shotgun carrying laws

Question
QUESTION: I have a Mossberg 500 Mariner "JIC" shotgun for intended use (self defense only) on a sailing vessel based in maine-new hampshire, cruising?North to upper maine, south to florida keys.?can you advise how i can locate laws (federal, state) related to travelling on the waters between and among those coastal states while keeping that firearm on board??Thanks very much

ANSWER: Hi Doug,

Here is the scoop...the laws of the individual states apply as you are in the coastal waters of each state.  The good news is that you have a shotgun which makes it quite a bit less onerous for you.  If you were using a handgun for self defense on the boat, it would be a real pain.  

Basically, the laws regarding carrying a firearm in watercraft follows that of other vehicle transportation of firearms.  With rifles and shotguns, the most restrictive regulations you would deal with would only require that the shotgun be unloaded and cased.  In several states along the eastern seaboard, you can keep your shotgun loaded and accessible.

If you are looking for a comprehensive book that has information for all states, Scott Kappas has written an excellent book called the "Traveler's Guide to the Firearms Laws of the Fifty States".  It has reasonably detailed information on vehicle carry for each state and is also quite up to date as far as I can tell.  Make sure you get the 12th Edition which is the most recent.

You can purchase one online at:

www.tacticaldirect.com

Hope this helps you out...

Doug



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Doug,?thanks very much for your very informative and direct response on the above question.?牋?One followup question related to the Mossberg 500 JIC shotgun.?While it was supposed to come with that orange, waterproof carrying case made specifically for the JIC, the store where i purchased it did not provide nor have they agreed to help.?as well, mossberg refuses to provide a case under any condition, unless i were to purchase yet another JIC.?several gunshops have not been able to help.牋?Might you know any other option where i could find this specially made carrying case for the mariner 500 JIC??again, thanks for your help.?Doug.

Answer
Doug,

I did some checking around and didn't have any more luck than you did.  I talked to the guys at Mossberg in the 'service department' telling them that I drove over the case with my truck and needed a replacement.  I got the same story you did.  They only come as a set, but the service guy said they were 'considering' making the case available separately.

I checked around some of the usual places where you might be able to pick up something like that...but no luck.

I'd give it some time and perhaps Mossberg will change their mind.  In the meantime, here is a link to one of the forums I visit from time to time...they had a suggestion for a 'do it yourself' version of the case...

http://www.defensivecarry.com/vbulletin/related-gear-equipment/50950-jic-case.ht

Good luck,

Doug