California HG Laws Question

[riverkeeper]

We're going to be babysitting the grand kids near Pasadena for 2 weeks later this month.

There is no WA-CA reciprocity for CCW ... Oregon is OK.
We need to know the rules for carry in a car (locked unloaded in trunk etc???) in CA on the drive there. ANd if possession/carry in the home is OK. Probably will be a KelTec P3AT ... CA has some wacky rules about authorized weapons too.

Edit -- If the kelTec doesn't go will try a SW 642 38spl

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Reicher]

http://www.handgunlaw.us/

[ccw9mm]

Basically:

• Check the CA Attorney General's Bureau of Firearms web site. From there, you can find a few quick-reference guides, a guide for traveling through the state with firearms, and the like.
• Check the statutes on dangerous weapons (firearms): click.
  
  • Specifically, check 12025 & 12026: click. 12025 talks about when you may not carry. 12026 talks about exceptions to that.
    
    • 12026. (a) Section 12025 shall not apply to or affect any citizen of the United States or legal resident over the age of 18 years who resides or is temporarily within this state
    • Meaning, while you're in temporary residence (ie, in a hotel, home of a friend, whatever), then you're exempt from the basic restrictions in 12025.
• If your firearm is on the list of guns certified for sale/manufacture in California, you're good to go: click. But, you're simply bringing one in for defensive use. Just be sure it's not a banned item (uncertain where this list is).
  
  • The S&W 642 is on the list. Good to go.
  • KelTec isn't mentioned. Uncertain why. However, keep in mind that CA has long frowned on "saturday night specials" (ie, so-called "junk" guns). CA might well deem KT as a "junk" gun. Verboten, likely (uncertain). Safer to take the S&W 642.
• Don't exceed the 10rd magazine limit.
• If you're traveling through the state and do not have a CA CHL, you need to carry the firearm in a locked case in the locked trunk, with ammo separate. With pistols and ammo, I generally carried two locked cases, one for each.
• You're able to have a firearm in your residence, even a temporary one, even if you don't have a CHL. Just don't carry it off that property.
• Do not carry a firearm concealed unless you have a CA CHL.
• Check the laws on storage of the firearm when you're not in direct control of it. IIRC, CA has changed the laws in the past few years in that regard. I think you're required to have it locked up. Verify.
• Handgunlaw.us contains a summary of the relevant statute numbers for each state. Useful for verifying the CA code for firearms.

I lived in CA for some years, having a CHL. It was in a rural county where there were as many guns as there were cattle and sheep, with a county sheriff that thought the heads of criminals deserved to be posted on pikes as a warning (or, so it seemed). Prior to acquiring my CHL, the above steps are what I did.

[dukalmighty]

as far as federal travel laws weapon and ammo have to be seperated and locked in seperate containers,I have no idea on posession in the home once you are there

[Chorizo]

As you are not taking up residence in CA, just visiting, travel rules apply.

Here is a quote from the CA DOJ website:

Traveling with Firearms in California - Bureau of Firearms - California Dept. of Justice - Office of the Attorney General

Traveling with Firearms in California
HANDGUNS
California Penal Code section 12025 does not prevent a citizen of the United States over 18 years of age who is not lawfully prohibited from firearm possession, and who resides or is temporarily in California, from transporting by motor vehicle any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person provided the firearm is unloaded and stored in a locked container.

The term "locked container" means a secure container which is fully enclosed and locked by a padlock, key lock, combination lock, or similar locking device. This includes the trunk of a motor vehicle, but does not include the utility or glove compartment. For more information, refer to California Penal Code Section 12026.1.

SHOTGUNS AND RIFLES
Nonconcealable firearms (rifles and shotguns) are not generally covered within the provisions of California Penal Code section 12025 and therefore are not required to be transported in a locked container. However, as with any firearm, nonconcealable firearms must be unloaded while they are being transported. A rifle or shotgun that is defined as an assault weapon pursuant to Penal Code 12276 or 12276.1 must be transported in accordance with Penal Code section 12026.1.

REGISTERED ASSAULT WEAPONS
California Penal Code section 12285(c)(7) requires that registered assault weapons may be transported only between specified locations and must be unloaded and in a locked container when transported.

The term "locked container" means a secure container which is fully enclosed and locked by a padlock, key lock, combination lock, or similar locking device. This includes the trunk of a motor vehicle, but does not include the utility or glove compartment. For more information, refer to California Penal Code Section 12026.1.

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[ccw9mm]

^^ But, for everyone traveling through, if you stop for the night or take up temporary residence (hotel, motel, home of a friend, hostel, tent, RV, or similar), then you've got to pay attention to 12025 and 12026 (among others) as well, since it's not just keeping the stuff locked in the trunk you've got to worry about.

[Chorizo]

You are not taking residence in CA. Different definition altogether.

Read the post again. See the part about "temporarily".

You may possess any firearm except assault weapons and prohibited weapons.

Here is a summary of CA firearm regulations, to include prohibited waepons from the DOJ wesite. Also includes using firearms in self defense.

http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/forms/pdf/Cfl2007.pdf

[riverkeeper]

These are first rate responses and references ... the rules seem to be approx what I've 'heard' over the years. Thanks, will definitely read them slowly again,

The KT P3AT has smoothly put over 1200 rounds downrange without the sightest burp. Is it a junk gun ? ... at $235, in2006, maybe just inexpensive. It's what I carry when 'not carrying'.

[Chorizo]

Here is another good place to read up:

Transporting Handguns in California (FAQ) - CalCCW

[torrejon224]

No CCW reciprocity here In Oregon but trunk carry should be OK with ammo in a seperate container. OSP is really cracking down on I-5 speeding and they have a bunch of new Troopers raring to go!

[nutz4utwo]

I grew up in Pasadena! Neat place. The Angeles National Forest has 2 shooting ranges. This one is neat and not too far:

Angeles Shooting Ranges

PM me if you want any fun things to do.

[Rob P.]

You do not need any special permit or license to possess or transport a firearm in California (unless we're talking about an assault weapon.) HANDGUNS not on the DOJ list of approved firearms are allowed to be brought into California by their owners for transport through the State. These handguns can even be imported into the state if the owner is moving into California and registers them.

You need to transport the firearm UNLOADED (including and especially any attached magazine) in a locked container. (See elsewhere for what is and what specifically IS NOT a locked container.) The ammo must not be in the same container as the firearm. It can be in a box, purse, or luggage in the passenger compartment or even carried as a loaded magazine on your person (unless you are a gang member). Contrary to popular belief ammo does not have to be locked up.

You can carry the firearm unloaded and "concealed" in a locked bag or container ONLY to/from the vehicle or other place where the firearm may be lawfully used (such as a range). You cannot make side trips while you carry the firearm in this manner - only to/from the vehicle.

You may possess a loaded firearm on your person (concealed or openly) inside your residence (even if temporary) without any permit. You may openly carry a loaded firearm on private property with the property owners permission so long as discharge of a firearm is legal in that area. You may openly carry an UNLOADED firearm in specific areas which are NOT POSTED and which are subject to "interpretation" by the various police agencies which will respond to the man with a gun call from concerned citizens who see you doing this. (Hint: Don't try this as a visitor. You'll stay longer than you want to.)

You CANNOT bring magazines with a capacity of greater than 10 rounds into the state. PERIOD! (Yes, I know that there are exceptions but none of them apply here and will only confuse the issue.)

You can and will enjoy yourself while visiting here.

[riverkeeper]

Thanks for the add'l info.
Doh. Me dumb. ... never Carried Concealed in Oregon, didn't plan to this time & thanks.

Sunland actually ... we've got a hiking book and detailed maps for the San Gabriels and other stuff .. been there briefly before but w/o Roscoe. Thanks. Will talk to the ranges and parents about shooting with the kids ... girl 7 and boy 14. Suspect ranges don't deal with kids under 18 or so.

[KenInColo]

You do not need any special permit or license to possess or transport a firearm in California (unless we're talking about an assault weapon.) HANDGUNS not on the DOJ list of approved firearms are allowed to be brought into California by their owners for transport through the State. These handguns can even be imported into the state if the owner is moving into California and registers them.

You need to transport the firearm UNLOADED (including and especially any attached magazine) in a locked container. (See elsewhere for what is and what specifically IS NOT a locked container.) The ammo must not be in the same container as the firearm. It can be in a box, purse, or luggage in the passenger compartment or even carried as a loaded magazine on your person (unless you are a gang member). Contrary to popular belief ammo does not have to be locked up.

You can carry the firearm unloaded and "concealed" in a locked bag or container ONLY to/from the vehicle or other place where the firearm may be lawfully used (such as a range). You cannot make side trips while you carry the firearm in this manner - only to/from the vehicle.

You may possess a loaded firearm on your person (concealed or openly) inside your residence (even if temporary) without any permit. You may openly carry a loaded firearm on private property with the property owners permission so long as discharge of a firearm is legal in that area. You may openly carry an UNLOADED firearm in specific areas which are NOT POSTED and which are subject to "interpretation" by the various police agencies which will respond to the man with a gun call from concerned citizens who see you doing this. (Hint: Don't try this as a visitor. You'll stay longer than you want to.)

You CANNOT bring magazines with a capacity of greater than 10 rounds into the state. PERIOD! (Yes, I know that there are exceptions but none of them apply here and will only confuse the issue.)

You can and will enjoy yourself while visiting here.

+1 This is the best definition on the subject. Way to go.

[Rob P.]

Thanks for the add'l info.
Doh. Me dumb. ... never Carried Concealed in Oregon, didn't plan to this time & thanks.

Sunland actually ... we've got a hiking book and detailed maps for the San Gabriels and other stuff .. been there briefly before but w/o Roscoe. Thanks. Will talk to the ranges and parents about shooting with the kids ... girl 7 and boy 14. Suspect ranges don't deal with kids under 18 or so.

2 more things.

First, check and see if you need the special "Adventure Pass" for the area you're going to be hiking in. The pass is cheap and you get it from the ranger station. There are several people and organizations who believe that the pass requirement is unconstitutional but that doesn't help you much after you get your ticket for not having one.

Second, Most ranges here don't discriminate against younger kids who are well supervised by a responsible adult. Check out the range at Burro Canyon or "A place to shoot" in Saugus. Both places have web pages and are nearby to Sunland.

Burro Canyon Shooting Park - Public Shooting Ranges and Law Enforcement Training Center

A Place to Shoot