Transporting Firearms in California

[Jesteraron]

Ok...first off I am a n00b to the boards and quite frankly just getting back into the firearm scene since being a kid (over 20 years ago).

I'm trying to better understand the constantly changing laws we are experiencing in Cali and just wanted to nail down where things stand RIGHT NOW as it relates to transporting weapons (to the range for instance).

So it's my understanding that the weapons must be in a case that is locked. I have a few questions that are specific to my situation...

*Does it matter if the case is a soft case or not?
*Is it sufficient to lock the zippers together with a small luggage lock?
*Can the ammo be up front with the passengers and thus away from the guns?
*Does the ammo have to be locked up too?
*What if I drive my minivan...the back area where a cars trunk would be is open to the passenger area...does my gun have to be both in a locked case AND in a locked trunk?

Sorry for the slew of questions...the law just seems so ambiguous on all this and difficult to interpret.

[bubbagump]

Soft or Hard Case does not matter. Just make sure you have a way to lock the case (two zippers, zipper and a d-ring, etc). To be safe, I would lock the case. AFAIK, there are circumstances where the cased firearms does not need to be locked (For example, trunk of car), but I will let someone else clear that up for you.

The ammunition can be in the same case, just not in the firearm. You do not have to have ammunition in a locked case. The ammunition does not have to be in separate vehicle compartments.

I'm confused explaining it to you

[bubbagump]

Here you go...

http://wiki.calgunsfoundation.org/Transporting

[NorCalFocus]

As long as its locked. Doesn't have to be a super fancy lock and yes locking two zippers together is fine.

Wally Mart sells a 4 pack of mini locks that all use the same key. Thats what I use. That way its one key to open everything at the range.

[Jesteraron]

Thanks all! So it sounds like I am ok with the minivan too so I dont have to put it in a trunk but do need to lock it. I have several cases that dont have two zippers...I might have to sew something on them that I can lock to the zipper to make it officially "ok".

Boy...I bet NO criminals are doing any of this!

[Jesteraron]

Sorry...one more thought/question/confusion...

On that link above it says: "BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2013 Long guns must be transported in a completely enclosing case when not in a vehicle; if the case is designed as a gun case, no lock required. If the case is NOT designed as a gun case, must also be locked."

So is my soft gun case that isnt lockable sufficient then? Sorry...a bit confused still.

[Artema]

I picked up a Pelican case for my pistols. I have two combination locks through the provided holes. It is more than required, but since I drive around a military base with them in my trunk, I play it safe. I did switch to combination vs key locks.

[-hanko]

Sorry...one more thought/question/confusion...

On that link above it says: "BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2013 Long guns must be transported in a completely enclosing case when not in a vehicle; if the case is designed as a gun case, no lock required. If the case is NOT designed as a gun case, must also be locked."

So is my soft gun case that isnt lockable sufficient then? Sorry...a bit confused still.

Read the bold parts.

[Jesteraron]

Thanks Hanko...but how does this apply (just found it)?

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

This appears to contradict what the Calguns wiki states.

I'm legitimately asking as I'm trying to nail this down for myself. Thanks!

[-hanko]

Thanks Hanko...but how does this apply (just found it)?

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

This appears to contradict what the Calguns wiki states.

I'm legitimately asking as I'm trying to nail this down for myself. Thanks!

Calguns wiki out of date??

[CreamyFettucini]

Handguns are required to be in a locked container, long guns do not have to be locked.

[chris1911]

Handguns are required to be in a locked container, long guns do not have to be locked.

However it becomes muddled when you factor in how difficult it is not to pass through a GFSZ. It's best just to have long guns in a locked container. I you were pulled over in front of a school, in the minivan, with the long guns in a gun case you would still be guilty of a crime.

[johnny1290]

My 2 cents: as a practical matter, if you want to limit your chance of being arrested by a PO, locked hardcase in the trunk, with *empty* magazines in the case(or better yet not with the gun), is the way to transport long guns and hand guns. A separate locked ammocan in the trunk for ammo as well.

Is that above and beyond the *minimum* the law requires? Yes, but it will very likely keep you out of jail.

Once you start doing soft cases, locking zippers eyelets together, transport inside the passenger compartment, have loaded mags or ammo in the gun case, you're giving the PO an excuse to arrest you.

Is it legal? Probably. You can beat the rap, but you can't beat the ride, and it'll cost a heckuva lot more than a few cheap locks and hardcases will. This is *CALIFORNIA*, one of the most gun hating states in the union, and people try to get away with the absolute minimum precautions thinking the PO will be "reasonable" when it comes to gun laws and know the subtleties.