The age-old question of discreetly transporting firearms has led many gun owners to consider unconventional methods. Among these, using a guitar case to carry a gun has emerged as an intriguing possibility. This idea, discussed in online forums like The Firing Line, taps into the everyday normalcy of musical instrument cases to potentially conceal firearms from public view. But is it a practical or even legal approach?
The original forum thread on The Firing Line saw users like HKguy9 initiating a conversation about using guitar cases for carrying long guns. His rationale was simple: as a music major frequently seen with instrument cases, a guitar case wouldn’t raise suspicion like a tactical gun case might. This approach leverages the principle of “hiding in plain sight,” where an object blends into its environment by mimicking something ordinary.
The forum participants offered various perspectives. Longeyes and C.R.Sam highlighted the practical aspects, advising on case sturdiness and the importance of keeping firearms unloaded during transport. OF even shared personal experience of carrying an HK91 in a guitar case. The discussion also touched upon legal considerations, especially regarding California law, as raised by HKguy9.
Beyond guitar cases, the conversation broadened to include other discreet carry options. Hammer4nc suggested tennis racket cases for shorter firearms like a Mini-14 with a folding stock, emphasizing their compact and unobtrusive nature. The versatility of instrument cases was further explored with Malone LaVeigh proposing a bass guitar case for long guns and Ceol Mhor mentioning violin cases for Uzis. These suggestions underscore the appeal of instrument cases as a way to mask the presence of firearms.
However, the forum thread also subtly revealed potential downsides. While instrument cases offer visual discretion, they might not provide the same level of protection as dedicated gun cases. C.R.Sam pointed out the flimsiness of some instrument cases, a concern echoed in the context of firearm safety. Ronin308 countered this by highlighting the durability of high-quality instrument hard cases, like SKB models, suggesting that investing in a robust case could mitigate this risk.
The discussion further evolved into exploring other types of bags, such as ballistic nylon gig bags and even generic athletic bags, as mentioned by dZ and MeekAndMild respectively, for carrying pistols and related gear. These alternatives indicate a wider search for inconspicuous methods beyond just guitar cases.
The forum thread, while informal, reflects a genuine interest in discreet firearm carry. The guitar case, in particular, stands out due to its commonality and non-threatening appearance in many environments. For individuals like HKguy9, already accustomed to carrying instrument cases, it presents a seemingly seamless way to transport long guns without drawing unwanted attention.
Ultimately, the legality of carrying a gun in a guitar case depends heavily on local laws regarding firearm transportation and concealment. While a guitar case may offer visual discretion, it’s crucial to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. The forum discussion serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for gun owners to find practical and legal ways to transport their firearms responsibly and discreetly. Whether a guitar case is the right solution remains a matter of individual needs, circumstances, and adherence to the law.
