A Reader’s Response
To “Safe & Secure”
I read with great interest the story in the Jan. 2024 issue about the organization Hold My Guns (“Safe & Secure”).
It is a great concept and idea. With the article demonstrating that FFLs can legally store weapons for individuals I would like to offer a suggestion. This summer I plan to travel in my camper to Montana and Washington. During that trip, I want to be able to drive into Canada.
The problem: Canada prohibits firearms being brought in. The solution I would like to see implemented is for firearms dealers along the American-Canadian border to offer a service to temporarily store and hold weapons for folks who carry guns in their
vehicles or campers to store them at their locations.
For the firearms dealers who are along the border, this could provide an additional and valuable revenue source.
— Name withheld by request
Response From Hold My Guns Founder
Dear Reader, you’re spot on. Storage during travel to restricted areas is yet another practical reason firearms owners benefit from this service. Hold My Guns aims to provide secure storage nationwide and appreciates your support to make these
efforts possible.
The ATF’s “Open Letter on Safe Storage” (dated July 24, 2023) affirms custodial storage is considered a transfer. The Gun Control Act requires transfers occur within the gun owner’s state of residency. This regulation complicates the process for those needing to store firearms at a border state FFL, as the firearms would then have to be shipped back to the owner’s state for transfer. This leaves the firearms owner unarmed on their return trip.
Locker services offer a practical alternative, eliminating the need for a transfer as the gun owner technically maintains possession of the firearms within a rented space. Hold My Guns is actively investigating the incorporation of locker services into our storage partners’ offerings, recognizing their value not only for travel-related storage but also for the storage of NFA items.
Your continued support is crucial as we strive to expand our services and assist more gun owners. Safe travels!
— Sarah Joy Albrecht
Founder/Executive Director, Hold My Guns
Editor’s Note: A special thank you to Sarah Joy Albrecht for taking the time to answer a reader question. For any further comments, send a note to editor@shootingindustry.com anytime.
