Neither of my cars have trunks, so that means I have to transport my firearms in a locked case.

 

I originally bought a metal rifle case similar to the one below:

 

 

I like that it will hold my shotgun, beretta storm and pistol. However, at 53" long it barely fits in my car and is very awkward to carry, especially in tight places like the Bullet Hole when I'm also carrying an ammo box and range bag.

 

I'd like to get a soft case that I can sling over my shoulder or carry as a backpack, is at least long enough to hold my longest long gun (shotgun, 40"), ideally has two separate pockets (one for shotgun, one for storm) and, this is the key, is *LOCKABLE*.

 

Anyone got any suggestions?

I've got one or two soft cases that have a little tab by the zipper, so that you can put a wire tie or luggage lock through it.

All my soft cases either have 2 zippers that I can lock together OR have a little D-ring on one end that I can lock the zipper to. I use travel locks.

Thanks for the responses, can you be more specific as to what you have?

 

So basically if I can put a luggage lock through two opposing zipper pulls or between a zipper pull and a fabric loop on the bag that counts as locked?

Thanks for the responses, can you be more specific as to what you have?

 

So basically if I can put a luggage lock through two opposing zipper pulls or between a zipper pull and a fabric loop on the bag that counts as locked?

 

For all intensive purposes yes. Unless you are traveling across state lines, you don't even need the case locked. Just securely closed. The line on the state police website is a recommendation, not the actual law.

For all intensive purposes yes.

 

 

The phrase is "for all intents and purposes". Just doing my Schoolmarm duties...

 

(edit) I'm beginning to think you guys are baiting me.

There a thread on here somewhere (prob in the NJ law section) that quotes a couple bits of the law that pertain to locks and guns and vehicles and what not. If I remember correctly, all the references just say "locked" or "lock" and don't get more specific than that.

 

Like with everything in jersey, it seems to be purposely vague. So, you can interpret "lock" any way you want. I use same-key travel locks. Does that mean that's all I need? Who the hell knows. I feel comfortable enough with the travel locks tho, that I don't really give it much thought.

 

ETA: found the thread I was referring to viewtopic.php?f=19&t=2542

... you don't even need the case locked. Just securely closed. The line on the state police website is a recommendation, not the actual law.

 

Damn, you're right. I just went to the actual NJ statues and the relevant portion (2C:39-6g) says:

 

All weapons being transported under paragraph (2) of subsection b., subsection e., or paragraph (1) or (3) of subsection f. of this section shall be carried unloaded and contained in a closed and fastened case, gunbox, securely tied package, or locked in the trunk of the automobile in which it is being transported, and in the course of travel shall include only such deviations as are reasonably necessary under the circumstances.

 

Nothing about having to be locked if not in the trunk, just "closed and fastened case, gunbox, securely tied package"

 

I was still operating on what I first read at the State Police site when I was getting my handgun a year ago:

 

http://www.state.nj.us/njsp/about/fire_trans.html

 

...If the vehicle does not have a compartment separate from the passenger compartment, the firearm and ammunition must be in a locked container other than the vehicle's glove compartment or console.

 

So...if I put my firearms in a paper bag and tied it with thread, does that count? :roll:

(edit) I'm beginning to think you guys are baiting me.

 

I wouldn't call it baiting, we're just trying to peek your grammatical interest.

 

Ended up buying this case and will get some luggage locks for the zipper pulls:

 

http://www.lapolicegear.com/511-double-riflecase-closeout.html

Ended up buying this case and will get some luggage locks for the zipper pulls:

 

http://www.lapolicegear.com/511-double-riflecase-closeout.html

 

That's a pretty nice case! And you good to go for interstate travel too then.