Blue (training) gun question.

[gun toting monkeyboy]

Am I likely to run into any problems carrying a blue plastic training pistol to break in a concealed carry holster? While I have a license that lets me carry in several other states, I am one of those poor buggers in San Diego waiting on the outcome of Peruta for my permit here in California. But in the mean time I wanted to see how wearing a holster and carrying a pistol would fit into my everyday life in terms of comfort and practicality. All of the laws I have been able to find talk about firearm replicas that can be mistaken for actual firearms. This is simply a blue plastic trainer that is clearly not a weapon. Am I missing anything?

-Mb

[Terabyte]

I'm no lawyer, but I think you're fine. As long as nobody sees it or you don't take it out of its holster in public.

Its a blue chunk of plastic after all.

[Quiet]

Am I likely to run into any problems carrying a blue plastic training pistol to break in a concealed carry holster? While I have a license that lets me carry in several other states, I am one of those poor buggers in San Diego waiting on the outcome of Peruta for my permit here in California. But in the mean time I wanted to see how wearing a holster and carrying a pistol would fit into my everyday life in terms of comfort and practicality. All of the laws I have been able to find talk about firearm replicas that can be mistaken for actual firearms. This is simply a blue plastic trainer that is clearly not a weapon. Am I missing anything?

-Mb

It's considered an "imitation firearm". [PC 16700(a)]

Normally, it's illegal to openly expose/carry an imitation firearm in public places. [PC 20170]

However, as long as it is concealed it would be legally to carry it in public places. [PC 20175(a)]

Also, if the entire surface of the training gun is "bright blue" or "bright red", then it's also exempt from being openly exposed/carried in public places. [PC 20175(m)]


Bottom line: It's CA legal to conceal carry it.


Penal Code 16700
(a) As used in this part, "imitation firearm" means any BB device, toy gun, replica of a firearm, or other device that is so substantially similar in coloration and overall appearance to an existing firearm as to lead a reasonable person to perceive that the device is a firearm.

Penal Code 20170
(a) No person may openly display or expose any imitation firearm in a public place.
(b) As used in this section, "public place" means an area open to the public and includes any of the following:
(1) A street.
(2) A sidewalk.
(3) A bridge.
(4) An alley.
(5) A plaza.
(6) A park.
(7) A driveway.
(8) A front yard.
(9) A parking lot.
(10) An automobile, whether moving or not.
(11) A building open to the general public, including one that serves food or drink, or provides entertainment.
(12) A doorway or entrance to a building or dwelling.
(13) A public school.
(14) A public or private college or university.

Penal Code 20175
Section 20170 does not apply in any of the following circumstances:
(a) The imitation firearm is packaged or concealed so that it is not subject to public viewing.
(m) The entire exterior surface of the imitation firearm is white, bright red, bright orange, bright yellow, bright green, bright blue, bright pink, or bright purple, either singly or as the predominant color in combination with other colors in any pattern, or the entire device is constructed of transparent or translucent material that permits unmistakable observation of the device's complete contents. Merely having an orange tip as provided in federal law and regulations does not satisfy this requirement. The entire surface must be colored or transparent or translucent.

[MisplacedTexan]

Can I answer your question with a question?

How many people know what a "blue gun" is? Concealed is concealed of course, but if by fluke you print or accedently expose yourself - the regular joe won't know it's not a real firearm and call the cops.

Will you be fine & not ticketed? Perhaps - but do you want to go through the hassel & legal expense on the albit remote chance that you will do yourself more harm than good?

[AAShooter]

Personally, I believe the gain is outweighed by potential problems.

[thayne]

Can I answer your question with a question?

How many people know what a "blue gun" is? Concealed is concealed of course, but if by fluke you print or accedently expose yourself - the regular joe won't know it's not a real firearm and call the cops.

Will you be fine & not ticketed? Perhaps - but do you want to go through the hassel & legal expense on the albit remote chance that you will do yourself more harm than good?

Chances are extremely slim of anyone noticing. I can carry my M&P shield IWB wearing a standard white fruit of the loom t-shirt and shorts and no one notices.

[Librarian]

Strikes me as the kind of thing most reasonably done at home.

Seems to be another 'it's legal, but less than wise' situation, given the potential, however small you read it to be, of a mistaken (in fact, but not in appearance) man-with-a-gun report.

[gun toting monkeyboy]

It isn't so much the holster that needs to be "broken in" as it is me carrying it that needs to be broken in. And yes, the whole thing is bright blue. Given that it is Librarian saying it is unwise, I may very well try to limit this to at home or in the office.

-Mb

[marcusrn]

Actually that is a very could idea. More people should do it.

The only down side to this activity is that you'll realize how easy it is to go through your every day life healed and no one will know or care.

This could lead to commando CCW. Yes, it's when you carry sans license and sans undies.

God speed in all your endeavors.

[steadyrock]

I've done it. I felt it increased my personal awareness of shirt tugging and whatnot, which was exactly the idea. I don't want to get made on day 1, and if I'm going to end up on the wrong side of a MWAG call id rather it when I don't actually have a gun.

Nobody noticed.

[marcusrn]

You'll not print and will never brandish.

And of course you'll learn how to take a dump in a public restroom.

Do go out of your way to ask cops for directions. That always instills confidence to new CCW holders or those practicing.

Use the biggest blue gun you can find, like a 1911 or K frame.

[thayne]

Actually that is a very could idea. More people should do it.

The only down side to this activity is that you'll realize how easy it is to go through your every day life healed and no one will know or care.

This could lead to commando CCW. Yes, it's when you carry sans license and sans undies.

God speed in all your endeavors.

Yep its amazing at how much no one pays attention.