Revolver Trigger Locks and Transportation in California

[kj]

I've been getting a lot of different information on this as I'm interested in transporting my revolver to a range and wanted to protect myself and not cause issues if I'm pulled over as I'm in California. Or when I'm walking to the range from my car. I often hear stories of law enforcement not always knowing the law for the correct procedure of what's the current standard so in the end they have harassed some people over it.

The HSC manual shows picture of trigger locks over the trigger. Though at a local gun store, they said it's not approved for California (even though it's in the HSC manual). Ruger provides a padlock for the cylinder which it claims is correct. So to protect myself I was wondering what's the correct procedure and if they know of a regulation. All the regulations I've read just mention trigger locks, but not the approved styles (over trigger, cable through barrel, or padlock through cylinder).

If no one knows, I may just go overkill to just make sure no one gives me a hassle. Here's my procedure I'm thinking of.

1. cylinder padlock that ruger provided
2. buy trigger lock over trigger
3. Use ruger or another plastic case and put a padlock on it so it's locked (I heard carrying it to range in a bag could be considered concealed carry eventhough it's unloaded). Then not to advertise, put that case in another bag to carry into the range.
4. Lock ammo in a separate case

thoughts?

 

[wellfedirishman]

Just put the unloaded gun in a case and lock the case with a combination or key lock. Done.

Lots of good info on transportion of firearm laws in CA available on Calguns.net

 

[Ruber]

CA laws confusing, na, really??
From the AG:
http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/forms/pdf/Cfl2007.pdf

• The transportation or carrying of any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being
concealed upon the person by any citizen of the United States over the age of 18 years
who resides or is temporarily within this state, and is not within the excepted classes
prescribed by Penal Code Sections 12021 or 12021.1 or Welfare and Institutions Code sections
8100 or 8103, provided that the following applies:
- the firearm is within a motor vehicle and it is locked in the vehicle's trunk or in a locked container
in the vehicle other than the utility or glove compartment, and;
- when the firearm is carried by the person to or from any motor vehicle for any lawful purpose, the
firearm must be contained in a locked container while being physically carried. (Penal Code §
12026.1.)

NOTE: A firearm carried openly in a belt holster is not considered "concealed" as it applies to the above prohibition. (Penal Code § 12025(f).)

You can also look up the exact wording by the specific code listed in the guide.

 

[kj]

CA laws confusing, na, really??
From the AG:
http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/forms/pdf/Cfl2007.pdf

• The transportation or carrying of any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being
concealed upon the person by any citizen of the United States over the age of 18 years
who resides or is temporarily within this state, and is not within the excepted classes
prescribed by Penal Code Sections 12021 or 12021.1 or Welfare and Institutions Code sections
8100 or 8103, provided that the following applies:
- the firearm is within a motor vehicle and it is locked in the vehicle's trunk or in a locked container
in the vehicle other than the utility or glove compartment, and;
- when the firearm is carried by the person to or from any motor vehicle for any lawful purpose, the
firearm must be contained in a locked container while being physically carried. (Penal Code §
12026.1.)

NOTE: A firearm carried openly in a belt holster is not considered "concealed" as it applies to the above prohibition. (Penal Code § 12025(f).)

You can also look up the exact wording by the specific code listed in the guide.

Thanks I'll have to read that pdf. Also by what you cut and pasted, it kind of shows there's no real use for ever using a trigger lock as long as the gun is in a locked case.

 

[Ruber]

As far as I can discern, there are two different issues.

One is whether the handgun is easily accessible during transport, the other is whether kids can get a hold of it and shoot it.

We are required to have the DOJ approved lock or safe for a new purchase, but only to make sure we can store the gun "properly" away from kids and miscreants, not necessarily for transport.

Anyway, that's my take.

I noticed the PDF has been updated since the last time I read it, the clause about the belt holster is not in there in the copy I had on my desktop, so it might be worth a read.

 

[BlackEagle]

The trigger locks are for storage at home. They prevent kids and others from using the gun if it is not locked away safely.

 

[COR]

Thoughts?


Yeah...Move to a free state... :wink:

 

[wellfedirishman]

Thoughts?
Yeah...Move to a free state... :wink:

Yeah, but not everyone wants to freeze their rear off all winter long :)

CA laws look confusing to folks from out of state, but once you read and understand them, it is clear. I do suggest that you research this stuff on CA-specific forums (e.g., Calguns) to get info from folks who live here in CA.

There are lots of benefits to living here in CA (great weather, job opportunities, etc.). There is also a very active shooting community here, despite all the liberal antis you hear about in the media. There are half a dozen clubs within a hour of my home that offer CAS, PPC, IPSC, Silhouette, Bullseye, CMP matches, and lots of other stuff every week.

 

[Bucks Owin]

Thoughts?


Yeah...Move to a free state... :wink:

10X pard! :wink:
I'm sick of the PRK's notion that the firearm itself is the problem and might at any time just leap out of the gun cabinet and chase down granny and the kids with murderous intent... :roll:

Shasta county native with relocation on my mind....

 

[schloss]

Information I have been given says that you must completely encase your firearm in liquid concrete, and permit it to set up before transporting.

Seriously, though, it's getting pretty ridiculous. I read an article in American Rifleman not long ago where a guy from New Jersey was arrested for transporting his guns to his new home. My understanding was that they were cased and everything. He was later released, but I'm sure it was at a large cost.

I really miss living in Alaska, where the standard was "make sure you bring your gun with you when you get into the truck". I'm still trying to remember why we ever left...

 

[Ruber]

and might at any time just leap out of the gun cabinet and chase down granny

:lol: :lol: :lol:
Great imagery, but that's exactly what my in-laws think...

 

[otteray]

Thoughts?


Yeah...Move to a free state... :wink:

Ha funny
Most of our crazy laws are voted in by transplant East Coasters like your state that come here to express there "liberalism" and F it up for us locals and native Californians.


From Calif. Highway Patrol:

http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/answers.htmll

I will be traveling to California and want to carry my weapon. I currently have a concealed weapon permit. How can I legally transport my weapon while driving through the state?
California law does not recognize concealed weapon permits from other states; therefore, they would not be held valid. If you wish to transport a handgun during your California visit, it should be carried unloaded in a locked container. In the absence of a suitable container, you may secure the unloaded handgun in the locked trunk of a passenger car. Ammunition may be kept in the same container or trunk, but the handgun must remain unloaded with no rounds in the cylinder and no loaded magazines in the magazine well.

If you have additional questions, contact the California Department of Justice at 916-227-3703.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Thoughts?


Yeah...Move to a free state...

Howdy

Comments like that are completely useless and counterproductive. Not everybody can just pack up and move. Rather than cut and run, some of us have decided to stay where we live and work for better laws.

If your laws are anything like our restrictive laws here in MASS, the simplest thing to do is just slip it unloaded into a lockable hard case. We have a loophole in the law here where we can slip a cheap padlock through the zipper of a soft case, and the gun is considered locked and legal for transport. You probably don't have that loophole. A gun with a trigger lock on it in a soft case is also legal for transport here. But by far the simplest thing to do is to just put it in a lockable hard case. I have a pistol case about the size of a briefcase. I can easily fit four handguns inside and only have to deal with one lock. In a pinch, I have gotten more than four inside.

The second half of the law here is that even though locked up, the gun still must not be easily accessible. So in a locked case in the trunk is good. In station wagons or SUVs the wayback is as good as the trunk. We also have a requirement that the ammo must not be locked up in the same container as the gun. So when I travel to and from the range, all my guns are either in locked hard cases, or in soft cases with trigger locks. Ammo is in a separate range bag and everything is in the wayback under the sliding cargo cover.

 

[David-R]

Not to hijack the thread but is there a website that has trustworthy transportation rules for the different states? I am primarily concerned with MO and IL but may also need WI in the near future.

I am sure others need similar info.

Thanks.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy Again

There used to be a web site called packing.org. It does not appear to exist anymore.

A quick search revealed this site:

http://www.usacarry.com/

How accurate their information is for all states I cannot say. I checked the information they have for Mass laws, and it is mostly correct, but they did leave out some important details.

Running a site like that and keeping it completely up to date on all the laws in all the states is a pretty tall order, considering how quickly things can change in some states.

 

[COR]

Thoughts?


Yeah...Move to a free state... :wink:

Ha funny
Most of our crazy laws are voted in by transplant East Coasters like your state that come here to express there "liberalism" and F it up for us locals and native Californians.

Wow, Now it's MY FAULT...well not exactly since we aren't a coastal state...

and @ Driftwood...I wasn't trying to be productive whatsoever which is why I added the wink "emoticon"...

You will not change either of those states mentioned within your lifetime or your childrens, for that matter...I just choose my state of residence based on what I hold most dear to me. Your noble decision to not "cut and run" is yours to make. I just don't have time for such nonsensical firearms laws given better options.

 

[batmann]

I have said it before and I will say it again---IF YOU HAVE A LEGAL QUESTION ASK AN ATTORNEY. You don't want legal advice from us, we are not (most of us) attorneys.
If you are stopped and you are in violation, the last thing you want to say is "The guys on the forum said--------".

 

[GSP7]

Speaking of the CHP, anyone ever watch them do their monthly firearms training?

 

[GSP7]

Thoughts?


Yeah...Move to a free state... :wink:

Ha funny
Most of our crazy laws are voted in by transplant East Coasters like your state that come here to express there "liberalism" and F it up for us locals and native Californians.

You got that RIGHT ! not just east "coasters" though, but we call any libturd anti-gun transplant east of Colorado, east coasters


.

 

[David-R]

I did some googling myself and found this:

http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/USRVCarCarry.pdf

Your link looks like it has good info also.

 

[Ruber]

I have said it before and I will say it again---IF YOU HAVE A LEGAL QUESTION ASK AN ATTORNEY. You don't want legal advice from us, we are not (most of us) attorneys.
If you are stopped and you are in violation, the last thing you want to say is "The guys on the forum said--------".

This is a good point, and a reason I always try to link to official documents. But it's gotta be a good attorney, and if in doubt, double check their advice. I've seen too many attorneys misdirect people simply because they were stubborn or had their own political agenda.

Also, case law is important. Interpretation of the laws change as cases are heard and judgments are made.

Thanks Batmann

 

[RedlegM109A1]

Just put the unloaded gun in a case and lock the case with a combination or key lock. Done.

Lots of good info on transportion of firearm laws in CA available on Calguns.net

Exactly right. A triggerlock has no legal significance in CA when transporting a firearm. What matters is that it is in a locked case. Doesn't have to be a hard sided case either; just a case that is locked so that the firearm cannot be removed without unlocking the lock. Many gun rugs suffice if you can lock the zippers together tightly.

 

[Shotsmith]

Welcome to the "Peoples Republic of California". Born and raised.

Ron