Rex, in some states having a loaded clip in the gun is a no-no, even if it's in a locked container, even if there isn't one in the chamber.
You can get a CC permit in different states, and some states recognize other states CC permits, while not recognizing others. There is no rhyme or reason. I'd suggest you get as many different state CC permits as you can, especially the ones that you travel through. You don't always have to be a resident of that state to get one.
Guys, this is one of the
best websites I've found for concealed carry information. If you plug in the state where you have a ccw, it will automatically highlight the other states that accept your home state ccw based on reciprocity. It also has a good discussion of most of the laws applicable to concealed weapons. For Black Cloud Rains (that's his Indian name - just did some research and found that out!
), this may be particularly useful info!
And, Scott, you are correct about the manner in which the weapon is carried as far as WV law goes - when just transporting a firearm, it and the ammo must be stored in separate locations within the vehicle such that that they cannot both be readily accessed. If you have a ccw, of course, that does not apply to your carry gun, but otherwise, it applies even to ccw holders.
I represented a friend once who had a ccw and had his pistol, loaded and ready to fire, locked in his glove compartment in a holster. He got stopped for speeding and advised the cop of his ccw status and that his weapon was in the glove compartment. He got arrested. We got the charge dismissed, but he had to go through the process and it ended up being a pretty big hassle before common sense finally prevailed with the prosecuting attorney and he agreed this was a pretty bad example of enforcement of concealed weapons law. It also helped that my client was a full-time professional EMT, but the point is, that sort of form of carrying can get you into some difficulties you may not want to tackle.
