Would You Ignore California's Law?

[Dwight45]

Guys, I'm not trying to make trouble for anyone, and I ask that my post be deleted if it threatens to do so.

I live in California, in a town with a very low crime-rate, so I personally don't feel a need to carry close to home. I know some would argue that "you never know where or when," but I'm not here to argue about that. I would appreciate your feedback.

Sometimes I have a need to be in less safe neighborhoods. And sometimes my wife has to drive hundreds of miles from home, alone, for several days. In both circumstances we prefer to keep a pistol handy.

As I see it, if someone threatened my life, I could defend myself and be in legal trouble--but alive--afterwards, or I could die as an honorably law-abiding citizen.

So theoretically speaking, of course, which would you choose if you were in our shoes?

 

[TxState101]

I'd rather be judged by twelve than carried by six, amigo.

 

[Rifleman 173]

I would either get a concealed carry permit from somewhere out in California or I would move to another state that is pro-gun. We've already lost California to the illegal immigrants and the socialists. I would move someplace where I could enjoy clean, free air and live a lot longer. Let the unarmed illegals and the unarmed socialists fight over the decomposing corpse of a once great state.

 

[jakemccoy]

You really need to be asking only California gun owners about this issue. I recommend the following websites:

http://opencarry.mywowbb.com/forum12
http://calccw.com
http://calguns.net

Otherwise, you're just playing games.

 

[moi_self26]

I would either get a concealed carry permit from somewhere out in California or I would move to another state that is pro-gun. We've already lost California to the illegal immigrants and the socialists. I would move someplace where I could enjoy clean, free air and live a lot longer. Let the unarmed illegals and the unarmed socialists fight over the decomposing corpse of a once great state.

That would be my answer too. Barring any military commitments, I would NEVER live in CA (not just because of their gun laws, but that is certainly a very good reason on the list).

 

[mljdeckard]

They probably will lock the thread. on THR, we follow the law,period. The owners can't afford the heat they would get if the antis came in here and saw a lot of "How to break the law and not get caught" threads.

Having said that, there are some members in here who would admit to having carried at one time or another illegally. It illustrates how the right to self-defense is fundamental and universal no matter where you live or what the government says. We all say, "It's better to be judged by twelve than carried by six." You are asking yourself the same question.

I would respectfully suggest, that since both you and your wife are convinced of the good sense of taking responsibility for your own safety, you might seriously consider moving to a place where you are allowed to. There was a time when I thought it wasn't important enough to get me to move, but now I can't ever see myself living in a place that removes such a fundamental right. I know you probably aren't in a position where you could just jump up and move, but it is another choice.

I just left California, I was there on military orders. I lived in Monterey, (low crime, unless you count smoking pot by the bay,) and sometimes I would go to the mall in Salinas. (High crime, with the highest concentration of gang members in the nation.) I left all of my guns home because of California's gun laws. Every single time I went out, I was aware of vulnerability. I was perpetually baffled by the idea that the police would both complain that they were outnumbered and understaffed, and that it wasn't safe for citizens to take care of themselves.

Less than a months before I left, I had a friend of mine who was visiting run my 1911 out to me. I strapped it on as soon as I hit the Nevada Border.

 

[jakemccoy]

Open carry is legal in unincorporated areas of California.

Again, see the websites I posted above, and talk to experienced California gun owners.

I could impart some knowledge here, but it would get lost in the jokes and snide remarks from folks who don't really care.

 

[BPR]

An out of state CCW won't help. CA doesn't recognize any other states CCW. If you live in one of the rural northern counties your chances are much better. You just need a good justification. The web sites above can help.

 

[crebralfix]

Move to a county (or at least buy some property there and transfer your address to it) that will issue a concealed carry license. There are several online resources to help you with acquiring the license.

 

[armoredman]

"Better judged by twelve than carried by six." rings kinda hollow when you're getting gang-raped in the prison showers. Move out of Cali to a place where you can lawfully defend yourself and your family. In the meantime, do everything you can to secure a legal permit to carry a concealed weapon.

 

[Just Jim]

Ever wonder why you are put in this decision making positition?? Who put you in it?? Real change will let you live your life in liberty with the persuit of happiness at the forefront.

Vote for people that care about your life, not those who would take away your guns. What good does it do you to work your butt off just to have some creep take all of it from you??

jj

 

[Glock River]

I would either get a concealed carry permit from somewhere out in California or I would move to another state that is pro-gun. We've already lost California to the illegal immigrants and the socialists. I would move someplace where I could enjoy clean, free air and live a lot longer. Let the unarmed illegals and the unarmed socialists fight over the decomposing corpse of a once great state.

+1

You really need to be asking only California gun owners about this issue.

Anyone else tired of that attitude?

 

[Pure Kustom]

I tend to ignore Kali-fornia. That state should do us all a favor and suceed from the rest of the country for lack of common sense .

 

[kingpin008]

On THR, we follow the law, period.

+1,000.

 

[ilovebubbles]

isn't the Constitution the supreme law of the land ,what happened!!!!,think I'll go back to bed now.

 

[harmonic]

I lived in kalifornistan till a few years ago. I always obeyed the laws. Period.

Now I live in civilization and carry concealed everywhere the law allows. (No schools, sporting events, etc.) I solved that problem by not going into schools or giving my $$$ to their rinky dink sporting events.

As was mentioned, if you don't like the laws, move. Because if you ever get busted in the People's Republic, they will show you no mercy and likely will screw up your ability to own guns ever again.

Self defense is not a concept for which they have sympathy, not even for an unarmed female such as your wife.

 

[50 Shooter]

Here we go again, a member asking for info that just happens to live in CA and The High Roaders as usual are taking the low road.

Glock River,
If you don't like whatever attitude you think you're getting, offer help not the usual hatred. There have been numerous sites pointing you and others to useful info to read but yet...

 

[SaxonPig]

In 1989 when CA enacted the first "assault weapon" ban I knew I had to get out. I left in 1992. If you are a law abiding gun owner living in CA you are pretty much screwed. That's the reality.

Yes, you could carry in violation of the law. That's a felony in CA. If caught, your life as you know it will be over.

You can obey the law; violate the law and risk ruining your life; or move.

Sorry, but those are your options.

PS: I suspect this thread will be locked soon. Asking if it's OK to break the law isn't appreciated on this forum.

 

[BigBlock]

They probably will lock the thread. on THR, we follow the law,period. The owners can't afford the heat they would get if the antis came in here and saw a lot of "How to break the law and not get caught" threads.

LOL, that's funny considering this domain has been illegally hijacked by the current person running the forum and the owner is fighting in court to get it back.

Anyway...as to the question...hell yes. California or not, there are no laws when my life or someone else I know is in danger. And yes...I've broken laws in california.

 

[Zoogster]

Open carry is legal in unincorporated areas of California.

Not if they have an county or local ordinances against discharge of a firearm. Such an ordinance, even if it only has a $10 fine triggers state law. It is not legal to open carry a firearm outside of private property (business, residence, campsight, legaly hunting target shooting etc) if it is not legal in that location to discharge the firearm.

Where it is legal to discharge a firearm means recreationaly discharge a firearm, not in self defense etc

I know a few people who have property way out in the boonies in CA. Even without neighbors for miles it would still be illegal for them to even shoot on thier own property because of an ordinance outlawing recreational discharge of a firearm.
The same ordinance makes it illegal to strap the loaded firearm on thier belt and open carry it in the unincorporated area.

Sometimes I have a need to be in less safe neighborhoods. And sometimes my wife has to drive hundreds of miles from home, alone, for several days. In both circumstances we prefer to keep a pistol handy.

That is a personal choice. Do know that if you are caught illegaly carrying, even if the crime itself does not result in serious charges (and it can or cannot depending on the situation) it can still remove your right to own any firearms for 10 years for just a misdemeanor gun charge.

That means you would become a prohibited person for 10 years even with no felony charges, and if in possession during that time legaly be no different than a felon or other prohibited person.
That means being found in possession of firearms after that point would result in felony charges and a sizeable jail sentence.

Oh in addition, it can only be a misdemeanor the first time you are caught, and only if the pistols are registered to you in the state (an option not even available to visitors of CA.) Pistols purchased in state are automaticly registered to the purchaser though, and have been for many years. That also means if you become a prohibited person, by for example getting a misdemeanor gun charge, they have a list of all the firearms you legaly possessed which you can no longer legaly possess.

 

[Glock River]

Big Block that whole comment took huevos. +1000

50, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I just can't force myself to love a state that forces me, yes FORCES me to be a victim.

 

[Brian Dale]

Every once in a while, somebody posts that guns are not magic talismans. He or she usually attracts derision from a few, but here goes:

Follow the law, keep your eyes and ears open, and do whatever you can to not be where trouble is, when trouble starts.

 

[Art Eatman]

THR's policy is not just to obey the laws, but we don't even discuss ignoring or breaking them.

If a state law is onerous, or if it creates some hazard to your life--or billfold--the best thing to do is seek contentment elsewhere.

 

[Dwight45]

Guys, thanks for all the replies. I'm afraid I can't move out of CA. I have my business and all my loyal customers here.

JakeMcCoy, thanks for recommending the three California gun sites. I'll check them out. Dwight45