Planes, Trains, and Semi-Autos

With the recent enactment of a federal policy that allows its passengers to ride the rails with their guns, Amtrak created nearly 150 “bullet trains” overnight. The change, which went into effect December 15, was mandated by legislation passed in December 2009 and lifts the weapons ban Amtrak put in place in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

If any of Amtrak’s 74,000 daily passengers wish to pack heat on their trip, however, they must follow a set of guidelines that closely mirrors the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules for flying with firearms: Guns, which must be unloaded, are only allowed in checked bags and have to be locked in a hard-shell case. Larger guns (shotguns, rifles) are stored in a secure cabinet within the baggage car, but smaller guns (handguns) can be packed within a regular checked suitcase. Passengers are required to give Amtrak at least 24-hour notice if they plan on checking firearms and/or ammo and must fill out a declaration form on the day of their trip. Guns still aren’t allowed anywhere on Amtrak buses. The policy is spelled out in its entirety on Amtrak’s Web site.

The legislation was authored by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) who lauded the policy’s implementation two weeks ago. “This provision protects Americans’ Second Amendment right and is a small but important step in eliminating bias against gun owners,” he said in a statement. Gun Owners of America, the lobbying group instrumental in getting the ban shot down, similarly saw the decision as a fair one: “Those who travel by train who wish to bring a firearm to their destination for self-protection will be able to do so,” said GOA lobbyist John Velleco. “It’s also good news for hunters and others who have a need to transport personal firearms while traveling.” The National Rifle Association also gave the new law its stamp of approval.