Transporting Loaded Mags Question...

[Daisy'sDad]

In ccw training, we were urged not to transport loaded magazines without a ccw. They said that even if the mags were not inserted in the weapon, they may be construed as an "integral" part of the firearm.

Ok, I understand their concern.

But, if you have a ccw, and you are transporting a rifle, should the rifle mags remain unloaded?

On the one hand, the ability to carry "cocked and locked" only applies to the sidearms listed on you license and nothing else. On the other hand, if you can carry loaded pistol mags with your ccw, why not a rifle?

Librarian, you have any insight on this?

[steadyrock]

That's new information. Where did you take your training?

[thegamettt]

I always have my mags loaded. Its not illegal, but there are many many uninformed LEO who are dumb enough to think they are. So the advice is probably based on the assumption that murphys law will happen.

[Librarian]

There is no connection at all between a License to Carry and any long gun.

I carry loaded mags, separate from my guns, when going to the range; I'm not worried about Murphy here. That includes both long guns and hand guns.

If you personally have a belief that you might encounter Murphy - if you have a history of somewhat adverse encounters with LEO, or you learn that local LEO are somewhat finicky - you might act differently. I haven't had any kind of official interaction with LEO in 35+ years.

[Daisy'sDad]

That's new information. Where did you take your training?

Took my training with FTA.
The instructor, Dave, mentioned a rare California court case that held that a loaded magazine NOT INSERTED into the firearm was considered transporting a loaded firearm. Again, because the court, rightly or wrongly, decided that the magazine was in "integral" part of the firearm.

This is mentioned briefly in this post:

http://forum.opencarry.org/forums/showthread.php?51058-unloaded-pistol-w-detached-loaded-magazine-legal

And mentioned in a different context here:

http://arbalestquarrel.com/ny-safe-detachable-magazines/

I'm not making this up, for sure, as this concept is little known among most firearm enthusiasts.

Still, its potentially an issue if a cop stops you.

Maybe no one knows the answer, but in a way, it doesn't make sense to be able to carry loaded with a ccw, but not with a long gun.

[glock_this]

My mags are always loaded when I transport them. All in a different lock box than my weapons, but all are always loaded when I transport them.

[Daisy'sDad]

Thanks all for your replies.
Murphy's Law or finicky cops notwithstanding, I have a ccw
to protect. I will follow "if in doubt, don't do it."
Preloading mags to save a few minutes at the range will never be worth the risk, to me.
Subject closed.

[Librarian]

Took my training with FTA.
The instructor, Dave, mentioned a rare California court case that held that a loaded magazine NOT INSERTED into the firearm was considered transporting a loaded firearm. Again, because the court, rightly or wrongly, decided that the magazine was in "integral" part of the firearm.

That 'integral part' sounds like People vs Hale. The issue there was not 'loaded' but 'concealed'.

Maybe no one knows the answer, but in a way, it doesn't make sense to be able to carry loaded with a ccw, but not with a long gun.

If licenses make any sense, then what the license allows makes sense. LTC applies to weapons listed on the license. It is not possible to list a long gun on a CA LTC.

[bohoki]

its much more convenient to pop in a mag right when you get there and start making making dust than arrive and sit around for 10 minutes loading mags

being that a rifle is not concealable it would not matter

[Your ad here]

I heard the same thing. I don't travel to the range with loaded mags. Not because of the loaded mag means loaded gun but because if I get pulled over and searched for some reason and have a gun and loaded mags that are not in the gun the officer writing the report can "accidentally" write up as loaded mags in gun. I heard this from an officer.

[edkel1]

Took the same class and Dave told us that same thing 5-22-14, just to be safe I transport my handguns with empty mags locked and my ammo locked in a separate container that way I'm compliant with the law.

Ed

[Sailormilan2]

Just curious as to how People v. Clark, 1996 affects that law. Or if if it does.

[bohoki]

I heard the same thing. I don't travel to the range with loaded mags. Not because of the loaded mag means loaded gun but because if I get pulled over and searched for some reason and have a gun and loaded mags that are not in the gun the officer writing the report can "accidentally" write up as loaded mags in gun. I heard this from an officer.

they can also just shoot you and sprinkle some crack on you

[cosmos7]

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=103660

[chris]

My mags are always loaded when I transport them. All in a different lock box than my weapons, but all are always loaded when I transport them.

same here. I have my loaded mags separate from my rifles and pistols.