The following is a video transcript.
Today, let’s quickly go over how to transport or carry long guns in our state, as some feel the law makes it a little more difficult to transport long guns, as the Ohio Concealed Carry License only covers handguns. As most of us know, we are an open carry state, so there are no issues in transporting or carrying your long gun in public, as long as it isn’t concealed.
TRANSPORTING OR CARRYING A LONG GUN IN YOUR CAR
But what about when you get into your car? As I said a moment ago, your CCW license does not cover long guns. So, all persons transporting in motor vehicles must do so the same way, regardless of whether you have a license to carry or not. First, the law clearly states:
“No person shall knowingly transport or have a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, in such a manner that the firearm is accessible to the operator or passenger without leaving the vehicle.”
This means long guns as well, of course. So, make sure it is unloaded. A long gun may only be transported in a vehicle if the gun is in plain sight with the action open, or the long gun is “stripped.” What do I mean by “stripped?” Stripped means dismantled, taken apart, pieces removed—essentially to the point where it isn’t operational, which could mean one or several parts depending. If it is a long gun which cannot be easily stripped and for which the action will not stay open, in those cases the gun must simply be in plain sight. You may also carry it in plain sight and secure it in a rack or holder made for that purpose, like the shotgun racks we all remember growing up. And that’s it—fairly straight forward.
Follow these simple guidelines and you will not have any problems. As always, for more information about carrying long guns in Ohio, feel free to call U.S. LawShield and ask to speak to your Independent Program Attorney.
To follow up on this does this mean as long as I carry it in the trunk of the vehicle and the ammo in a closed case in the car since the weapon is not accessible to the operator and passengers without exiting the vehicle is that a valid method of transport.
If it’s a handgun and you don’t have a license to carry then yes do it that way. If it’s a shotgun or rifle put it in the back seat in plain sight either dismantled or if it’s a shotgun with the pump action open, but if it can’t do that simply in plain sight. We’re not allowed to carry long guns in trunk. Oh, and the handgun has to be UNLOADED at all times in the vehicle.
Sorry. But the long gun has to be UNLOADED at all times in the vehicle.
Still confused. I regularly go to the gun range and take my SW .40 cal handgun and my AR-15. Both are in cases, unloaded, and in the back area of my Ford Explorer. Is this considered plain sight and is this legal?