doc wrote:Re storage overnight. As I see it...
1) The law is intentionally gray - and I like it that way. It's designed to allow you flexibility to choose what is best depending on the scenario that you face. What is more appropriate for one person at one location may not be for the next person at the next location.
2) Forget being charged - unless the firearm is stolen. If the firearm is stolen - it will be up to you to prove that you chose the best option and no other more suitable option was warranted.
For me - I keep the firearm in the car, until I'm ready to go into the motel room and stay there for the night. A locked vehicle is a much safer place than an unattended motel (where numerous people may have keys) for when you're out having a drink, having a meal, etc.
Once I'm back for the night - the firearm and ammo come inside with me. (The ammo more for temperature sake than safety sake - as often it gets cold in the car and can affect the ammo, but that's another topic). The firearms stay in a locked container normally next to the bed. (I'm not putting anything under the bed - not after some of the things I've witnessed remaining under there... yuck!). Next to the bed will more than suffice...
Reverse occurs in the morning. If I'm going to leave the motel room and go somewhere (breakfast, etc) - the firearm goes back into the vehicle first.
At the end of the day it's common sense. Run a few scenario's through your mind - figure out what best suits for your situation. If I was sharing the motel room with a few strangers (unlikely - but if you were staying at a backpackers for instance) - then the vehicle would be the wiser option for the night. It all comes down to what is most appropriate - and for that I actually appreciate the grayness as it gives latitude for some common sense.
Thank you. What you’ve said makes perfect sense. Just concern that the POL would not apply common sense.
Cheers
