How to store my self defense gun?

[Moress]

Hello,

So I'll be getting me first handgun soon, a RIA 1911. As of right now San Luis Obispo County is a "May Issue" county for concealed carry permits. Now for some reason in this county, protecting yourself and loved ones isn't a good enough reason for obtaining a permit. I'm hoping whoever gets elected Sherif this November will change this policy, but I'm not holding my breath.

Anyway, I was wondering is it okay to keep the handgun in a box, locked underneath the drivers seat of my car, unloaded but with a full mag inside the box next to the gun? What about when I go to school (College)? I've heard about the GFSZ, but I'm not completly familiar with it. Can I still legally keep the gun in my car while I'm in class so long as it's locked and stored in the car?

[AndrewMendez]

Atascadero huh? I dream of a beach house in Cayucos when I retire
But...Locked unloaded concealed carry is fine. You may have an issue with being on school grounds. However, colleges don't apply for the GFSZ issue, to the best of my knowledge of course. It may be against school policy, but no body would know its there, and its not illegal. Also, the DOJ or ATF do not have a definition of a "secure container" so as long as its locked, and you obviously cant manipulate it without a key or combo, your g2g.

[negolien]

Keep it at home in a safe is my advice.

[8-Ball]

I'd keep it locked up in a secure offsite storage facility so you have no access to it whatsoever...

Keep the ammo at a separate location... locked of course...

Remove the trigger and keep it in your locked trunk...

Most self defense weapons are safer when handled in this manner...

[Canucky]

That is how you store your a SELF DEFENCE firearm?????

What about when it is needed?

[FERGUSON]

8-BALL :PLEASE TELL ME THAT RESPONSE WAS SARCASTIC...

[paul0660]

There isn't a GFSZ around colleges, but most colleges and universities make firearms illegal except for on campus ranges. Andrew has it pretty well figured out.

If you are going to LUCC in your car, you have to figure the risk of losing the gun to a thief, and how you will answer a leo who asks if you have weapons in the car, vs. having a firearm that is accessible in a limited sense.

First, you need to shoot several hundred rounds and be familiar with correcting any FTF issue the gun may have. Get some ammo and some range time.

edit: I should point out that LUCC in a GFSZ is not illegal. Handguns uns in a locked case are specifically excluded.

[ireload]

Moress I would re-think about putting your pistol underneath the car seat. The truck would be a preferable location. But do keep in mind that in colleges there are also vehicle break-ins. A good vehicle alarm for deterence and a really good, bolted down lock box would be in order for vehicle carry.

The other option would be to have a hidden compartment in the truck area. Put decoy items for the thief to steal like cheap outdated items like a "cassette boom box" and dirty clothing.

A buddy of mine did this while he was going to a university. The thief whole broke into his vehicle (trunk area) left a note stating "next time leave items for me that's worth stealing". Yeah he was out several bucks for the poped lock but his expensive laptop of early era was safe in it's hidden place. He left a pile of sweaty gym clothes and paper trash in the trunk.

But do check with your college's regulation regarding having a gun in the vehicle.

[DaveFJ80]

Moress I would re-think about putting your pistol underneath the car seat. The truck would be a preferable location. But do keep in mind that in colleges there are also vehicle break-ins. A good vehicle alarm for deterence and a really good, bolted down lock box would be in order for vehicle carry.

That was my first thought when I read the OP's post. Unless you're traveling or transporting the firearm (to the range and back home), no reason to leave it stored in your car. There's usually a higher chance that your car will get broken into or stolen than your house getting broken into... usually.

[VictorFranko]

Responsible gun owners have a safe.
If you choose to not be a responsible gun owner, under your pillow with the safety off is a good place

[patsline74]

Atascadero huh? I dream of a beach house in Cayucos when I retire
But...Locked unloaded concealed carry is fine. You may have an issue with being on school grounds. However, colleges don't apply for the GFSZ issue, to the best of my knowledge of course. It may be against school policy, but no body would know its there, and its not illegal. Also, the DOJ or ATF do not have a definition of a "secure container" so as long as its locked, and you obviously cant manipulate it without a key or combo, your g2g.

I believe colleges do apply:

(i) Notwithstanding Section 12026, any person who brings or
possesses a firearm upon the grounds of a campus of, or buildings
owned or operated for student housing, teaching, research, or
administration by, a public or private university or college, that
are contiguous or are clearly marked university property, unless it
is with the written permission of the university or college
president, his or her designee, or equivalent university or college
authority, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for
one, two, or three years.

Just my interpretation though.

[NiteQwill]

I believe colleges do apply:



Just my interpretation though.

GFSZ only applies to K-12 schools.

[patsline74]

GFSZ only applies to K-12 schools.

My (mis?)understanding:
Per the link to the PC, there is no 1000' zone around a college, because the 1000' zone only applies to k-12. The locked container exemption also only applies to k-12.

The only section that pertains to colleges and unloaded handguns is the one I quoted, which means to me no possession on campus, locked or otherwise.

Since I am a college student, I'd love to be wrong on this, and I very well could be.

[norcal.xd]

my wife has a jetta. the trunk has a compartment perfect for my handgun. the trunk is lockable in many ways. the button to release the trunk is lockable. for this reason we take my wifes car everywhere.