transporting a weapon to firing range

Question
What is the legal way to transport a hand gun to the firing range in Missouri?  We don't have a ccw permit.

Answer
Terrie,

According to Missouri law, it is legal for you to transport your unloaded firearm in your vehicle.  The specific language of the statute states

"transporting such weapons in a nonfunctioning state or in an unloaded state when ammunition is not readily accessible or when such weapons are not readily accessible."

In addition it states that if you are

"twenty-one years of age or older transporting a concealable firearm in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle is permitted, so long as such concealable firearm is otherwise lawfully possessed, or when the actor is also in possession of an exposed firearm or projectile weapon for the lawful pursuit of game, or is in his or her dwelling unit or upon premises over which the actor has possession, authority or control, or is traveling in a continuous journey peaceably through this state."

So...keep it unloaded and in plain view if in the passenger compartment of your vehicle.  It would be even better if you transported it in your trunk.

Hope this helps,

Doug