Travel to Calif.

[Monkey404error]

I can't seem to find the correct answer, and as this board is mostly people from Texas, I still might not be able to get an answer, but I'll try anyways.

I'm going to be going out to California for a couple of months this summer to stay with my aunt and uncle out there. As I understand, California does not have reciprocity with Texas CHL holders, or anyone else for this matter, but this will be hard on me as I like to go to the range every other week or so, and theres not a chance I'm staying in LA without some kind of protection in the apartment I'll have. My questions are:
1. First am I able to bring my gun from Texas to California; or is it one of those things I'd have a better chance of bringing in an animal with buebonic plague, rabies, bird flu, and activly attacks anything that moves, instead?
If bringing it in isn't possible (the gun not the animal):
2. Since my aunt and uncle are legal residents of that state (in good standing, they would be able to get a Texas CHL if they lived here), are they able to purchase a gun for themselves, but allow me to use it at the range, or would be easier for me to try and purchase it myself? (I think they only sell with low capacity mags, but I'll get some normal capacity after I get home)
2a. If they are able to get a weapon of self-defense for me, and an incident happens, what are some of the applicable laws to me defending myself, since they dont have the castle doctrine.
2b. If they are allowed to do this, but don't want to keep the guns for themselves, how would we go about transfering ownership to me, followed by me taking it back home to Texas? Would I be allowed to send it back in my checcked baggage (locked of course) or would it be easier to have a dealer there ship it to a local dealer here, and just pay the fees that go with it?
3. It seems like they dont issue concealed lisenses to their own residents, but what about carrying collapsable (sp) baton for protection?
3a. If I can't carry that, is there something I would be able to legally carry for my own protection?

4. Am I just crazy for thinking that I can reliably protect myself while there, and that I should just pray long and pray hard that nothing will happen instead?

Any information would be greatly appreciated, or even being able to point me to some people to contact with some answers would be great.

[stevie_d_64]

I can't seem to find the correct answer, and as this board is mostly people from Texas, I still might not be able to get an answer, but I'll try anyways.

I'm going to be going out to California for a couple of months this summer to stay with my aunt and uncle out there. As I understand, California does not have reciprocity with Texas CHL holders, or anyone else for this matter, but this will be hard on me as I like to go to the range every other week or so, and theres not a chance I'm staying in LA without some kind of protection in the apartment I'll have. My questions are:
1. First am I able to bring my gun from Texas to California; or is it one of those things I'd have a better chance of bringing in an animal with buebonic plague, rabies, bird flu, and activly attacks anything that moves, instead?
If bringing it in isn't possible (the gun not the animal):

Yes, and no...I know it stinks...

I have noticed that there are certain types of "guns" that California doesn't like, so you had better just have one (if you are only going to be there for a couple of months) and make sure its not on one of their list(s)...And the biggest thing I know that they have a problem with are what we call "normal" capacity magazines...If you have or can find the 10 round magazines...I believe you'll be ok...They just don't want you to have anything that holds more than 10 rounds...Period...And they've made it illegal to even possess anything that holds more than 10 rounds...Its a state thing...

2. Since my aunt and uncle are legal residents of that state (in good standing, they would be able to get a Texas CHL if they lived here), are they able to purchase a gun for themselves, but allow me to use it at the range, or would be easier for me to try and purchase it myself? (I think they only sell with low capacity mags, but I'll get some normal capacity after I get home)

I would probably (for the sake of the short ime you'll be there this summer) not worry about this...It will only frustrate you and not really give you anything but something more to worry about...Go to Cali and have a good time, this is a problem you probably won't have time to even resolve...

2a. If they are able to get a weapon of self-defense for me, and an incident happens, what are some of the applicable laws to me defending myself, since they dont have the castle doctrine.

Again, a mixed bag of issues... I would recommend you not press getting someone in the state to buy you anything like this...Take one gun with you that is not on the hit list, make sure you have ONLY 10 round capacity magazines, and leave it at home or in the apartment...You will not have time, or the support to get a carry permit in that state...As far as defending yourself...Well...I'd study up on the law in California regarding the use of deadly force...Many resources here to link to in time for your final exam...BTW, its not a pass fail test either...

2b. If they are allowed to do this, but don't want to keep the guns for themselves, how would we go about transfering ownership to me, followed by me taking it back home to Texas? Would I be allowed to send it back in my checcked baggage (locked of course) or would it be easier to have a dealer there ship it to a local dealer here, and just pay the fees that go with it?

You have some great relatives that live out there!!! Just bone up on the airline requirements as far as checking the firearm in your "checked" baggage, makeing sure the transportation of the firearm from the residence to the airport is in accordance with the state of California law...Also, instead of flying with it...You might want to explore, mailing it...I know that seems like a pain...But in your case it might be a better course of action...

3. It seems like they dont issue concealed lisenses to their own residents, but what about carrying collapsable (sp) baton for protection?

You will not have time or the horsepower to get a California permit...Let that one go...And the collapsible baton deal...fugetaboutit...

3a. If I can't carry that, is there something I would be able to legally carry for my own protection?

I actually think you can get a chemical spray of some types that are acceptable to carry in California...You'll have to research that one...

4. Am I just crazy for thinking that I can reliably protect myself while there, and that I should just pray long and pray hard that nothing will happen instead?

Heck no! You are not crazy...Just remember to have aq good time while you are there...This stuff will just eat you up, for the very short time you'll be there...

[Monkey404error]

Thanks, I guess I'll just have to think of something else to do durring my free time while there. I was looking through their website, and it looks like my Sig P226 is accebtable except for my normal capacity mag (12 round). But I mainly ask because I'd rather be proactive in my defense if something happened, instead of waiting for the police to tell my aunt and uncle im in a hospital somewhere.(not likely, but you hear the horror stories all the time)

[The Annoyed Man]

I'm a fairly recent (2006) transplant from California. What stevie says about magazine capacity is spot on... ...nothing over 10 rounds permitted. If you have a 1911, you'll be pretty much within their rules.

Forget any kind of firearm carry permit. You only get those if you are a hard leftist actor, or a politician of the Democrat stripe. The rest of us get nuttin'. As to transporting your firearm, state law requires that it be unloaded, in a locked container, with the ammunition stored in a separate locked container. Nobody pays attention to that last part. I used to carry my pistol to the range locked in a case along with the loaded magazines. On the other hand, I never got stopped and searched. Fortunately, most California cops I spoke with were far more reasonable and level headed about guns than their political masters in Sacramento. All the same, it's better not to push it.

As far as personal protection, there are chemical options. Pepper spray is legal without any permit required, however, there is a 2.5 oz. limit on the size of the container. (Source) Most places like gun stores there sell the legal size, so just buy it when you get there. Tear gas/Mace type protection is legal in California. (Source) The same 2.5 oz. capacity restriction as for pepper spray applies to tear gas/mace.

Also, you can carry a good pocketknife and be totally legal, although it can't be one with assisted opening. Anything you can flick open with your thumb would be legal, as long as it is not spring assisted or anything like that. Believe it or not, as of 2002, there is no blade length limit for a folding knife! (Source)

Hope that helps.

[yerasimos]

This may be interesting.
If you choose this route, please avoid the holster with built-in MP3 player.

[WildBill]

Fortunately, most California cops I spoke with were far more reasonable and level headed about guns than their political masters in Sacramento. All the same, it's better not to push it.

The last time I was stopped in California, I was hassled by the LEO for having tear gas. He told me that it made him extremely nervous for me to have a "deadly weapon" in the glove box.

Enjoy yourself in California. There are plenty of fun and safe things to do.

[yerasimos]

Please be aware that the CA laws applying to tasers are stricter than for electronic "zappers." Carrying a concealed taser is illegal the same as a handgun.

WildBill, I have looked at California laws concerning this matter. Section 12050 of their penal code defines stun guns (what you refer to as "zappers") as specifically excluding tasers. Clearly tasers and stun guns are different, according to California law, but is a taser a firearm? As written, their definition of firearm would seem to exclude the taser, because in Section 12001(a)(1):

the terms "pistol," "revolver," and "firearm capable of being concealed upon the person" shall apply to and include any device designed to be used as a weapon, from which is expelled a projectile by the force of any explosion, or other form of combustion, and that has a barrel less than 16 inches in length.

A taser cartridge's darts are propelled by depressurizing inert gas; no combustion or chemical change occurs. Furthermore, a taser does not have a barrel.

Apparently, the California attorney general has not issued an opinion, yet the manufacturer claims they are legal to carry. I have to wonder if this is an instance where you may be able to beat the rap, but not the ride.

If you know where I am overlooking something, I am interested.

[WildBill]

WildBill, I have looked at California laws concerning this matter. Section 12050 of their penal code defines stun guns (what you refer to as "zappers") as specifically excluding tasers. Clearly tasers and stun guns are different, according to California law, but is a taser a firearm? As written, their definition of firearm would seem to exclude the taser, because in Section 12001(a)(1):
If you know where I am overlooking something, I am interested.

Sorry, but my information is out of date. I was referring to the older versions that did use a powder charge. Thanks for bringing that to my attention.

[Skipper5]

As a TX resident who also owns a home in San Diego county...(no chance of a CCW for me due residency requirements- among other reasons in CA). Oh well...but...took my Sig 232 (.380) and left it in my "gun safe" . When I go over to the range, I just leave everything in the SIG blue case it came in...leave that and ammo in the trunk and motor on over to range and back. That range requires you to bring your own handgun if you shooting alone (if renting a handgun from them, you must come with a friend...spouse...etc)- Insurance regs.

Anyway...I'm afraid the CA's Legislature is going to be the one to make things change in that State. Even an expected positive SCOTUS ruling in June...it will come down to the CA state govt.

I was born in LA area ...what have yall done with my birth-state?? Lordy. I was talking with a LEO one day out there and asked him why the CCW was so restrictive in San Diego...and he said, " well, we're kinda particular to whom we give a permit here"....I told him, so what's the big deal- we are too in Texas!!"
Ho, Hum...so much for the stage of Roy Rogers and Gene Autry...!