Help with staying legal in California

Honestly I wouldn't consult the Sheriffs office if I was you. Lots of LEO's don't have a clue to what the written law is on lots of stuff. Consult the CA. DOJ at the below link so you can get it in black and white straight from the source.

https://oag.ca.gov/firearms

 

Thanks, good idea. Hopefully it makes sense

 

I don’t think there exists a law that says you HAVE to lock it up. I believe it has to be sold with the lock and leave the store you purchased it from, locked (supposedly). In any case, it’s best to do your research to understand the laws. Many police officers don’t even know the exact rule set. Basically do not act like an idiot, do not transport it loaded, even with an empty magazine, do not transport a loaded magazine. During transport keep ammo, magazines and the firearm separate from each other. It’s been a few years since I’ve paid attention to any law in California regarding firearms. Stay safe and happy plinking. 10/22 is a fine rifle.

 

I have a few of the Utah Vehicle Code pages printed out in my glove box because of such reasons. I can't blame them that much. There are a lot of confusing and borderline contradicting rules on the books.

Although watching a particularly "trooper"-ish trooper try to tear the page in half on the way back to his cruiser a few months ago, but couldn't because it was laminated, was rather entertaining.

 

I took the other route when I first started buying guns. Went with the larger calibers, now that I've gotten older I realize that I really need a 22 in the mix. I'd love a Ruger Mark IV, but I don't think they are legal in CA

 

The Ruger lock that comes with it fits. Others said how to run it. Just use a bit of common sense and you’ll figure it out. Or, google an image of how it should be done.

Transportation of long rifles: they do not need to be in a locked container for transport (handguns however must be in a locked container, and can NOT be kept in a lockable glove compartment of your vehicle). If you have a car with a trunk, you have to keep the firearm and the ammo separate (i.e. keep the ammo in the back seat and the rifle in the trunk).

Home storage: get yourself a cheap stackon safe. This is a similar one to the one I have and it is a CA DoJ approved safe:

Stack-On GCB-908 Steel 8-Gun Security Cabinet, Black

https://www.amazon.com/Stack-GCB-90...=1562350202&s=gateway&sprefix=stackon&sr=8-13

 

Here’s some brief reading you can do: https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/travel

 

Thanks, I'll try again...

I'm going to pick up a fireproof safe.

 

Good call. I went with a cheap route on my first safe with the stackon. My next safe purchase will definitely be one you can bolt to the ground and be fireproof. I store my SS card, birth cert, passport, etc in my gun safe as well

 

I would also assume your long rifle doesn’t need to be locked for transport. Just don’t carry it with ammo in it, or even in the same case for that matter.

I live in NY. We also have strict laws. Whenever I go to the range I’m usually transporting multiple firearms. That being said the only one loaded is my pistol which I have a CCW. All the others are in carry cases, with usually no mag and I’ll usually keep a lock on them. Overkill perhaps but hats how they are pretty much stored in my cabinet. I’d rather me ever getting pulled over be clear of any bullshit, rather than risking possibly going to jail and losing my firearms.

They only think I’m not compliant with is a provision on the Safe act. Your only allowed to carry 7 rounds unless you’re at the range. There have been multiple fights against that legislation throughout the state and federal level. However it’s still in effect. But recently several counties have been tying to appeal it and the local DA’s office said the will not persecute any offenses. That being said I put a +2 on my Glock 43 so now I’m carrying 8+1.

 

There's a lot of wrong info here OP, this is the wrong website to be asking CA gun laws. Check out calguns.net for proper info.

 

I tried but they don’t like my email address / domain. I’ll just setup a throw away email addy I guess. Just thought I’d run it by TW...

 

My safe is a cheapo as well, the "30 mins single layer sheetrock" kind of fire resistance, which isn't much, really. For my documents I use one of the Amazon fire pouches, which is supposed to add another layer of protection. I haven't tested it though. For 15 bucks it might be worth buying another, tossing a few voided checks and an old college id card inside and see how they fare the next time I need to clear some backyard brush.

Fire Resistant Cash Box Document Bag 9 x 6 x 1.5 Heavy Duty Fiberglass - Retardant Thread - Fireproof Bag/Bank File/Important Document Holder - Retardant Envelope Heat Protection

Fire Resistant Cash Box Document Bag 9 x 6 x 1.5 Heavy Duty Fiberglass - Retardant Thread - Fireproof Bag/Bank File/Important Document Holder - Retardant Envelope Heat Protection

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073BD8JPF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_rz5hDbNAZGFCW

 

For most things TW is good, but not this. Check it the wiki http://wiki.calgunsfoundation.org/index.php?title=Transporting

There's no need to sign up, they have most info you need in their faq.


Can any of you who have stated ammunition must be kept separate from the firearm please show where this is stated?

 

Fify

 

CA is very difficult to keep up with gun laws especially when they change every 6 months! I'm based out in the I.E. and shoot regularly at my local public/private ranges in the desert and hills.

Just a few points to keep in mind:

• Just because something is technically legal, doesn't mean it will fly with your local sheriff, CHP, LEO; We as firearm enthusiast often know more about gun law and regulations since LEOs have a lot more to worry about like the meth head breaking and entering in a neighborhood. Although certain actions/things with firearms are technically allowed (such as have a loaded mag within proximity of an empty and safe firearm) if you get a LEO in a bad mood, you might have a bad day. It's best to play it safe and smart regarding transport of your firearm.
• Don't have a loaded mag, even if its in a separate bag/location from the firearm.
• Don't have an empty mag inserted into the firearm
• Keep ammo, mag, and gun in separate bags or separate areas of the same bag.
• Do have a lock on your gun bag
• Do also have a trigger lock or some sort of action lock on your firearm
• Transport your firearm in a locked container in a locked area of your vehicle (locked bag in your locked trunk)
• You can only transport your firearm from its stored location (house, gun safe) to the area of recreational use (gun range)
• Don't make intermediate stops along the way, meaning, don't stop for gas, grocery store, pick up the kids from school (big no, no). I believe this would conflict with the definition of transportation as you did make an intended stop. Think portal-to-portal only with firearms.

I hope these a few good pointers to help you out. I recommend joining the CalGuns Forums as that is CA specific and will be a better resource to use. I've seen CA gun threads on TW turn into an absolute since they go against so many other states much more relaxed and common sense gun laws especially once people realize the price premiums and regulations we as responsible gun owners have to follow. CA is truly a difficult to place to own a firearm and be a recreational firearm enthusiast.

 

That's what happens when you ask strangers on social media for advice.

 

This used to be the law, but no longer is the case. You can technically transport a firearm with a loaded mag and not one in the chamber, but if you get a LEO in a bad mood or who isn't up to date with laws, you'll have a bad time.

 

Unless the users on calguns have changed you'd get blasted for a few of those pointers.

 

I know I would since there a lot of CG'er that are very entitled perse about the gun law and want to prove to the CA powers at be that the know the law and they don't, but its best to play extra cautious about it.