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

[SexPistol]

My buddy and I were talking about a party this weekend that he is hosting and he was talking about how if anyone rings the doorbell he wants to answer it with an unloaded pump action shotgun and tell them to get off his property. I told him this was not legal but he said it was since it was his home and they are unwanted individuals on his property so he has the right to bear arms.

Whose right? And please explain in the simplest/clear was possible so I can relay it to him if he's the one whose wrong.

Thanks!

[five.five-six]

that's a really dumb idea, if you are going to have a shotgun, i recommend at least having the magazine full


don't brandish it at anyone that's not threatening you

[Baconator]

I usually keep my arms on at all times.

But it sounds like you are describing brandishing, which could get that person arrested and/or killed. And I don't think you will get away with "keeping people off your property" with deadly force shown.

[paul0660]

Why unloaded? Like 556 said.

[SexPistol]

I don't know, he didn't elaborate. I'm assuming he would have it unloaded just for the intimidation factor.

[Librarian]

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.

[Quiet]

My buddy and I were talking about a party this weekend that he is hosting and he was talking about how if anyone rings the doorbell he wants to answer it with an unloaded pump action shotgun and tell them to get off his property. I told him this was not legal but he said it was since it was his home and they are unwanted individuals on his property so he has the right to bear arms.

Whose right? And please explain in the simplest/clear was possible so I can relay it to him if he's the one whose wrong.

Thanks!

I don't know, he didn't elaborate. I'm assuming he would have it unloaded just for the intimidation factor.

That would be considered "brandishing". [PC 417(a)(2)]


Penal Code 417
(a)(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:
(A) If the violation occurs in a public place and the firearm is a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person, by imprisonment in a county jail for not less than three months and not more than one year, by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment.
(B) In all cases other than that set forth in subparagraph (A), a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not less than three months.

[ElvenSoul]

Your friend might win the criminal case but would lose the civil case....aren't lawyers great

[Baconator]

I am thinking more along the lines of why express the intention of deadly force if you aren't needing to use deadly force. Your friend opens the door to someone who doesn't know him and he has a shotgun in his hand. That person calls 911, a SWAT standoff ensues. I don't think anything good will come of this idea.

[hawk1]

I don't know, he didn't elaborate. I'm assuming he would have it unloaded just for the intimidation factor.

Any chance you can shoot video? Might just be the local LEO, I'm sure it'll end badly for your friend.

[five.five-six]

I don't know, he didn't elaborate. I'm assuming he would have it unloaded just for the intimidation factor.

so if I am a turdwad with a gun at his door and he tells me to f off and slams the door, I shout at him and walk away


now if he threatens my life with an unloaded shotgun, I shoot at him to protect my life..... never bring an unloaded gun to any kind of a fight, brandishing an unloaded gun brings the same penalty as a loaded one,


If uncomfortable, may come to my door with a loaded gun, but by the time the threat sees it, I will have already decided to use deadly force, no sence tipping your hand


YMMV

[Cokebottle]

I don't know, he didn't elaborate. I'm assuming he would have it unloaded just for the intimidation factor.

That absolutely would be brandishing... and if alcohol is involved, keep the gun locked up. It could end up loaded and used.

[paul0660]

I am thinking more along the lines of why express the intention of deadly force if you aren't needing to use deadly force. Your friend opens the door to someone who doesn't know him and he has a shotgun in his hand. That person calls 911, a SWAT andoff ensues. I don't think anything good will come of this idea.

Maybe my assumption magnet is turned to HIGH tonight, but how do you ASSUME he doesn't need to use deadly force?

Answer door without pants on..............that's a crime.

Answer door with a gun......a tradition. Personally I wouldn't blink, and probably give the guy a fist pump after i sold him my GS cookies.

[1Fastrider]

I openly carry while on my property, in my house. I have answered the door with my holstered weapon because I'm used to it being there. I generally answer with the opposite side of my body to the person so they do not see my holster or contents. You taking the shotgun out just seems like it could cause trouble.

[misterjake]

Easy, answer the door with a pistol in one hand behind the door. Only have 1/2 your body out. Let the guy never see the gun.

Or if you don't know who the guy is, don't answer the door.