I will likely be moving from MA to FL in 2025. I own approximately 50 firearms- handguns, rifles, and shotguns. I also have 10 - 15 thousand rounds of various ammunition.
What is the safest legal way for me to transport these during the move? When I last moved 8 years ago the movers required that my gun safe be empty. I have not started looking yet but thought I’d try to get ahead of things.
Thank you in advance.
First of all, congratulations on moving to a free state. Unfortunately, with absolutely no way to avoid driving through New York State, you’re trip isn’t going to be easy.
Look deeply into the laws regarding transporting firearms in NYS. Mere possession of an unloaded handgun inside state lines, without a NY pistol license (which you can’t get as a non resident) is a major felony. Supposedly, federal interstate transport laws allow you to travel from one legal state to another but only if you don’t stop. You may choose to ship all your handguns to an FFL in Florida, and drive your rifles (but only if they’re not "assault " rifles as defined by New York’s insane laws). Also, possession of ammo for a particular gun, even if it’s not in the gun, counts as the gun being “loaded” and makes it illegal to have in a vehicle. Personally, I’d strongly consider arranging shipping for all your guns directly to a Florida FFL, and drive the ammo down. It won’t be cheap, though.
Oh, and welcome to our group here!
I thought id heard NY state was better than NYC? That not true?
I would not trust that load to movers. I would rent a generic box moving truck that can be driven with an ordinary driver 
, not a CDL, and drive that myself making a few necessary stops as possible, keeping it in sight of where eat and sleep. Consider having it alarmed to wake up if anyone tries to tamper with or enter it, and maybe have a tracking device on it too in case it’s stolen. Alert police immediately if it is stolen and have a detailed inventory, make, model, calibration, and serial number of each item, and at least cell phone photos of each item.
Maintain strict operational security and don’t mention anything about this again, what you are moving or your itinerary except to a spouse, as you might going a field or a float for recreational ventures in case you are over due your return. If she is with you, only you know who else you can trust and keep it tight, swearing them to secrecy, no more media posts at all on your move. Except maybe that you arrived safely no than that.
Remember that anyone can research your details on line.
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Like the DoD announcements that asserts have arrived in the central command’s area of responsibility.
Unfortunately, not much. NYC has its own licensing requirements for handguns on top of what the state has, but the state has some of, if not the, worst gun laws in the country.
NEW YORK STATE is a DEAD ZONE Brother
.gov Hochel is a dumbaXX that wants everybody disarmed and defenseless.
She want everyone to experience the Pudding’s ‘Joy dammit! Vote for the Joy party!’
It is a TRUE sanctuary State because everyone is locked up in their tiny $4,000 a month apartments and scared sh!tless to go out for groceries! (They find the bodies eventually because their neighbor’s notice the smells. Eventually when Pudding stops spending Trillions on Ukraine we will get around to walling off NYS from the rest of the population and they will eat each other. When that’s done we can reopen NY for business once again. Projected opening date 2050.
Brother Joseph, Welcome to the fold.
My simple advice is ‘Don’t talk, Don’t Tell’
Just pack up the ‘Zucchini’s’ and 'Squash" in your car and drive around NYS!
Don’t even let the movers know, Have them move your empty safe and
tell them to shut up.
Be careful what you mention here. Trolls have ears (3) !
What @Frank261 said. I moved from CT to WV and used my motorhome to make the monthly trip bringing things down, about 8 trips total. I took 84W to 81S, avoiding the metro NY and NJ areas. No real recent experience, but I’d stay the heck away from the I-95 corrider, just freaking overcrowded and too much potential for an accident. Don’t stop in NY, and making sure all my equipment was functioning and in good shape, going just a hair slower than the flow most of the time. Since 2021 I’ve taken that route about 15 times, and 84 in NY has been smooth. The rest of the states are fine, except for MD, fortunately it’s a sliver where 81 passes through.
Edit to add…if you’re renting a truck, definitely do a walk around and check tires, fluids, belts etc…I’ve seen U-Hauls broke down quite a few times, and would bet it’s mostly stupid stuff that just ruined the drivers day.
Edit #2 lol…I just remembered talking with the moving broker. The moving company could take firearms, and makes a list/serialize them etc…they won’t take ammo. I just decided empty safes and nothing said was the best method for me.
Congrats on your impending move out of that 2a hellhole.
@Joseph594 Welcome to our community, we are glad to have you. 
This is why we have such a great community. 
Truth that! Just look them up on the USCCA Reciprocity webpage.
Mostly if all your items are locked in your container, and in the cargo compartment, with no access to the passenger compartment, you are allowed by law to transport those items on an interstate move, just don’t stop in NY at all.
If you do over night stop at a hotel you in NY you are s subject to arrest for transporting into vs. through NY, if you must stop over on your trip plan it elsewhere.
We moved from NY to TN in 2021.
We flew here in September to house hunt.
We drove here with our “no fly” dog at the end of November to occupy our new home by December 1, 2021.
We broke that trip in half with an overnight stay in WV.
There are apps for interstate exits with information about what amenities if any are at each exit, you can plan where to eat and sleep and refuel as needed. Most interstates are not like I-90 Mass Turnpike or NY Thruway, no rest stops on the mainline, just locally off of the exits.
Also, recommend the Crackle Barrel Country Store Restaurant chains website for meals. They are at many interstate exits in states that they are in. Good food at a reasonable price.Just plan on earlier than the usual meal times, get crowded quick.
With the amount you have to move I would rent a truck load it up and bring it myself. just don’t spend the night in New York. Load and lock up weapons and ammo in different containers. Also welcome
Have you tried FFL to. FFL?
Wow - thank you all for the responses and warm welcome. This is a very nice community and I look forward to participating in it.
I will read through all the responses after work tonight and undoubtedly have follow up questions. Thanks again!
P.S. Welcome to the 2A friendliest community that I know of.
Subject: iExit your pit stop planner app
Most recent updated version just 4 days ago so, it’s current! Link below 
Also: at Google Play store too.
Get two buddies and drive straight through.
Paul549 upstate and western New York the people are a lot better then the city but they have the same Governor.
Sorry you have to go through New York! fair warning with out of state tags SLOW DOWN I repeat SLOW DOWN going through Ga. Even if the locals are doing 5 or more over don’t do it!
Remember this phrase if you are ever pulled over
“I do not consent to being searched or to have my car search. Officer am I free to go?”
Another good phrase to repeat over and over is: I don’t answer questions.
Hand over your DL, insurance and registration and zip it. Even if they say we will get a dog or a search warrant; stand your ground! Police are only allowed to hold you long enough to give you the ticket. Anything longer gives your attorney ammo to get any charges dismissed. You also might want to sign up for an attorney on demand that you can call and have them speak to the officer.
Edit: and record EVERYTHING! I can’t stress that hard enough !
Driving through Canada might be easier.