Registration Question

[Gary_Mule]

Hi I am new to this forum. I had a question and was directed to come here to ask.

I live in Utah, we do not register our firearms. My family would like to come to visit Ca to see the wife's parents. I would feel naked without my Pistol. I have a CCW, I know that doesn't matter just thought I would throw it out there.

Anyway my question is, can I bring an unregistered firearm into CA? This pistol is CA legal, 10 round mag etc, it just is not registered. I lived there for 30 years so I know the laws in regard to traveling etc.

I called the LASD, they were very rude and said all guns in CA have to be registered and then hung up.

So what is the real scoop?

[Quiet]

Ownership/possession of an unregistered firearm is 100% CA legal.

The only thing an unregistered handgun does is make certain firearms related crimes go from a misdemeanor to a felony.

As a non-resident of CA, there is no method for you to register a handgun with CA DOJ.
Registration is only for CA residents.

[brianm767]

You can visit Cali with you gun, as long as it does not meet the definition of an assault weapon, and you do not have any mags that hold more than ten rounds.

There are tons of hand guns in Cali that are not registered, prior to 1991? it was not a requirement.

[Gary_Mule]

Thanks that puts my mind at ease.

Now are there any laws RE: Ammo? Is JHP ok? Or should I just stick with ball? Also any ammo amount limit? Sorry if these are dumb questions, just trying to cover the bases...

[CaliforniaLiberal]

Welcome to CalGuns! Don't be a stranger.

There is no gun registration in California. There is no law requiring that guns in California be legally registered or that owners must provide proof of registration. Records of handgun sales are kept by the CA DOJ so this is a "sort of" registration, but there are several ways a gun may be legally possessed without a record of sale on file. If you are moving to CA permanently you are required to tell the DOJ about your handguns.

http://oag.ca.gov/firearms/pubfaqs#26

26. How do I know if my firearms need to be registered?

There is no firearm registration requirement in California except for assault weapon owners and personal handgun importers. However, you may submit a Firearm Ownership Record to the DOJ for any firearm you own. Having a Firearm Ownership Record on file with the DOJ may help in the return of your firearm if it is lost or stolen. With very few and specific exceptions, all firearm transactions must be conducted through a firearms dealer.

You may transport your handgun in your car in a locked container.

http://oag.ca.gov/firearms/travel

HANDGUNS

California Penal Code section 12025 does not prevent a citizen of the United States over 18 years of age who is not lawfully prohibited from firearm possession, and who resides or is temporarily in California, from transporting by motor vehicle any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person provided the firearm is unloaded and stored in a locked container.

The term "locked container" means a secure container which is fully enclosed and locked by a padlock, key lock, combination lock, or similar locking device. This includes the trunk of a motor vehicle, but does not include the utility or glove compartment. For more information, refer to California Penal Code Section 12026.1.

http://oag.ca.gov/firearms

http://wiki.calgunsfoundation.org/Transporting

http://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/articles/2010/guide-to-the-interstate-transportation.aspx?

[Quiet]

Thanks that puts my mind at ease.

Now are there any laws RE: Ammo? Is JHP ok? Or should I just stick with ball? Also any ammo amount limit? Sorry if these are dumb questions, just trying to cover the bases...

Only ammo that is prohibited in CA is:
armor piercing handgun ammo
explosive ammo
incendiary ammo
tracer ammo (except for shotguns)

In CA, there is no limit to the amount of ammo or firearms a non-prohibited person can possession.

[dieselpower]

Just to make sure we are on the same page....

You are NOT allowed to carry a pistol unless its UNLOADED and in a LOCKED case. Consider all of CA like the Airport or a Federal Building. The only place you can have it NOT locked up is inside a home where you have permission to do so or a Firing range or in a designated outdoor area outside of any city limits. The only time you can load it is just before you are going to shoot it....or once again in a designated area.

I am sure you knew this...just making sure we are all on the same page.

[Gary_Mule]

Just to make sure we are on the same page....

You are NOT allowed to carry a pistol unless its UNLOADED and in a LOCKED case. Consider all of CA like the Airport or a Federal Building. The only place you can have it NOT locked up is inside a home where you have permission to do so or a Firing range or in a designated outdoor area outside of any city limits. The only time you can load it is just before you are going to shoot it....or once again in a designated area.

I am sure you knew this...just making sure we are all on the same page.

Thanks! And thanks to the others too, I am glad I came here, the guys who mentioned this forum said it is the best for CA and they were right!