The question of how to discreetly transport firearms has been a topic of discussion among gun owners for years. In online forums, the idea of using everyday items for concealment often surfaces. One such concept, highlighted in a discussion on The Firing Line Forums, involves using a Guitar Gun Case to carry rifles and other long guns. This approach leverages the common sight of musicians carrying instrument cases to blend into the background and avoid unwanted attention. But is a guitar gun case a practical and legal solution for firearm concealment? Let’s tune into this idea and explore the considerations.
The Appeal of the Guitar Case for Discreet Gun Carry
The original forum post begins with a user, “HKguy9,” asking about the legality of carrying guns in a guitar case. As a music major frequently seen with instrument cases, he sought a way to transport his firearms without drawing attention. This highlights the core appeal of the guitar gun case: discretion. Unlike tactical gun cases that clearly signal their contents, a guitar case appears innocuous. As HKguy9 mentions, “I don’t want people to know I have a crap load of guns, so I rather carry my long guns in a guitar case than the more martial looking Blackhawk tactical long gun cases.” This desire for low-profile transport is understandable for many gun owners who prioritize privacy and avoiding unnecessary scrutiny.
This method can be particularly appealing in urban environments or on college campuses, where the sight of a traditional gun case might raise eyebrows. By using a guitar gun case, individuals can maintain a low profile, especially if they are already known to be musicians or regularly carry instrument cases, as in HKguy9’s situation.
Legal Considerations and Practical Advice
While the forum participants generally agreed on the practicality of a guitar gun case for discretion, the crucial aspect of legality was also raised. “HKguy9” himself acknowledged the need to “doublecheck w/ California law,” emphasizing that legal compliance is paramount. It’s important to note that while a guitar case itself isn’t inherently illegal for carrying a firearm, local and state laws regarding firearm transportation and concealment vary significantly. It is crucial to emphasize that this article does not offer legal advice, and individuals must consult their local and state laws regarding firearm carry and concealment.
The forum discussion touched upon key legal considerations implicitly:
- Concealed Carry Laws: While a guitar case might seem like concealed carry, the legal definition of “concealed” varies. Some jurisdictions focus on whether the firearm is hidden from ordinary observation. A guitar case might be considered concealed carry depending on local interpretations.
- Transportation Laws: Many places have specific laws about transporting firearms, often requiring them to be unloaded and in a case. A guitar gun case could fulfill the “case” requirement, but unloaded status is always critical.
- Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry: The intent behind using a guitar gun case is often closer to concealed carry in spirit, even if legally it falls under transportation. Understanding the distinction in local laws is vital.
Beyond legality, practical advice emerged in the forum. “Longeyes” wisely advised to “Keep it unloaded and you should be okay,” highlighting a fundamental safety and legal principle. “C.R.Sam” raised a practical concern about case durability, noting that “A lot of instrument cases are not very sturdy at the hinges and handles.” This is a critical point: a flimsy guitar case not designed for the weight of a firearm could easily break, compromising both discretion and firearm safety. Investing in a high-quality, hard-shell guitar case, as suggested by “ronin308,” is essential for reliable use as a guitar gun case. He recommends SKB brand cases known for their robustness, mentioning, “If you get a real hard case for an instrument it will stand up to hard abuse.”
Alternative Discreet Carry Cases and Customization
The forum discussion also branched out to alternative discreet cases, such as tennis racket cases and violin cases. “hammer4nc” suggested a tennis racket case for shorter firearms like a Mini-14 with a folding stock, emphasizing its “Compact, protective, unobtrusive (and cheap)” nature. “Malone LaVeigh” proposed a “hard-shell electric bass case” for long guns, arguing it “wouldn’t necessarily look like you’re trying to conceal something.” These suggestions demonstrate that the principle of discreet carry extends beyond just guitar gun cases and can be adapted to various case types depending on the firearm and desired level of inconspicuousness.
For those committed to the guitar gun case concept, customization is key. “HKguy9” inquired about foam cutting services for custom inserts, recognizing the need to secure the firearm within the case. “hammer4nc” offered a DIY solution using foam rubber and a knife, showing that custom foam inserts can be created at home. Custom foam is crucial for a guitar gun case to properly and safely secure the firearm, prevent movement, and offer impact protection.
Conclusion: Tuning Out Attention, Tuning Into Responsibility
Using a guitar gun case for firearm transport offers a potentially effective method for discreet carry, leveraging the everyday appearance of a musical instrument case. The forum discussion underscores both the appeal and the critical considerations of this approach. While a guitar gun case can help gun owners remain inconspicuous and avoid unwanted attention, it is not a substitute for responsible gun ownership and legal compliance. Before adopting a guitar gun case or any discreet carry method, individuals must:
- Thoroughly research and understand local and state firearm laws regarding transportation and concealment.
- Invest in a high-quality, sturdy case capable of safely securing the firearm.
- Customize the case with foam inserts to ensure the firearm is protected and doesn’t shift during transport.
- Always prioritize firearm safety by keeping the firearm unloaded during transport, unless legally permitted otherwise.
Ultimately, the guitar gun case concept highlights the ongoing dialogue among firearm owners about balancing Second Amendment rights with responsible and discreet firearm handling in a diverse society. It’s a reminder that while blending in might be desirable, knowing the legal and practical notes is essential for every gun owner.
