California gun laws.

[llain]

I've been reading up on California gun laws and was wondering if anyone had any good links or knowledge on how to transport my rifle legally. My understating of it is that I should have it in the trunk with no ammo attached to it in anyway and only when I'm taking it to the shooting range, hunting, etc... Is that about right? Also theres the whole no concealing it part. Can I not have it in the box it came in, a bag, or gun case? Does the rifle its self have to be visible when the trunk is opened? What if a sleeping bag or something rolls on top of it, am I concealing it then?

I'm new to this and want to have a clear understanding of the laws and keep everything legal.

Thanks for any help.

 

[jojosdad]

Here you go from the CA DOJ website: http://www.ag.ca.gov/firearms/travel.php

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.

I always keep my ammo in the cab of the truck, and firearms locked in the camper when traveling, except for my carry weapons.

You can also check here: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/index.php for more CA related gun info.

 

[traveler106]

I've never known anyone who got into trouble for transporting a rifle in the trunk of his car.

I'm pretty sure the only rules are that it has to be in the trunk, so you can't get to it if some jackass cuts you off, and it can't be loaded, which it shouldn't be, anyway, just in the name of safety.

That's how I do it -- unloaded in rifle bags in the trunk -- and I've lived in California all my life. Granted, I've never been pulled over while on my way to the range, but that's also how my dad does it and everyone else I know who goes shooting. Is there anyone here from California who has been pulled over while on the way too or from the range?

Now, I don't know what the rules are for transporting firearms in an SUV or something else that doesn't really have a separate trunk. Maybe they just have to be all the way in the back so the driver can't reach them.

 

[crazed_ss]

When traveling all guns need to be unloaded. Registered Assault Weapons and Handguns need to be in locked containers. The trunk counts as a locked container, but the center console or glove compartment does not.

Even though there isnt a specific requirement to do so, to be on the safe side, many people suggest that you keep your mags unloaded and ammo in a seperate bag.

 

[anotherKevin]

But what about school zones

I am familiar with the rules, but I have never figured out if they still apply, or are over-ruled by the rules defining no firearms within 1000 feet of a school. I work near a high school, and am unclear if I can have an unloaded rifle in the cab of my truck because of that.

 

[EOD Guy]

But what about school zones

I am familiar with the rules, but I have never figured out if they still apply, or are over-ruled by the rules defining no firearms within 1000 feet of a school. I work near a high school, and am unclear if I can have an unloaded rifle in the cab of my truck because of that.

The Federal Gun Free School Zones Act [18USC § 922(q)] requires that all firearms be in a locked container when passing through a school zone. That includes rifles and shotguns.

The California Gun Free School Zones Act (Penal Code § 626.9) only requires that handguns be in a locked container. The act also defines a school zone as extending to 1,000 feet of any school grounds.

It would appear that Federal law requires that ALL firearms be in a locked container if you pass within 1,000 feet of a school in California. Other states may define schools zones differently.

Good luck in driving anywhere in a populated area without coming within 1,000 feet of school property.

 

[Librarian]

The exceptions to Federal "Gun Free School Zones" are

(i) on private property not part of school grounds;
(ii) if the individual possessing the firearm is licensed to do so by the State in which the school zone is located or a political subdivision of the State, and the law of the State or political subdivision requires that, before an individual obtains such a license, the law enforcement authorities of the State or political subdivision verify that the individual is qualified under law to receive the license;
(iii) that is—
(I) not loaded; and
(II) in a locked container, or a locked firearms rack that is on a motor vehicle;

It looks to me that i is in your house up against a school property or such, ii is CCW, iii is locked container, as EOD Guy notes.

No exception for driving by on public roads.

California's exceptions are

(c) Subdivision (b) does not apply to the possession of a firearm
under any of the following circumstances:
(1) Within a place of residence or place of business or on private
property, if the place of residence, place of business, or private
property is not part of the school grounds and the possession of the
firearm is otherwise lawful.
(2) When the firearm is an unloaded pistol, revolver, or other
firearm capable of being concealed on the person and is in a locked
container or within the locked trunk of a motor vehicle.
This section does not prohibit or limit the otherwise lawful
transportation of any other firearm, other than a pistol, revolver,
or other firearm capable of being concealed on the person, in
accordance with state law.

So the second paragraph in (2) appears to allow driving past on public roads.

California law is not consistent with Federal law.

Do you maybe get the feeling the various legislators don't want people carrying guns around?

 

[llain]

What California laws are there about buying ammo online from another state? Is it legal as long as the ammo its self is not illegal?

 

[Ratzinger_p38]

What California laws are there about buying ammo online from another state? Is it legal as long as the ammo its self is not illegal?

God what a headache. I am glad I am long gone from California.

 

[railroader]

When you buy ammo online from out of state alot of companies won't ship to certain areas of California. One place for sure is the city of Los Angeles. There are others but I don't know them off the top of my head. Mark

 

[Hank Zudd]

go register at

Calguns.net; you'll go blind reading the laws, incidents and other good advice there. BWise is a good guy to read. Do a GOOD search before posting basic questions; that'll save you alot of time. Basiclly you're a criminal if you like guns in Kali; BELEIVE IT!!! (i lived there for 20 years)

 

[Librarian]

What California laws are there about buying ammo online from another state? Is it legal as long as the ammo its self is not illegal?

Yes, and also so long as -you- are legally able to own ammunition/firearms. But Railroader has the right caution; some places really do restrict ammunition buys, below the level of state law, and some sellers figure the whole idea is too risky and won't sell into parts or all of the state.