Tell me about bringing a revolver to calif for a week stay?

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colubrid

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I took a handgun with me to calif before, but this was before 911. Now i don't know if things have changed that much, but back then i just had to decalare it both ways while checking in at the airport and it had to be locked in a hard case (bullets seperate).

I am planning on going for a week to spend time camping in the deserts. Is this a problem or anything i should know before trying to claim a gun while enroute from Atlanta to calif this April? Will Calif give me any problems on the way back. I plan on bringing a simple ruger Sp101 with snub barrel.

With all the newer protoctive laws on shipping guns to calif (Calif approved list) i was wondering if any of this will effect me? If so, how?
 
The Roster of handguns applies only to transfers through FFLs, so bringing anything not otherwise classed as a California 'assault weapon' or a California 'short-barreled shotgun' (Taurus Judge and closely related models) is fine.

Transport in CA is unloaded - no rounds in the cylinder - and in a completely enclosing locked case. Ammo can be in the same case.

See http://wiki.calgunsfoundation.org/index.php/FAQ
 
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not to disagree with last poster, but I called CA police departments, multiple locations. The ammo must be seperated from the gun which is required to be in a locked case and needs to be in the trunk of the car.

Transportation is one thing, then you get to your destination. Same basic rules apply, locked case and unloaded.
 
Yes unless it has changed recently ammo and gun must be separate. When I lived there the gun did not have to be locked in the trunk but it and the ammo had to be separate.
 
LOL.

I've even heard some gun salesmen in CA tell new gun owners they should drive the guns and ammo in separate cars... there's so much unfounded FUD out there.

The truth is Librarian is correct. Ammo can be in direct contact with the gun in the same locked case. The gun just can not be loaded.

In addition, there is no requirement for anything to be in a trunk. The only requirement, is that the glove compartment does not count as a locked container. You would be perfectly legal to have the gun in a small locked case sitting on your lap with ammo in the same case.
 
You would be perfectly legal to have the gun in a small locked case sitting on your lap with ammo in the same case.
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However, I may suggest against doing that. That is, if you want to enjoy your vacation.
 
I have always taken my range bags to matches with both guns and ammo in the same bag. Guns were always empty. Bags were always carried in the trunk or in the back of the truck (extended cab) with all the zippers closed and range ID/membership card mounted to the outside of the bag.

Many Range Officer, LEO and Sheriff I shoot with (I have cousins who are PD/Sheriff also) stated the gun must be empty and be separated from the ammunition, but more important is that the gun/ammo must not be in easy reach of the driver/passenger (Trunk if the car has a trunk. Located in the back portion of the SUV. Behind the seat back if truck, etc.) so driver/passenger do not have ready access to the gun/ammo. Having range ID/membership mounted on the outside of the bag does a lot to relieve anxiety on their part, but they say it's fairly obvious when somone is going to a range vs a drive by shooting.

Ideally, the gun/ammo should be in a locked container/carrier, but you do what you can to secure the gun/ammo (close zipper closures, double bag, etc.).

YMMV, especially if you were pulled over for doing something illegal.
 
but more important is that the gun/ammo must not be in easy reach of the driver/passenger
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I understand that LEOs might feel more comfortable if that were the case - and I carry mine in the trunk, myself - but next time out, please ask them exactly what part of the Penal Code supports that notion.

Hint: there is no such requirement in CA PC.

And for legal transport without CCW, handguns MUST be in a completely enclosed locked case, per PC 12026.1 and 12026.2; long guns (not 'assault weapons') are not restricted by CA for transportation - see Transporting at the CGF Wiki.

This thread is covering some well-worn FAQ fodder at Calguns.
 
I understand that LEOs might feel more comfortable if that were the case - and I carry mine in the trunk, myself - but next time out, please ask them exactly what part of the Penal Code supports that notion.
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I often carry two - three range bags with 4-6 guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition in several calibers. My past practice has been to minimize concern especially driving a truck where you can't readily lock the bags up in the trunk - the bags were placed on the floor board on the rear passenger side with range ID/membership clearly visible.

Could I have carried them in the front passenger seat? Perhaps, but I wouldn't. Local Sheriff/CHP in nearby counties have enough stressors and light trigger fingers anyway ... why make life any more difficult?

This thread is covering some well-worn FAQ fodder at Calguns.
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Most THR members may not be aware of California laws and hence the OP question.
 
Could I have carried them in the front passenger seat? Perhaps, but I wouldn't. Local Sheriff/CHP in nearby counties have enough stressors and light trigger fingers anyway ... why make life any more difficult?
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Adapting to local conditions is prudent.

My point was that the suggestion that there was some legal authority for separation of ammunition and firearm, in the simple case of transportation, is an error.

Asking California law questions on THR really only works because some of us Californians (and ex-Californians), who have had the necessity to work under the yoke and lash of our gun laws, drop by to offer the results of our investigations. Not many out of state folks have the time or inclination, for many excellent reasons.
 
My point was that the suggestion that there was some legal authority for separation of ammunition and firearm, in the simple case of transportation, is an error.
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My first post - I think we were both in agreement.
I have always taken my range bags to matches with both guns and ammo in the same bag. Guns were always empty
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And you also said
Many Range Officer, LEO and Sheriff I shoot with (I have cousins who are PD/Sheriff also) stated the gun must be empty and be separated from the ammunition, but more important is that the gun/ammo must not be in easy reach of the driver/passenger
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Didn't say you believed it; just accepted your statement that LEO of your acquaintance do believe it, and note that belief is not supported in law.
 
Clarification:
gun must be empty and be separated from the ammunition
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but can be in the same bag.

Ok Librarian, back to OP - what we do agree on is that the gun must be unloaded and be secured - and ammunition can be carried in the same bag/container?

With that said, my FFL dealer friends and UPS/FedEx transport guns in cardboard boxes that are not locked.
 
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The California Highway Patrol even says it's legal to transport ammo in the same locked container that contains unloaded firearm(s).


CHP FAQ said:
I will be traveling to California and want to carry my weapon. I currently have a concealed weapon permit. How can I legally transport my weapon while driving through the state?

California law does not recognize concealed weapon permits from other states; therefore, they would not be held valid. If you wish to transport a handgun during your California visit, it should be carried unloaded in a locked container. In the absence of a suitable container, you may secure the unloaded handgun in the locked trunk of a passenger car. Ammunition may be kept in the same container or trunk, but the handgun must remain unloaded with no rounds in the cylinder and no loaded magazines in the magazine well.

If you have additional questions, contact the California Department of Justice at 916-227-3703.
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Interestingly enough, if the gun is holstered, unloaded and not concealed, it does not need to be in a locked container unless you are in a school zone or other restricted place.

Empty gun in holster on passenger seat is completely legal.

Empty gun in unlocked case is illegal.

Our laws are weird.

--Shannon
 
The Lone Haranguer is correct, CA law defines a residence to include temporary residences such as hotels and campsites, meaning that you can legally conceal your gun and use it to defend yourself.
 
I will be borrowing a truck while I am in calif. So is the back of a truck also considered a trunk? Or would i be in violation because in Calif i am transporting a gun in a truck? How should i the gun while driving a truck?

Also my original question had more to do with the airport. More precises arriving IN Calif and LEAVING Calif. last time i went was before 911 and while leaving calif the airport security (TSA) gave me a hard time and asked A LOT of questions about the gun. They acted as if they have never seen anyone travel with one before. i attributed this to it being in CAlifornia. But today i am sure it's worse and i my main concern is bringing the gun in. What is the gun is on calif restricted list?? What will TSA do then? Do they look stuff like this up? Do they check what model and make and run it on their approved list???.
 
First off, TSA is TSA. It's federal. They worry about federal laws, unless you are bringing in a gun that is illegal in a state, but I kind of doubt that they even know state laws.

So once again, there are no laws about the trunk. The trunk qualifies as a locked container. Obviously, the back of a truck is not a locked container. A locked container in the back of the truck is ok. A locked container in the back seat is ok. A locked container in the passenger seat, under your seat, or between the seats is ok. A gun in a locking glove box is most certainly not ok. A gun in a locked container inside of a glove box is ok, although it might be difficult to get it to fit.


My truck has a tool box that locks, I just put it in there because it's simple.


As for the airport, check with the TSA website. Their rules change about once every seven hours, so I'm not even going to try to give advice on the airport, except to say that unless you have a gun that is illegal you can transport it legally while flying.
 
Interestingly enough, if the gun is holstered, unloaded and not concealed, it does not need to be in a locked container unless you are in a school zone or other restricted place.

Empty gun in holster on passenger seat is completely legal.

Empty gun in unlocked case is illegal.

Our laws are weird.
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It does not even have to be in a holster, or any case more than 1,000 feet from all schools. The law says it cannot be concealed, and then lists numerous exemptions. Essentially saying concealing a handgun is illegal period, except under dozens of circumstances.
Those exemptions then end up told to people as requirements to transport, but that is not technically correct.



However a mistake for someone from out of state is a felony. For example having your gun in a locking case that is not locked, felony (assuming you have ammo someplace.)


The easiest way to comply with the law without understanding it in detail is to keep it unloaded in a locked case during travel and transport. You can have ammo or even loaded speed loaders or moonclips in that case, but you cannot have the gun itself loaded.
You are then free to take it out and keep it loaded and handy either openly or concealed while you are at your campsite, or in your hotel room.


I am planning on going for a week to spend time camping in the deserts.
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Do be mindful that some of the desert is state park, which can be hostile to gun possession. The following applies to such state parks but not outside of them:

§ 4313. Weapons and Traps.


(a) No person shall carry, possess or discharge across, in or into any portion of any unit any weapon, firearm, spear, bow and arrow, trap, net, or device capable of injuring, or killing any person or animal, or capturing any animal, or damaging any public or private property, except in underwater parks or designated archery ranges where the Department of Parks and Recreation finds that it is in its best interests.

(c) Firearms not having a cartridge in any portion of the mechanism, other unloaded weapons or devices such as traps, nets, and bows and arrows may be possessed within temporary lodging or mechanical mode of conveyance when such implements are rendered temporarily inoperable or are packed, cased, or stored in a manner that will prevent their ready use.
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So you lose your right to have a firearm ready for defense in a state park.

Here is a list of parks and various similar recreational area locations to avoid, which includes a lot but not all of the best wilderness:

http://www.parks.ca.gov/parkindex/?tab=2
 
Interesting thread. I read it because I have in-laws in CA.

My take on it so far is that the law is what ever the cops say it is so its best to be safe and not sorry.

You get arrested - even if the law is on your side - the cops can ruin your life pretty easily at worst and cost you a whole bunch of money at best fighting your arrest and trying to get the charges tossed.

To stay safe in CA while transporting a handgun - it seems to me you should keep the ammo seperate, the gun in a locked case and both inaccesible to anyone in the car. Why? Because it seems that's what a lot of CA cops believe the law is.

Always remember - when it comes to the cops the best way to deal with them is to not have to deal with them.
 
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