question about transporting a handgun

[delta9]

What are the legal requirement for transporting a firearm? I read that it must be in a locked container or locked in the trunk. What about when walking from my car to the range? Must it still be in a locked container?

[dougolupski]

Yes. From what I understand the gun must be locked at all times unless you are at a range to shoot. From that point basic range rules apply. This is a really hazy area from the laws I have read though. My friend and I have had hour long conversations about this and never have come up with a general consensus about it. We agree thats its just safer and you end up with less hassles from the law if its always locked in a case where ever you are until your ready to shoot.

All that goes out the window if you have a conceal and carry permit though.

[Librarian]

The locked case makes things convenient when out of your vehicle - I recommend using them as a regular practice, because that takes away any ambiguity. Remember that there are no standards requiring any features for such a case, beyond 'fully enclosed' and 'locked'. See the Wiki article - http://wiki.calgunsfoundation.org/in...p/Transporting

As to concealed carry, the exemption applies only to handguns listed on your permit; those could just be in a range bag, without a lock, if you found that convenient.

[corcoraj2002]

Most ranges have a sign stating all firearms entering must be in a locked container. I have a small suitcase lock the I put through the zipper of a gun pouch.

[billped]

Laws aside, just avoid the stupid stuff, like a gun sitting on your car seat or dashboard (legal or not, it will get you the wrong kind of attentino) or carrying it in the open (again, not talking laws, just being practical).

You won't get hassled carrying a gun in an unlocked container from the car to the range unless you've done something to piss off the local cops.


Bill

[delta9]

Most ranges have a sign stating all firearms entering must be in a locked container. I have a small suitcase lock the I put through the zipper of a gun pouch.

Ok - I also have a soft gun pouch and was worried I'd have to buy something else to satisfy requirements at the range.

[camron882]

what if the conatiner is the gun case it came in but there is a locked cable through the ejection port and mag well?

[leroux]

what about a bag...like a canvas or maxpedition bag. I have one that has a concealed compartment. My gun goes in there with the mags. all separate and i lock the zippers with a pad lock.

[Librarian]

what if the conatiner is the gun case it came in but there is a locked cable through the ejection port and mag well?

This does not qualify as a locked case; if you took that cable lock and wrapped it around the handles of the case, preventing the case from opening, that would work. Otherwise, the cable lock is just a 'check off item' for the FFL, and has no use in satisfying CA gun transportation law.

A canvas bag is fine, so long as you can't manipulate the zippers open even though the tabs are locked together.

[MoBait]

This is a really hazy area from the laws I have read though. My friend and I have had hour long conversations about this and never have come up with a general consensus about it.

The laws I have read regarding transportation are not hazy and certainly do no set the groundwork for hour long debates regarding their meaning.

The law is clear...

Firearms capable of being concealed (i.e handguns):
-Must be unloaded and in a locked container if within 1000' of a school zone (federal and state law).
-Must be unloaded and in a locked container if being concealed.
-Must be unloaded if it is not concealed (no locked container necessary)
-Unloaded means ammo must not be in a position to fire, you can have loaded magazines, handgun with empty chamber and empty magwell in the same area/case legally.
-Ammo and magazines do not need to be locked even if concealed.

Long Guns (shotguns, rifles):
-Must be unloaded and in a locked container if within 1000' of a school zone (state law)
-Outside of the 1000' "ring" long guns can be carried/transported openly or concealed, unloaded, without a locking container.
-Same definition of unloaded as handguns,

A trunk qualifies as a locked container if you cannot access the trunk from inside the cabin without a key. Locking glove box or center console do not count as a locked container. The law doesn't state the minimum strength a locked container should have but common sense probably applies. I don't believe a t shirt bag with a pad lock through it would satisfy the requirement.

As far as walking from the parking lot to the range, the law still applies, however, it is very unlikely you will be stopped by a LEO let alone be charged with illegal CC if all you failed to do was put a lock on your range bag.

[cmichini]

What are the legal requirement for transporting a firearm? I read that it must be in a locked container or locked in the trunk. What about when walking from my car to the range? Must it still be in a locked container?

Be careful of putting guns into your trunk and considering them a locked container. If you can access the trunk from the passenger compartment (think 60/40 pull down seats) and that access is not locked (you can still pull the seats down from inside the passenger compartment) AND they are not in an otherwise locked container you are running afoul of CA nanny laws.

Don't be mad, it's for the children