Transporting a Shotgun in CA?

[GolferMike]

Ok so I have a Remington 870 and the only case I have is a soft "3-gun" case that zips up with a divider in the middle capable of storing a rifle and shotgun in the main compartment. I understand that I'm supposed to have my gun in a locked case so I'm wondering if I'm within the law by just placing a small lock on the zippers locking them together while driving with the gun in the small space behind me in my extended cab truck.

Thanks for any info you guys can share on this.

[Quiet]

Per CA laws [PC 26405], long guns (rifle, shotgun, other) needs to be unloaded & in a locked container [PC 16850] or unloaded & encased [PC 16505].

Therefore, because the case you are using is designed for firearms, it does not have to be locked.


Penal Code 26405
Section 26400 does not apply to, or affect, the carrying of an unloaded firearm that is not a handgun in any of the following circumstances:
(c) When the firearm is either in a locked container or encased and it is being transported directly between places where a person is not prohibited from possessing that firearm and the course of travel shall include only those deviations between authorized locations as are reasonably necessary under the circumstances.

Penal Code 16505
For purposes of Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 26400) of Division 5 of Title 4, a firearm is “encased” when that firearm is enclosed in a case that is expressly made for the purpose of containing a firearm and that is completely zipped, snapped, buckled, tied, or otherwise fastened with no part of that firearm exposed.

Penal Code 16850
As used in Sections 17740, 23925, 25105, 25205, and 25610, in Article 3 (commencing with Section 25505) of Chapter 2 of Division 5 of Title 4, in Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 26350) of Division 5 of Title 4, and in Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 26400) of Division 5 of Title 4, “locked container” means a secure container that is fully enclosed and locked by a padlock, keylock, combination lock, or similar locking device. The term “locked container” does not include the utility or glove compartment of a motor vehicle.

[Brandon04GT]

But, without a lock or keeping the case in a fully enclosed trunk, make sure you don't drive through school zones as that would still be illegal....IIRC.

I would just stick a small lock on it.....it'll probably be in your best interest too as you wouldn't want a cop to go snooping through your stuff in the event that you get pulled over and searched.

[cr1ms0njyhad]

To be absolutely safe I'd put a little luggage lock on the zippers, or from zipper to strap hook. Especially in SoCal.

Up north where I'm at, the population density is non-existent and the peace officers are a lot more friendly and reasonable, however your experience will vary by county

[Mk48]

2014 it has to be in a locked container- same rules as a handgun. See AB 809 sticky above.

[Librarian]

2014 it has to be in a locked container- same rules as a handgun. See AB 809 sticky above.

Not quite. As already noted, IN a city, OUT of a car, long guns must be in a case.

IF that case is designed as a GUN case, no lock required.

If the case is NOT a gun case - perhaps a guitar case, tool case, sports bag, duffel bag - THEN a lock is required.

And that's effective NOW - it's long gun DROS info and required docs on long gun transfers that goes into effect in 2014.

[killmime1234]

Don't forget GFSZs. I cannot drive anywhere in my city without going through one, so it's like a defacto "locked case" requirement.

[JoshuaS]

You can have the gun on your front seat, unload, but naked for all the world to see in your car, provided you are not in a school zone. In a school zone, locked container (e.g. truck). Outside the car, in a case designed for a gun, or otherwise in a locked case.

[Stryfe76]

Do you have to be coming or going to a range to transport? Can you store a firearm in you vehicle for emergencies?

[Librarian]

1) Do you have to be coming or going to a range to transport?

2) Can you store a firearm in you vehicle for emergencies?

1) OUTSIDE your car there are destination restrictions.

2) Presuming you do not go to places where guns are prohibited, yes.