New Gun owner: how to protect my guns and rights...

[liquidmx]

Hey guys. I just registered with Calguns and have been lurking around for a bit doing my homework. I just bought my first gun (OLL) and plan on buying several more within a short time. Probably one shotgun (remington 870) and a handgun.

I am basically looking for the ways to protect myself, my guns, and my loved ones from violations of my rights. Meaning I dont want to fall into a trap of "its the law, let us search your car, house, ect." What are the best ways to protect myself from this?

I am planning on keeping my legal AR in a locked hardcase within my home and when traveling. If I get pulled over, can a police officer force me to open that case? Can they take that property from me?

What things should I look out for, and how can I prevent myself from becoming another sob story?

I tried some searches but came up with nothing definite. Just point me in the right direction (aside from reading a ton of legal code plz) or offer some personal advice/experience.

Thanks again, this has been a great resource already

[CALI-gula]

....I am basically looking for the ways to protect myself, my guns, and my loved ones from violations of my rights. Meaning I dont want to fall into a trap of "its the law, let us search your car, house, ect." What are the best ways to protect myself from this?....

1) Join the NRA and sign up for the 1st Freedom magazine subscription.
2) Log onto the NRA-ILA website, read it through, and sign up for email notices.
3) Visit Calguns.net often, but keep an open mind - don't take any one post as the full or final word of truth.
4) Read over the Calguns FAQ, and use the search feature for most of your inquiries - whatever you think up, it's likely been covered ten times over.
5) Study to vote... AND actually vote.

.

[James R.]

Hey guys. I just registered with Calguns and have been lurking around for a bit doing my homework. I just bought my first gun (OLL) and plan on buying several more within a short time. Probably one shotgun (remington 870) and a handgun.

I am basically looking for the ways to protect myself, my guns, and my loved ones from violations of my rights. Meaning I dont want to fall into a trap of "its the law, let us search your car, house, ect." What are the best ways to protect myself from this?

I am planning on keeping my legal AR in a locked hardcase within my home and when traveling. If I get pulled over, can a police officer force me to open that case? Can they take that property from me?

What things should I look out for, and how can I prevent myself from becoming another sob story?

I tried some searches but came up with nothing definite. Just point me in the right direction (aside from reading a ton of legal code plz) or offer some personal advice/experience.

Thanks again, this has been a great resource already

In the home you have no obligation to secure your firearms. However if you have minor children any events which transpire because they gained access to your unsecured firearms is on your head. Trigger locks, locked cases or a safe are all a good idea...I prefer the safe since it has the anti-theft angle.

On the other stuff...

Traveling with Firearms in California
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.
SHOTGUNS AND RIFLES

Nonconcealable firearms (rifles and shotguns) are not generally covered within the provisions of California Penal Code section 12025 and therefore are not required to be transported in a locked container. However, as with any firearm, nonconcealable firearms must be unloaded while they are being transported. A rifle or shotgun that is defined as an assault weapon pursuant to Penal Code 12276 or 12276.1 must be transported in accordance with Penal Code section 12026.1.
REGISTERED ASSAULT WEAPONS

California Penal Code section 12285(c)(7) requires that registered assault weapons may be transported only between specified locations and must be unloaded and in a locked container when transported.

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.

Regards,

James R.

[DedEye]

If a police officer asks you to DO something, then do it. Don't tell them anything (other than name/rank/serial number), unless your attorney is present.

I agree with everything you said, save that. One thing you should definitely tell them, so that its on the record, is that you do NOT consent to a search of your property. That way, even if the officer didn't have probable cause and was just fishing, you didn't give implied consent by opening the case without objection.

[LAK Supply]

1) Join the NRA and sign up for the 1st Freedom magazine subscription.
2) Log onto the NRA-ILA website, read it through, and sign up for email notices.
3) Visit Calguns.net often, but keep an open mind - don't take any one post as the full or final word of truth.
4) Read over the Calguns FAQ, and use the search feature for most of your inquiries - whatever you think up, it's likely been covered ten times over.
5) Study to vote... AND actually vote.

.

And move to Idaho, Nevada, or some other semi-free state!

[xenophobe]

And move to Idaho, Nevada, or some other semi-free state!

Gee, that's a brilliant suggestion.

Idaho = Remember Ruby Ridge? Umm... That was in Idaho. Yeah, please move there, then you can giggle to yourself all night long how you were smart and moved away.

[LAK Supply]

I think I would take my chances with rogue agents to no longer have to say that Boxer, Feinstein, and Pelosi represent my state.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't that a Federal thing anyway? I'm pretty sure that it was not state law enforcement that killed those people.