by TN, you can carry a loaded handgun on your person or in your vehicle. Long guns as far as I know just have to be unloaded....

For a fellow TN resident, I'm afraid you're way out of touch on our firearm laws. Even before the change below, for years a permit holder could have loaded long guns in the vehicle, as long as round was not in the chamber.

But anyway, for over two years now, ANY adult not prohibited from firearm ownership by state or federal law may have any type of loaded firearm(s) in his personal vehicle in TN, no permit required. (TCA 39-17-1307). The only exceptions are on posted property or school property, which still technically requires a permit.

More pertinent to this forum, TN also has has no ban on any type knife of any length in the vehicle or on the person.

State preemption applies to all state firearm and knife laws also.

- OS

 

[OhShoot]

Yes, as it is in most states. The only time I keep long guns particularly out of sight is in a National Park (Smoky Mt NP). But it is always legal to transport firearms unloaded. Always a good idea to transport guns and ammunition in separate containers. Never really heard of any locking requirement....

I assume he's referring to federal requirements for interstate firearm transport, ie, the "Safe Passage" part of FOPA:

"Notwithstanding any other provision of any law or any rule or regulation of a State or any political subdivision thereof, any person who is not otherwise prohibited by this chapter from transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm shall be entitled to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any other place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm if, during such transportation the firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle: Provided, That in the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver’s compartment the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console."

Of course, if you are good in each state you pass through according to it's own laws, you needn't rely on the federal one. Such is the case with the OP, all he needs is to be compliant with NC and TN. And as I stated, no prob with TN at all, regardless of how you transport your firearms here, unless you can't legally have them in the first place.

- OS