Lock Box legal for transport?

Brendon .45 · Nov 23, 2010

I have been thinking, would a lock box attached to the vehicle be legal for transport under our current regulations?

There is a product called Secure Console or something like that (custom made for my vehicle by Console Vault http://www.consolevault.us/index.php) which turns a center console into a lock box. They are vehicle specific to match the center console. The promotional pics I have seen even show handguns inside; i.e. it is a container designed for a firearm.

Thoughts?

Flipper · Nov 24, 2010

See what the DNR gun gods say here

http://www.du-ha.com/legal.htm

Darkshadow62988 · Nov 24, 2010

They are going to need to update that website in 38 days when Iowa starts recognizes all permits issued by all states.

Peacekeeper · Nov 24, 2010

I use a GunVault MicroVault. However, I place my XD45 in an 8" cabelas pistol rug first. All fits snuggly. When we get legal issues resolved hopefully I won't need the pistol rug.

MKEgal · Nov 24, 2010

Nope.

What you've described would be considered having a concealed weapon, since it's not readily apparent to someone outside the vehicle. (Check out 941.23)

A lock box like is used to hold money isn't legal under WI law, and maybe federal too (I'm not on my computer, or might be able to find the reference), because the container has to be made for the purpose of holding a gun. Whether you could add something to it, modify it in some way to meet that requirement I don't know. IANAL

That being said, I don't see why it wouldn't work.
After all, why would the police be getting into your locked box or center console in the first place? Isn't that part of why it's locked, keeping out people who have no business being there?

You don't say anything to them about a gun being there, it's just another lock box.

lockman · Nov 25, 2010

It is a locked box. How would they ever know what was in it without a search warrant (probable cause) or an illegal search (evidence disallowed). I'll assume the owner does not allow a search or convey what the contents of the secured box is.

What's in the locked box? "Papers, and effects, secured against unreasonable searches and seizures".

GlockRDH · Nov 25, 2010

"...made for the purpose of holding a gun.." What the heck does that mean? Does that mean that it was marketed that way? Or designed by a gun manufacturer and only sold at Cabellas next to the holsters etc? Or that it was advertised in a gun magazine? This statement seems almost unenforcable...WAY to subjective.

phred · Nov 25, 2010

GlockRDH said:
"...made for the purpose of holding a gun.." What the heck does that mean? Does that mean that it was marketed that way? Or designed by a gun manufacturer and only sold at Cabellas next to the holsters etc? Or that it was advertised in a gun magazine? This statement seems almost unenforcable...WAY to subjective.

So, I have a "tool bag" that has a small label/tag and says "gun". I made the tool bag into a gun bag.

My "guess" is that putting a gun into a plastic or paper bag would not pass muster. But you're right, WAY to subjective.

MKEgal · Nov 25, 2010

it is vague

Technically, the heavy nylon case I made is legal, but the commercially made CD case with a zipper (& added lock) isn't. Unless maybe my adding the lock altered it enough? The CD case is just the right size, and looks right, so passed the most rigorous inspection police have yet given it.

smithman · Nov 26, 2010

A locked box may not may not meet the definition of: "explicitly designed for use with a firearm", depending on what's its design is. I happen to have a secure-it which is tethered to the structure for securing the gun when in those pesky GFZ's. This box is designed for a firearm. Even if its not specifically designed for a firearm, you could use it with good conscience, because unless it is illegal to have a locked box in your car (its not), then you don't have to answer any questions about what is inside. If you want to say something, say "personal property". The police cannot look inside unless you let them, or unless they have search warrant.

Brendon .45 · Nov 26, 2010

GlockRDH said:
"...made for the purpose of holding a gun.."

That's my point about the Console Vault - it is marketed as a place to store your gun in your car. From the website linked above: "Perfect for safely and securely transporting handguns, securing your wallet, I pod, GPS, jewelry or other personal valuables, while traveling. "

This case is specifically designed for transporting a firearm.

Hopefully within a few months, this will all be a mute point anywho...

GlockRDH · Nov 26, 2010

...thats my contention...I dont believe that the DNR has 'tested and approved' ANY particular lock boxes...

lockman · Nov 27, 2010

Since there is no defined authority to certify the lock box as designed for the gun, take on the responsibility yourself.
After careful inspection declare the box acceptable for firearms then put you approval sticker on the inside. "Approved by inspector .45".

MKEgal · Dec 4, 2010

lockman said:
After careful inspection declare the box acceptable for firearms then put your approval sticker on the inside.
"Approved by inspector .45".

:

I like the way you think.

Nutczak · Dec 4, 2010

Here is where the problem lies, and how to get around that problem.

A gun needs to be unloaded and in a case before being placed inside the vehicle. If the gun does not meet both of those conditions before being in or on a vehicle, it is against WI laws (DNR laws)
So if that pistol is put into a "Pistol-Sock" before being placed in the locked case, you should be legal.
And when removing it, you and the gun need to be completely out of the car before removing it from that gun-sock and loading it

McX · Dec 4, 2010

i use a standard plastic gun case, modified to be a rapid open case, for vehicle transport.

Tweety · Dec 4, 2010

Can someone please explain why it is necessary to disguise a gun case as a CD case? I mean why go through all of the hassle of making a gun case out of a CD Case?
IMHO, if you use a CD case you are disguising the gun and therefore concealing its identity. That opens you up for a concealment charge all of its own. Now that is just my opinion and I am not giving any legal advice, just making a point here.
It is legal to have a cased firearm in your vehicle so why not just use a firearms case?

McX · Dec 4, 2010

It is legal to have a cased firearm in your vehicle so why not just use a firearms case?

the Tweet hath spoken. Modify it to be rapid open, and you'll be happy to have settled upon it.

Motofixxer · Dec 4, 2010

A gun case using a CD case isn't a bad idea. It looks more average and normal if left sitting in your vehicle. Nowadays, I don't think CD's are very high on the theft list. So it's less likely to attract individuals with sticky fingers. Than would be a very obvious looking gun case.
So what's this modified rapid open thing???

Unreconstructed Confederate Polymath · Dec 4, 2010

knowingly disguising a gun case within reach is a crime

rule 15 violation

wheres the mod mod

Lock Box legal for transport?

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