[MTK1]

I am moving in a few months back home to CT and was curious if anyone has any info on transfering firearms out-of-state. I currently own a few rifles and handguns that I purchased in VT. CT laws are much different than VT's and require extensive background checks and pistol permit classes and I am relcutant to contact the proper authorties and cant find any info online. I have been told that transporting firearms through Mass is not taken lightly by a VT state trooper. Anyone have any info?

[mustmove]

There is federal law now that allows transporting unloaded locked firearms through any state provided you are legal with the firearms at your destination. I believe CT allows you to move in with your guns then get a permit within X time. But you will want to check on that. Should be able to find out the details here: Connecticut Laws - Northeastshooters.com
I've recently moved to MA which has a similar move in law but I've left my firearms out of state until I have a permit just to make sure.

[arctichomesteader]

Federal law says:

Title 1: State Firearms Control Assistance
Sec. 926A. Interstate
transportation of firearms
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.

MA law says:

Mass. General Laws
Chapter 140, Section 129C
A non-resident may possess a rifle
or shotgun in Massachu setts:
1. While hunting and in possession of a valid
hunting license.
2. While on a firing or shooting range.
3. While traveling in
or through Massachusetts if the rifle or shotgun is unloaded and enclosed in a
case.
4. While at a firearms show organized by a “regularly existing gun
collector’s club or association.”
5. If he or she has a license or permit to
possess any firearm in his or her home state, if its licensing requirements are
as stringent as those of Massachusetts, as indicated by a published list of such
states promulgated by the colonel of state police.

So you need to find out the laws that apply in CT. I imagine CT's government has a website portion on that?

By the way, remember you are transporting firearms, NOT transferring. Transfer has legal significance (means giving or selling them to someone else) and do not use that term at all.

And despite the law being on your side, the MA police are NOT. THey're trying to turn this man from CT into a felon even though he was well within his rights to transport those firearms: Worcester Telegram & Gazette Front Page News

Lots of media sensationalism there, with the MA police trying to play up people's fears...but the bottom line is he was within his rights, and knowing MA, he may get his entire life destroyed. Did I ever tell you I despise MA and actively boycott that state and anything in it? Can't wait for MA to go bankrupt...

Edited to add: looks like these links may be helpful, read carefully: http://www.jud.state.ct.us/lawlib/law/firearms.htm

http://www.cga.ct.gov/2007/rpt/2007-R-0369.htm

[arel]

I would recommend doing thorough research. I would contact the Massachusetts and Connecticut authorities, as well as Vermont and federal authorities. Get the names of people you talk to, document what they say and, if possible, get something from them in writing, even if it is just an email. That way you can prove that you did your homework and were actively working to abide by all relevant laws. And if people give you their names, they will probably be careful to give you correct information. Also document the date and time of the call. That way you can prove you made the call, should the need ever arise.

If you are a person who can't legally possess a firearm in MA or CT, then you won't be in compliance with the laws if you keep your guns. You would be legally safer by just getting rid of them.

Best, speak to a knowledgeable lawyer. You should get advice frm an accountable professional, and you will have somebody to turn to if the need arises. Considering the potential risks, the lawyer's fee is worth it. The consultation would not be more than an hour, I would think.

Don't rely on advice from this forum! Use it, but don't rely on it. We may mean well, and some of us may be quite knowledgeable, but we are not privy to the specifics and nuances of your situation, and we have nothing to lose if we give wrong advice that puts you in legal jeopardy.

Comply with the laws, consult with experts who are accountable for what they say to you, and document everything.

Don't risk putting yourself in legal jeopardy, especially with a hot-button, politicized issue.

[mustmove]

Originally Posted by arel

You would be legally safer by just getting rid of them. Don't risk having your life invaded and damaged by legal trouble.

No. Be a good American and your keep your guns. The link I posted earlier will get you all the info you need to be legal.

[arel]

Originally Posted by mustmove

No. Be a good American and your keep your guns. The link I posted earlier will get you all the info you need to be legal.

I did not write you would be legally safer if you got rid of your guns. What I wrote was that you would be legally safer getting rid of your guns, if you are someone who is not legally allowed to own guns.

[mustmove]

Right. If he recently bought the guns in VT then he isn't a convicted felon and and he is legal now. I believe if he moves with the guns to CT he is legal for a period of time during which he needs to get a license(at least for handguns, not sure about long guns in CT). Heller says everyone is legal to posses in their own home regardless of state law. Although I wouldn't want to be the local test case. Regardless he can find what he needs to know here: Connecticut Laws - Northeastshooters.com

[arel]

I just want the OP to be thoroughly informed before he takes action, with the information confirmed.

Otherwise he could be a test case.

[CoventryDude]

Originally Posted by arel

I would recommend doing thorough research. I would contact the Massachusetts and Connecticut authorities, as well as Vermont and federal authorities. Get the names of people you talk to, document what they say and, if possible, get something from them in writing, even if it is just an email. That way you can prove that you did your homework and were actively working to abide by all relevant laws. And if people give you their names, they will probably be careful to give you correct information. Also document the date and time of the call. That way you can prove you made the call, should the need ever arise.

If you are a person who can't legally possess a firearm in MA or CT, then you won't be in compliance with the laws if you keep your guns. You would be legally safer by just getting rid of them.

Best, speak to a knowledgeable lawyer. You should get advice frm an accountable professional, and you will have somebody to turn to if the need arises. Considering the potential risks, the lawyer's fee is worth it. The consultation would not be more than an hour, I would think.

Don't rely on advice from this forum! Use it, but don't rely on it. We may mean well, and some of us may be quite knowledgeable, but we are not privy to the specifics and nuances of your situation, and we have nothing to lose if we give wrong advice that puts you in legal jeopardy.

Comply with the laws, consult with experts who are accountable for what they say to you, and document everything.

Don't risk putting yourself in legal jeopardy, especially with a hot-button, politicized issue.

Yes, assuming you are not a felon...

Why contact Vermont government? Vermont is easy- can't be a felon, no loaded rifles in your vehicle (NFA 34 weapons conform to Fed law). So simple a hippy could do it.

In Mass. keep everything unloaded, no loaded magazines, everything locked up seperately where you can't reach them. Don't speed, don't do anything stupid on the road, and if you can manage don't stop there. No reason to be afraid, just mind your business and NEVER volunteer that you have any guns if you get stopped. You are moving and it's none of the states business what you are carrying. This is, last time I checked, still America. If you are using a rental truck pack the guns up front, so they are harder to get to, and again don't volunteer that you have any if you do get stopped.

CT- contact them. IF you are moving there you may be subject to their ban on semi automatic rifles, if you own any. The handgun regs there are tougher than Vermonts- CT actually has laws concerning handguns. So check with the state.

[desertman]

thats the good thing about the west, legal to carry, trasport, and carry in the open loaded. when in a vehicle, as long as its in plain view.can be loaded. no prolems transporting into other states, except communist california.