Legality of me shooting a pistol

[karlmalone]

Im 19 years old and my dad has a few pistols, id like to go shooting with my friends, non of which of over 21. In the state of california, all other factors being legal. Can I shoot the pistol without breaking the law?

 

[orygunmike]

Local Firearms Laws

In cases such as yours, I think it is always a good idea to get the facts from the local sheriff.

Call the sheriff in your area..and ask your questions. They should also be able to refer you to the specific California or county codes/laws so you can read the law for yourself. Lastly...they can probably give you an idea of the best places to shoot..and where to stay away from.

Make sure of who you are going shooting with. Your buddies may be great guys...but if they aren't safe, especially if you are shooting in a non-controlled open range......I wouldn't go out with them

 

[thumbody]

I believe you would have to have your Dad with you if they are his guns.

 

[gunsmith]

I would guess that you can't

CA really sucks that way, you can join the army and shoot machine guns but you can't buy a .22 pistol.
Also you have to be sure that your dad bought these guns in CA or registered them when you moved there because they can charge you with a felony for transporting them if they are not registered. CA has defacto registration in that the DOJ is notified when you buy a pistol.
And your local LE may not really know the law, go ahead and call anyway this way you can get a feel as to how they handle gun rights, but for the real answers I would say join the NRA and attend your local meetings and ask there. Also these guys probably can help now that I thunk it!
http://calguns.net/

GOOD LUCK AND GOOD SHOOTING

 

[Rockstar]

Unless it's against your state's laws, then, of course it's legal. You can own and possess a handgun @ 18, according to Federal law; just can't buy one from an FFL.

 

[Molon Labe]

In cases such as yours, I think it is always a good idea to get the facts from the local sheriff.

Call the sheriff in your area..and ask your questions. They should also be able to refer you to the specific California or county codes/laws so you can read the law for yourself. Lastly...they can probably give you an idea of the best places to shoot..and where to stay away from.

You should never ask an LEO a legal question, especially when it directly relates to an activity you (might) participate in. This is for two reasons:

1. An LEO is not an expert on the law.

2. Many LEOs are against the idea of a "civilian" possessing a firearm. If the LEO you're asking falls into this category, there's a good chance (IMO) you will receive a very "biased" answer. (This is a nice way of saying the LEO will lie to you.)

If you want a factual answer, do one or both of the following:

1. Look up the laws yourself, and draw your own conclusion.

2. Talk to a lawyer.

 

[PinnedAndRecessed]

In cases such as yours, I think it is always a good idea to get the facts from the local sheriff.

That would otherwise be good advice, but it's California.

Gun laws are so convoluted and rapidly changing that not even LEOs can keep up. When I moved there, for the first several years, anytime I went to the range I called numerous times to see what the laws were. And yes, they changed frequently in the seven years I was there.

And the various law enforcement officers didn't always know what the latest laws were. And frequently contradicted one another.

I got this off the Kal DOJ web page:

It is a handgun owner's responsibility to take all possible steps to make sure a child cannot gain access to handguns. In fact, this responsibility is mandated by California law.

That's from here:

http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/tips.htm

My guess is that a minor is a child in the eyes of the nanny Kal govt. My guess is that if you got caught, your dad might lose his handgun.

If you want to be sure, go here:

http://ag.ca.gov/contact/index.htm

There are appropriate phone numbers for you. It's a no hassle call. And no, the person on the other end isn't going to caller ID you and send agents to kidnap your dog. That just happens to the other tin-foil folks.

 

[dakotasin]

there's a good chance (IMO) you will receive a very "biased" answer. (This is a nice way of saying the LEO will lie to you.)

surely you jest!
next you're gonna tell me some of our politicos and cops might even be, dare i say, corrupt???

 

[mp510]

http://caag.state.ca.us/firearms/dwcl/12101.htm
This page from the California AG has the laws for the state regarding juveniles and firearms.

http://caag.state.ca.us/firearms/dwcl/index.html
2006 Weapons control laws for California

 

[Mad Chemist]

Go with your dad. Aside from complying with the law, it will give you something fun to do with the old man. He might even know a thing or two about handguns and be willing to teach you.

JH

 

[karlmalone]

Good advice guys, thanks a bunch. I just started getting into firearms, it looks like itll be a part of my life, once again thanks for the words.

 

[Aguila Blanca]

You should never ask an LEO a legal question, especially when it directly relates to an activity you (might) participate in. This is for two reasons:

1. An LEO is not an expert on the law.

Roger that. And it applies even to a friendly LEO.

Some years ago, when I had bought my first handgun after many years of not shooting, and before I obtained a CCW, I was at a 4th of July party with my then significant other. Her nephew is a police officer in a nearby city. I asked him if it was legal for me to take the pistol to a shooting range outside of my own town if I didn't have a permit. He said "Sure."

BAD ANSWER. Under my state's laws, it is very definitely NOT legal. Fortunately, I had a funny feeling when he said that, so I waited until I had the permit. Would I have been caught? Probably not. But given that it's a felony if caught, it wasn't worth the risk.