Can we legally open carry an airsoft in public?

[DaMeMe]

I was wondering if we can legally open carry an airsoft or a toy gun in public because Californian have to fight back now if we want to keep our 2nd ammendment rights from getting infringe.

[CitaDeL]

Instead of questioning the OP about their choices, I will actually answer their question;

Here is the relevant citation of law;

20170. (a) No person may openly display or expose any imitation
firearm in a public place.
(b) As used in this section, "public place" means an area open to
the public and includes any of the following:
(1) A street.
(2) A sidewalk.
(3) A bridge.
(4) An alley.
(5) A plaza.
(6) A park.
(7) A driveway.
(8) A front yard.
(9) A parking lot.
(10) An automobile, whether moving or not.
(11) A building open to the general public, including one that
serves food or drink, or provides entertainment.
(12) A doorway or entrance to a building or dwelling.
(13) A public school.
(14) A public or private college or university.

[cvigue]

I bet a blue gun would not be considered an imitation firearm for the purposes of this law - anyone know for sure?

[MotoFahren]

I bet a blue gun would not be considered an imitation firearm for the purposes of this law - anyone know for sure?

It is an exact imitation of a firearm. You lose the bet.

[Librarian]

Thread moved to correct forum for legal questions.

Most followup posts deleted as off topic for new forum.

[SkyHawk]

It is an exact imitation of a firearm. You lose the bet.

Sorry, you lose:

http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=20175.&lawCode=PEN

20175.
Section 20170 does not apply in any of the following circumstances:
...
(m) The entire exterior surface of the imitation firearm is white, bright red, bright orange, bright yellow, bright green, bright blue, bright pink, or bright purple, either singly or as the predominant color in combination with other colors in any pattern, or the entire device is constructed of transparent or translucent material that permits unmistakable observation of the device’s complete contents. Merely having an orange tip as provided in federal law and regulations does not satisfy this requirement. The entire surface must be colored or transparent or translucent.

That also means a translucent airsoft gun is exempt.

[itr1275]

I was wondering if we can legally open carry an airsoft or a toy gun in public because Californian have to fight back now if we want to keep our 2nd ammendment rights from getting infringe.

Please don't. This is a really bad idea.

It will make a statement. It will also give the other side more reason to pass stupid laws when you get shot by the police.

[GM4spd]

Another Calguns "Darwin Award" candidate.

[Decoligny]

I bet a blue gun would not be considered an imitation firearm for the purposes of this law - anyone know for sure?

PC 16700 has the definition of imitation firearm.

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=16001-17360

[1st Generation Gun Owner]

Californian have to fight back now if we want to keep our 2nd ammendment rights from getting infringe.

Yes, but this won't help us win. Teach someone who hasn't shot before gun safety and other basics, and take them to a range with a 22LR. Show them that guns can be used responsibly, and can be fun. Even if they don't get into guns themselves, that would help nudge them towards respecting gun rights more.

Openly carrying something that looks like a gun would only be used as an example of a gun owner being irresponsible. Get someone to like us, not dislike us.

[HibikiR]

I was wondering if we can legally open carry an airsoft or a toy gun in public because Californian have to fight back now if we want to keep our 2nd ammendment rights from getting infringe.

If people on this forum think you're crazy for suggesting this then regular people you want to bring to our side of the issue will be much less understanding.

[markgrubb]

What about Junior ROTC rifle and flag teams? Guns are either replica "rubber" guns or de-mil'd real guns. Appear real from a distance.

[Win231]

I was wondering if we can legally open carry an airsoft or a toy gun in public because Californian have to fight back now if we want to keep our 2nd ammendment rights from getting infringe.

^^^ The type of mindset that helps me understand why more & more restrictive gun laws are passed.

[Librarian]

What about Junior ROTC rifle and flag teams? Guns are either replica "rubber" guns or de-mil'd real guns. Appear real from a distance.

They're exempt. PC 20175, in relevant part:

20175.

Section 20170 does not apply in any of the following circumstances:
...

(h) The imitation firearm is used in a military, civil defense, or civic activity, including a flag ceremony, color guard, parade, award presentation, historical reenactment, or memorial.

(i) The imitation firearm is used for a public display authorized by a public or private school or a display that is part of a museum collection.

(j) The imitation firearm is used in a parade, ceremony, or other similar activity for which a permit has been obtained from a local or state government.

...

[kbenson]

Instead of questioning the OP about their choices, I will actually answer their question;

Here is the relevant citation of law;

One would assume local laws would also come into play.

I doubt east bay would allow me the right to target practice in the backyard of my cookie cutter neighborhood.