The following is a video transcript.

Today, let’s quickly go over how to transport or carry long guns in our state, as some feel the law makes it a little more difficult to transport long guns, as the Ohio Concealed Carry License only covers handguns. As most of us know, we are an open carry state, so there are no issues in transporting or carrying your long gun in public, as long as it isn’t concealed.

TRANSPORTING OR CARRYING A LONG GUN IN YOUR CAR

But what about when you get into your car? As I said a moment ago, your CCW license does not cover long guns. So, all persons transporting in motor vehicles must do so the same way, regardless of whether you have a license to carry or not. First, the law clearly states:

“No person shall knowingly transport or have a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, in such a manner that the firearm is accessible to the operator or passenger without leaving the vehicle.”

This means long guns as well, of course. So, make sure it is unloaded. A long gun may only be transported in a vehicle if the gun is in plain sight with the action open, or the long gun is “stripped.” What do I mean by “stripped?” Stripped means dismantled, taken apart, pieces removed—essentially to the point where it isn’t operational, which could mean one or several parts depending. If it is a long gun which cannot be easily stripped and for which the action will not stay open, in those cases the gun must simply be in plain sight. You may also carry it in plain sight and secure it in a rack or holder made for that purpose, like the shotgun racks we all remember growing up. And that’s it—fairly straight forward.

Follow these simple guidelines and you will not have any problems. As always, for more information about carrying long guns in Ohio, feel free to call U.S. LawShield and ask to speak to your Independent Program Attorney.