Legal rifle case?

[mainbutter]

Anyone know where I can find the MN definition of a legal case for a hunting rifle?

In particular, are gun "socks" considered legal cases?

[TooTallTom]

I think you can find that in the "general" section of the firearms regs. If I remember correctly, a legal case has to be designed to enclose a firearm, and it has to have some sort of actual closure mechanism (i.e. velcro, zipper, buttons, tie strings). So, if your sock has ties on it you're fine.

But, another benefit to a more expensive/ bulkier soft case is that it protects your rifle while still making it fairly accessable.

[hunt fish repeat]

Anyone know where I can find the MN definition of a legal case for a hunting rifle?

In particular, are gun "socks" considered legal cases?

The way the law has been explained to me to meet the legal definition a case has to meet three requirements:

1. The case must be purposely created or built for the purpose of enclosing the gun.

2. The gun must be completly enclosed by the case including any scopes or atachments.

3. The case must be held securely closed by a fastener, the fastener can be a zipper, snap or string tie etc..

The cardboard box the gun comes from from the factory taped shut is a legal case (because it was purpose built to carry and enclose the gun) putting the gun in a generic cardboard box taped shut is not.

Therefore gun socks are considered legal as long as they have the string ties attached to securely hold them closed.

[TooTallTom]

That's my understanding, much better stated.

A little bit of thread-jacking, but what if the legally-cased gun is then put in another bag, like a range bag? I've always thought it shouldn't be a problem, but I wonder if it's considered concealment or something like that?

[Tom7227]

The while hunting exception can be a bit complicated

97B.045 TRANSPORTATION OF FIREARMS.

Subdivision 1.Restrictions.

A person may not transport a firearm in a motor vehicle unless the firearm is:

(1) unloaded and in a gun case expressly made to contain a firearm, and the case fully encloses the firearm by being zipped, snapped, buckled, tied, or otherwise fastened, and without any portion of the firearm exposed;

(2) unloaded and in the closed trunk of a motor vehicle; or

(3) a handgun carried in compliance with sections 624.714#stat.624.714">624.714 and &id=624.715#stat.624.715">624.715.

Subd. 3.Exceptions; hunting and shooting ranges.

(a) Notwithstanding provisions to the contrary under this chapter, a person may transport an unloaded, uncased firearm, excluding a pistol as defined in paragraph (, in a motor vehicle while at a shooting range, as defined under section &id=87A.01#stat.87A.01.3">87A.01, subdivision 3, where the person has received permission from the lawful owner or possessor to discharge firearms; lawfully hunting on private or public land; or travelling to or from a site the person intends to hunt lawfully that day or has hunted lawfully that day, unless:

(1) within Anoka, Hennepin, or Ramsey County;

(2) within the boundaries of a home rule charter or statutory city with a population of 2,500 or more;

(3) on school grounds; or

[Tom7227]

The purpose of the case is to allow law enforcement to see fairly quickly that there is a firearm in the vehicle. Prior to the detailed definition of a case it was legal to wrap a gun in a handkerchief according to the Supreme Court.