Can I carry my gun in my apartment building's underground garage?

[oversteerdawg]

My apt. building put a notice in the elevator that there was an attempted robbery last week. The perpetrator apparently used a hatchet. I'll be damned if I fall victim to some scumbag with a hatchet.

I normally carry an unloaded .45 in my locked briefcase. Am I in violation of the law if I load my gun and place it in my waistband on my way through the garage, up the elevator and down the hallway into my apartment? I am technically on private property and there is nothing in my lease agreement that states I cannot carry a firearm on the property.

[VTRweasel]

I'm not sure about the law but I would CC.

[M14 Junkie]

[QUOTE=oversteerdawg;5056081]

Am I in violation of the law if I load my gun and place it in my waistband on my way through the garage, up the elevator and down the hallway into my apartment? I am technically on private property and there is nothing in my lease agreement that states I cannot carry a firearm on the property.

Yes, it's not your pvt. property. Other people share all the same common areas that you mentioned, and since all of those places would be considered "public" except once you are inside your apt., you would be in violation of the law.

[Omega13device]

Correct, per 12031 PC you may not carry a loaded firearm in a public area.

Btw please don't ever put a firearm in your waistband without a holster under any circumstances.

[AVS]

If you're in CA, then your best bet is probably Unloaded Open Carry (UOC) for what you're describing. Get a holster. Carry your gun in your *unconcealed* holster with the mag taken out of it (and no bullet in the chamber). Keep a loaded magazine in your other pocket.

If hatchet man shows up again, all you need is literally a couple seconds to draw, insert your mag and pull the slide. If that's too many steps, then might I suggest a Walther P38 for your hatchet man needs?

Frankly though, if you're openly carrying a holstered firearm, hatchet man will probably stay hidden and wait for the next person heading to and from their car.

[N6ATF]

UOC, but only if you are considerably further than 1000 feet from the perimeter of all nearby K-12 schools, and do not fear eviction.

Sounds like you need to make a decision though. Move, put up a bunch of anonymous flyers warning the hatchet man he's going to get shot if he comes around again, or stake out the garage and legally load up (PC 12031(k)) if he tries again on someone.

[thevic]

Id greet the hatchet man with my browning