Posted: 2/24/2017 8:13:25 PM EDT
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I will be in CT for a wedding later this year. I know my state does not have reciprocity for concealed carry there. However, I'm wondering if I can transport a firearm into the state with me and have it at the hotel.
Anyone have an idea on the laws pertaining to this type of situation? Gun locked, disassembled, stored separately from ammunition during transport? Ok to load it up at the hotel for night stand duty? Also, do you have magazine restrictions and "approved handguns" like some other states? This will be a deciding factor on which handgun makes the trip. |
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Instead of what you cant bring(99% of what you can think of) I'll give you the general idea of what I believe to be okay.
Pump guns,10 round mags,rifles with palm swells no flash hider or threads not to sure about bayonet lugs anymore. As for handguns someone will be along to answer that. I know you cant carry Our laws are confusing to the point people living here sit around wondering if something they want will pass legal muster. Stay away if possible. lol |
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FOPA only covers you if you are passing through or going to a shooting range or event. It does not allow for staying in a hotel or staying longer the needed.
You need a pistol permit to carry a handgun here. Long guns are ok to transport if they are not on the banned list. I would be willing to bet if you walked through a CT hotel with a gun the police will be called. you will get arrested and they will let the courts sort it out. We do not have an "approved handgun" list like MA. Threaded barrels are a no go, unless pre 1994. Bottom line: Get your non-resident permit or do as the Governor says....call 911. |
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Quoted:
Also, do you have magazine restrictions and "approved handguns" like some other states? This will be a deciding factor on which handgun makes the trip. You cannot bring in a handgun unless you have a non resident CT pistol permit or are carrying under LEOSA. There are a few other very narrow exceptions but none of them appear to apply to what you describe. Yes we have a magazine limit, its 10 rounds. Applies to all magazines regardless of manufacturing date. Only those who declared their large capacity magazines to the state of CT prior to 1/1/14 can possess them in CT. And even then one is limited to carrying 10 rounds in them while carrying in public and one cannot carry spare large capacity magazines. You have several options. Apply for a CT non resident carry permit. Takes 2-4 months to obtain (depending on backlog at DESPP/SLFU). One can bring in a non AW rifle (and 10 round or less magazine) and store the rifle UNLOADED in their trunk. Or one could bring in a non AW semiautomatic shotgun or a pump shotgun both with 10 round or less magazines and store them unloaded in the trunk of their vehicle. If one brings in a knife, note that we have a limit on the size of the knife blade, its four inches. Above that and you run the risk of potential legal issues. |
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Thanks for all the good responses. I will do some more in depth reading on the non-resident permit but off the top of your heads does anyone know: A) can it be obtained from out of state or does it require a physical trip to CT? B) what is the cost? As a non-resident, you can obtain a permit by mail directly from the State Police. Your process will be more streamlined and cheaper than that which we (residents) have to put up with. You should expect to pay $132 ($50 + $12 + $70). You will need to have an approved safety course (NRA Basic Pistol is the most common), a completed DPS-799-C form, CT & Federal fingerprint cards, and an out of state permit. Follow the directions on the DPS-799-C form and answer the questions HONESTLY. Call the state police special licensing and firearm unit to get an application packet mailed to you: (860) 685-8290. |
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@sbhaven
One can bring in a non AW rifle (and 10 round or less magazine) and store the rifle UNLOADED in their trunk. Or one could bring in a non AW semiautomatic shotgun or a pump shotgun both with 10 round or less magazines and store them unloaded in the trunk of their vehicle. If one brings in a knife, note that we have a limit on the size of the knife blade, its four inches. Above that and you run the risk of potential legal issues. Let's clarify a little bit 
If you choose to bring a long gun (which is not an assault weapon), it can not be carried loaded on a road or within a motor vehicle. There is no requirement that it be stored in the motor vehicle or in the trunk- though that would be the most prudent place to put it. No permit is needed to possess a long and he could bring it into his room. It could even be loaded though it is important that if it is stored/kept in a loaded manner, it must not be accessible to a child under the age of 16. (It wouldn't be prudent to leave an unloaded firearm accessible to a child under the age of 16 either). As a matter of practicality, if the long gun is kept in the hotel room whilst you aren't there, the safe thing to do would be to secure it (e.g. locked case, or in the trunk of your vehicle) to prevent potential unauthorized access by people who may enter the room i.e. maintenance people. With respect to knives, the edged portion has to be less than 4" and is generally understood that it must be single edged (double edged knives are treated as daggers which are dangerous weapons). Additionally, switchblades with blades 1.5 inches or more are dangerous weapons as are gravity knives (this term is undefined, and the appellate court refused to address the question the one time it came up because of procedural issues- the defendant did not challenge the assertion that the knife was a gravity knife at trial). |
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@sbhaven Let's clarify a little bit
If you choose to bring a long gun (which is not an assault weapon), it can not be carried loaded on a road or within a motor vehicle. There is no requirement that it be stored in the motor vehicle or in the trunk- though that would be the most prudent place to put it. No permit is needed to possess a long and he could bring it into his room. It could even be loaded though it is important that if it is stored/kept in a loaded manner, it must not be accessible to a child under the age of 16. (It wouldn't be prudent to leave an unloaded firearm accessible to a child under the age of 16 either). As a matter of practicality, if the long gun is kept in the hotel room whilst you aren't there, the safe thing to do would be to secure it (e.g. locked case, or in the trunk of your vehicle) to prevent potential unauthorized access by people who may enter the room i.e. maintenance people. With respect to knives, the edged portion has to be less than 4" and is generally understood that it must be single edged (double edged knives are treated as daggers which are dangerous weapons). Additionally, switchblades with blades 1.5 inches or more are dangerous weapons as are gravity knives (this term is undefined, and the appellate court refused to address the question the one time it came up because of procedural issues- the defendant did not challenge the assertion that the knife was a gravity knife at trial). I thought the 4" rule applied to the sharp edges. If you have a double sided knife then 2" each side counted toward the 4". So that is not correct? Also I would be willing to bet if you go walking through a hotel lobby with a long gun even if in a case someone will freak out and call the cops. This is CT not TX. Do NOT leave it in the room when you are not there. Where in CT are you going? |
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Groton area.
If I were to bring a long gun (pump shotgun), it would be taken down (barrel removed from receiver) and stored in a hard sided case. It's laughable that anyone thinks I'd go waltzing through the front lobby of any hotel, in any state, with a case that outlined the profile of a long gun. In the little bit of research I did so far it appears you need a "local permit" before obtaining a state, non-resident permit. Both of which seem to require me to show up in person for portions of the application. That won't be happening because I'm no where close enough to make that trip twice. So I'm ruling out the non-resident handgun license. Direction of this thread will be turned to long guns and blades. So 4" blades. What does the law say about an assisted opening knives like some of the Kershaws, Benchmades, etc.? |
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I thought the 4" rule applied to the sharp edges. If you have a double sided knife then 2" each side counted toward the 4". So that is not correct? Also I would be willing to bet if you go walking through a hotel lobby with a long gun even if in a case someone will freak out and call the cops. This is CT not TX. Do NOT leave it in the room when you are not there. Where in CT are you going? The law identifies daggers and stilettos as dangerous weapons, but doesn't define either term. By dictionary definition, a dagger is a knife with a short, pointy blade used as a weapon. A stiletto is defined as a short dagger with a tapering blade. (Some people also use the term stiletto to refer to a specific pattern of switchblade). Speaking purely to word usage, daggers and stilletos usually have double edged blades, with the couple of exceptions that come to mind having cruciform or screw-driver like blades. When I was really into knives, I was friends with an individual (who's also a knife hobbyist) who at the time was a shift supervisor on a local PD in a Hartford area suburb. When I talked with him about what was being taught in the academy about knives/dangerous weapons, he said that when he went through, the instruction was to add the sides. He said that the then current instruction was that double edged is a dagger. |
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Groton area. If I were to bring a long gun (pump shotgun), it would be taken down (barrel removed from receiver) and stored in a hard sided case. It's laughable that anyone thinks I'd go waltzing through the front lobby of any hotel, in any state, with a case that outlined the profile of a long gun. In the little bit of research I did so far it appears you need a "local permit" before obtaining a state, non-resident permit. Both of which seem to require me to show up in person for portions of the application. That won't be happening because I'm no where close enough to make that trip twice. So I'm ruling out the non-resident handgun license. Direction of this thread will be turned to long guns and blades. So 4" blades. What does the law say about an assisted opening knives like some of the Kershaws, Benchmades, etc.? When the state reformed the pistol permit process c. 2001, non-residents no longer need to go through a local town like residents do. Non-residents are able to apply directly to the DESPP/CSP Special LIcensing and Firearms Unit. The process for non-residents can be completed entirely by mail 1st. Keep the edged portion UNDER 4". (The law does not specify method of measurement, as a matter of prudence I carry knives that are under 4" edged by any method (i.e. by straight line or along the curve.) 2d. There is no mention of assisted opening knives in 53-206. Though I carry other knives, I own a pile of them and they are commonly sold at places like Walmart, Lowes, etc.... The one fear that I have is the potential for one to be described as a gravity knife, particularly some the cheap ones that have a poor bias towards closure... There is virtually no case law about gravity knives nor are there commonly arrests, so it's hard to say. Quite a few people carry AOs routinely without issue. |
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Let's clarify a little bit I could have "clarified" what I wrote but didn't want to write a wall of text and then be chastised again. 
That's the problem when trying to explain things to people who are not from CT when they ask questions, on certain issues its difficult to be brief because of the convoluted law/statute. Next time around I'll write a wall of text so no one needs to clarify my post. 
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Groton area. If I were to bring a long gun (pump shotgun), it would be taken down (barrel removed from receiver) and stored in a hard sided case. It's laughable that anyone thinks I'd go waltzing through the front lobby of any hotel, in any state, with a case that outlined the profile of a long gun. In the little bit of research I did so far it appears you need a "local permit" before obtaining a state, non-resident permit. Both of which seem to require me to show up in person for portions of the application. That won't be happening because I'm no where close enough to make that trip twice. So I'm ruling out the non-resident handgun license. Direction of this thread will be turned to long guns and blades. So 4" blades. What does the law say about an assisted opening knives like some of the Kershaws, Benchmades, etc.? The Groton area is not the liberal part of the State. Lots of Trump signs in the eastern half of the state. As far as obtaining a non-resident permit. You can do it entirely by mail. You need a permit from another state. It does not have to be your home state. A friend of mine lives in NJ and does not have a permit for NJ. He has TX, FL and UT. Last fall he applied for his non-resident CT permit. It took him just under 4 months to receive his permit in the mail. That is your best bet. Then you can carry open or concealed. |
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Quoted: You can do it entirely by mail. If this is the case I'd much rather go through that process and be able to carry on my person while in CT. The CT website makes it seem as if you need to get the applications in person then show up to a physical location to have your picture taken for the permit. |
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If this is the case I'd much rather go through that process and be able to carry on my person while in CT. The CT website makes it seem as if you need to get the applications in person then show up to a physical location to have your picture taken for the permit. As a non-resident you get to mail in passport photo. See the non-resident instructions on the 799-c form. Please note that it is important that you contact SLFU and ask them to mail you the entire non-resident packet so you have the fingerprint cards and additional forms that compose the totality of your application. |
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You've all been a huge help.
I'm going to call on Monday morning to have them mail the entire non-resident application form. It seems as if the application fee is $70? Also copies of birth certificate/passport. I can do a passport photo for free. Anything else I should know? I won't hesitate to ask questions directly to the Connecticut State Police when I get them on the horn on Monday. |
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You've all been a huge help. I'm going to call on Monday morning to have them mail the entire non-resident application form. It seems as if the application fee is $70? Also copies of birth certificate/passport. I can do a passport photo for free. Anything else I should know? I won't hesitate to ask questions directly to the Connecticut State Police when I get them on the horn on Monday. You are going to send in 3 checks with your application- 70, 50, and 12 (IIRC). $70 is for the permit, 50 and 12 are for state and federal background checks. [Confirm the current rates when you call] The application describes how to fill them out. Yes on birth certificate or passport. I believe that they also will want a copy of your DL/ID and out of state permit. Other good news- with your non-resident CT permit you can also buy long guns, ammo, and mags while you are here
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Quoted: Other good news- with your non-resident CT permit you can also buy long guns, ammo, and mags while you are here Really appreciate all of the good information. However, I can't imagine that CT can offer very competitive prices on long guns, ammunition, and magazines against free states. That doesn't mean I won't still pop in a local gun store or two! |
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However, I can't imagine that CT can offer very competitive prices on long guns, ammunition, and magazines against free states. That doesn't mean I won't still pop in a local gun store or two! CT may not offer competitive prices on certain items but keep in mind that one cannot buy ammunition or ammunition magazines in CT without having one of the relevant permits/certificates like a pistol permit. One would have to remember to bring their ammunition with them if they didn't want to buy some of it here. |
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Really appreciate all of the good information. However, I can't imagine that CT can offer very competitive prices on long guns, ammunition, and magazines against free states. That doesn't mean I won't still pop in a local gun store or two! I travel all over for my job and make a point of hitting gun shops in free states. Prices in LGS's in CT are not worse or better than shops in other states. Even pre-ban stuff is no cheaper in other states. It seems every place and gun show I have been to knows CT residents will pay dearly for pre bans. Ammo can be had for decent prices at Cabela's. If you use a $20 off coupon and the 20% discounted gift cards the cost is as good as mail order. Target Sports is in CT and will let you do a Will Call pick up if you make that note in the message field when ordering. They do not have a store front so don't expect to go there to buy like a store. The Will Call option is a nice thing the owner does. Dick's occasionally has sales that are competitive. |
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The non-resident permitting process is incredibly cumbersome. This makes me feel for you guys and girls behind enemy lines!
So if I can actually get this non-resident license, what other crazy things should I know about carrying in CT? Is it the safest bet to just carry a J frame and avoid any BS related to magazine capacity, etc.? |
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The non-resident permitting process is incredibly cumbersome. Quoted:
The non-resident permitting process is incredibly cumbersome. 
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So if I can actually get this non-resident license, what other crazy things should I know about carrying in CT? http://ctcarry.com/FAQ/Index/Carrying%20a%20Handgun http://ccdl.us/gun-issues/faq The main things are one generally cannot carry a handgun classified as an assault weapon nor can one carry a handgun loaded with more than 10 rounds (plus 1 in the chamber). One cannot carry within a handgun a magazine capable of holding more than 10 rounds unless they declared that magazine to the state of CT prior to 1/1/14. One cannot carry a declared large capacity magazine (10 rounds or more) in a handgun purchased after 4/4/13. One cannot carry a declared large capacity magazine as a spare magazine. There are some other stupid restrictions but those are the biggies. |
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You can open carry here so no worries if you print or your gun is exposed.
Magazines have to be 10 rounds or less. You can carry as many magazines as you want just have to be 10 rounders. No threaded barrels as that makes it an assault weapon. If asked to see your permit you are not required to show it but be prepared for the fallout if you refuse. The pistol permit gives you the ability to buy ammo here. |
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You guys have been really helpful in this Hometown Forum. I really appreciate all of the good responses and links. I will investigate them thoroughly.
I am finishing up my paperwork, finger prints, etc. and crossing my fingers that there won't be any hold ups. They are telling me 5 months to receive the permit. Regarding traveling through New Jersey and New York en route to Connecticut. I am planning to completely disassemble the pistol and store it in a locked container. As there is no separate compartment from the passenger compartment in the vehicle I will be traveling in the locked pistol box will be secured via a cable in the back of the car. I will then have the ammunition stored in a separate and differently keyed lock box stored in a different position in the vehicle. Does this pass legal muster? |
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You guys have been really helpful in this Hometown Forum. I really appreciate all of the good responses and links. I will investigate them thoroughly. I am finishing up my paperwork, finger prints, etc. and crossing my fingers that there won't be any hold ups. They are telling me 5 months to receive the permit. Regarding traveling through New Jersey and New York en route to Connecticut. I am planning to completely disassemble the pistol and store it in a locked container. As there is no separate compartment from the passenger compartment in the vehicle I will be traveling in the locked pistol box will be secured via a cable in the back of the car. I will then have the ammunition stored in a separate and differently keyed lock box stored in a different position in the vehicle. Does this pass legal muster? |
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You guys have been really helpful in this Hometown Forum. I really appreciate all of the good responses and links. I will investigate them thoroughly. I am finishing up my paperwork, finger prints, etc. and crossing my fingers that there won't be any hold ups. They are telling me 5 months to receive the permit. Regarding traveling through New Jersey and New York en route to Connecticut. I am planning to completely disassemble the pistol and store it in a locked container. As there is no separate compartment from the passenger compartment in the vehicle I will be traveling in the locked pistol box will be secured via a cable in the back of the car. I will then have the ammunition stored in a separate and differently keyed lock box stored in a different position in the vehicle. Does this pass legal muster? Does it matter? No. My buddy was arrested in NJ for having a locked cased unloaded firearm under the rear seat of his truck after shooting on our buddies farm. The officer broke into his locked car after the officer giving parking tickets noticed the case under the seat. They decided to charge him with a public disorderly for creating an "unsafe situation". The search was thrown out in court, but read anyway.... He fought it up one level then didn't want to pay for a lawyer to keep doing, and took the PD. I fucking told him not to use his truck but he didn't listen. Anywho he graduates from the academy in a couple months funnily enough. I would not transport firearms in NJ that are not locked out of sight in a trunk JoeBox, but that's just me. |
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Does it pass legal muster? Yes. Does it matter? No. My buddy was arrested in NJ .... I go one step further, throw a lock on the gun itself, either trigger or cable lock in addition to having the gun(s) in a locked case. I also keep a printout of FOPA and state level laws (if applicable) in the gun case (or trunk next to the gun case) in addition to a copy on my phone. Know it won't do much to shield me but I figure its more ammo (so to speak) if I do get stopped and hauled into court for exercising my rights. Bottom line is thought that most will not have a problem so long as they don't drive like an asshole/aggressively/speeding and drive straight through and out of the state with as few stops as close to the highways as possible. Make sure to have all car lights/lamps in operating condition. People drive through NY/NJ all the time with guns and don't have a problem. Don't stand out, don't give them a reason to pull you over, and one should be fine. |
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Regarding traveling through New Jersey and New York en route to Connecticut. I am planning to completely disassemble the pistol and store it in a locked container. As there is no separate compartment from the passenger compartment in the vehicle I will be traveling in the locked pistol box will be secured via a cable in the back of the car. I will then have the ammunition stored in a separate and differently keyed lock box stored in a different position in the vehicle. Does this pass legal muster? |
| I can't avoid NJ/NY on my trip, unfortunately. I can legally carry in every other state on my journey besides those 2 (and assuming I can actually get this CT permit). I'm planning to gas up and eat in Pennsylvania before I cross into NJ. I'm planning to not stop until I get to our hotel in the Unconstitutional State. |