UOC w/ Crossdraw Vest for Hiking, Legal?

[aermotor]

If I'm out hiking or backpacking in the woods in the Angeles National forest, and I've got my gun unloaded/holstered, with mags in the vest at the ready, is that a legal problem or is okay per current UOC laws? Not sure if that would fall under concealed, doesn't seem like it as it's right on the front of my body. Thanks.

[GrizzlyGuy]

You'd be OK, the firearm isn't concealed. The 12025 (f) exemption specifically says so:

http://law.onecle.com/california/penal/12025.html

"(f) Firearms carried openly in belt holsters are not concealed within the meaning of this section."

It says "belt holster" but a holster on your vest would be OK as long as the firearm is "carried openly" (not inside your vest, etc.)

You say "mags in the vest". That could be a problem if they are loaded and concealed. If you can openly carry them on the vest (instead of in), or on your belt, on the outside of your pack, etc... you'd be fine.

[aermotor]

Yea sorry, mags are right on the front of the vest... but the might "technically" be concealed because how the velcro straps go over them and lock them in... you can see the 3 pouches over the heart, that's prolly concealed huh?



I do wonder that because it's not in a belt holster if that's actually a problem... anyone else know or have experience?

[jeffm223]

Legal maybe, but if there were ever a garment that shouted "Hey cop, come hassle me" more clearly, I can't imagine what it would be. Any granola-munching hippie that sees you wearing that on the trail will probably break the sound barrier on his way to report the "crazy paramilitary guy with a gun." Why ruin a nice day in the woods by spending it face down on the ground with an AR15 pointed at your head? Just food for thought.

[Liberty1]

I love the concept but as stated I think even hiking/camping we should avoid the natural urge to "tactical" up and try to appear in the mode of dress most common for our surroundings. We are still ambassadors at this point and not exercising a FIRM unshakeable unimpeachable Right (yet)

Try to look as granola muchie as you can and then add an unassuming belt holster and mag pouch and maybe a Rosta cap or rainbow scarf.

But ALWAYS whether UOC, or LOC where legal, do not go alone, know the law and how to articulate them, carry a recording device and HAVE the brochures and LEO memos found at californiaopencarry.org .

[gun toting monkeyboy]

Why the hell would you UOC in a National Forest?! It is one of the few places you are allowed to carry a loaded firearm openly. You may not be allowed to target shoot or hunt due to fire conditions, but that is something you call the rangers about ahead of time. But you are still allowed to OC there. And if it is the Angeles National Forest, you damned well better be packing. That is the most dangerous NF in the whole freakin country. Google murders and Angeles NF, and see what pops up...

As for the "Tacti-cool" vest, don't bother. Just get your basic belt holster and be done with it. Make sure your shirt does NOT cover it, and you'll be fine.
-Mb

[Liberty1]

Why the hell would you UOC in a National Forest?!

Angeles National Forest is in unincorporated LA County, a no discharge area by ordinance generally unless hunting or at a designated range.

[gun toting monkeyboy]

No target shooting outside of designated ares, but IIRC, still legal for open carry because it is unincorporated. Am I wrong here?

Per their own website:

"Hunting is permitted throughout the Angeles National Forest during hunting seasons designated by the California State Department of Fish and Game. Hunting is prohibited in the San Dimas Experimental Forest.

Hunting is not permitted in those areas where the discharge of firearms is prohibited by County Ordinance, California State law, or Federal regulations, and hunters must follow all laws, including no hunting within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area. A valid California hunting license is required."

And there is nothing there that forbids open carry. Gte a hunting license. It's currently rabbit season. No reason you can't use a handgun with JHPs for hunting rabbits... It is perfectly legal.

[Liberty1]

No discharge, but IIRC, still legal for open carry because it is unincorporated. Am I wrong here?

UOC, out side of any school zone and not in any government building, yes. LOC, not generally in Unincorporated LA County (with limited exceptions). If one is just hiking, UOC.

[gun toting monkeyboy]

UOC, out side of any school zone and not in any government building, yes. LOC, not generally in Unincorporated LA County (with limited exceptions). If one is just hiking, UOC.

How do they get around the law that specifically states you can carry a loaded firearm openly in unicorporated parts of the state? And again, I suggest rabbit hunting. The license is cheap, and I believe that there is also a provision in there about being able to carry a concealled handgun while doing so. That came up on here not that long ago.

[Liberty1]

How do they get around the law that specifically states you can carry a loaded firearm openly in unicorporated parts of the state? And again, I suggest rabbit hunting. The license is cheap, and I believe that there is also a provision in there about being able to carry a concealled handgun while doing so. That came up on here not that long ago.

Your understanding of 12031 is incomplete. "Discharge Prohibited" areas are the loaded "prohibited areas" of unincorporated area mentioned in 12031's scope of public places application.

Back to school for you: californiaopencarry.org

[gun toting monkeyboy]

Your understanding of 12031 is incomplete. "Discharge Prohibited" areas are the loaded "prohibited areas" of unincorporated area mentioned in 12031's scope of public places application.

Back to school for you: californiaopencarry.org

Doh! My OC-foo is weak! I must go directly to OC.org. Do not pass go, and do not collect $200.

But regarding hunting, wouldn't that override the discharge prohibited areas as outlined in the NF's own website? And what about CC while "hunting" out there?

-Mb

[Liberty1]

Doh! My OC-foo is weak! I must go directly to OC.org. Do not pass go, and do not collect $200.

But regarding hunting, wouldn't that override the discharge prohibited areas as outlined in the NF's own website? And what about CC while "hunting" out there?

-Mb

If you are in compliance as to where and when hunting is allowed and recognized by that counties ords, then I say LOC is a go while hunting with license with the allowed firearm for that kind of hunting.

And then one could likely claim the 12027 exemption to 12025 and CC. But Loaded CC might depend on if that CCed firearm was useful for that specific hunt, IF the discharge ban was otherwise in effect for those not hunting.

I'm really getting into an area I'm not familiar with so take the above as speculation only please.

[GrizzlyGuy]

Hunting isn't a "free pass" for LOC. From the CA Mammal Hunting Regulations:

"(G) This license does not grant permission to discharge a firearm in any place or manner that would otherwise be unlawful, or to possess a loaded firearm in violation of any other city, county or state law."

Here is a great summary of where you can and cannot discharge a firearm in a National Forest:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=186457

[gun toting monkeyboy]

Hunting isn't a "free pass" for LOC. From the CA Mammal Hunting Regulations:

"(G) This license does not grant permission to discharge a firearm in any place or manner that would otherwise be unlawful, or to possess a loaded firearm in violation of any other city, county or state law."

Here is a great summary of where you can and cannot discharge a firearm in a National Forest:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=186457

Yes, but according to that post, LOC or LCC is kosher if you are hunting. In a NF, where is isn't specifically banned, hunting is legal. And pretty much anything goes for hunting rabbits. I have used .32s, .38s, .357s, .38 Super, 8mm Nambu, and of course, .22 LR. Hunting isn't a free pass, but it does give you a lot of leeway. And remember, Jackrabbits and ground squirrels are non-game animals, and open all year long. I never go out into the back country unarmed, and we don't have anywhere near the problems Angeles NF has. I sometimes even bring home a rabbit or two.

-Mb