Traveling with your handgun
Since most of us in Wakulla County evacuated in anticipation of Helene per advisement of Sheriff Miller, what did we do with our handguns?
Did you wonder how to take yours with you as you found a safe dwelling to wait out the storm?
I know this may sound a bit like closing the barn door after the horse has run off, but now we can be prepared, if we hadn’t been already, for when we have to leave our homes again.
First, as of fairly recently, we do not have to have a “concealed weapon or firearm license.” This is for the state of Florida only. It doesn’t carry over to other states.
A major difference is that if we wish to purchase a firearm, if we do not have the license, we must wait three days to pick it up. If we do have our license, we are able to purchase and take our firearm the same day. But what do we do in Florida, and what should we do if we travel outside the state?
In times of emergencies, we may not have time to consider the best way to manage. We may not have time to consider the laws of other states as we travel through them.
If you don’t know the rules of each state you pass through, carrying your gun in a locked box in an unoccupied area of your vehicle is the safest way to travel. Ammunition should travel in a separate, locked container: also in an unoccupied area. Upon arrival at your destination state, you can look up the rules for that state and act accordingly.
But let’s say we’re talking about travel in Florida. Yes, you can have your gun nearby and it can be loaded.
However, and you knew there’d be a caveat here…
If you travel with children, you certainly want to be certain that they can never get their hands on your gun. And, just like in traveling between states, locked boxes and gun safes can provide safety in knowledge that little hands cannot touch your firearms.
So, what kind of box will fit your needs? Even though Joe and I have no small children, we still keep our guns locked up.
Joe and I each have decided what we need. I prefer a simple metal box with a combination code lock; just like the briefcase I used when working. Easy works for me.
Joe, of course, must have a larger box to store more than one gun. It must also have both a digital and a barrel key lock. It must have lots of padding: Joe really likes his guns.
Initially, I thought a box which opened by a finger print would be pretty neat. It required pressing your finger (any finger) on the keypad a few times while the pad learned your whorls. Then, to gain access, you just place your finger in that spot and, Presto! Your safe opens.
That was all great in theory. In practice, I had to place my finger in the precise same spot with no change of angle or the pad would not recognize me. After a few months of frustration, I gave up and use the alternate key lock. Maybe more modern boxes learn fingerprints more easily. I don’t know, but won’t bother with one again. That’s how I returned to the old-fashioned but simpler combination code.
Of course, memory might fail (sigh), so my box also can be opened with a key. I figure, if I forget both key and combination, it’s time to forget carrying a gun.
So, let’s get down to your own requirements.
How large a box do you need? Well, what do you intend to put in it? Is it for just one gun? One gun and some cash? One gun, cash, jewelry and important papers? One gun, cash, jewelry, medications, and important papers? How about your watches and your passport? Will you bring more than one gun? Pull out everything you want to lock up and figure out the space you’ll need.
Now that you have size figured out, what bells and whistles do you want for your box? Personally, I like to know there are 2 ways to get in the box. What? Lose your key? Then use your combination. A backup plan is good.
Are you able to lift the box you like? Some of them are quite heavy.
Does your strongbox need to be fireproof and waterproof? Ones labeled “fireproof” may be good for an hour. Check to see how long your safe can withstand the heat of a fire.
Does your safe need to be TSA compliant? You can find special locks that are compliant.
Some boxes have touchpads, like we have on our computers.
Would you like a shelf to separate contents?
Does your box need batteries? If they run low, will the box notify you that it’s time to change batteries? And maybe your batteries can be charged via a USB port?
We actually own 4 metal boxes of various sizes. Each one is made of extremely sturdy metal. Like in an old luggage commercial, I picture an ape jumping up and down on my box. The box would win. It’s that strong. And each lockbox is designed to prevent dust, debris and moisture.
We both like to know we have at least 2 ways to get into the contents. I like key and combination.
Joe likes a barrel key and combination. He feels the barrel key is more difficult to pick.
Do you want to open it with your smartphone? Yes, some boxes do have this option.
I’ll bet my son would like one that can be manipulated with his smartphone.
Now I like gizmos as much as the next person, but do I really need an interior light on this little box? Yes, apparently some do. But, if I were to be that frivolous, I’d rather have it do the dishes…
You can find a sturdy lockable box in about any size you need. If you don’t have one already, now is a good time to consider your requirements. The lockbox is a smart idea to have in your home anyway. It will keep your handguns away from curious children and unauthorized adults.
Marj Law is the former director of Keep Wakulla County Beautiful who has become an avid shooter in retirement.
