Casing Ownership? Is This A Issue?

[Polecat]

A week ago, I and a few friends were at a unregulated, public range and were shooting a verity of firearms. No biggy there.

While shooting, a car with a family pulled up, got out and started collecting all the brass. I had to stop them 3 time because I keep my brass.

The question is, Sence I paid for those rounds, if they continued to collect them, would that constitute steeling?

Heres something to think about too:

1 They were paid for.
2 I could reload them
3 I could turn them in for recycling because they are worth $1.40 a pound.

The hole thing just got me thinking of what is the law when it comes to something this small.

Thanks!
Polecat

[Res]

if they continued to collect them, would that constitute steeling?

Were they taking all your Wolf?

[Cokebottle]

I don't think they could be charged with theft unless you picked it up as you went along and they took it from a container.

As long as it is still technically "litter", it's more a matter of politeness to stop collecting after being asked... but politeness is solely lacking today.

[Polecat]

Were they taking all your Wolf?

HA HA HA

They were taking my Winchester Power point .308 if that makes things a little more clear.

[Polecat]

I don't think they could be charged with theft unless you picked it up as you went along and they took it from a container.

As long as it is still technically "litter", it's more a matter of politeness to stop collecting after being asked... but politeness is solely lacking today.

So, when you fire a bullet, the case become "litter" and is free for the taking?

Hmmm Interesting.

[Cokebottle]

So, when you fire a bullet, the case become "litter" and is free for the taking?

Hmmm Interesting.

Like I said... were you picking them up every few mags, or were you waiting until the end of the day.

Most people who are saving brass to reload will tend to collect it fairly frequently so it doesn't get trampled/damaged.
Most people who shoot simply don't bother to pick it up.

[vega]

So, when you fire a bullet, the case become "litter" and is free for the taking?

Hmmm Interesting.

Probably not from a revolver.

[OlderThanDirt]

A week ago, I and a few friends were at a unregulated, public range and were shooting a verity of firearms. No biggy there.

While shooting, a car with a family pulled up, got out and started collecting all the brass. I had to stop them 3 time because I keep my brass.

The question is, Sence I paid for those rounds, if they continued to collect them, would that constitute steeling?

Heres something to think about too:

1 They were paid for.
2 I could reload them
3 I could turn them in for recycling because they are worth $1.40 a pound.

The hole thing just got me thinking of what is the law when it comes to something this small.

Thanks!
Polecat

It would not be considered steeling unless the family was using steel to harden the casings. However, taking your brass, especially after you have told them to not take your property, would be considered stealing. The logic is the same whether or not you are talking about your brass, or any other item you left unattended for even a few seconds.

It is also quite possible that this was a family of English majors that knew you could not spell worth beans and figured they could get away with just taking your stuff.

[retired]

484 (a)pc-theft of personal property/petty theft depending on the value (under $400).

[sevensix2x51]

eh, you had a gun. just yell "STOP STEALING MY BRASS!!!" as loud as you can. most thieves are not into confrontation. if you really want to make your point, yell out "EXCLAMATION POINT EXCLAMATION POINT EXCLAMATION POINT" at the end of the first phrase. you will be seen as mentally unstable, and not someone to trifle with, especially when you have a loaded gun.

(disclaimer: not legal advice)

[cannon]

It is stealing in that someone is taking your property without your permission. However I can't imagine any police agency speeding out to do anything about it.

[Rob454]

IMO its my brass UNTIL I leave the range.

On the same note if I leave my gun/jacket/hat/car keys/ on the ground does that become litter?

[mlatino]

I leave my car parked out in the parking lot at the range.. Is that litter too? I'm coming to get it later though...

[audihenry]

I leave my car parked out in the parking lot at the range.. Is that litter too? I'm coming to get it later though...

Leave it to CalGuns to pick t he most ridiculous examples to back up a point.

OP: If you told them it is yours and you intend to collect it later and they took it anyway, then yes, that is theft. Deal with it however you would some guy walking away with your wife's purse.

[IGOTDIRT4U]

IMO its my brass UNTIL I leave the range.

On the same note if I leave my gun/jacket/hat/car keys/ on the ground does that become litter?

Exactly. It's my brass until I abandon it upon my leaving the range with the brass not in my possession.

Was this some sort of poor or homeless family simply using the brass as away to pick up some cash via recycling metal? If they were, maybe you could have a talk with them and set up a safer time for them to do this, such as after hours. If they do it then, they won't be a potential danger to the shooters, and by then, any brass left over should be considered "abandoned".