A friend and I want to go shooting from his boat out in the ocean some time this summer. For no other reason than it would be fun to float some targets out and fire away. Possibly shoot at some clays. I'm wondering if anyone has ever done this, what the legality is, and if it would simply be considered the same as transporting the firearms from home to a legal shooting area.

 

I did a search and came up with something from the firing line saying that when you come back from outside the 3-mile limit, you're importing the weapon: http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/sho ... stcount=15

 

The last thing we need is to get tangled up in some sort of gun-importation-related legal dispute with the Coast Guard.

 

Anyone have any experience with this?

I want to say this has to do with the Territorial water limit. In the past, countries were limited to 3 nautical miles out, however the US currently stretches out to 12 nautical miles (as do the majority of countries that touch water). So, I wouldn't be too concerned about the import legality issues. I cannot answer whether or not it is legal to actually fire off a boat into the ocean though. What I do know is that as long as you keep it under 20 knots, the coasties could care less 8-)

one of my friends who fishes offshore alway has a firarm aboard. possible piracy!! since the early 1980's former coastie.

 

as for shooting handgun or rifle that is scary cause you have no background and that bullet will travel very far could hit another vessel.

 

shotgun with bird shot should be no problem.. I give that one a thumb's up.

shotgun with bird shot should be no problem.. I give that one a thumb's up.

 

+1

 

Don't be shooting a rifle or pistol into the air.

I would say that using a firearm anywhere within the 12 mile limit might be inviting a visit from the Coast Guard or local Marine Police. Neither would be much fun. Not to mention the effect the salt air would have on the firearm.

 

Add to that any possible ramifications of dumping items in the ocean.

 

This has been somewhat to norm on one local dive boat that was eventually screwed through complaints. the complaints went up the chain and caused the Captain some grief. If it were me, I would avoid it.

Certainly dont shoot towards the coast...bullets can ricochet off the water and travel some distance....sorta like skimming a rock on the water....but with a whole lot more power...A shotgun sounds like a better idea than a rifle or pistol...

and on another note i would have too look it up but you have to be so far off to use lead shot, it is under sea duck hunting i believe but the rule still applies for target shooting.