More great feedback. Let me provide some context, status and comments:
No, like almost every Californians, I do not have a CCW permit and have never applied. There is little chance that I would qualify and don't want to go on any list as being denied. To add some color, in case some are not aware of the CCW climate in CA, there is a very very high bar and/or you need some very close connections to qualify for a CCW permit. And in the general (non-semi-apocalyptical) state of the world, I have no interest in generally carrying.
The picture I am trying to paint is one in which all police/fire/social services are completely unable to manage the workload; that the damage to infrastructure, commercial and domestic environments is incalculable. I saw that happen, in the midst of a relatively mild earthquake that was not centered in the City, back in 1989. I'm simply at work, I can see that the major roads are impassable, and am compelled to hoof it. My wife and I assume that in such a disaster, we will rally at home so that is the POR.
In this case, as long as I am not swinging one on my hip, threatening others, or pillaging the local 7-11, I suspect I'm not going to get the attention of any LEO. There will be so many other pressing things for them to do that a gray-haired, middle age, reasonably fit looking guy wearing a backpack and staying out of trouble will likely get a pass. Worst case I suspect that if spotted, it would be confiscated. Oh well.
Regarding questions:
BSA1: Flush with money? No, not really. But I've been a successful silicon valley executive and have been fortunate enough to be able to equip our cars with a moderately priced firearm if it seems prudent. It doesn't make my Bill Gates or the late Steve Jobs. Most definitely not that class of money. And, per the last election, maybe we're one-percent'ers. Who knows and why does it matter?
We don't have a family member to drive each vehicle. But I don't want to choose a car to drive in the morning and move our get-home-kit including the items we're discussing here, to the vehicle of the day. I'm not sure I follow your point about losing the contents in the other vehicles. I'm just not following you there. And yes, there would have to be some type of quarterly maintenance program for each one as mentioned by another contributor. But that doesn't sound to imposing. And part of the question I am asking is exactly how to pack such items, particularly while staying within the limits of CA law. And the only unattended vehicles will be the ones left home at the house. The others will be with us, and we'd be taking the 'rescue contents' from them to get home. Of course, all of this is moot if I/we (each) can just drive home. This scenario implies that we can't.
To the many comments citing the carrying of the gun/magazines, it is a delicate issue. In general, I'd hope to keep the items separated and stuffed in the bottom of the bag. Yes, making it less accessible to me, but less obvious to anyone who would be concerned. Alternatively, if the situation looked energized, with no police around to curtail it, I'd be more abt to be more prepared.
For those who are implying that without a CCW, I should just carry something else and forgo a firearm, you might be right. It's part of the reason I initiated this thread. I have not faced the situation yet. I always have the option of not taking it with me and keeping it legally locked in the car. It all depends on the time and the place. But ultimately, as others have said, I'd rather have the option of looking after myself (and family members perhaps) rather than dogmatically following the law. I am, and have been throughout my life, a law-abiding community aiding citizen. The scenario I paint is, although not unlikely, is an extreme case. So I really would like to hear, within the limits of the rules of THR, what others would do in this part of the world.
Back to the handgun side, I'm still biased toward the used G19. The Walther as referenced is, from what I've read, really really nice but the Glock is the only one I know that can be readily (or at least occasionally) purchased used from LEO's. And as others have noted, I'd really like to have a USP9C in each car, but it's hard to imagine that not costing at least twice or three times the used Glock scenario. Oh, and I've converted our two USP9's to LEM (w/safety - sort of like wearing a belt and suspenders) so they fall somewhere between a Glock and a DA/SA.
Bingo
