The laws governing the legal use, storage and carrying of firearms are constantly changing. Below are the applicable laws in the State of  as of 3/20/2013. The below information is designed to be a guide and not the final word. If you have specific questions, please refer to the State of Tennessee legislation at the Tennessee Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security at tn.gov. Another great resource is the Tennessee Department of Public Safety FAQ section.

39-17-1307.  Unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon.
(a)(1) A person commits an offense who carries with the intent to go armed a firearm, a knife with a blade length exceeding four inches (4''), or a club.

(e)(1) It is an exception to the application of subsection (a) that a person authorized to carry a handgun pursuant to § 39-17-1351 is transporting a rifle or shotgun in or on a privately-owned motor vehicle and the rifle or shotgun does not have ammunition in the chamber. However, the person does not violate this section by inserting ammunition into the chamber if the ammunition is inserted for purposes of justifiable self-defense pursuant to § 39-11-611 or § 39-11-612.

(2) It is an exception to the application of subsection (a) that a person who is not authorized to possess a handgun pursuant to § 39-17-1351 is transporting a rifle or shotgun in or on a privately-owned motor vehicle and the rifle or shotgun does not have ammunition in the chamber or cylinder, and no clip or magazine containing ammunition is inserted in the rifle or shotgun or is in close proximity to both the weapon and any person.

NOTE: You cannot have a loaded handgun in a vehicle without a permit in the State of Tennessee.