Traveling with CCW

[Lucky Luke]

Folks,

I will be flying to AZ to drive a moving-truck back to Texas with my lady. Here are my questions;

1. I will check-in two handguns at the airport (9mm & 45), can I check in ammo?
2. We will be driving through Arizona & New Mexico, is Texas CCW honored? Is it even a good idea to take my firearms?
3. Any traveling-with-guns advise while in AZ & NM? Road safety?

Tks,
B

[JALLEN]

You can check ammo in the original boxes, up to 11 pounds, IIRC. It's a good idea to go to the airline's website and print our THEIR rules and policies.

From what I can see, AZ and NM are good to go, but check it for yourself to be sure. http://www.handgunlaw.us/LicMaps/ccwmap.php or similar.

I have not driven that route in years. Some of it gets close to the border with You-Know-Where. Parts of southern AZ are posted with warning signs but your route ought not take you into those areas, mostly south of Tucson.

Obey all laws. Avoid car trouble. Carry communications if possible, like amateur radio, if you are licensed.

Prior to flying make absolutely certain that you have no firearm, knife etc paraphernalia on your person or in your carry on.

[C-dub]

You can check ammo in the original boxes, up to 11 pounds, IIRC. It's a good idea to go to the airline's website and print our THEIR rules and policies.

And the TSA's. They sometimes have problems adhering to their own rules and make them up as they go. Take the printed rules on transporting firearms with you to the airport and keep them with you at all times. (i.e. do not put them in any checked luggage in case you need to show them to someone) Although, from what we've heard in here, there doesn't seem to be as many problems getting in and out of Texas airports as some of the other states'. And I would think that Arizona wouldn't be much of a problem either.

Good luck and be careful.

[TexasCajun]

Print copies of the airline regs and copies of the TSA regs. Double check all of your pockets including your jacket for prohibited items. Double check every compartment of your carry on bag for prohibited items. Enjoy your trip & be safe.

[strider67]

I recently downloaded an app, Legal Heat, which gives reciprocity maps, other states' laws, etc...it served me well when we made a quick vacation jog to NM a few weeks ago. It was recommended by Rex B, another Forum member, in the "Other States" section here: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=59714" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hope it helps and travel safe.

[cbunt1]

I would also recommend a quick look over at http://www.handgunlaw.us for state-specific information. One caveat, IIRC in New Mexico, you are allowed only one concealed handgun at a time.

[Kythas]

Open carry without a license is legal in both Arizona and New Mexico. Also, both states honor Texas' CHL.

Carry however you want.

[gthaustex]

Make sure you know the carry laws in each individual state. You can carry on your Texas CHL but are responsible for following the law of the state you are currently in. Also not all reciprocity agreements are completely equal between states. Check on each reciprocity agreement for that state.

[tommyg]

New Mexaco has some kind of a law about carrrying more than one gun
It would be a good idea to research this prior to traveling

[jayinsat]

Do you pack the hard case with the pistol in another checked bag or do you check the hard case as a separate bag? I worry about theft of the hard case out in the open.

[MeMelYup]

Laws are different on any reservation or ranchera, so be cautious.

[JALLEN]

Laws are different on any reservation or ranchera, so be cautious.

I believe that firearms are not legal on reservations. Best to stay on the Interstate.

[MeMelYup]

Depends on the reservation etc.. They all have their own laws.

[Lucky Luke]

Do you pack the hard case with the pistol in another checked bag or do you check the hard case as a separate bag? I worry about theft of the hard case out in the open.

I've decided to take my Sig 45acp and store it in a metal case and leave in my bag and check it in that way. Also, Im going to just purchase ammo in Phoenix before in head the road to Texas.

[CC Italian]

Took that route from Vegas about a year ago. AZ your good to go. Their gun laws are the best! Only thing you need to worry about is driving through a reservation. I specifically drove around the reservations because after talking to state police in AZ and NM they told me to check with each and every reservation. They are all sovereign nations and they all have different laws. Many do not post these laws online or to the public. Therefore you must call the reservation police and ask them. Needless to say I got a lot of no you can't travel through the res, yes you can if you stay on the highway, yes you can conceal on the res etc etc.

Read this page! http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/tribal_law_ccw.pdf

In the end I decided to go around them all! It really isn't a big problem unless you go into north central and north western NM. There are res everywhere there. Your CHL is not honored on tribal land in NM unless approved by the tribal council or authorities. Even some of the reservations in AZ said no. Some didn't know and said call another police station and while others said "you should be ok". If you do pass through a res in AZ please do not bring your .45 sig! Bring a less expensive firearm or do yourself a favor and go buy a good quality used firearm that isn't going to break the bank and you won't get upset if they take it. I have heard horror stories about getting firearms back!