Hey folks. Hoping to get a stupid question cleared up since Google has failed me.

As a resident of another state with no permit reciprocity, I understand in MN I have to transport my handgun unloaded and locked up separate from ammo. I know I can't carry at all, but here's my question: can I bring said firearm to a range and use it? Is that considered "carrying"?

Thanks!

I honestly never thought about it, but I don't see why that would be a problem.

Not a stupid question.

"Transport" = unloaded and in case, or unloaded and in trunk (rear) of vehicle.  No permit required.  MN statute 97B.045.

"Carry" = loaded, can be anywhere in vehicle, in any condition.  MN statue 624.714.

The above apply to handguns (pistols) only, since that's what was mentioned in your post.

You can shoot at a range (or in the woods on private property eat) without a permit. I attached the statute below for reference.

Subd. 9.Carrying pistols about one's premises or for purposes of repair, target practice. A permit to carry is not required of a person:
(1) to keep or carry about the person's place of business, dwelling house, premises or on land possessed by the person a pistol;
(2) to carry a pistol from a place of purchase to the person's dwelling house or place of business, or from the person's dwelling house or place of business to or from a place where repairing is done, to have the pistol repaired;
(3) to carry a pistol between the person's dwelling house and place of business;
(4) to carry a pistol in the woods or fields or upon the waters of this state for the purpose of hunting or of target shooting in a safe area; or
(5) to transport a pistol in a motor vehicle, snowmobile or boat if the pistol is unloaded, contained in a closed and fastened case, gunbox, or securely tied package.

Much appreciated.

IIRC, SD has constitutional carry now so you probably don't have a CCW permit but if you do, MN has reciprocity with some states.  I just don't know if SD is one of them.  You can probably find the answer somewhere here on ARFCOM or somebody will chime in.