- Thread starter Sporticus
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Backcountry
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Hmm, that might work, then again it might not... you are the registered owner, but the guns aren't in the state
If it did work, the heartburn that you got from involuntarilly registering your guns would probably be offset by the comfort you'd get knowing that if you do get checked while out hunting, your day won't end with a Snoop-Dog wanna-be as your cellmate.
But if it were me, I'd call the CA-DOJ (from a payphone) and run this option by them just to make sure. I'd probably also wear gloves when handling the pay phone, as well as the money I put in the pay phone... can't be too careful these days. My guess is there's a 50:50 chance they will just tell you to go to hell and have your bro transfer them from PA to you here via FFL-to-FFL... and that will of course cost a lot of money and isn't really feasible in this instance.
Backcountry
But if it were me, I'd call the CA-DOJ (from a payphone) and run this option by them just to make sure. I'd probably also wear gloves when handling the pay phone, as well as the money I put in the pay phone... can't be too careful these days. My guess is there's a 50:50 chance they will just tell you to go to hell and have your bro transfer them from PA to you here via FFL-to-FFL... and that will of course cost a lot of money and isn't really feasible in this instance.
jackrabbit
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Sounds like a good idea Sporticus, but maybe your brother should "DRIVE" them all to California, because I do believe he has to claim them officially if they are shipped on commercial airlines.
Backcountry
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Hey Sport, more bad news...
I forgot that Kalifornia has an "approved" handgun list now... something about safety testing... if any of your guns are not on the approved list (i.e., fancy Kimbers, other custom pistols, etc...) then you may have a hard time getting the state to allow you to register them here...
Check out this closely related thread...
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=94652
...and the list of Kalifornia approved pistols...
http://justice.doj.ca.gov/safeguns/safeguns_new.taf
Best bet, go down to a gun shop and talk with the counter person and lay it all out and see what they think... sure, you've got a 50:50 chance of talking with an idiot that doesn't know what they are talking about, but hopefully you're a good judge of character and you'de be able to tell if you think the guy is FOS.
Backcountry
I forgot that Kalifornia has an "approved" handgun list now... something about safety testing... if any of your guns are not on the approved list (i.e., fancy Kimbers, other custom pistols, etc...) then you may have a hard time getting the state to allow you to register them here...
Check out this closely related thread...
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=94652
...and the list of Kalifornia approved pistols...
http://justice.doj.ca.gov/safeguns/safeguns_new.taf
Best bet, go down to a gun shop and talk with the counter person and lay it all out and see what they think... sure, you've got a 50:50 chance of talking with an idiot that doesn't know what they are talking about, but hopefully you're a good judge of character and you'de be able to tell if you think the guy is FOS.
Backcountry
deerhuntr44
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Is there a website that jonh Q public can go run a serial number on a handgun to see if it's registered in California? And if not how do we register it/
Backcountry
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From DOJ's website...
26. How do I know if my firearms need to be registered?
There is no firearm registration requirement in California except for assault weapon owners and personal handgun importers. However, you may submit a voluntary registration form to the DOJ for any firearm you own. Having a voluntary registration on file with the DOJ may help in the return of your firearm if it is lost or stolen. With very few and specific exceptions, a DROS is required on all firearm transactions.
Handgun registration IS NOT completely mandatory in Kalifornia, yet.
For example, Deerhunter, if you purchased your gun from an FFL in CA, if registration was required when you purchased it, it's registered to you. If you purchased it a long time ago in CA before registration was required, don't sweat it... there is currently no retroactive mandate that says all handguns have to be registered... if you brought handguns in from out of state that is a different story. Like with most stupid gun laws, there are some additional nuances, but that's about it in a nutshell.
If for some reason you want to voluntarilly register guns that don't need to be registered, the CA-DOJ actually provides a form for you to do this, but please, I want to be the first in line to slap you silly if you consider something wacky like that.
Voluntary Firearm Registration Form
http://caag.state.ca.us/firearms/forms/pdf/volreg.pdf
Folks, when you read the words "voluntary" and "registration" on the same form, run don't walk to the nearest trashbin and jettison that form. Nothing good can come of it.
Backcountry
p.s. I might add that the phrase from DOJ's website, "However, you may submit a voluntary registration form to the DOJ for any firearm you own.", sounds to me like "sign up here to go on a fishing trip... this form is the bait, and you are the fish".
26. How do I know if my firearms need to be registered?
There is no firearm registration requirement in California except for assault weapon owners and personal handgun importers. However, you may submit a voluntary registration form to the DOJ for any firearm you own. Having a voluntary registration on file with the DOJ may help in the return of your firearm if it is lost or stolen. With very few and specific exceptions, a DROS is required on all firearm transactions.
Handgun registration IS NOT completely mandatory in Kalifornia, yet.
For example, Deerhunter, if you purchased your gun from an FFL in CA, if registration was required when you purchased it, it's registered to you. If you purchased it a long time ago in CA before registration was required, don't sweat it... there is currently no retroactive mandate that says all handguns have to be registered... if you brought handguns in from out of state that is a different story. Like with most stupid gun laws, there are some additional nuances, but that's about it in a nutshell.
If for some reason you want to voluntarilly register guns that don't need to be registered, the CA-DOJ actually provides a form for you to do this, but please, I want to be the first in line to slap you silly if you consider something wacky like that.
Voluntary Firearm Registration Form
http://caag.state.ca.us/firearms/forms/pdf/volreg.pdf
Folks, when you read the words "voluntary" and "registration" on the same form, run don't walk to the nearest trashbin and jettison that form. Nothing good can come of it.
p.s. I might add that the phrase from DOJ's website, "However, you may submit a voluntary registration form to the DOJ for any firearm you own.", sounds to me like "sign up here to go on a fishing trip... this form is the bait, and you are the fish".
I may go "fishing" this weekend and see what i catch.
I need to buy some clothing and what not for hunting so maybe I'll go to a small gun shop, fill my cart, go to the counter and while paying bring up this predicament I found myself in.
another thing is
I have about 35 firearms, not all were bought by me and are not registered to me.
Some were gifts, some I bought with my CASH but was 16 or 17 and had to have my brother register it.
Now, many of them, maybe 15 or 16, were bought off friends or even strangers with cash and a handshake.
Boy, I got more trouble then I know what to do with now
I need to buy some clothing and what not for hunting so maybe I'll go to a small gun shop, fill my cart, go to the counter and while paying bring up this predicament I found myself in.
another thing is
I have about 35 firearms, not all were bought by me and are not registered to me.
Some were gifts, some I bought with my CASH but was 16 or 17 and had to have my brother register it.
Now, many of them, maybe 15 or 16, were bought off friends or even strangers with cash and a handshake.
Boy, I got more trouble then I know what to do with now
Speckmisser
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Big C,
You can technically conceal that weapon WHILE YOU ARE HUNTING, and you will still be fine. This is primarly to allow for a coat or shirt covering the holstered weapon, but the technicality should cover most other instances (inside the pant holster, shoulder holster, etc.).
Just don't forget to take it out before you get in the truck to go home.
revulshawn
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I think this is a good thread, since it is unclear to most. I just got back from a trip in B4, and all 4 in our group were carrying sidearms, 1 of which was concealed. I had a single action Ruger .22 revolver, my dad had a Ruger .357, my buddy had a beretta 9 mm, and his dad had a Springfield 1911 .45 concealed with a shoulder holster. We spoke to multiple law enforcement including local police, fish and game, and BLM officers, and no one gave us trouble, nor has anyone else as long as we've been hunting.
didn't get a chance to go to s gun shop, did speak with the guy who i am going deer hunting with 2 weekends from now and he said .....................
1. Either get the handgun registered or do not bring it outside of the home
2. Don't worry about my bolt action rifle or my pump and double barrel shotguns (bird hunting) because registration is not mandatory on them.
He has lived in CA all his life, a vietnam vet, he swears this is the truth
I'll go to a gun shop on a week night
1. Either get the handgun registered or do not bring it outside of the home
2. Don't worry about my bolt action rifle or my pump and double barrel shotguns (bird hunting) because registration is not mandatory on them.
He has lived in CA all his life, a vietnam vet, he swears this is the truth
I'll go to a gun shop on a week night
Backcountry
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The one thing that concerns me, and that I have no clue what the answers is, is what is the penalty for trying to register handguns after the 60 day "just arrived" period has expired? Is there a fine? Is it a misdemeanor infraction of the penal code? Is it a felony? Is there no exception in the law (like with assault weapons) that allows you to register them after the legal registration period has expired (and thus you're signing up for immediate confiscation and a trip to jail)?
Maybe you'll get lucky and CA-DOJ will just say "oh, people register them late all the time". Whatever you do, get a real legal opinion from the CA-DOJ and not the guys at the gun shop... the stakes are too high to believe someone making $10.00/hour in sales.
Please let us know what happens as I'm sure other folks that end up arriving in Kalifornia will want to know how to work through this lame process.
How's it feel to be a test case?
Seriously, good luck, and as California Native, I appologize for having such lame gun laws in the state you moved into, even though I always voted against politicians that support gun control.
Backcountry
Maybe you'll get lucky and CA-DOJ will just say "oh, people register them late all the time". Whatever you do, get a real legal opinion from the CA-DOJ and not the guys at the gun shop... the stakes are too high to believe someone making $10.00/hour in sales.
Please let us know what happens as I'm sure other folks that end up arriving in Kalifornia will want to know how to work through this lame process.
How's it feel to be a test case?
Seriously, good luck, and as California Native, I appologize for having such lame gun laws in the state you moved into, even though I always voted against politicians that support gun control.
I would float the explantion of "I just went (or am going) back home and retrieved (will retrieve) these guns that I have owned for years and I want get them registered before the 60 days is up" If that sounds like it works, then "go home" and get them.
chap_dog48
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I am glad this thread is making the rounds becasue I had a few questinos concerning the carrying of guns in my truck. If you have a rifle case and a rifle in it can you have your ammo inside the case next to the rifle as long as it is in the box. I heard a warden tell a hunter in a nearby truck that that was illegal. I thought it was only illegal with hand guns. The next question I have if you drive around with your rifle out of the case in the truck you can have rounds in the magazine but not in the barrel of course but what about on an ATV I was told no ammo could be in the rifle. Hope all could help.
I am going with the following advise
1. My bolt & lever action rifles + pump, single & double barrel shotguns do not need to be registered, even though many are not even under my name in PA. Many were bought for me by other family members as gifts or I bought them from "John Doe" with cash and a handshake. I am led to believe that since these guns are clearly "hunting guns" then CA law enforcement, wardens,DFG, etc. won't care about them as long as I follow the law on the books regarding transportation.
I have about 25 weapons of that description, I may register the most often used guns
2. My handguns, they need to be registered no matter what, I will look into that tonight
3. I do have a Ruger 10/22 rifle, semi-auto, I need to check if it is banned
4. Is there a limit on the # of firearms a CA resident can own w/o having to announce it to the law and get put on a list next to the child rapers and then have my home show up on the internet search as well ?
Hey. if it aint happening already i bet it will soon enough in CA
Do I have it right on # 1 ?
1. My bolt & lever action rifles + pump, single & double barrel shotguns do not need to be registered, even though many are not even under my name in PA. Many were bought for me by other family members as gifts or I bought them from "John Doe" with cash and a handshake. I am led to believe that since these guns are clearly "hunting guns" then CA law enforcement, wardens,DFG, etc. won't care about them as long as I follow the law on the books regarding transportation.
I have about 25 weapons of that description, I may register the most often used guns
2. My handguns, they need to be registered no matter what, I will look into that tonight
3. I do have a Ruger 10/22 rifle, semi-auto, I need to check if it is banned
4. Is there a limit on the # of firearms a CA resident can own w/o having to announce it to the law and get put on a list next to the child rapers and then have my home show up on the internet search as well ?
Hey. if it aint happening already i bet it will soon enough in CA
Do I have it right on # 1 ?
Backcountry
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Sport, respecfully, no, you have it ABSOLUTELY WRONG on #1... YOU DO NOT NEED TO REGISTER ANY LONG GUNS... as long as they aren't "assault weapons", registering them will do nothing except make you $14.00 per gun poorer, and first on the list when the gun banners go door-to-door to confiscate bolt action rifles and pump shotguns... please, don't register any guns that don't need to be registered. If/when a law enforecement officer runs the numbers of any long guns, it's only to check if they are stolen, not to see if they are "registered", since there is no mandatory registration database for long guns. Forget about the long guns... they have absolutely no bearing with your other predicament.
The 10/22 IS NOT banned in Kalifornia, even if it has a folding stock. Now, if you moved into the state with any magazines that had a greater than 10 round capacity (as many 10/22 mags are), that's an issue too.
As of now, you can own as many guns as you want... tens, hundreds, thousands, or just one... there is no limit... but again, don't go registering stuff that doesn't need to be registered...
Keep us posted on the handguns, and quit worrying about the long guns.
Backcountry
The 10/22 IS NOT banned in Kalifornia, even if it has a folding stock. Now, if you moved into the state with any magazines that had a greater than 10 round capacity (as many 10/22 mags are), that's an issue too.
As of now, you can own as many guns as you want... tens, hundreds, thousands, or just one... there is no limit... but again, don't go registering stuff that doesn't need to be registered...
Keep us posted on the handguns, and quit worrying about the long guns.
jackrabbit
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Unless it has changed very recently, my understanding is that even long guns have to go through the DROS process when sold or traded here in California; but the serial numbers are not recorded or maintained in the DROS process -- so there is no State listing of long gun serial numbers that can be checked by law enforcement. However, I do believe, the Feds (BATF) still require serial numbers to be recorded when long guns trade owneship -- that's how they trace them when they have been used in a crime. So any guns you bought and were recorded with you as the new owner on the FFL paperwork would not need any new paperwork anywhere in the USA as far as I can figure. Also, I imagine there are many thousands of long guns in the country that were just handed over to someone else, so it may not be a big deal. But, far as California law enforcement, I would not sweat the long guns. Remember, unless the DROS forms for long guns in California have changed, there is not even a line to enter the serial number (might want to check this out though).
Hey BackC
I wrote this ---I am going with the following advise .................... My bolt & lever action rifles + pump, single & double barrel shotguns do not need to be registered
But you said I have it WRONG, am I missing something or did you read it differently.
I'll take your advice and I won't register anything that doesn't need to be registered
I am pretty certain that none of the private guns I bought ever had any paperwork done on them by the seller
I can't get tto the shop in time tonight, I'll go by sunday though to find out on the handguns
I wrote this ---I am going with the following advise .................... My bolt & lever action rifles + pump, single & double barrel shotguns do not need to be registered
But you said I have it WRONG, am I missing something or did you read it differently.
I'll take your advice and I won't register anything that doesn't need to be registered
I am pretty certain that none of the private guns I bought ever had any paperwork done on them by the seller
I can't get tto the shop in time tonight, I'll go by sunday though to find out on the handguns
