Im on my way to Long Beach, Cali for a few years. I know in the Orange county area, mountain lion attacks are becoming more of an issue. I read that California has no need for a permit for open carry, but that you can only open carry in non industrialized areas. So if I wanna go hiking somewhere or out fishing etc. Am I allowed to open carry? If so is it true that I do not need a permit? Any information would be great!
California Open Carry
- Thread starter Jim730
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Desertdog
Member
Best to check to see if open carry is only for UNLOADED firearms. I have heard this but do not know if it is accurate.
It is still illegal to shoot mountain lions, MAYBE self defense would would be acceptable, but you would probably have to prove it in court.
PRK laws seem to be more against the lawful use of firearms than the unlawful use of them.
Also, better check the local laws wherever you are in this stupid state whenever you are talking about firearms.
It is still illegal to shoot mountain lions, MAYBE self defense would would be acceptable, but you would probably have to prove it in court.
PRK laws seem to be more against the lawful use of firearms than the unlawful use of them.
Also, better check the local laws wherever you are in this stupid state whenever you are talking about firearms.
Mark in California
Member
In California you may "open carry" anywhere you can legally discharge the weapon. Stated examples in the Penal Code are when hunting, fishing or at the range. You may not carry a loaded weapon ANYWHERE in a prohibited zone with out a exemption to the Loaded weapon law. That is any place you may not legally discharge that firearm.
For carrying a weapon in public, California has two laws. The first has to do with the carrying the weapon itself. You may carry concealed or on your person a weapon if you are going fishing, hunting, the range or seveal other destinations. THE CLINCHER IS IT MUST UNLOADED AND YOU MUST NOT HAVE ANY AMMO ON YOUR PERSON.
The second law makes it against the law to posses a loaded firearm in any public place. That is any place you may not legally discharge that firearm.
I live in a very gun friendly part of California, and I have a CCW, but I would be inviting trouble walking around town with a open carry. Most police do not know the law, and most time they will detain/arrest first and ask question later.
For carrying a weapon in public, California has two laws. The first has to do with the carrying the weapon itself. You may carry concealed or on your person a weapon if you are going fishing, hunting, the range or seveal other destinations. THE CLINCHER IS IT MUST UNLOADED AND YOU MUST NOT HAVE ANY AMMO ON YOUR PERSON.
The second law makes it against the law to posses a loaded firearm in any public place. That is any place you may not legally discharge that firearm.
I live in a very gun friendly part of California, and I have a CCW, but I would be inviting trouble walking around town with a open carry. Most police do not know the law, and most time they will detain/arrest first and ask question later.
There is no useful open carry in California in general. Some National Forest areas may allow carry when off the beaten path but all other places, State, County Parks and National Parks, the mag must be seperated from the unloaded firearm and an LEO can take your gun in to the station to see if you are the rightful owner. The area in Orange County where a recent attack occured is off limits for firearms unless CCW. If moving to Orange County or San Bernardino County you may get a CCW but not in LA County. The folks in charge don't see the odd animal attack in what is basic a city area as a problem, while it happens often in the state it only happens in an single area every decade or more. 
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