Unless you have a permit of some kind or on your own property, it is general against the law to posses any LOADED firearm in any area you can not discharge it.
"generally"? What statute? Where is this in writing? If it is not in writing, it is not a law!
What would the cop charge me with?
Open carry is legal if the weapon is unloaded, but expect to draw a lot of police attention. If you have just one round of ammo on your person you are subject to arrest for having both a firearms and ammo in a "public place".
And charged with violating what statute, exactly? See question above, where is the statute that prohibits ammo in one pocket and an (unloaded) gun on your hip ANYWHERE?
What would the cop charge me with?
Contrary to popular opinion, concealed carry is legal for most people in California. However the gun must be UNLOADED ....<snip> ... AND you must be going to or from HUNTING, FISHING, or several other listed activities.
True, under the following statutes:
12025. (a) A person is guilty of carrying a concealed firearm when he or she does any of the following:
(1) Carries concealed within any vehicle which is under his or her control or direction any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.
(2) Carries concealed upon his or her person any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.
(3) Causes to be carried concealed within any vehicle in which he or she is an occupant any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.
12027. Section 12025 does not apply to, or affect, any of the following:
(c) Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps of the United States, or the National Guard, when on duty, or organizations which are by law authorized to purchase or receive those weapons from the United States or this state.
(d) The carrying of unloaded pistols, revolvers, or other firearms capable of being concealed upon the person by duly authorized military or civil organizations while parading, or the members thereof when going to and from the places of meeting of their respective organizations.
(e) Guards or messengers of common carriers, banks, and other financial institutions while actually employed in and about the shipment, transportation, or delivery of any money, treasure, bullion, bonds, or other thing of value within this state.
(g) Licensed hunters or fishermen carrying pistols, revolvers, or other firearms capable of being concealed upon the person while engaged in hunting or fishing, or transporting those firearms unloaded when going to or returning from the hunting or fishing expedition.
(you must not have any ammo on your person)
Where does the law say that? I *DO* see the law stating you must be a Licensed hunter or fisherman (so having a hunting/fishing license that is current is required.)
Finally, most police are not gun people. They do not know the laws. If in doubt they will arrest/detain. Some will ask for a supervisor. If you do anything out of the ordinary they are confused.
ABSOLUTELY 100% TRUE! Infact, CA has so many gun laws that the DOJ dosen't even know all of them, let alone beat cops that have to deal with every mannar of everything. Many cops barely know any firearm laws. Keep this in mind if you are going to push the limits.