Vacation in CA

[MrChristian]

I've searched the threads and understand (I think) the CA laws regarding carry. If I bring my S&W .357, in a locked case, out of reach in the car, and keep the ammo seperate (preferably in the original box), then I am OK to have it with me.

My question is: should I bother? For a self-defense scenario, what good will it do me if I keep it legal (which I would do, I sure don't want a felony).

We are landing in LA, traveling to Monterey and San Fransisco, then to Yosemite and Death Valley, on to San Diego, then back to LA to fly home.

Any advice from my fellow shooters in CA?

 

[Duke Junior]

I've searched the threads and understand (I think) the CA laws regarding carry. If I bring my S&W .357, in a locked case, out of reach in the car, and keep the ammo seperate (preferably in the original box), then I am OK to have it with me.

I am not from California,but a unloaded handgun may be transported in the passenger compartment if it is secured in a locked gun case under CA law.
In this sense it does not have be out of reach and is a better option than being locked in the trunk.

 

[scott22]

I am not from CA either, but stationed here for 4 years now. Duke is correct, as long as it is in a locked container and unloaded then you are fine. If you would like to hear more specifics from people that may know more than I, www.calguns.net is a great resource for people in CA or those visiting.

 

[billwiese]

You can have the locked up/unloaded cased gun anywhere in car.

"Reach" vs. out-of-way is an irrelevant concept.

Surprisingnly, there is no law banning ammo being in the same gun case as long as gun is unloaded. Probably wisest however to keep ammo box separate (and ammo does not have to be locked up).

Bill Wiese
San Jose CA

 

[ArmedBear]

For all intents and purposes, you can't defend yourself in a vehicle with a handgun. You legally can shoot in self defense, but you'd have to get the gun out of the trunk or a locked case (can be just a gun rug with a little luggage lock, but not the glovebox or console) first.

See these pages. Brief and worth perusing. http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/answers.html and http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/travel.php

As of now, NPS doesn't allow carry, so in Yosemite and Death Valley, it doesn't do you much good to have a gun, either.

California law does, however, specifically allow you to keep and carry a loaded gun, openly or concealed, while occupying any temporary residence including a hotel or campsite (except where prohibited, like a campground in a National Park). So, if you're planning on staying in a sketchy part of town to save money, by all means, bring a gun.

With the possible exception of a very rare bad neighborhood here or there, Monterey and San Diego are not dangerous places, and as much as I understand feeling naked without a gun if you're not used to going unarmed, I've honestly never needed one in town. I've lived in coastal Orange County just to the north, and here in San Diego, for my whole life.

LA is a different ball of wax, with notorious gang capitals near havens for the wealthy. It's hard to avoid the sketchy areas, though one can certainly stay the hell away from Compton and other such places. Still, I've never been robbed or shot at, in LA. I avoid the place, usually. Stress, traffic, and a culture of *******s really isn't appealing.

I have occasionally felt like I wanted a gun when camping in a remote location. But again, your outdoor destinations preclude that.

Bottom line? I generally don't travel with a gun unless I'm hunting or something. Given that you'll be in National Parks, and in relatively safe places, I'd be more concerned about having the thing stolen than having to use it. Auto burglary is a far more common menace than violent attacks, here.

And I second: http://www.calguns.net is a great resource.

 

[scrat]

agree 100% with Armed bear. Might just not bring it. Unless your going to visit a range out here. Lived in ca for most of my life. though i have lived in other states. I have only take a gun on vacation with me once. that was my last vacation. Same time that was only so i can go shooting on vacation otherwise its just not worth it.

 

[MrChristian]

Thanks Armed Bear, that's what I was thinking. For the rare occasions and circumstances that I'd feel better with it, and it would be legal for me to have and use, I don't think the hassle of bringing it with me will be worth it.

 

[THE MACHINIST]

hide it .real good.

 

[Duke Junior]

Thanks Armed Bear, that's what I was thinking. For the rare occasions and circumstances that I'd feel better with it, and it would be legal for me to have and use, I don't think the hassle of bringing it with me will be worth it.

I respectfully disagree.Why by un-armed?

"I am not from California,but a unloaded handgun may be transported in the passenger compartment if it is secured in a locked gun case under CA law.
In this sense it does not have be out of reach and is a better option than being locked in the trunk."

 

[MrChristian]

Duke,
We'll be in the car most of the time, and over half of our visit will be in National Parks (Yoemite and Death Valley). Both of those situations make it exceedingly painful to have the pistol in a mode that is both easily accessible and usable for self-defense.

What am I missing?

 

[everallm]

Doesn't the weapon also have to be one that is on the California DOJ "approved" list as well?

 

[ArmedBear]

Doesn't the weapon also have to be one that is on the California DOJ "approved" list as well?

No. The "approved" list is only for retail sales of new guns.

 

[ArmedBear]

What am I missing?

MrChristian, I think you've got it.

Duke, however, is missing something.

In the 42 years I've lived here, not counting some fellow high schoolers who wanted to pick a fight, I have never been assaulted, robbed, shot at, beaten, etc.

I have had vehicles stolen twice (three times if you count my parents' car when I was a teen), and I've had them broken into at least 12 times that I can remember. The number is probably higher; some years ago I just started driving a Jeep and leaving it open, so I wouldn't have to replace windows and door panels all the time.

If you're a victim of a crime here, especially where you're going, chances are you won't be present. Your car will be broken into. The gun won't prevent the crime, and if it's in the car, it will be stolen.

More than anything else, that would be my reason for leaving it at home, particularly since CCW without a CA CCW license and with a gun not registered in California can be prosecuted as a felony.

 

[Duke Junior]

Duke, however, is missing something.

ArmedBear,I wish that was all that I was missing.My stock portfolio has lately almost vanished.
Seriously,you are a native and certainly know the state and its conditions a whole lot better than me.If the risk of vehicle break in and/or outright theft of the car is high,I must agree the trade off in taking along his firearm, is possibly not worth the effort.And that combined with MrChristian's heavy National Park schedule where the gun is not accessible in the trunk,it does start adding up in the negative.
MrChristian,you have a great itinerary laid out.You will see some fantastic sights.My wife and I did a similar route in 1997.Yosemite was the highlight.
Have a fine,safe trip.

 

[MrChristian]

Thanks guys,

We're looking forward to it. The boys are looking forward to "LegoLand" in San Diego and the girls are looking forward to Yosemite. I think we'll have a great time. Will just feel naked without my sidearm, but that's the cost we'll have to pay I guess.

 

[Keb]

about the flight and the gun

You have a good chance of theft when you check the baggage.

Your insurance probably won't cover it.