Properly storing and transporting firearms after changes to legislation

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – The U.S. Supreme Court will hear its first major gun rights case in nearly a decade on Monday in a challenge backed by the National Rifle Association over a now-amended New York City handgun regulation that had prevented licensed owners from taking their handguns outside the city.

The dispute centers on New York’s handgun “premises” licenses that allowed holders to transport their firearm only to a handful of shooting ranges within the city, and to hunting areas elsewhere in the state during designated hunting seasons.

The transport rule was amended in July to specifically allow for a gun to be taken to a range or other residence outside the city. The city unsuccessfully asked the Supreme Court to cancel the arguments and drop the case because the amendment removed the provision being challenged.

The New York State Rifle and Pistol Association filed the lawsuit in 2013 along with three city residents who were told by authorities they could not participate in a shooting competition in New Jersey or bring their guns to a home elsewhere in the state.

They say the regulation violates the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

Michael Schwartz, Executive Director of the San Diego County Gun Owners PAC, and Wendy Hauffen, certified firearms instructor and SDCGO employee, were in studio to talk about this.