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Rifles In Vehicles - Louisiana

Posted on 9/6/23 at 4:12 pm
Posted by Nump
Down da Bayou
Member since Sep 2021
185 posts
Posted on 9/6/23 at 4:12 pm
I saw the term “truck gun” in another thread, and it got me thinking.
I know “truck gun” sometimes means a rifle or pistol kept in a vehicle on a farm or property, but does anyone know the legality of having a rifle (bolt, lever, semi-auto) in your everyday vehicle? I remember as a kid, a gun rack in a pickup’s back window wasn’t an uncommon sight. I’m inclined to think it’s still perfectly legal, but wondered if anyone knows differently.
Posted by CouldCareLess
Member since Feb 2019
3167 posts
Posted on 9/6/23 at 4:16 pm to
In LA, I believe your automobile is considered an extension of your home.
This post was edited on 9/6/23 at 4:18 pm
Posted by KemoSabe65
70605
Member since Mar 2018
6231 posts
Posted on 9/6/23 at 4:38 pm to
It is with the caveat that they must be unloaded when traveling on WMA’s.
Posted by Sixafan
Member since Aug 2023
947 posts
Posted on 9/6/23 at 4:40 pm to
You are right and that means that you are given an expectation of both privacy and protection so may have a gun in your vehicle w/o a permit. That doesn’t mean that you won’t get an issue from a game warden if they pull you over during hunting season on a back road with a loaded rifle. And if a police officer stops you it it best to advise him that you have a weapon in the vehicle that is loaded, BEFORE has to ask. A rifle is not as smart decision for protection so a loaded rifle is suspect. A loaded pistol is different.
Posted by TRmadhatter
Member since Sep 2023
27 posts
Posted on 9/6/23 at 4:54 pm to
It’s perfectly legal in the state of Louisiana. I live in a very rural community with an extremely bad hog problem. So every farmer I know has a firearm in their farm truck. It’s really no different than keeping a toolbox or an air compressor for us.
Posted by saintsfan1977
Arkansas, from Cajun country
Member since Jun 2010
9838 posts
Posted on 9/6/23 at 4:56 pm to
quote:

And if a police officer stops you it it best to advise him that you have a weapon in the vehicle that is loaded, BEFORE has to ask.


There is absolutely no reason a police officer should search your vehicle. Your property is none of his business in a routine traffic stop.
Posted by KemoSabe65
70605
Member since Mar 2018
6231 posts
Posted on 9/6/23 at 5:19 pm to
Man, it’s called courtesy. I have always informed them that’s there is a loaded pistol in the door. Never been searched and never had a bad experience with the popo.
Posted by bulldog95
North Louisiana
Member since Jan 2011
21167 posts
Posted on 9/6/23 at 6:05 pm to
I always inform them I have a loaded pistol but it’s also locked in a safe in my center console.

Only once has the officer asked to see my pistol. They ram the serial then place my unloaded gun in my seat, the magazine in my back seat, and the bullet from the chamber in my cup holder
Posted by Dave_O
Member since Apr 2018
1209 posts
Posted on 9/6/23 at 6:36 pm to
Same. Been pulled over twice and informed them both times that I had a pistol in my center console. They both said something to the effect of “I appreciate you telling me, and it won’t be a problem as long as it stays there”.
Posted by Junky
Louisiana
Member since Oct 2005
9052 posts
Posted on 9/6/23 at 6:37 pm to
I was stopped once, and was drawn down on. As I was laughing with my hands up on the steering wheel because it was all too ridiculous, I informed the officer approaching me that I had a pistol in the glove compartment. Baffling, he lowered his weapon and asked only that I not reach over there.

The stop was a big misunderstanding on their part. They were cool after they ran my plate and asked some questions...probably because I told them where my weapon was right from the start.

If it wasn't so outrageous...I wouldn't believe it either.

I think they were searching for another guy with a similar truck and clothes/hat on.
Posted by dstone12
Texan
Member since Jan 2007
38262 posts
Posted on 9/6/23 at 6:50 pm to
quote:

Only once has the officer asked to see my pistol. They ram the serial then place my unloaded gun in my seat, the magazine in my back seat, and the bullet from the chamber in my cup holder


Happened to me too.
Posted by unclejhim
Folsom, La.
Member since Nov 2011
3703 posts
Posted on 9/6/23 at 7:03 pm to
quote:

Same. Been pulled over twice and informed them both times that I had a pistol in my center console. They both said something to the effect of “I appreciate you telling me, and it won’t be a problem as long as it stays there”.


Same thing happened to me; I had no problem with it.
Posted by REB BEER
Laffy Yet
Member since Dec 2010
17625 posts
Posted on 9/6/23 at 7:13 pm to
I’ve been stopped for suspicion of dwi twice. I told them I had a pistol in the center console. They told me if I could call someone to come get me I was free to go but had the leave the truck until the next day. Both times when I returned, the gun was unloaded in the center console and the bullets were in the driver’s side door drink holders.

Being honest goes along way.

ETA: but to answer the OP, it’s not illegal to ride with a loaded rifle/shotgun. I rarely unload mine during deer season, but do ride with the barrel down to the floor.
This post was edited on 9/6/23 at 7:20 pm
Posted by zippyputt
Member since Jul 2005
6777 posts
Posted on 9/6/23 at 9:10 pm to
Why would you leave a firearm in an unattended auto overnight?
Posted by BorrisMart
La
Member since Jul 2020
9021 posts
Posted on 9/6/23 at 9:23 pm to
quote:

You are right and that means that you are given an expectation of both privacy and protection so may have a gun in your vehicle w/o a permit. That doesn’t mean that you won’t get an issue from a game warden if they pull you over during hunting season on a back road with a loaded rifle. And if a police officer stops you it it best to advise him that you have a weapon in the vehicle that is loaded, BEFORE has to ask. A rifle is not as smart decision for protection so a loaded rifle is suspect. A loaded pistol is different.


Got a ticket recently and I told the state trooper I had a gun in the truck and he laughed and said "did they tell you to say that in a ccp class? That is only if it's on your person that you need to disclose it, and the city you work in, I'd advise keeping two or three guns around." For what that is worth. But it has always been my understanding a La citizen that can legally own a gun can have it in your vehicle as it is an extension of your home. If the cop is hostile you might want to tell them, but having a rifle/shotgun/pistol in the truck is no more suspect than a pocket knife, at least where I am from and no one is leaving a truck gun unloaded around here, as what is the point? Just be safe and not dumb, it is there for emergencies only or for hogs. If you're going hunting that is different and you'll be bringing a different gun in most cases and that is unloaded until the trail or after the boat/wheeler ride to the blind.

Take that story for what it's worth. The wma and game warden shite is a thing though during hunting season.

quote:

Why would you leave a firearm in an unattended auto overnight?


Because some of us live in rural areas and there is little crime, not to say it can't get stolen, but the odds are slim. Plus, you have your truck gun and your carry gun; nobody wants to have to carry two guns to the truck every morning. I wouldn't do it in any La city that is Alex size or larger overnight.
This post was edited on 9/6/23 at 9:33 pm
Posted by White Bear
AT WORK
Member since Jul 2014
17159 posts
Posted on 9/6/23 at 9:31 pm to
quote:

so may have a gun in your vehicle w/o a permit.
what are you talking about?
Posted by lsufan1971
Zachary
Member since Nov 2003
23519 posts
Posted on 9/7/23 at 3:46 am to
quote:

There is absolutely no reason a police officer should search your vehicle. Your property is none of his business in a routine traffic stop.


If you have a CCW you are required to inform you have a firearm on your person. I have always let them know I am armed. I have never been searched or asked to unload or hand over my weapon.
Posted by holmesbr
Baton Rouge, La.
Member since Feb 2012
3860 posts
Posted on 9/7/23 at 7:30 am to
quote:

locked in a safe in my center console.


Why even mention it if it's locked away? Other than if you have a CC.
Posted by Loup
Ferriday
Member since Apr 2019
15547 posts
Posted on 9/7/23 at 7:49 am to
quote:

And if a police officer stops you it it best to advise him that you have a weapon in the vehicle that is loaded, BEFORE has to ask


that is not true.
Posted by kengel2
Team Gun
Member since Mar 2004
33425 posts
Posted on 9/7/23 at 7:50 am to
quote:

Junky


Dont tell the OT cop haters that story, theyll crucify you for complying or something.
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