??? on transporting open carry hand gun to safety training classroom ???

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ZillaG

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Silly, but serious, question.

I'm a new hand gun owner, and am taking my first safety class this week. I've read Getting to the Gun Range so I'm aware on how to transport my handgun from my house to the range location. I have a locked box that I can put my gun in, and store that in the cargo bay of my SUV. However, what's the legal way to get it from my SUV (in the parking lot) inside to the classroom? I don't have a OWB holster yet.
 
Contact your instructor/training organization and ask them how they want you to facilitate the transport. Ranges can be different. I doubt they will want you to come in with a weapon on your belt and definitely not loaded.
 
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georgel said:
Contact your instructor/training organization and ask them how they want you to facilitate the transport. Ranges can be different. I doubt they will want you to come in with a weapon on your belt and definitely not loaded.
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Yeah, definitely NOT loaded.
 
ZillaG said:
Yeah, definitely NOT loaded.
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The range won’t want it loaded...but (in case you didn’t know), there’s zero difference in concealing a loaded handgun vs an unloaded handgun as far as NC law is concerned.
 
ZillaG said:
Yeah, definitely NOT loaded.
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Unfortunately, that has to be said. They may likely have you leave the gun in the car until they tell you to go get it, after some basic safety instruction. They won't want people handling guns before that. That's how I would do it. But, call and ask for their protocol.
 
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I'm sorry. Maybe I'm just too old, live in the sticks and not accustomed to the way things are done these days but in all seriousness, why put it in a locked box and in the back of the vehicle? What's the difference between now and when you finish the range safety class as far as transporting. You gonna lock it up whenever you travel? I just honestly don't understand.
 
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Don't over think it. Just put it in a box or a bag, unloaded, and carry it in. Or as said above, ask the instructor when you get there. Either way, don't remove from box/bag until instructed to do so.
 
Leave all ammo at home unless you will be taking live fire examination, they will tell you their policy.
Be sure to put a chamber flag in the gun or use a cable tie or a soda straw so folks can see the gun is not loaded.
I am sure they will be checking all firearms at the check in table before the class.

 
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Welcome to the forum.

Hope you enjoy the class.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
 
lasttombstone said:
I'm sorry. Maybe I'm just too old, live in the sticks and not accustomed to the way things are done these days but in all seriousness, why put it in a locked box and in the back of the vehicle? What's the difference between now and when you finish the range safety class as far as transporting. You gonna lock it up whenever you travel? I just honestly don't understand.
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Because, they are a newbie. They don't know what they don't know yet. That's why they are taking the class, which I applaud. And they reached out and asked.
 
Button Pusher said:
Leave all ammo at home unless you will be taking live fire examination, they will tell you their policy.
Be sure to put a chamber flag in the gun or use a cable tie or a soda straw so folks can see the gun is not loaded.
I am sure they will be checking all firearms at the check in table before the class.

Click to expand...

I like these better...
1604368619525.jpeg
 
lasttombstone said:
I"m not slamming anybody. Just asking an honest question. But a range safety class is about range safety. Got nothing to do with everyday life.
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i think they are worried about “concealed carry” without a permit. legitimate question.

any leo would be fine with them doing this in the situation described. probably not as cool with it if they were walking around the mall or at church.
 
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lasttombstone said:
I"m not slamming anybody. Just asking an honest question. But a range safety class is about range safety. Got nothing to do with everyday life.
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Is it a range safety class or a basic firearms safety class? I'm assuming it's the latter.
 
In NC open carry is legal, so in your car you could drive around with it on the passenger seat or dashboard. Not saying that you should, but just so you know that in a box in back out of reach is well within the law, putting it in a locked box doesn’t make it any more legal. Just avoid having it concealed AND where you or a passenger that is in the vehicle have access to it.

I believe that a locked box is a temptation for a thief, so please put that box into an old cardboard box, shopping bag, or under an old towel. I’ve carried numerous guns wrapped in towels in the recess under the flooring in the cargo area of an SUV.

My last class, several years ago, did not involve any student manipulation of their handguns. The instructor provided examples of common guns for students to work with, it was one way of reducing the risks associated with having a bunch of new gun owners in a room full of guns. Point is that you should call, they may not want you to bring your gun until your time on the range.

Welcome to the hobby, I hope that you enjoy it.
 
Welcome to gun ownership. There are no bad questions. The laws are not completely clear sometimes. Like if you have no concealed permit and are required by a range to have it in a case or bag. That is concealed with no permit. Good question.
 
lasttombstone said:
I'm sorry. Maybe I'm just too old, live in the sticks and not accustomed to the way things are done these days but in all seriousness, why put it in a locked box and in the back of the vehicle? What's the difference between now and when you finish the range safety class as far as transporting. You gonna lock it up whenever you travel? I just honestly don't understand.
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Because it’s NC law, until I have a CHP permit. I put this link in my OP.
ncsportsmenslaw.com

Getting to the Gun Range | Vance Parker Law in Winston-Salem, NC

When you are packing up your pickup or SUV preparing to do a little hunting or target shooting, do you know how to carry your firearms...
ncsportsmenslaw.com ncsportsmenslaw.com
 
Good grief! Don't overthink or over worry this thing.

Carry the gun unloaded in the case. Carry the case it into the facility. The instructor "should" check the gun for clear before you enter the classroom (that is the way my classes are handled).

Relax, enjoy your class!
 
lasttombstone said:
I"m not slamming anybody. Just asking an honest question. But a range safety class is about range safety. Got nothing to do with everyday life.
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I should’ve specified it’s a basic fitearms safety class that’s a pre-req for other classes like the CHP class. Guns 101, you might say. 1.5 hours classroom and 30 mins range/shooting.
 
ZillaG said:
It’s a basic firearms safety class, 1.5 hours classroom session, 30 mins range/shooting session.
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ZillaG said:
I should’ve specified it’s a basic fitearms safety class that’s a pre-req for other classes like the CHP class. Guns 101, you might say. 1.5 hours classroom and 30 mins range/shooting.
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Excellent! I commend you for taking the time to do it right. Encourage other new gun owner to do so as well.
Have fun! Be safe. And maintain the basic safety rules.

These are the NRA's most basic safety rules for beginners. They will vary slightly as you become comfortable with shooting and you begin to actively use the gun for protection.

Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. (Should the gun go off unintentionally, for whatever reason.)
Keep your finger off the trigger. (Hard for beginners. Make a conscious effort. Default postiton should be along the frame of the gun above the trigger.)
Keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. (This will change according to your circumstances.)
 
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Miss Lily said:
Good grief! Don't overthink or over worry this thing.

Carry the gun unloaded in the case. Carry the case it into the facility. The instructor "should" check the gun for clear before you enter the classroom (that is the way my classes are handled).

Relax, enjoy your class!
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Yeah, it'll come in due time.
 
georgel said:
Excellent! I commend you for taking the time to do it right. Encourage other new gun owner to do so as well.
Have fun! Be safe. And maintain the basic safety rules.

These are the NRA's most basic safety rules for beginners. They will vary slightly as you become comfortable with shooting and you begin to actively use the gun for protection.

Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. (Should the gun go off unintentionally, for whatever reason.)
Keep your finger off the trigger. (Hard for beginners. Make a conscious effort. Default postiton should be along the frame of the gun above the trigger.)
Keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. (This will change according to your circumstances.)
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Thanks! You forgot THE most important one - ALL guns are loaded.

I've been doing my homework, even before the class. One thing I've been teaching myself is following the 2nd rule you have. While watching TV on the bed, I have the gun on the bed beside me, and practice picking it up and keeping my trigger finger off the trigger. Repeat LOTS of times, several times a week. I'm trying to develop muscle memory so this just becomes natural. I'm getting there.

I have a family, with kids, so I'm taking safety very seriously.
 
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JimB said:
In NC open carry is legal, so in your car you could drive around with it on the passenger seat or dashboard. Not saying that you should, but just so you know that in a box in back out of reach is well within the law, putting it in a locked box doesn’t make it any more legal. Just avoid having it concealed AND where you or a passenger that is in the vehicle have access to it.

I believe that a locked box is a temptation for a thief, so please put that box into an old cardboard box, shopping bag, or under an old towel. I’ve carried numerous guns wrapped in towels in the recess under the flooring in the cargo area of an SUV.

My last class, several years ago, did not involve any student manipulation of their handguns. The instructor provided examples of common guns for students to work with, it was one way of reducing the risks associated with having a bunch of new gun owners in a room full of guns. Point is that you should call, they may not want you to bring your gun until your time on the range.

Welcome to the hobby, I hope that you enjoy it.
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Thanks!

I know open carry in NC is legal, but the article I put in my OP had good pointers on why I shouldn't open carry it in the vehicle, e.g., getting stopped by a cop in a traffic stop and him/her seeing the gun - i just don't want to go through the hassle of explaining why I have it, etc. So next best thing is to conceal it AND/BUT out of reach from anyone. I have a lock box that has a tether so in case I stop to get something to eat on the way to/from the class, it's safe.
 
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ZillaG said:
I should’ve specified it’s a basic fitearms safety class that’s a pre-req for other classes like the CHP class. Guns 101, you might say. 1.5 hours classroom and 30 mins range/shooting.
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fyi, there are no real prerequisites for a concealed carry class class.
A particular range or teacher may insist you take a basic safety class before you take THEIR class, but plenty of people successfully pass concealed carry classes from other instructors without having done any "pre-req" class.

That being said, congrats on getting into handguns and bravo for thinking about safety. As you progress, you'll learn what being safe is and isn't, and you'll see plenty of "experienced" people breaking basic safety rules. And you'll learn that there are 2 kinds of gun people - those who have had an accidental/negligent discharge, and those who will. I believe my first "ND" was during my concealed carry class - I accidentally double tapped my target bullseye and got yelled at (rightly), but also got recommended to look at advanced classes :) One time after fixing a jammed rifle, I double verified it was clear and only on my 3rd check, right before I did function/safety testing, did I find a live cartridge in the chamber. I still have no idea how that happened, but I verrry nearly wrecked my hearing and put a hole in my basement wall. Even if I hadn't caught it, my hearing would have been the only thing to suffer because THE RULES were being followed.

Anyway, you're a good person for thinking of safety and trying to be a safe shooter. Some of my earliest memories are of shooting pellet rifles in the yard with my siblings and dad. It turns out all the safety rules dad taught us are the same and it was a very easy transition to real guns when I started buying them. Not everybody gets gun safety drilled into their head from before they could hold up a Daisy BB gun though...

Oh, and welcome to the forum.
 
No need to worry if you are at a traffic stop with a handgun displayed in a holster. I would hook the passenger seat belt up an then clip the holster to the lap belt before I got my CWP. Open carried 100% no problem, if you are ever stopped let the officer know you have a firearm and NEVER SAY GUN. Should you get your CWP you say I have my concealed permit and NEVER SAY GUN.
 
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Button Pusher said:
No need to worry if you are at a traffic stop with a handgun displayed in a holster. I would hook the passenger up an then clip the holster to the lap belt before I got my CWP. Open carried 100% no problem, if you are ever stopped let the officer know you have a firearm and NEVER SAY GUN. Should you get your CWP you say I have my concealed permit and NEVER SAY GUN.
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Good to know.
DrScaryGuy said:
fyi, there are no real prerequisites for a concealed carry class class.
A particular range or teacher may insist you take a basic safety class before you take THEIR class, but plenty of people successfully pass concealed carry classes from other instructors without having done any "pre-req" class.

That being said, congrats on getting into handguns and bravo for thinking about safety. As you progress, you'll learn what being safe is and isn't, and you'll see plenty of "experienced" people breaking basic safety rules. And you'll learn that there are 2 kinds of gun people - those who have had an accidental/negligent discharge, and those who will. I believe my first "ND" was during my concealed carry class - I accidentally double tapped my target bullseye and got yelled at (rightly), but also got recommended to look at advanced classes :) One time after fixing a jammed rifle, I double verified it was clear and only on my 3rd check, right before I did function/safety testing, did I find a live cartridge in the chamber. I still have no idea how that happened, but I verrry nearly wrecked my hearing and put a hole in my basement wall. Even if I hadn't caught it, my hearing would have been the only thing to suffer because THE RULES were being followed.

Anyway, you're a good person for thinking of safety and trying to be a safe shooter. Some of my earliest memories are of shooting pellet rifles in the yard with my siblings and dad. It turns out all the safety rules dad taught us are the same and it was a very easy transition to real guns when I started buying them. Not everybody gets gun safety drilled into their head from before they could hold up a Daisy BB gun though...

Oh, and welcome to the forum.
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Yeah, I was young and dumb once and had an "episode" with a gun, oops, firearm. Live and learn. Luckily I did both.
 
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ZillaG said:
Thanks! You forgot THE most important one - ALL guns are loaded.

I've been doing my homework, even before the class. One thing I've been teaching myself is following the 2nd rule you have. While watching TV on the bed, I have the gun on the bed beside me, and practice picking it up and keeping my trigger finger off the trigger. Repeat LOTS of times, several times a week. I'm trying to develop muscle memory so this just becomes natural. I'm getting there.When

I have a family, with kids, so I'm taking safety very seriously.
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Excellent. I was just keeping with the basic NRA safety guidelines . But, you are correct, treat all guns as though they are loaded. It's amazing how many people are shot with "unloaded" guns. You're on the right track, repetition is the key. Ingrain that muscle memory. When the stress comes, you won't be able to think clearly. You want you body to know what to do.

Good luck, be safe and have fun!
 
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Button Pusher said:
No need to worry if you are at a traffic stop with a handgun displayed in a holster. I would hook the passenger seat belt up an then clip the holster to the lap belt before I got my CWP. Open carried 100% no problem, if you are ever stopped let the officer know you have a firearm and NEVER SAY GUN. Should you get your CWP you say I have my concealed permit and NEVER SAY GUN.
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I have been either stopped or rolled up on license checks at times for many years. It has always been my practice to roll my window down when I stop if it isn't already, hang both my hands over the window channel and state, "firearms in the vehicle" loudly enough to be heard before the officer even gets to the window. I have only been asked where the firearm was once. The rest of the time, the officer just said, thenk you sir. Always a short stop after that.
 
As mentioned in other posts, all guns are loaded, even when they aren't. Meaning, handle all firearms as if they are loaded and ready to fire. If you have a semi-automatic, lock the slide back and insert a zip tie or similar non-metal material through the barrel, as shown in the video above. If a revolver, open the cylinder and insert a zip or other non metallic material through the barrel. Safety is a real thing and can't be overstated Ever.

MOST OF ALL --- THANKS! For stepping up and being willing to get some training! Awesome! :cool:
 
ZillaG said:
I should’ve specified it’s a basic fitearms safety class that’s a pre-req for other classes like the CHP class. Guns 101, you might say. 1.5 hours classroom and 30 mins range/shooting.
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There is no prerequisite for a chp class. You can take mine and just show up. We cover all the safety info you need and basic manipulations in the chp class.
 
I live in Cary. I shoot a lot and do competition of different sorts with rifle, handgun, and shotgun.

If you have any questions about guns, safety, shooting technique, etc. please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I will be happy to help in any way I can.
 
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This brings back a memory from my concealed carry class.

I took the class through the local community college continuing education classes. The class was scheduled on campus in a class room. The instructor joking told us we had violated state law when we brought our gun to class the second night. He was a detective with the sheriffs department. He did admonish us not to do it again.

One interesting side note to the class. There was a young black male that was in the class. He was there through all the legal education and the video that you have to pinch yourself to stay awake through. When it was time to bring out the guns he was dismissed from the class. The instructor told us that he had been caught carry a concealed weapon illegally. Part of his sentence was that he had to take the concealed carry class. The only credit he got was that he was there and satisfied the judges order.




Sent from my SM-J320V using Tapatalk
 
NKD said:
I live in Cary. I shoot a lot and do competition of different sorts with rifle, handgun, and shotgun.

If you have any questions about guns, safety, shooting technique, etc. please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I will be happy to help in any way I can.
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Thank you! I'll take you up on your offer.
 
I agree with @Miss Lily Don't over think it. Unloaded in the case, which I presume how you carried it out of the store when you bought it. In the car, put it where it's not accessible. Problem solved.
Grits said:
I took the class through the local community college continuing education classes. The class was scheduled on campus in a class room.
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My wife mentioned a local community college offering a gun smithing class. I always wondered how they can teach gun smithing at a school if guns are "prohibited" on "educational property".
 
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