California Warning

R

roy reali

New member
I realize there are several threads on this forum concerning guns and California laws. I suppose I could have posted this in one of those threads. But, I feel it is so important that I feel you should not miss this. This espically true of California residents and those about to become one.

This afternoon I went to my FFL dealer to do paperwork on a rifle that I purchased from another state. This gentleman also work for our department of justice. In California, they handle all firearm related matters. I really enjoy talking to him about our goofy laws here. He also has some good "war" stories about folks that have gotten in trouble. He relayed a disturbing one today.

One of his long time customers went to a Nevada. He purchased a California prohibited "assault weapon". When he reentered the Golden State, He was pulled over by the CHP for a traffic violation. The CHP officer saw the AR.

That guy committed a felony in this state. Because of a clean record, he didn't get any jail time. He did get a heavy fine, many hours of community service, probation, and a life ban on the possession of any gun in this state. If he is caught with so much as an old single shot rimfire, his probation becomes jail time.

I am relating this story as a warning. Those of you thinking of moving here with an AR or AK type rifle, one word-DON'T!! Those of you California residents with unregistered ones, please don't get caught. Don't even talk about the rifle.
 
"I am relating this story as a warning. Those of you thinking of moving here with an AR or AK type rifle, one word-DON'T!!"

Or if you do, at least don't have it sitting out in plain sight where a cop can see it when he pulls you over for a traffic violation.

Tim
 
Not Worth It

The wonderful state of California is not joking or giving second chances on weapon violations. A good lawyer will keep you out of prison if your lucky. The gun ban is almost automatic.

I would send such a gun to an out of state relative or friend for safe storage.
 
Or if you do, at least don't have it sitting out in plain sight where a cop can see it when he pulls you over for a traffic violation.
Click to expand...
Point being, Tim? He had it Coming? Because "It's the LAW"?

Point, Pulease.
Rich
 
As far as i'm concerned, if your considering living in California, you might as well sell all your guns before you move. It's been going down hill there for years as far as gun laws and it won't get any better. I suppose every country should have a state where pansies can all live in unison to decry an issue like guns and such, and I guess California is ours. Too bad it includes some of the best property and weather friendly places to live in this country. For those already living there who own guns, and I can't imagine that it's that many, your better people than I am to put up with the headache and stress of dealing with the many do's and dont's of the gun laws there. I lived in San Diego for four years. If the military had permitted me to own a gun I would have. Lord knows there was a time or two when I needed one. But what can you do in such a far left state? If everyone's vote counts like they say, what do you do when the anti's outnumber the pro's in such large quantities?:cool:
 
When it comes to gun laws, California has some really goofy ideas. In fact, I think they're second only to Taxachussets in being unfriendly to guns (and nearly a tie with New Joisey).

Let's see... if the guy went to Nevada and brought back a switchblade knife he'd be violating the law too. Does it make a difference? While the law exists on the books it's a good idea to abide by it if you want to stay out of jail. I don't like the law either which is why many of us give money to CA groups to fight the ban on our "homeland security" rifles.

I'm actually suprised a Nevada dealer sold him the AR, as many will not sell to a California resident unless they can show some kind of residency in Nevada.
 
What's YOUR point, Rich?
Click to expand...
My point? It's an absurd law. It's even more absurd to look for an innocuous circumstance surrounding a bust and legitimize such absurd law according to the circumstance. ie:"The [unloaded] rifle was in plain view." So what? That's just one MORE absurd law.

Illuminated now?
Rich
 
I am curious as to how the CHP officer "saw" the AR-does he have X-ray
vision. Whenever I transport firearms they are in a case and locked in the
trunk out of sight.
 
SIGSHR said:
I am curious as to how the CHP officer "saw" the AR-does he have X-ray
vision. Whenever I transport firearms they are in a case and locked in the
trunk out of sight.
Click to expand...

I think that was TimRB's point. Regardless of how absurd the law may or may not be, the guy must not have been using his bobber.

Casual observation should not be able to detect a firearm in your car. Even if no law is in place. It just makes sense to keep them out of sight.
 
Casual observation should not be able to detect a firearm in your car. Even if no law is in place. It just makes sense to keep them out of sight.
Click to expand...
It makes sense to act like you have something to hide?
 
My point? It's an absurd law. It's even more absurd to look for an innocuous circumstance surrounding a bust and legitimize such absurd law according to the circumstance. ie:"The [unloaded] rifle was in plain view." So what? That's just one MORE absurd law.

Illuminated now?
Rich
Click to expand...

Well, yes. I see how snide TFL staff can be. Too bad.

You were attributing a lot of content to that post which just wasn't there. Because I pointed that out, you want to "raise the bar", or is it a truncheon, on me. Though, to be fair, your last couple of words couldn't have really been meant as a ripost, could they?

I hope to never live in California, but if it should come to pass, I would try and be a lot more circumspect concerning those laws which I know would have serious and immediate consequences if broken, whether they're absurd or not.

Not
So what? That's just one MORE absurd law.
Click to expand...
 
Mohut-
I clearly made my point. It's yours that is now obfuscated. Carry on as you will.

Casual observation should not be able to detect a firearm in your car. Even if no law is in place. It just makes sense to keep them out of sight.
Click to expand...
Ummm; there's a whole lot of us, living in Free America, for whom this would never even be a thought. Some of these may include places like Florida, Wyoming, Idaho, Texas, Montana and Arizona, to name a few. In Free America, we believe that honest people shouldn't be peering into our "can't see into" windows. Is your neighborhood different? ;)

Yes, Yes, I know. "If you travel to a foreign country"....errr, strike that. "If you travel within your OWN country; are law abiding and mind your own business; get busted for something perfectly innocuous and legal in your own State....well, of course you should be pilloried. You're just plain stoopid. Everyone knows that, on a Road Trip, you should first read each State's Statutes, top to bottom. I do. Don't you?"

How's that for "snide truncheoning", mohut? :D

Rich
 
'Point being, Tim? He had it Coming? Because "It's the LAW"?'

Did I say that?

Even though it is clear to everyone but Rich, here is what I tried to say. First, I am presuming a couple of things:

1) He knew it was illegal to do what he was doing. Certainly when he gets to court, the judge will make this presumption.

2) The cop was not searching the car (with or without consent).

Everyone here, including me, *knows* this law is absurd. That is not the point. The point is that if you leave an illegal item out where a cop can see it without taking any extraordinary measures, he is not obligated to ignore it. It also is foolish to think that a cop will let you off with a warning (or some such) because he's really one of us, or he also knows the law is absurd.

Tim
 
tyme said:
It makes sense to act like you have something to hide?
Click to expand...
No - now why would you interpret my comment that way?

I transport valuable items in my vehicle, as well all do I'm sure. Firearms, pool cues, et cetera. All of those items I keep out of sight in my trunk.

Is it because I don't live in "Free America?" No.

Is it because I "have something to hide?" Yes, of course.

Things of value are easily stolen from your vehicle. That's my motivation. A.K.A. - Common Sense.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top