imported post
after reading statue 624.718 2 times. I can see how one can come to the conculsion that Subd 1(b)(3) is the exemption for the penalty listed in Subd 2. As Far as law enforcement go they get around Statue 97B.045 because of Subd 3 of 624.718 also remember that statue 97B.045 isa law that is related to game and fish (DNR Laws)
also there is one other issue at hand then. If you read the offical wording on the permit it self it reads "State of Minnesota Permit to Carry A Pistol" therefore the permit would not be valid for long guns but like I said above 624.718 Subd 1(b)(3) would give you the exception but then the state would need to change the wording on the permit from "Pistol" to "Firearm" they would also have to change the wording of 97B.045 Subd 1(3) from "A handgun carried in compliance with 624.714" to "A firearm carried in compliance with 624.714"
First the wording on the permit card doesn't matter, It is also functions as a permit to purchase a handgun or "semiautomatic military-style assault weapon". Subdivision 3 of 624.718 applies to permit holders only not peace officers, and it doesn't provide a defense for a violation of statue 97B.045.
97B.045 deals with firearms in motor vehicles, it is part of the the fish and game statues but it still applies even if you are not hunting or fishing. The exceptions are if the gun is unloaded and cased, unloaded and in the trunk, or a hand gun carried in compliance with sections 624.714 and 624.715. 624.715 is an exception for antiques and doesn't really apply to the discussion. And also a section covering disabled hunters that is also not relevant.
624.714 deals with pistols carried in motor vehicles and on or about a person in public. Basically it is illegal unless you have a permit described in the statute or a peace officer. It only applies to pistols (interesting that it's pistol in 624.714 and handgun in 97b.045)
624.718 covers carrying rifles and shotguns in public, making it illegal to carry one with some exceptions:
- To, from, or at a place where firearms are repaired, bought, sold, traded, or displayed.
- Where hunting, target shooting, or other lawful activity involving firearms occurs. (I'm guessing not including self defense)
- At funerals, parades, or other lawful ceremonies.
- Unloaded and in a cased
- A person who has a permit under section 624.714
- An antique firearm as a curiosity or for its historical significance or value
- In compliance with section 97B.045. (some what redundant with #4)
- Officers, employees, or agents of law enforcement agencies or the armed forces of this state or the United States, or private detectives or protective agents, to the extent that these persons are authorized by law to carry firearms and are acting in the scope of their official duties.
In summary:
624.718 makes carrying a long gun in public a gross misdemeanor but gives an exception to peace officers and permit holders.
97B.045 makes carrying a firearm in a motor vehicle illegal(I'm not sure what the penalty for breaking it is) but gives exceptions for guns that unloaded and cased or in the trunk, and hang guns for people allowed under section 624.714.
624.714 makes carrying a pistol a gross misdemeanor and makes exceptions for peace officers and permit holders, and gives the process for applying for and granting a permit to carry.
It is legal to carry a long gun in public if you have a Minnesota carry permit. It is not legal to have a loaded or uncased long gun in a motor vehicle. The law is badly written and hard to read, but that's what you get when you let lawyers make law.
For another example of badly written and researched law look at 609.667, and look up United States Code, title 26, section 5842 and the definition of firearm in that section of US code.