Cross country drive throught the mid-west (Armed?)

[garand4life]

I'm moving from Ohio back to the great state of New Mexico. Myself and a friend from there are making this a straight drive through the mid west including Illinois, Indiana, Oklahoma, and Texas. What recommendations do you wise people out there have as to whether or not I should take extra precautions or what steps would you take if you were making a straight over night 24 hr drive cross country. Obviously my .45 will be on my person but would there be any other recommendations you would make?

[ellis4538]

I don't believe you will be legal in Ill. (if you get stopped).  I live in Ohio also and I would check with Ohio AG web site for reciprical (sp) agreements with other states.  Also Ohio rest areas forbid handguns in buildings.  Ohio Turnpike also.  Other states may be the same.
Good luck.

[CurrieS103]

Check out this website.  It might help plan your trip.

http://www.carryconcealed.net/packngo/index.php

[ratcatcher55]

Drop down to south to KY on I 65 to I 40 in Nashville, west to OK and you avoid any problems with IL.
Secondly the weather will be milder.

[garand4life]

I've reviewed the laws for Illinois and contact the State Highway Patrol and was told to secure it in a locked container while int he state. My biggest concern is to whether there are any areas that might pose a safety concern having to stop in the middle of the night for gas in say St. Louis. But in general when traveling what would you seasoned vets be suggesting as to how to secure and where.

[Sponsor]

[charliefarmerboy33]

Check out http://www.handgunlaw.us
My main concern would be crossing Illinois. All the othe states on your path allow some kind of concealed carry.

[Hazcat]

I wonder if anyone would think I'd flipped if I went LA via Omaha? 

[ellis4538]

Sorry, when you said you would be armed I assumed you meant in Ill. also.  I would put ammo in a different lockable case from the guns and keep it up front (back seat) and keep the guns in the trunk or under other luggage in the back.  If you have an Ohio CCW the rest of my first post stands.  Sometimes the web sites showing laws and agreements are not up to date but that is a starting place.

[Hazcat]

You said you were driving straight through so I won't mention motels.

If you stop for dinner park where you can see the car at all times.  If you stop for a 'rest' one of you stays with (in maybe, depending on area) the car.

[DDMac]

I wonder if anyone would think I'd flipped if I went LA via Omaha? 

Charlie Daniels carries.
Mac.