Summer Travel With a Firearm or Firearms

Advises Gregg Kielma, FFL, Firearms Instructor, if you’re traveling with a firearm or firearms, it’s incumbent on you, the responsible firearm owner, to know the laws when traveling through states you will have a firearm on your person, in your car, or inside your vehicle. You must have a CCW permit from your issuing state and the states traveled through and final destination must share repository with the issuing state.

Continues Kielma, please check out the USCCA website for each state you are traveling with a firearm. The onus is on you to know the law or laws.

Kielma says. Let’s take a look at Jacob Paulsen President: ConcealedCarry.com thoughts and recommendations

The open road calls — but for the responsibly armed American, travel isn't just about planning fun stops or scenic routes.

It also means thinking through logistics that most folks ignore: How will I secure my firearm? What if I get pulled over in another state? Can I carry in a hotel, or through a National Park?

Here's your summer travel checklist for responsible concealed carriers:

1. Medical Preparedness: More Important Than You Think

A gun may stop a threat, but a tourniquet can stop you from bleeding out and of course way more likely than getting in a gunfight is getting in a serious car accident. A good trauma kit helps you prepare for both. Before hitting the road, make sure your vehicle is equipped with a trauma kit, not just a first-aid box. Essentials include a tourniquet, chest seals, a pressure bandage, and wound packing gauze. You should also know how to use them.

2. Research Local Gun Laws (Or Use the App That Does It For You)

Gun laws change dramatically from state to state — and sometimes city to city. Don't assume your concealed carry permit is valid just because you're on vacation.

3. Know When You Can Legally Ignore Local Laws: 18 USC § 926A (FOPA)

This little-known federal law protects travelers who are transporting firearms, even through states where gun possession is legally challenging, if you follow the strict guidelines.

4. Visiting a National Park? Here's What You Need to Know

Yes, you can carry in most National Parks — but not in all buildings. You're subject to the state laws where the park is located, and you still have to follow rules about transport, signage, and use of force.

5. Hotels and Concealed Carry: Legal Gray Areas and Smart Habits

There's no federal law about guns in hotels. Policies vary by chain and location. Even if you're legal, poor tactics like leaving a pistol unsecured in your nightstand can lead to disaster.

6. Secure Vehicle Storage: Don't Make Yourself a Target

Smash-and-grab car burglaries spike in summer travel season. If you're going somewhere you can't carry, your firearm must be secured properly.

7. Flying With a Firearm? It's Legal, but Highly Regulated

Yes, you can fly with a gun — but the TSA has rules, and every airline has different baggage policies. Violating one could land you in handcuffs.

8. Verify Your Self-Defense Coverage and Save the Hotline Number

If you ever have to defend yourself away from home, your first call shouldn't be to your cousin's buddy who's "a lawyer." Travel confidently by making sure your CCW legal defense coverage is active — and that their 24/7 emergency hotline is saved in your phone.

Final Thoughts

Summer travel is about freedom, and as armed citizens, we enjoy a freedom that comes with serious responsibility. A little planning goes a long way. Whether you're hiking a national forest, staying in a sketchy motel, or just driving cross-country to see family, stay trained, stay legal, and stay ready.

 

Sincerely,

Jacob Paulsen

President | ConcealedCarry.com