Do You Carry a Handgun When You Camp?

[Viejo]

Wow - looks like everyone has an opinion on this one.

Speaking entirely hypothetically, if I were to carry a gun it would be stored in a hidden location in the rear of the van that can only be accessed with the vehicle parked. Meets the spirit if not the letter of the law. If I were to carry a semi-automatic, the clip would be removed but if it were a revolver, it would stay loaded. Pain in the butt to load/unload daily.

Rather than try to stay up on rules in every jurisdiction, I would recognize only one law on the subject, the Second Amendment.

[EMrider]

If you live in CA, google Calgunsfoundation.org, pull up a comfy chair and start reading.

Awareness of the laws varies and as noted, if you are arguing with an LEO you have already lost.

But case law is extensive and conclusive on a few important items.

You must carry a handgun in a locked container, or in a locked trunk separate from the passenger compartment.

The gun must be "unloaded".

"Loaded" was defined in people versus Clark in 1996 as ammo in the chamber and ready to fire. Ammo attached or in close proximity is NOT "loaded".

You can have ammo or full clips with the gun in the locked container.

It is helpful to stay up to date.

For example, a law passed in late 2010 made ammo sales via mail illegal in CA.

In early 2011 this law was ruled unconstitutional and overturned.

I don't agree with all the laws in CA, but I follow them as carefully as possible.

R

[Skywagon]

To get back to my above question: How are they going to know you have a weapon if it isn't in plain sight? My point is: unless you say "I've got a loaded .45 colt automatic in that closet back there", OR, you go through the vehicle scanner at the border, it seems a non-issue.
Bill

[BroncoHauler]

Originally Posted by Skywagon

To get back to my above question: How are they going to know you have a weapon if it isn't in plain sight? My point is: unless you say "I've got a loaded .45 colt automatic in that closet back there", OR, you go through the vehicle scanner at the border, it seems a non-issue.
Bill

Probable cause. Which, at least until you go to court, is defined and interpreted by the LEO in question. So, guilty until proven innocent.


Herb

[EMrider]

Originally Posted by Skywagon

To get back to my above question: How are they going to know you have a weapon if it isn't in plain sight? My point is: unless you say "I've got a loaded .45 colt automatic in that closet back there", OR, you go through the vehicle scanner at the border, it seems a non-issue.
Bill

Any LEO that pulls you over, enters your camp or encounters you in the field has the right to ask if you are in possession of a weapon. Happens all the time. This is for their safety.

Of course they can't see anything and you can say "no."

But if they have or create "cause" to search and a weapon is found, you are in deep do do.

Vast majority of the time, this won't happen, but I have no doubt that if they want to search they will regardless of whether or not I grant permission.

IMHO, better to just be legal and answer truthfully.

R

[WVvan]

New (to me) acronym for today: LEO = Law Enforcement Officer.

Can out of state people drive into CA with a weapon, or two, as long as it's locked away like you've written?

[Tapatio]

For those of you in California I highly recommend this book.





Linky

http://www.gunlawpress.com/

[Advanturetrek]

A few RV forums recommend this book:
http://www.gunlaws.com/travel.htm

There seems to be a difference in the gun laws between "vehicle" and "RV". Some sources indicate that the RV transformation occurs the moment that you're parked with outside gear set up. So, if pulled over, throw out a lawn chair?!

[EMrider]

Originally Posted by Okie

A few RV forums recommend this book:
http://www.gunlaws.com/travel.htm

There seems to be a difference in the gun laws between "vehicle" and "RV". Some sources indicate that the RV transformation occurs the moment that you're parked with outside gear set up. So, if pulled over, throw out a lawn chair?!

Yep, I have read this too. As Dave suggested, an RV becomes your home when in camp. And in your home, you can possess a loaded gun.

CA law also specifically recognizes a "campsite" as an area where it is permissable to carry a loaded gun.

FWIW, I don't change anything when in camp, but always keep the locked gun case easily accessible. Too many risks involved with a loaded and unlocked gun for my comfort.

R

[daveb]

Here is the other link and more to chew on:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=918