California is not gun friendly. The just traveling through concept doesn’t work too well in California, because if you are going to another state, you don’t have to go into California at all. AZ, NV and OR all are easily and directly accessible without going through California. If you are traveling from state to state and carrying, you need to know the situation in each state you are entering or you could get into trouble. For certain states or if you have any doubt at all, keeping moving through the state (reference the McClure-Volkmer Act to only stop for gas and emergencies) towards your final destination state. Your destination state must have acceptable laws for your stay. We make some generalities with our color map here for ease of use so you should always look up the current details of the laws. Handgun laws are where it usually varies the most. This is a controversial issue but which ever side you are on, it is better to have informed people out there. You can also download an easy to print version with all states and details.
California Gun Law Travel Guide Basics
Ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license necessary
Consistency of laws: uniform throughout state for registration and licensing, local areas do have different regulations.
Self-defense: NO castle doctrine
Open carry: prohibited
Concealed carry: restrictive for residents only, sheriff has judgment, no out of state permits accepted
Vehicle carry handguns: unloaded and cased in trunk or outside storage
Vehicle carry long guns: unloaded and secured in gun case
Official source information
California Penal Code
California Statutes
California Legislature
California Rifle and Pistol Association
Gun Owners of California
Golden State Second Amendment Council
California State Home Page
Do you have any experiences in California that you care to share with other travelers?
California does allow Unloaded Open Carry. This is a very disputed area, as their has been recent legislation that will make this illegal also, unless defeated. (See California AB 144 2011 legislative year). At this time, you may carry unloaded and exposed in a belt holster when you are in an incorporated city limit or in an unincorporated area that would be illegal to fire the weapon for other than self defense. Be careful, you may have a loaded magazine on your person, but it to has to be visible. Case law has been made where a loaded magazine in the pocket has sustained a conviction for carrying a concealed weapon because the magazine was considered “An intrical part of the firearm.” California does issue temporary permits if you meet certain requirements, (live in the county, work in the county, etc), and can convince the sheriff of the county to issue you one. Most Counties do NOT issue permits for any reason. Most Law Enforcement Agencies do not understand the complex California laws. The ones that do understand some of the laws will do what is called a PC 12031(e) check to verify the weapon is unloaded. Please watch you tube videos and also check Responsible Citizens of California, and the sou the http://www.southbayopencarry.org websites for updated information. This is one reason I left the state of California and moved to Wyoming. As with all posts, please review all of the state laws and consult an attorney. This post is not legal advice it is only my understanding of the law from research and personal experiences.