Transporting Firearms

Transporting Firearms

Quantico Shooting Club members and their guests are all guests on MCBQ, a DoD military installation and as such, are subject to a host of Federal, DoD and MCBQ rules and regulations. We've included the applicable regulation below, which outlines firearm transportation and other rules that apply while visiting a military installation, which includes NO concealed carry except for Federal Law Enforcement Officers. Please read the information carefully and understand ignorance of the law has not proven an effective defense. Four important points:

  • No concealed carry on base unless you are an active, credentialed Law Enforcement Officer

  • All weapons remained cased too and from the firing line

  • Weapons and ammo are transported in differing areas of the vehicle

  • You do not need to inform the installation entry controller you have a weapon when entering the base, but if you are contacted by Law Enforcement, you Do have to inform them you have a weapon in the vehicle

Marine Corps Base, Quantico is a Military Installation and Federal laws apply. Firearms transport rules for private citizens, military personnel, and law enforcement are found in MINCR-MCBQO 5501. Please click the link and read / download / print for your use. Some relevant excerpts from the base regulation follow:

MINCR-MCBQO 5501 - Control and Use of Privately-Owned Firearms and Other Weapons (numbering from the Order)

Regulation for Privately-Owned Firearms

1. In addition to the regulation identified in this enclosure, persons in possession of a privately-owned firearm on MINCR-MCBQ must comply also with all applicable Federal, state and local laws for the purchase, registration, transportation and storage of firearms.

2. Prohibited Activity. The following activities are strictly prohibited on MINCR-MCBQ, except as noted:

    a. Possessing or introducing a privately-owned firearm in any Federal facility; to include government-leased spaces and government vehicles.

    b. Carrying a concealed privately-owned firearm aboard MINCR-MCBQ regardless of state license or permit (state issued conceal carry permits are not recognized or valid on MINCR-MCBQ). Law enforcement personnel authorized to conceal-carry privately-owned weapons in the performance of duty are exempt.

4. Transportation of Firearms

    a. Under provisions of this Order, privately-owned firearms may be transported aboard MINCR-MCBQ for the following purposes:

        (1) Proceeding to or from a site approved for recreational firearm use, hunting activities, or other authorized use of privately-owned weapons.

        (2) Proceeding to or form an authorized place of storage aboard MINCR-MCBQ. QSC Added Note: QSC does not possess or store any firearms.

        (3) Following the lawful purchase of a firearm at MCX (on the date of purchase only).

        (4) Bringing firearms to the MCX to return a purchase or in order to utilize a Firearms Transfer Service.

        (5) Transiting Fuller Road from Jefferson Davis Highway (Route 1) to Potomac Avenue in order to access the Town of Quantico.

    b. Firearms shall be transported in the trunk of the vehicle where available. In vehicles without a trunk, firearms shall be in a carrying case, and placed as far away from vehicle occupants as the situation permits. If transporting firearms while operating a motorcycle, the firearms must be cased and in a saddle bag, a back pack or some other carrying device. Firearms transported by motorcycle may not be carried on the person in any manner, including a holster.

    c. Firearms must be unloaded and on safe during transport. 

    d. Magazines and all ammunition must be removed from firearms, where applicable, and kept separate, and as far away as possible from the firearm.

    e. Whenever a firearm being transported by vehicle and contact is made with MINCR-MCBQ PMO (military police or a civilian law enforcement officer), the operator of the vehicle shall immediately inform the law enforcement officer that he or she is in possession of a firearm. 

In addition to the MINCR-MCBQ rules regarding the transport and carry of firearms, all entering the installation agree to a consent to search and will have identification checked upon arrival. Please also know that military and DOD Police strictly enforce all speed limits: 

Consent to Search

Commanders of military installations may authorize personnel to conduct searches of persons or property upon entry to or exit from the installation. The justification for the search is to ensure the security, military fitness, or good order and discipline of the command is maintained. Any person and their property entering MCBQ is subject to search.

ID Check on Arrival

All personnel arriving through any of the security check point gates will be asked to provide appropriate identification prior to being admitted onto the base.

Speed Limits

Speed limits on any road leading to the entry check points and within the base are patrolled routinely with strict enforcement of posted speed limits. Any vehicle violations generally result in a DD Form 1805 Traffic Violation, a fine and if contested are handled in Magistrate's Court.