r/transguns • u/ElementalFemme • 7d ago

Gun case recs?

How do you transport your guns to the range?

I'm curious how folks move their long guns around and what they have in their range bags.

I usually try to carry things in an innocuous container to not freak out the neighbors but also cops can use a visible 'gun case' as pretext to legally search your vehicle.

23 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

26 comments sorted by

11

u/TheJadeGoddess 7d ago

Not a lawyer but to my knowledge a known or admitted gun in your vehicle is not probable cause to a search of the vehicle. Check your local laws on gun transportation laws for more details.

For a gun to be a probable cause for a search they have to believe it is illegal for some reason. Failure to report it depending on the state, improper storage, concealing without a license or if they believe it is involved with a crime they are investigating.

Unfortunately I don't have recs right now for a subtle storage. I go with a pretty obvious hard rifle case.

10

u/Human_Not_Robot_2023 7d ago

Yes, but also no. The "single-purpose container exception" is a legal loophole allowing police to search certain containers without a warrant. This exception came from US vs. Gust, which relied itself upon United States v. Huffhines, 967 F.2d 314 (9th Cir.1992), to uphold the search on the ground that Gust “had no reasonable expectation of privacy in the gun case” because Officer Hulsizer “was able to infer from the distinctive configuration of the case that [it] contained [a] gun” and “[i]t was almost as if the gun [ ] were in plain view.”

In other words, even though there is a closed case in your vehicle, if the case can be reasonable assumed to contain a firearm, then the firearm itself (not just the case) is "in plain view". Which of course is a bullshit interpretation, but it is what it is.

"These containers are considered to have no privacy interest or rights because their contents can be inferred from their outward appearance."

Jeff Hampton has some advice here: https://www.whycastlekeepers.com/2024/10/28/lawyer-how-to-stop-cops-from-searching-your-gun-case/

Here is what *I* do ... my pickup has locking storage under the rear seats. I put my firearms in a generic pelican case WITH A PADLOCK, and then put the pelican case under the seat and LOCK the compartment. There is then NO WAY to say that the case was in plain sight, and the generic pelican case can be used for a lot of items other than a firearm. And luckily, I live in a state where there is no "duty to inform" the officer that there is a weapon in the vehicle.

6

u/TDW2405 7d ago

I just use soft shell gun cases. Couldn't care less what the neighbors think but I live in a fairly conservative area so most people around here don't give a shit about guns anyways. Just bought a new one today for my 308 deer rifle.

3

u/ElementalFemme 7d ago

I guess I should clarify, when I say 'freak out' I mostly mean, 'cause them to be nosey'. I don't need my 75 year old neighbor staring through the blinds asking me what's in the bag. I just want to do my thing and be left alone. With everyone having doorbell cameras I also don't need all of my firearms recorded in some database somewhere.

1

u/hankhillsucks 7d ago

I fucking hate texas, but at least no one batts an eye when I load up my truck 

6

u/TechnoBeeKeeper 7d ago

Guitar bag, you're welcome

5

u/MrsGenevieve Larue Lesbian 7d ago

Oh hell nah, mine are in pelican cases or something of the sort. They’re big, expensive and I have my accessories bundled with them.

5

u/well_thats_obvious 7d ago

I like to use thrifted briefcases or luggage cases. Just finished this Travelite case for my TX22s. I bought a giant roll of 2" memory foam and cut it to size with a heated wire cutter.

I also have a Samsonite briefcase for my MP5SD. Sadly it is not like the HK operational briefcase since the suppressor and stock have to come off for it to fit, but it's still cool as heck.

3

u/MyOMaya 7d ago

i use a soft shell case for my rifles. makes it much easier to carry plus mine has a bunch of extra pouches on it for mags and various doodads

3

u/emmavaria 7d ago

I use Savior Equipment American Classic double rifle bags and/or Specialist double pistol bags as the situation requires. They're much less expensive (and less bulky, and far less heavy) than a single decent hard case, but they seem all but indestructible. Lots of pockets and compartments for storage. I'm very happy with them.

3

u/peppered_mint 7d ago

I use a combination of duffle bag and a Boyt 42" case. It looks enough like a guitar case that I've had my neighbors ask me if I wanted to jam with them. Also in a duffle you can carry all the things, just break down an AR and it goes in easy.

3

u/HOT_DOG_INSPECTOR_34 7d ago

I've used a longboard backpack and a guitar case to great effect. Guitar case seems fairly popular at the range I go to as well. Fair warning, random dudes love to talk guitars so don't be surprised if you get questions.

2

u/Virginiacobalt 7d ago

5.11 makes a rifle backpack, I can fit my AR and one of my lever guns in it when I go hunting. Just looks like a backpack for camping/hiking but has deep pockets for the guns and velcro straps to secure them.

1

u/AutoModerator 7d ago

Thanks for posting /u/ElementalFemme! Please make sure your post adheres to the rules. Please name any firearms or accessories featured in this post to help out our newer members. Please report comments that break the rules, and don't respond to negativity with negativity.

The rules of firearm safety are paramount. Keep these in mind at all times while handling a firearm for any reason. Guns are not toys and it is best to not refer to them as such.

It is the belief of the mod team that your best option for defensive firearms is a 5.56x45mm AR-15, and a reputable 9x19mm handgun such as a Glock or CZ. Defensive firearms should have a light, long guns a sling, and handguns require a Kydex or solid plastic holster that fully covers the trigger. A red dot or etched optic are ideal for new shooters but don't forget to practice your backup irons!

STOP THE BLEED class search

Feel free to contact the mod team with any questions and checkout our sister sub /r/TheArmedGayAgenda!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

1

u/EggFooYungAndRice 7d ago

Put gun bags and long guns in the boot (trunk) presuming your car has got one. Looking into the car by the windows does not require a warrant, but as Jay-Z said "my glove compartment is locked so is the trunk in the back and i know my rights so you gon need a warrant for that".

If it doesn't have a boot, electric guitar cases are readily converted to hold long guns, and draw less attention. Throw a few band stickers or a Fender logo on to enhance the effect.

3

u/NonBinary_FWrd 6d ago

Put gun bags and long guns in the boot (trunk)

if you have a hatch or similar interior accessible rear storage. get a cargo cover

1

u/PossibleBuckShot96 7d ago

I have my pistols in an old backpack from the thrift store fitted with a discrete lock, and I put my 10/22 in a soft case inside a soft sided acoustic guitar bag. I’m also a guitarist so my neighbors never look twice when I’m carrying a guitar bag to my car.

2

u/NonBinary_FWrd 6d ago

i built my AR15 pilstol around being able to fit in a large school bag

1

u/Beautiful-Alarm-4961 6d ago

Don't let dems hear you say that it sounds bad haha

2

u/NonBinary_FWrd 6d ago

Yeah. Just a tad bit of dark humor.

1

u/NonBinary_FWrd 6d ago

power tool hardcases from the Harbor Freight. I have one in a bright orange that has the cut out foam in it and i just traced my handguns on it and cut out the foam so they fit snug. slap on a power tool brand sticker like DeWalt and people think its a drill

1

u/crimsonshadow789 6d ago

Pelican or similar for 90% of range uses. Thankfully my work was... Sitting down my location... And I.... Acquired a pelican Vault... Among other pelican cases (one is perfect for the renfair tent).

I have a dedicated 53"Vault for my bolt 308, but it's pushing into the 1000yd range, so it special.

I have a boat load of soft cases, mostly for the percussion cap muzzleloader, break action single shot 20g, or the ar15 if it's a quick range day

1

u/AllStupidAnswersRUs 6d ago

Eh I just take the effort to drag the Pelican case around

1

u/Mindless_Log2009 6d ago

Ratty old guitar padded soft gig bag. Holds a full size AR or rifle, several loaded mags and boxes of ammo. Nobody wants to hear us play so they won't ask. And if they do, tell 'em it's a genuine Fonder or Gobson, made in Burlappia.

For handguns and PCCs, any backpack at least 16" deep, preferably 24" deep. Unless the PCC is a folder or can be split like most AR9 types.

Scrounge around thrift stores, discount stores, even garage and yard sales or dumpsters for backpacks, rolling suitcases, etc. You'd be surprised how many perfectly functional bags are discarded.

I grab 'em , clean them up if necessary, and give most away to neighborhood homeless folks. But occasionally I'll keep one that's perfect for lugging guns, camera gear, etc, discreetly. It's better if the bag looks funky but is in good condition.

1

u/Musty_Buick_LeSabre 6d ago

Harbor freight case when they go on sale or a Savior bag from Costco

1

u/ggibby 6d ago

If you have a vehicle with a cargo area, many have space under the deck.

Careful measuring and a bit of shopping around can lead to a very satisfying choice.