I'm going to be visiting grandparents in Mora and I'll be coming from Des Moines. According to USACarry my Iowa CCW is not valid in MN.

So what are the gun laws like there? From a cursory google search they seem pretty harsh. Is it legal to have a loaded pistol in my car? Cased and unloaded with ammo in a separate compartment?

I ask only because of the Feguson stupidity and not putting it past hood rats to shut down the interstate in Minneapolis or something dumb. I don't want to get caught in a possibly violent crowd and be at the mercy of morons.  

Thanks!

If you're lacking a locally valid CCW - as far as I understand MN gun laws, it goes like this:

Firearms must be appropriately cased and un-loaded, and in the trunk of the vehicle. It is +suggested+ but not required that the ammo is kept separately. If the vehicle lacks a trunk, then firearms must be in the extreme rear of the vehicle, as far as possible from - and out of reach of - the operator and passengers.

If you're driving an SUV (like us), then case the guns and stick them in the way-back. Put the ammo, in mags or not, in a tool / tackle box and keep it likewise out of direct reach. Put locks on the guns and/or the box if you really want to be Johnny Regular.

PS - Ain't nothing wrong with being Johnny Regular.. keeps you out of stressful and pointless situations. And FWIW, I have never once - ever - had any issues wrt firearms transport in MN. But then again, like any wise person, I watch what I'm doing when potentially complicating circumstances are at-hand! =)

Thanks for the info I appreciate it!

Welcome!

The only areas of concern in MN - once again, per my understanding - pertain to certain NFA arms. While C&R MG, SBR and AOW are allowed, non-C&R MG, SBS and silencers** are +not+. If you plan a Peaceable Journey through MN with these items in tow, I'd suggest some deeper investigation..

(** There is a special allowance for silencers as part of museum exhibits, per my understanding.)

As long as your handgun is cased and unloaded your fine. No need to stick it in the trunk or anything like that.

Thanks for the info guys. I think I'll throw it in a case in the trunk with my tools and cold weather stuff.

Sounds like a good plan to me.. you're certain to be 100% inside the law, as far as I understand it.

BTW - Mora, MN is home to Caswell Cycle - which might be the last Moto Guzzi motorcycle dealer in MN. They're right in town, just a few miles off the highway. Drop in and take a look at the new Guzzis, if they still have any.. those machines are basically classics the moment they're made. Alongside Ducati, they're the last of the Euro big v-twin (1100cc)  bikes.. ;-)

this.
gun has to be in an enclosed case, unloaded.
doesnt matter where in the car it is located.

Thanks again, we had a nice trip up there. I hadn't been up there in about 15 years and I forgot how beautiful the country is up there, even during winter. Friendly people, nice little towns.

The grandparents are looking to sell the family farm and I'd buy it in a heartbeat if the gf and I could find work up there.