Thread: Travelling with guns in a motorhome / campervan

Originally Posted by JessicaChen

Am i technically breaking the law if my vehicle runs out of fuel and i have to refuel, leaving the rifle in the car while i go in to pay for it?

Assuming your vehicle is on a service station forecourt.
Depends on how your rifle is secured in your vehicle and whether your vehicle is within your line of sight while you are paying for the fuel. Also how secure is any ammunition and the bolt for your rifle?
If you can see your vehicle at all times, as I understand it, you're not breaking the law.

Personally I take the do what is reasonably practical.
Firearms are concealed in vehicle when traveling, generally with luggage on top.
Ammunition is locked in a separate compartment.
Bolts are in a backpack that goes with me if/when I leave the vehicle.
I take the risk that I'll have to explain to a judge why I didn't completely follow the law and throw myself on the judge's mercy.

The law is an ass.
You're not meant to leave a firearm unattended in a vehicle.
So you're traveling and need to go into a bank.
Try carrying your firearm bag (soft or hard) with you into the bank.
They won't unlock the door(s) and nek minute the girls & boys in blue will come racing round the corner weapons drawn.

Funniest travel story.
One year on the way to the NRANZ nationals, at the tunnels near Kaikoura there's a fully kitted policeman, bushmaster flak jacket and all.
On the radio news it says they're chasing some guy with a "sniper rifle" and 30 rounds of ammunition !!!!
The poor guy being chased probably can't hit a barn at 100 yards.
Well don't look at me, in the ute are 3 FTR rifles, and 1200 rounds of ammunition which can hit at a 1000 yards. All good here officer.