Do BB guns count!?

[Asrielja]

I was thinking about picking up a BB gun to help train my little brother in handling a weapon, but i will be purchasing it for me, so it will be my possession.

I was wondering if BB guns-pistol- fall under the same gun laws as normal guns? Is there a conceal carry law for BB's? Is there an open carry law(I am aware of the new law passed that banned open carry, does it apply to BB pistols)? Will california even let me fire it in my backyard. The Pistol im planning on purchasing is a Crosman C31 w/ holster.

[JeremyS]

Maybe get an airsoft since there are a lot of them that are exact replicas of real guns and all of the controls function and are in the same places.

[Lead Waster]

Bb guns are not firearms so it's like buying a toy truck.

If you carry it in your belt in public be prepared to get stopped by cops. If you pull it on anyone prepare to get shot by a cop.

[zushikikato]

This is my knowledge on airsoft guns assuming those and bb laws are the same thing.

Basically at all times you cannot take out a bb gun out in public no concealed carry or open carry.

From what I believe you can shoot your bb gun in an enclosed back yard.

[whipkiller]

This is my knowledge on airsoft guns assuming those and bb laws are the same thing.

Basically at all times you cannot take out a bb gun out in public no concealed carry or open carry.

From what I believe you can shoot your bb gun in an enclosed back yard.

I think that depends on where you live. Many cities prohibit it in city limits, but I think your neighbors would have to call on you for it to be a problem.

(If you break your neighbor's window or shoot his dog, they will probably call)

I'm thinking about getting something to get some trigger time in my backyard, though since I think it's technically illegal, "I most certainly WILL NOT DO THAT!"

[Bug Splat]

Some cities do not allow the firing of BB guns even in your own backyard. My neighbor got hit with a ticket for shooting with his kids in the backyard. Turns out within the small city we lived in they banned shooting BB guns outdoors. Best to call your local police department and ask.

As for concealed carry outside your home I'd give that a big hell no. You do not want that kind of attention with zero benefit. If in your home, do anything your want.

My uncle once shot a 16yo wanna-be gang banger while on duty for pointing a pistol BB gun at him. Uncle saw him draw it at another kid, uncle draw his gun and ordered him to drop it. Kid spun around pointing the BB gun at my uncle and he shot him. Kid lived but learned a tough lesson. This was 30 years ago so there was no lawsuit, no real investigation, it was chalked up as a stupid kid who made a mistake that almost killed him. Doubt my uncle would have gotten off so easy today but I can bet that any cop who sees a gun will take the situation very very seriously and not hesitate to protect him/her self. Unless you have taken a CCW class and have a permit, I would not carry anything that looks like a gun.

[eltorito]

Someone carrying a bb gun concealed deserves to get shot. It will surely clean up the gene pool

[billybob_jcv]

Ventura has a city statute saying you can't fire an air or spring powered gun in the city limits.

Airsoft "training weapons" that are gas powered and have blowback slides can get expensive - almost the same as a cheap .22 pistol!

http://www.airsoftarms.com/KWA-M1911-MKI-PTP

[Anchors]

I shoot my Daisy Red Ryder in my backyard. I think it might be against city rules, but I find that to be ridiculous.
Even more ridiculous than the gun laws here.
To the point that I ignore it (and I don't even break the speed limit).

[Asrielja]

I have no intentions of concealing or open carrying of a bb handgun. I just wanted to know, as this stuff would probably be asked by the younger brother. I want know I'm giving him correct information. Carrying a bb gun in public is like bringing a fork to an airstrike. Thanks for the info everyone. Ill be contacting the local law about the legality of shooting in the backyard next.

[Quiet]

"BB guns" are classified as "imitation firearms".

If your little brother is a minor (under 18), then you will need your parents permission prior to handing a BB gun to your little brother. [PC 12552]

Openly carrying/displaying an "imitation firearm" in public places was illegal prior to the open carry ban of unloaded handguns. [PC 12556(a)]

Read the following penal codes...

Penal Code 12550
As used in this article, the following definitions apply:
(a) "BB device" is defined in subdivision (g) of Section 12001.
(b) "Firearm" is defined in subdivision (b) of Section 12001.
(c) "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 12001
(g) For purposes of Sections 12551 and 12552, the term "BB device" means any instrument that expels a projectile, such as a BB or a pellet, not exceeding 6 mm caliber, through the force of air pressure, CO2 pressure, or spring action, or any spot marker gun.

Penal Code 12551
Every person who sells to a minor any BB device is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Penal Code 12552
(a) Every person who furnishes any BB device to any minor, without the express or implied permission of the parent or legal guardian of the minor, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b) As used in this section, "furnishes" means any of the following:
(1) A loan.
(2) A transfer that does not involve a sale.

Penal Code 12553
Any person who changes, alters, removes, or obliterates any coloration or markings that are required for by any applicable state or federal law or regulation, for any imitation firearm, or device described in subdivision (c) of Section 12555, in any way that makes the imitation firearm or device look more like a firearm is guilty of a misdemeanor. This subdivision shall not apply to manufacturer, importer, or distributor of imitation firearms or to the lawful use in theatrical productions, including motion pictures, television, and stage productions.
(b) Any manufacturer, importer, or distributor of imitation firearms that fails to comply with any applicable federal law or regulation governing the marking of a toy, look-alike or imitation firearm as defined by federal law or regulation is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Penal Code 12556
(a) No person may openly display or expose any imitation firearm, as defined in Section 12550, in a public place.
(b) Violation of this section, except as provided in subdivision (c), is an infraction punishable by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100) for the first offense, and three hundred dollars ($300) for a second offense.
(c) A third or subsequent violation of this section is punishable as a misdemeanor.
(d) Subdivision (a) shall not apply to the following, when the imitation firearm is:
(1) Packaged or concealed so that it is not subject to public viewing.
(2) Displayed or exposed in the course of commerce, including commercial film or video productions, or for service, repair, or restoration of the imitation firearm.
(3) Used in a theatrical production, a motion picture, video, television, or stage production.
(4) Used in conjunction with a certified or regulated sporting event or competition.
(5) Used in conjunction with lawful hunting, or lawful pest control activities.
(6) Used or possessed at certified or regulated public or private shooting ranges.
(7) Used at fairs, exhibitions, expositions, or other similar activities for which a permit has been obtained from a local or state government.
(8) Used in military, civil defense, or civic activities, including flag ceremonies, color guards, parades, award presentations, historical reenactments, and memorials.
(9) Used for public displays authorized by public or private schools or displays that are part of a museum collection.
(10) Used in parades, ceremonies, or other similar activities for which a permit has been obtained from a local or state government.
(11) Displayed on a wall plaque or in a presentation case.
(12) Used in areas where the discharge of a firearm is lawful.
(13) A device where the entire exterior surface of the device 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 where the entire device is constructed of transparent or translucent materials which 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.
(e) For purposes of this section, the term "public place" means an area open to the public and includes streets, sidewalks, bridges, alleys, plazas, parks, driveways, front yards, parking lots, automobiles, whether moving or not, and buildings open to the general public, including those that serve food or drink, or provide entertainment, and the doorways and entrances to buildings or dwellings.
(f) Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude prosecution for a violation of Section 171b, 171.5, or 626.10.

[JTROKS]

When you find out if legal to shoot in you back yard. Don't even dare shoot at any wild animals. If your neighbor snitches you can lose a lot.

[h0use]

Paint it a bright color,may sound dumb but at least they won't mistake it as a real gun.

[Asrielja]

Roger That

[Haplo]

Ventura has a city statute saying you can't fire an air or spring powered gun in the city limits.

Airsoft "training weapons" that are gas powered and have blowback slides can get expensive - almost the same as a cheap .22 pistol!
http://www.airsoftarms.com/KWA-M1911-MKI-PTP

No Nerf guns either then, wow. Not like it would be enforced against a Nerf wielding kid, but still...