Crossing State Lines With Lawful Sporting Gear

You plan a trip, pack the essentials, then stare at your rifle case, bow tube, or tackle box and ask, “Can I bring this… legally?” 

Good news: yes, in most cases. But the details matter a lot. Here’s a clear, no-nonsense guide so you stay compliant on roads, rails, wings, and public lands—without inviting drama at mile marker 247.

Road Trips: FOPA Safe Passage Done Right

The federal “safe passage” rule (18 U.S.C. §926A) protects you while you drive from a place where you may lawfully possess and carry a firearm to another place where you may lawfully possess and carry it, so long as you meet strict conditions. 

Unload the gun, lock it in a case, and keep both the firearm and ammo out of reach. If your vehicle has a trunk, use it; if not, use a locked container other than the glove box or console. This statute preempts state and local rules during transport when you meet those conditions. 

Two important caveats: first, the protection applies to firearms under the Gun Control Act definition; second, you must start and end in places where you may lawfully possess and carry. If you detour and stop for activities unrelated to transport, you risk losing that shield. 

NFA Gear: SBRs Need Paperwork; Suppressors Don’t (Usually)

For most National Firearms Act items, you must file ATF Form 5320.20 before you cross state lines—specifically for machine guns, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and destructive devices. 

Suppressors do not fall under that travel-approval requirement. ATF’s own form page specifies the categories that require prior approval; reputable industry guidance confirms silencers are exempt from the 5320.20 travel filing. That said, you must still obey destination-state law.

Where Are Suppressors Legal?

As of 2025, 42 states allow private suppressor ownership; eight states ban them: California, Hawaii, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Delaware. If your route runs through or into one of those states, leave the can at home or reroute. 

The American Suppressor Association tracks these laws, and multiple summaries match that eight-state list. Laws can change, so verify again before you roll. 

Planning a legal setup for your AK-pattern rifle? Start with a purpose-built can like Zastava’s titanium (see AK Suppressor) and keep the paperwork clean where you use it.

Flying With Firearms, Ammo, and Parts

TSA keeps the rules simple: unload the firearm, place it in a locked, hard-sided case, and declare it at the airline counter. Only you hold the key or combination. 

Ammo goes in checked baggage only, packed in boxes that protect primers; magazines and clips may ride inside the locked case if they fully enclose the ammo. Carry-on is a no-go for guns, ammo, and most parts. Check your airline for any extra fees or size limits.

What about bows? TSA allows bows and arrows in checked bags, not carry-on. Use a sturdy case and expect inspection.

Trains: Amtrak Has Its Own Rules

Amtrak permits firearms only in checked baggage, and only on routes and stations that offer checked-bag service. You must call at least 24 hours in advance to declare firearms and/or ammo, then check them in a locked, hard-sided case. 

You must travel on the same train that carries your checked firearm. Don’t assume every station supports it—verify your exact train and endpoints.

Public Lands: Parks, Forests, and Federal Buildings

Since 2010, federal law defers to state law for possession of firearms in national parks and many other federal lands. That means your right to possess often tracks the state you stand in. 

But federal facilities inside parks—visitor centers, ranger stations, offices—remain off-limits to guns under 18 U.S.C. §930. Signs at entries usually mark those buildings. Also remember: hunting in most national parks stays illegal unless a park specifically authorizes it. 

State “Sensitive Places,” Mag Limits, and Local Twists

Every state stacks its own rules on top of federal law. Several states limit magazine capacity (often 10 rounds, sometimes 15 or 20), and some add purchase or possession quirks. These lists shift as courts rule and legislatures act. 

A current legal tracker shows 14 states and D.C. with some form of large-capacity magazine restrictions, while court fights in places like Washington and Delaware continue. Stay current and check both statutes and active litigation before you travel. 

Recent court rulings also uphold broad “sensitive place” restrictions in some states (e.g., New Jersey), which can bar carry in parks, beaches, museums, and similar venues. Expect more changes, and plan your route and stops with that in mind. 

Hauling Boats, ATVs, and Big Gear?

Many trips include a trailer, a winch, or a dump-bed for habitat work. Before a long haul, inspect your truck hydraulics and tie-downs. A safe loadout and a healthy hydraulic system keep you out of the breakdown lane and away from awkward questions on the shoulder.

Bottom Line

You can cross state lines with lawful sporting gear without a headache. Know your endpoints, understand safe passage, confirm suppressor legality, respect magazine and “sensitive place” rules, and follow TSA/Amtrak procedures when you fly or ride the rails. 

Do that, and your destination involves sunrise glassing, tight groups, or a quiet river—not a legal detour.