Carrying a Sidearm

March 28, 2013

Question: I am new to hunting and have a question. I understand that in order to hunt with a handgun, the barrel length needs to be four inches or longer. However, I have a Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan 454 Casull 2.5 inch barrel. I do not plan to hunt with it, of course, but would like to know if I can carry it as a back up. I do not want to purchase another gun if I already have one. Please help me with my question. (Daniel K., Los Banos)

Answer: Regulations do not restrict you from carrying a sidearm while hunting except when hunting during an “Archery Only Season” for that species or while hunting under the authority of an “Archery Only Tag” during the “General Season” for that species.

And, the four inch barrel length for handguns only applies when hunting for elk and bighorn sheep. Pistols and revolvers with any barrel length using centerfire cartridges with softnose or expanding projectiles may be used to take deer, bear and wild pigs. In the California Condor Zone, all ammunition in your possession must be certified non-lead.

See sections 311, 353, 354, 465, & 475 in the 2012-2013 Mammal Hunting Regulations for specific methods authorized for taking birds and mammals.  These regulations are available online at www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations/.

"Non lead bullets must be used."

Crazy because when you carry bullets that are non lead based that isn't fired from a shotgun, it falls under "armor piercing bullets" in California regulation, which BTW is also illegal.

"Non lead bullets must be used."

Crazy because when you carry bullets that are non lead based that isn't fired from a shotgun, it falls under "armor piercing bullets" in California regulation, which BTW is also illegal.

Can you cite that regulation please?

I was under the impression that armor piercing ammo was a soft exterior with a hardened steel, tungsten or depleted uranium core.

"Non lead bullets must be used."

Crazy because when you carry bullets that are non lead based that isn't fired from a shotgun, it falls under "armor piercing bullets" in California regulation, which BTW is also illegal.

I was under the impression that armor piercing ammo was a soft exterior with a hardened steel, tungsten or depleted uranium core.

Usually soft exterior to "carry" the piercing interior core.

"Non lead bullets must be used."

Crazy because when you carry bullets that are non lead based that isn't fired from a shotgun, it falls under "armor piercing bullets" in California regulation, which BTW is also illegal.

I was under the impression that armor piercing ammo was a soft exterior with a hardened steel, tungsten or depleted uranium core.

Usually soft exterior to "carry" the piercing interior core.

Exactly.  Now that California has implemented non-lead, most bullets would be copper, but copper is far, far from armor piercing.  If it is considered armor piercing, then ammo would be out-lawed.  I think we would've heard about that.