Can you answer the front door of your home bearing arms????

[Cokebottle]

So basically, I was right and it would be a bad idea on his part. And yes this kid isn't the sharpest tool in the shed but he does throw some pretty good parties where the guy to girl ratio is great so that's the main reason I wanted to go.

The only thing I'm unclear on now is it still brandishing if you answer a door with a fire arm at your side visible or not, and if it is visible not pointed at someone? Party or not.

Here is the actual law.
Pointing at someone is not required. If the gun is displayed with the intent to intimidate, it's illegal. Displaying the gun while yelling "Get the hell off of my property" is pretty intimidating, and within the letter of the law... "rude, angry, or threatening"

PC417(a)
(1) Every person who, except in self-defense, in the presence of any other person, draws or exhibits any deadly weapon whatsoever, other than a firearm, in a rude, angry, or threatening manner, or who in any manner, unlawfully uses a deadly weapon other than a firearm in any fight or quarrel is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not less than 30 days.
(2) Every person who, except in self-defense, in the presence of any other person, draws or exhibits any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, in a rude, angry, or threatening manner, or who in any manner, unlawfully uses a firearm in any fight or quarrel is punishable as follows:

BTW: Remind him of

http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/forms/pdf/prohibcatmisd.pdf

10 year firearms prohibition for brandishing... even a NON-firearm!
If he answers the door holding a baseball bat and someone calls the cops, he can kiss his shotgun goodbye for 10 years.

It gets worse....
If he does it in the presence of a cop, or gets two convictions (two people at the door, they both press charges), it's a LIFETIME firearms prohibition!

[SexPistol]

What if you say "please get off my property" lol

[Cokebottle]

What if you say "please get off my property" lol

Legal....

But given the circumstances (unloaded, alcohol at the party), still stupid.

[Seeker]

To the OP:

Your friend should just dig a few tiger traps with pooh tipped punji sticks at the bottom in his front yard. At least that way it's not something he'll be holding when the police show up.

That my friend, is illegal and will still land him in jail nonetheless

http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/dwcl/12355.php

[erik]

That my friend, is illegal and will still land him in jail nonetheless

http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/dwcl/12355.php

Yes, and the point of the exercise: It's one step *up* from "shot where he stands."

[misterjake]

LOL! Not pointed through the door of course, just have it ready.

[Dirtbozz]

Someone might not be intimidated - unloaded isn't that good an idea.

But to answer the original question, yes, it's entirely legal to be armed at home and to answer the door armed.

I'll leave it to each individual to decide the wisdom of it.

Wisdom? If you are willing to pull the trigger to protect your family and yourself (always carry loaded) then do it. If not, your just giving as weapon to your adversary. Understand that you must be prepared to use a weapon if needed. Otherwise, leave it in the closet (or other appropriate storage location).

[Cokebottle]

Wisdom? If you are willing to pull the trigger to protect your family and yourself (always carry loaded) then do it. If not, your just giving as weapon to your adversary. Understand that you must be prepared to use a weapon if needed. Otherwise, leave it in the closet (or other appropriate storage location).

Indeed. A gun is like a fire extinguisher.
It's better to have it and not need it than it is to not have it and need it.

However, a fire is NOT like a criminal.
A fire is not going to grab your extinguisher and use it on you if you hesitate.

[N6ATF]

Can you answer the front door of your home bearing a fire extinguisher?

[Cokebottle]

Can you answer the front door of your home bearing a fire extinguisher?

Perhaps a smarter option for a party with alcohol involved.

[N6ATF]

What if you're not consuming alcohol? Is there such a thing as secondhand alcoholism?

[Baconator]

What if you're not consuming alcohol? Is there such a thing as secondhand alcoholism?

I'm sure there is in this state. I know someone who could likely find a support group for such a thing.

[Cokebottle]

What if you're not consuming alcohol? Is there such a thing as secondhand alcoholism?

Having a shotgun anywhere but locked in the safe when there are intoxicated people in the home is stupid.

[N6ATF]

I'm sure there is in this state. I know someone who could likely find a support group for such a thing.

Actually, since CA doesn't prohibit drinking and carry, maybe not. Though in AZ and other "free states" you are guilty by association if you carry and only consume non-alcoholic beverages at an establishment that serves food and alcohol to others. Until that law is fixed, the support group would have to take the form of a dry restaurant association so those of us who never drink know where to patronize in safety.

[jonnyt16]

I don't understand all this talk about "brandishing". How the hell can you be brandishing in your own home?? Say I'm cleaning a rifle/pistol/shotgun in my kitchen while someone knocks on the door and I decide to answer the door with said rifle/pistol/shotgun in hand, I can be charged with brandishing??