Non Resident transporting a handgun into California

[45Wheelgun]

In the near future I will be traveling to California, one way by air. When I arrive I will be picking up a rather expensive car and driving it cross country. I would rather not do this unarmed.

I am well aware of how to fly with a firearm, but I have never had the need to step foot into California. Somehow I have the feeling it isn't going to be as easy as it should be.

California doesn't honor my CCW and I don't have a problem keeping the gun in a locked case until I am out of the state. My CCW is good the rest of the way home.

If I took something modern, a M37 or a Sig 220 (7 round mag) what hoops do I need to jump through in order to accomplish this, or is it even possible?

 

[Kanewpadle]

Here you be. Check to see if your Sig is on the approved list. No hicap mag so that's not an issue.

Traveling with Firearms in California | State of California - Department of Justice - Kamala D. Harris Attorney General

http://certguns.doj.ca.gov/safeguns_resp.asp

 

[jkc]

kanewpaddle's post sums it up for handguns, but you might want to check the CA DOJ website for info regarding long guns, and be sure you've seen the fairly recently passed prohibition on open carry, signed by Governor Moonbeam, as I understand...

What I've done, when reluctantly compelled to enter the PRK, is to keep a semi-auto pistol close by in a GunVault lockbox, easily opened by a finger-operated combination keypad, which seemingly satisfies the secured carry requirement, while keeping the legally stipulated 10 round maximum magazines close at hand, so as to be able to quickly charge a pistol.

I think, without looking it up, that you can legally carry an unloaded rifle in a vehicle without the necessity of it being locked up or otherwise inaccessible, so a box-magazine-fed long gun may be a viable option in the PRK...

There is no excuse for residents or anyone else to put up with these outrageous impositions. Why haven't these politicians and the people who elected them be taken out and shot (with guns and ammo approved by the California Assembly, of course ...) Rhetorical question, mods, not an exhortation....

 

[BaldEagle1313]

If you aren't a resident, the gun doesn't have to be on the approved list. It just can't have a standard capacity magazine. (I refuse to call a standard 15 round magazine "Hi-Cap". A 10 round magazine is "reduced capacity".) When I visit my brother in SoCal, I can take an old Model 28 (or 24 or 27; you get the idea) even thought it isn't on the list, as I am not a resident and merely a visitor.

If you were moving into the state, the the approved list comes in to play because then as far as they are concerned you are a "firearm importer" into California. There was a thread on this a few months ago; I think in the Concealed Carry section. Really good info.

 

[mtb1bkr]

I would advise you to call the CA DOJs office and talk to them. Most of the state's gun laws do not apply to non-residents. You can't carry, and can't bring in "assault weapons" either, but the prohibition on hi-cap mags doesn't apply. The hi-cap mag restriction only applies to residents of CA, not visitors. I found this out by calling the DOJ and speaking with them. I have standard mags for all of my guns here and have taken them to ranges and such as well. Even though I have been stationed here for 3+ years, I'm still just a visitor by California's legal standards. The guys at the DOJ are very helpful and willing to answer any questions you have. I have an e-mail around here somewhere from them detailing what I could/couldn't do.

Bill

 

[pwberndt]

Hi Dave,
A couple of days ago I posted a similar question in "Concealed Carry & Self Defense" that you may want to look at. The difference is that I'm driving out and back to Ohio and will encounter California, Oregon and possibly Illinois.

I'm taking my S&W 642.

 

[Faulkner]

Maybe you can make arrangements to pick up the car at the state line or in Las Vegas.

 

[CH4]

While in CA keep your unloaded M37 or 220 and ammo locked in a factory hard case or similar will be fine. You can also keep the loaded mag, speed loader or loose ammo locked in the same box - just can’t be in the gun. Have a safe trip.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

In the near future I will be traveling to California, one way by air. When I arrive I will be picking up a rather expensive car and driving it cross country. I would rather not do this unarmed.

I am well aware of how to fly with a firearm, but I have never had the need to step foot into California. Somehow I have the feeling it isn't going to be as easy as it should be.

California doesn't honor my CCW and I don't have a problem keeping the gun in a locked case until I am out of the state. My CCW is good the rest of the way home.

If I took something modern, a M37 or a Sig 220 (7 round mag) what hoops do I need to jump through in order to accomplish this, or is it even possible?

Assuming you transport the gun according to Airline rules how will California know you have it securely locked away unloaded during that short time you are in California?

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Knowledge of the applicable laws is a good thing. Relying on individual officers of all the municipalities and counties through which you may be passing might be "iffy".

In addition to the locked case required I think I would take along copies of all applicable state and federal laws, just in case you find yourself having to deal with an under-informed cop in a remote area during non-business hours. This might (although not certainly) prevent becoming the proverbial "test case" after your vehicle and firearm are seized and you need a bail bondsman at the county jail.

 

[Hillbilly77]

2012, people!! This thread is 7 years old!

I’m willing to bet that he has figured it out by now.