Concealed Carry
Lesson Plan

Adapted from “Minimum Training Curriculum For Utah Concealed Firearm Permit Courses ”
by State of Utah, Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Criminal Identification
2024-07-25

Course Outline
Section 1: Firearm Safety
Primary Causes of Accidents
Elements of Firearms Safety
Four Gun Safety Rules
Range and Other Safety Rules
Other Safety Considerations
Permit Holders Responsibilities
Storage of Firearms and Ammunition
Semi-automatic Handgun Stoppages (Malfunctions)
Section 2: Firearm Handling and Operation
Frame
Barrel
Action
Functionality
Safe Loading/Unloading
Manufacturer’s Manual
Revolvers
Section 3: Ammunition
Types of Cartridges
Components of A Cartridge
Cartridge Firing Sequence
Ammunition Safety and General Guidelines
Care and Storage of Ammunition
Ammunition Malfunctions
Section 4: Shooting Technique 
Basic Two Handed Shooting Positions
Section 5: Safe Storage 
Legal Methods to Transport Firearms
Securing Firearms in Vehicles
Section 6: Handgun and Concealed Carry Law
Lethal Threat and Use of Force
Places you can and can't carry a firearm
Brandishing: California Penal Code 417
Homicide: California Penal Code 197
Sheriffs’ Conditions of CCW permit
Other Law Information

Section 7: Mental Health
Firearm Suicide Prevention
Time & Distance
Why Means Matter
Protecting One Another
Who’s at Risk of Suicide?
Storage Options
What if it’s You at Risk?
Section 8: Exam
Test
Web sites
http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/index.php
http://www.calccw.com/Forums/
http://concealedcarry.org
http://usaconcealedcarry.org
http://californiaconcealedcarry.com
Associations
NRA
Concealed Carry Association
CRPA California Rifle Pistol Association
Recommended Reading
Reloaded: Shooting Back Again by Charl Van Wyk
https://smile.amazon.com/Reloaded-Shooting-Charl-van-Wyk/dp/1671896343/ref=pd_sbs_1/147-0665899-7993349?pd_rd_w=L2DV7&pf_rd_p=dfec2022-428d-4b18-a6d4-8f791333a139&pf_rd_r=H5QY8P14WPJSZF1XCK36&pd_rd_r=a505524b-356a-4177-a532-673e101857d5&pd_rd_wg=BNUFV&pd_rd_i=1671896343&psc=1
When Violence Is the Answer: Learning How to Do What It Takes When Your Life Is at Stake by Tim Larkin
https://smile.amazon.com/When-Violence-Answer-Learning-Takes/dp/0316354651/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=when+violence+is+the+answer&qid=1646262960&sr=8-1

Section 1: Firearm Safety
Handgun Safety Rules
A.	The Primary Causes of Firearm Related Accidents
1.	Ignorance
2.	Carelessness
B.	Elements of Firearm Safety
1.	Positive Attitude
2.	Knowledge
3.	Skill
C.	Four Basic Gun Safety Rules
1.	Treat all firearms as if they are loaded.
2.	Always keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you have made the decision to fire.
3.	Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy.
4.	Before the decision to fire, be sure of your target, your target's environment and any other safety hazards.
D.	Other Safety Rules/Range Safety Rules
1.	Know your target and what is beyond.
2.	Know how to use the firearm safely.
3.	Be sure the firearm is safe to operate (demonstrate safety check).
4.	Use only the correct ammunition for your firearm.
5.	Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate.
6.	Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting.
7.	Store all firearms so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons, i.e. children, restricted persons, etc.
8.	Never handle a handgun in an emotional state such as anger or depression.
9.	Keep the firearm unloaded until ready for use.
E.	Other Safety Consideration
1.	Be a knowledgeable gun handler and user.
2.	Before starting to clean a gun, be certain it is not loaded.
3.	Cleaning a gun also provides an opportunity to check the proper function of the gun.
4.	Always be sure the gun barrel is free from obstructions.
5.	When handing a pistol to another person, always be sure that the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction, your finger is off the trigger, the action is open, magazine has been removed and all chambers are empty.
6.	Carry only one type of ammunition to avoid mixing different types. If in possession of an old or antique firearm, or gun that is a military souvenir, be sure that it is unloaded.
7.	Never fire at surfaces that can cause a bullet to ricochet, such as water, or hard flat objects.
8.	If a cartridge fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, keep the muzzle pointed in safe direction; don't attempt to open the action to remove the cartridge for at least 30 seconds.
9.	If anything unusual is noticed when a shot is fired, such as a difference in recoil or in noise, immediately do the following:
a.	Stop firing immediately;
b.	Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction;
c.	Keep your finger off the trigger;
d.	Unload the gun and check to be sure the chamber is empty; and
e.	Visually inspect the barrel for obstructions.

F.	Permit Holders Responsibilities
Permit holders are responsible for teaching their children and other occupants in their home about firearm safety.
1.	The permit holder should be a positive role model for their children.
2.	Children should be taught the difference between television, toys, and real life.
3.	Children should be taught what to do if they come across a firearm without an adult present:
a.	Stop
b.	Don't Touch
c.	Leave the area
d.	Tell a responsible adult
G.	Storage of Firearms and Ammunition
It is a handgun owner’s responsibility to take all possible steps to make sure a child cannot gain access to handguns. In fact, this responsibility is mandated by California law. The overall abiding rule is to store your gun in a safe and responsible manner at all times. As a handgun owner, you should be aware of the laws regarding children and firearms.
Summary of Safe Storage Laws Regarding Children
You may be guilty of a misdemeanor or a felony if you keep a loaded firearm within any premises that are under your custody or control and a child under 18 years of age obtains and uses it, resulting in injury or death, or carries it to a public place, unless you stored the firearm in a locked container or locked the firearm with a locking device to temporarily keep it from functioning. 
You Cannot Be Too Careful with Children and Guns
There is no such thing as being too careful with children and guns. Never assume that simply because a toddler may lack finger strength, they can’t pull the trigger. A child’s thumb has twice the strength of the other fingers. When a toddler’s thumb “pushes” against a trigger, invariably the barrel of the gun is pointing directly at the child’s face. NEVER leave a firearm lying around the house.
Child safety precautions still apply even if you have no children or if your children have grown to adulthood and left home. A nephew, niece, neighbor’s child or a grandchild may come to visit. Practice gun safety at all times.
To prevent injury or death caused by improper storage of guns in a home where children are likely to be present, you should store all guns unloaded, lock them with a firearms safety device and store them in a locked container. Ammunition should be stored in a location separate from the gun.
When transporting your firearm in a vehicle, without a LTC permit, your pistol must be unloaded in a locked container. SB 869 requires a person, when leaving a handgun in an unattended vehicle, to secure the handgun by locking it in the trunk of the vehicle or locking it in a locked container and placing the container out of plain view, or locking the handgun in a container that is permanently affixed to the vehicle's interior and not in plain view.
H.	Semi-automatic Handgun Stoppages (Malfunctions)
Phase I/Phase II
Tap—Rack
Tap—Rack (no resolution) Lock—Strip—Rack
Type 1
A type 1 malfunction is a failure to fire malfunction. This can happen when the cartridge is struck but does not fire. This is also called a “misfire.” This can also happen when a cartridge is not loaded into the chamber.
The symptom of a type 1 malfunction is a click of the trigger with no “bang.” The cartridge does not fire. 
The clearance procedure for clearing a type 1 malfunction is to:
“Smack” the bottom of the magazine to ensure the magazine is properly seated and retract the slide rapidly to load another cartridge. This is commonly referred to as “tap, rack.”
Do not automatically shoot; the situation may have changed eliminating the need to shoot.
Type 2
A type 2 malfunction is a failure to completely eject the spent case. This can happen when the gun is not gripped firmly enough. This allows some of the energy from the fired bullet to be absorbed into the frame. This doesn’t leave enough energy to propel the slide forcefully enough resulting in the slide trapping the spent case before it can exit the ejection port. This is also called a “stove pipe” malfunction because of the resemblance of the case to a stove chimney pipe.
The symptom of a type 2 malfunction is a “dead” trigger and “brass” high or trapped in the ejection port.
The clearance procedure for clearing a type 2 malfunction is to:
“Smack” the bottom of the magazine to ensure the magazine is properly seated and retract the slide rapidly to load another cartridge. Incorporating a rapid 90° rotation to the right will assist in allowing the trapped case to fall free of the ejection port. This is commonly referred to “tap, rack.”
Do not automatically shoot; the situation may have changed eliminating the need to shoot.
Type 3
A type 3 malfunction is a feed-way failure or a failure to extract the fired case before the slide attempts to load another cartridge resulting in a double-feed. Because the cartridge being loaded is blocked from fully exiting the magazine by the fired case still in the chamber, the magazine is not free to be extracted from the gun.
The symptom of a type 3 malfunction is a “dead” trigger and “brass” low in the ejection port.
The clearance procedure for clearing a type 3 malfunction is more involved than the first two.
Lock the slide back to free the magazine.
Remove the magazine
Forcefully rack the slide three times to remove the fired case.
Insert a fresh magazine or the original magazine after ensuring that the top cartridge is properly seated in the magazine.
Rack the slide to load a fresh cartridge.
Do not automatically shoot; the situation may have changed eliminating the need to shoot.
Type 4
A type 4 malfunction is a failure to go into battery (dirty chamber, weak guide spring, extremely dirty guide rails or guide rod)
The symptom of a type 4 malfunction is a “dead” trigger (gun not in battery) but looks normal.
The clearance procedure for clearing a type 4 malfunction is to:
Hit or push the back of the slide to force it into battery.
Do not automatically shoot; the situation may have changed eliminating the need to shoot.

Section 2: Firearm Handling and Operation
A.	Frame
1.	The frame of the revolver and semi-automatic is the backbone to which all other parts are attached:
a.	Grip Panels-Grip portion of the frame
b.	Backstrap-Rear vertical portion of frame
c.	Trigger Guard-Trigger protection to reduce unintentional firing
d.	Front and Rear Sights-Aiming
B.	Barrel
1.	The barrel is a metal tube through which a bullet passes on its way to a target.
a.	Bore-Inside of the Barrel
b.	Rifling-Combination of lands and groove which adds flight stability, accuracy, and distance to the bullet
c.	Caliber-The distance between the lands
C.	Action
1.	Group of moving parts used to load, fire, and unload the pistol (Revolver and Semi-automatic)
a.	Revolver actions
1)	Trigger-When the trigger is pulled, it activates the hammer, which in turn causes the firing pin to strike and fire the cartridge.
2)	Cylinder-Holds cartridges in individual chambers arranged in a circular pattern. Each time the hammer moves to the rear, the cylinder turns and brings a new chamber in line with the barrel and the firing pin.
3)	Cylinder Release latch-Releases the cylinder and allows it to swing out so that cartridges can be loaded and unloaded.
4)	Two types of revolver actions
a)	Single Action-Trigger performs only one action. Releases the hammer firing the pistol.
b)	Double Action-Trigger performs two tasks. Cocks and releases the hammer, firing the pistol.
b.	Semi-Automatic actions
1)	Slide-Upon initial loading of most semi-automatics, the first cartridge must always be manually cycled into the firing chamber by retracting the slide and then releasing it. As the slide returns to the closed position, it removes a cartridge from the top of the magazine and inserts it into the chamber.
2)	Magazine-The magazine is a storage device designed to hold cartridges ready for insertion into the chamber.
3)	Magazine release-A device that releases the magazine so that it can be removed from the pistol
4)	Trigger-When the trigger is pulled, it activates the hammer, (or the internal firing mechanism) which when released, causes the firing pin to strike and fire the cartridge. The slide moves to the rear ejecting the empty cartridge case, usually cocking the pistol in the process. The cartridges in the magazine are forced upward by the magazine spring into the path of the slide. When the slide, (under pressure from a recoil spring or slide spring to return to a closed position) moves forward, it picks up and pushes the top cartridge into the chamber.
5)	Three types of semi-auto actions
a)	Single Action-The trigger performs a single task, releasing the external hammer or the internal firing mechanism so that the firing pin hits the cartridge.
b)	Double/Single Action-The trigger performs two tasks. It cocks the external hammer or the internal firing mechanism for the first shot, and also releases the external hammer or the internal firing mechanism. After the first shot is fired, the movement of the slide on ejection of the spent cartridge will cock the external hammer or internal firing mechanism. With these mechanisms cocked, all successive shots will be single action.
c)	Double Action Only-The trigger will cock and release the external hammer or internal firing mechanism on the first shot and all successive shots.

D. 	Functionality
Show how to check both revolver and semi-automatic to ensure proper function of the firing mechanism and safety.
E.	Safe Loading/Unloading
Explain and demonstrate safe loading, cocking, uncocking, and unloading procedures for both revolvers and semi-automatic handguns.
F.	Manufacturer’s Manual
Familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's operating manual for your firearm.
G.	Revolvers
Know and become familiar with cylinder rotation direction of revolvers.

Section 3: Ammunition
A.	Types of Cartridges
1.	Center-fire
2.	Rim-fire
B.	Components of a Cartridge
1.	Case-Cylinder (made of brass, aluminum, polymer, plastic, or steel) that contains other components such as primer, powder, and bullet.
2.	Primer-An impact sensitive chemical compound used for ignition.
a.	Rimfire-The primer is contained in the inside rim of the case's base.
b.	Centerfire-The primer is contained in a small metal cup, and is located in the center of the case's base.
3.	Powder Charge-A fast burning chemical compound used as a propellant, and is contained inside the body of the case.
4.	Bullet-A projectile, usually made of lead and sometimes covered with a layer of Copper or other metal, and is located at the mouth of the case.
5.	Wad (shotgun only)-Plastic cup inside a shotgun cartridge used to contain the shot or projectiles for use in a shotgun
C.	Cartridge Firing Sequence
1.	Pulling the trigger of the pistol will cause the firing pin to hit and ignite the primer.
2.	The flame generated by the primer ignites the powder in the cartridge.
3.	The powder bums very rapidly and produces a high volume of gas (20,000-80,000 psi).
4.	These expanding gases push the bullet out of the cartridge case and propel it out of the pistol barrel at a high rate of speed, 800-4000 FPS (500-2700 mph).
D.	Ammunition Safety and General Guidelines
1.	Inspect ammunition for safety flaws and imperfections.
2.	Understand range capabilities of ammunition.
a.	Review Range Safety rule #4; be sure of your target, your target's environment, the background and beyond.
3.	Discuss dangerous capabilities of handgun ammunition.
4.	Be sure to use the proper caliber ammunition with gun to be fired.
a.	Explain the difference between 9mm Parabellum and 9mm Kurtz (.380).
5.	Explain considerations between Defensive and Practice ammunition.
a.	Defensive (Protection) Ammunition
1)	Reliability-The ability of a firearm to consistently chamber, fire, extract, and eject a particular load without malfunctions.
2)	Controllability-The ability to fire multiple rounds and still manage recoil and maintain accuracy.
3)	Stopping Power-The ability of a cartridge to quickly incapacitate an assailant or otherwise cause an assailant to stop his attack.
4)	Accuracy-Ability of the gun and ammunition combination to shoot to the point of aim indicated by the sights.
5)	Muzzle Flash-When in excess will impair night vision and illuminate your position.
6)	Hollow-points-They open up and expand in diameter upon impact. This more efficiently transfers energy and also prevents over penetration or complete penetration that could endanger the lives of others.
b.	Practice Ammunition
1)	Non-expanding type-Typically full metal jacket, Involves greater penetration of target.
2)	Reduced powder charge-More manageable recoil.
3)	Reduced costs.
E.	Care and Storage of Ammunition
1.	Always keep ammunition in factory box or container that can be properly labeled.
2.	Store ammunition in a cool dry place free from extreme temperature variation.
3.	Store ammunition separately from guns and not accessible from unauthorized persons, especially children.
4.	Keep ammunition from acids, salts, and other chemicals that can cause corrosion.
5.	Never submerge in water or expose to any solvents, petroleum products, bore cleaner, ammonia or other chemicals. These chemicals can penetrate the cartridge and cause the primer or the powder to deteriorate.
6.	Chambering a cartridge multiple times can lead to cartridge failure or possibly damage to your gun. Do not chamber the top round from a magazine over and over.
a.	Repeated contact with a “Free-floating” firing pin can destroy the primer.
b.	Repeated chambering can destroy the primer.
c.	Repeated chambering can lead to “Bullet-set-back.” 
.40s&w–as little as 1/10th of an inch can double the chamber pressure.
d.	Manufacture’s usually only guarantee the cartridge to be chambered twice.
F.	Ammunition Malfunctions
1.	Misfire-Failure of the cartridge to fire after the primer has been struck by the firing pin.
2.	Hangfire-A perceptible delay in the ignition of a cartridge after the primer has been struck by the firing pin.
3.	Squib load-Development of less than normal pressure or velocity after ignition of the cartridge. Unusual difference in recoil or noise
4.	Malfunction resolutions:
a.	Misfire and Hangfire-Keep the pistol pointed in a safe direction! A hangfire might exist and the cartridge could still fire. Don't attempt to open the action of the pistol to remove the cartridge for at least 30 seconds.
b.	Squib Load-Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, wait 30 seconds and then unload the gun. Check to make sure the chamber is empty and the barrel is free from obstructions.

Section 4: Shooting Technique 
A.	Basic Two Handed Shooting Positions
1.	Isosceles stance
a.	This position is so named because in this position your extended arms, when seen from above, resemble an isosceles triangle.
b.	Feet are placed shoulder width apart.
c.	Feet and shoulders are square to the target.
d.	Knees are slightly bent with weight slightly forwards on the balls of the feet.
e.	Two-handed grip of the gun with the arms extended forward and the elbows slightly bent.
f.	The head is erect, not hunched and shoulders are at normal height.
g.	The firearm is lifted to the level of the eyes for aiming.
h.	This is a more instinctive and natural position for most shooters.
2.	Weaver stance
a.	Named for former San Diego County Sheriff Jack Weaver.
b.	Feet are positioned in a boxer stance with the strong foot rearward.
c.	The weak shoulder is angled toward the target.
d.	The knees are flexed and the body weight is carried slightly forward, on the balls of the feet.
e.	The elbows are bent downward to bring the gun closer to the body than the isosceles.
f.	The head is tipped slightly to view the sights.
g.	An isometric action is employed between the strong and weak arm for stability. The recoil is absorbed through the bent elbows and isometric pushing and pulling between strong and support hand.
3	Modified Isosceles stance
a.	This position incorporates the natural, fully extended arm position of the isosceles position with the stability of the asymmetrical boxer's stance foot placement of the Weaver position
b.	Allows better recoil absorption.
c.	The head is level and the body leans forward.

Section 5: Safe Storage 
Storage of Firearms Accessible to Children
25100 (a)	Except as provided in Section 25105, a person commits the crime of "criminal storage of a firearm of the first degree" if all of the following conditions are satisfied:
(1)	The person keeps any loaded firearm within any premises that are under the person's custody or control.
(2)	The person knows or reasonably should know that a child is likely to gain access to the firearm without the permission of the child's parent or legal guardian.
(3)	The child obtains access to the firearm and thereby causes death or great bodily injury to the child or any other person.
(b)	Except as provided in Section 25105, a person commits the crime of "criminal storage of a firearm of the second degree" if all of the following conditions are satisfied:
(1)	The person keeps any loaded firearm within any premises that are under the person's custody or control.
(2)	The person knows or reasonably should know that a child is likely to gain access to the firearm without the permission of the child's parent or legal guardian.
(3)	The child obtains access to the firearm and thereby causes injury, other than great bodily injury, to the child or any other person, or carries the firearm either to a public place or in violation of Section 417.
25105 Section 25100 does not apply whenever any of the following occurs:
(a)	The child obtains the firearm as a result of an illegal entry to any premises by any person.
(b)	The firearm is kept in a locked container or in a location that a reasonable person would believe to be secure.
(c)	The firearm is carried on the person or within close enough proximity thereto that the individual can readily retrieve and use the firearm as if carried on the person.
(d)	The firearm is locked with a locking device, as defined in Section 16860, which has rendered the firearm inoperable.
(e)	The person is a peace officer or a member of the Armed Forces or the National Guard and the child obtains the firearm during, or incidental to, the performance of the person's duties.
(f)	The child obtains, or obtains and discharges, the firearm in a lawful act of self-defense or defense of another person.
(g)	The person who keeps a loaded firearm on premises that are under the person's custody or control has no reasonable expectation, based on objective facts and circumstances, that a child is likely to be present on the premises.
25110 (a)	Criminal storage of a firearm in the first degree is punishable by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 for 16 months, or two or three years, by a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine; or by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine.
(b)	Criminal storage of a firearm in the second degree is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine.
25115 If a person who allegedly violated Section 25100 is the parent or guardian of a child who is injured or who dies as the result of an accidental shooting, the district attorney shall consider, among other factors, the impact of the injury or death on the person alleged to have violated Section 25100 when deciding whether to prosecute the alleged violation. It is the Legislature's intent that a parent or guardian of a child who is injured or who dies as the result of an accidental shooting shall be prosecuted only in those instances in which the parent or guardian behaved in a grossly negligent manner or where similarly egregious circumstances exist. This section shall not otherwise restrict, in any manner, the factors that a district attorney may consider when deciding whether to prosecute an alleged violation of Section 25100.
25120 (a)	If a person who allegedly violated Section 25100 is the parent or guardian of a child who was injured or who died as the result of an accidental shooting, no arrest of the person for the alleged violation of Section 25100 shall occur until at least seven days after the date upon which the accidental shooting occurred.
(b)	In addition to the limitation stated in subdivision (a), before arresting a person for a violation of Section 25100, a law enforcement officer shall consider the health status of a child who suffered great bodily injury as the result of an accidental shooting, if the person to be arrested is the parent or guardian of the injured child. The intent of this section is to encourage law enforcement officials to delay the arrest of a parent or guardian of a seriously injured child while the child remains on life-support equipment or is in a similarly critical medical condition.
25125 (a)	The fact that a person who allegedly violated Section 25100 attended a firearm safety training course prior to the purchase of the firearm that was obtained by a child in violation of Section 25100 shall be considered a mitigating factor by a district attorney when deciding whether to prosecute the alleged violation.
(b)	In any action or trial commenced under Section 25100, the fact that the person who allegedly violated Section 25100 attended a firearm safety training course prior to the purchase of the firearm that was obtained by a child in violation of Section 25100 is admissible.
25130 Every person licensed under Sections 26700 to 26915, inclusive, shall post within the licensed premises the notice required by Section 26835, disclosing the duty imposed by this chapter upon any person who keeps a loaded firearm.
25140 (a) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (b), a person shall, when leaving a handgun in an unattended vehicle, lock the handgun in the vehicle’s trunk, lock the handgun in a locked container and place the container out of plain view, lock the handgun in a locked container that is permanently affixed to the vehicle’s interior and not in plain view, or lock the handgun in a locked toolbox or utility box.
(b) A peace officer, when leaving a handgun in an unattended vehicle not equipped with a trunk, may, if unable to otherwise comply with subdivision (a), lock the handgun out of plain view within the center utility console of that motor vehicle with a padlock, keylock, combination lock, or other similar locking device.
(c) A violation of subdivision (a) is an infraction punishable by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000).
(d) (1) As used in this section, the following definitions shall apply:
(A) “Locked container” means a secure container that is fully enclosed and locked by a padlock, keylock, combination lock, or similar locking device. The term “locked container” does not include the utility or glove compartment of a motor vehicle.
(B) “Locked toolbox or utility box” means a fully enclosed container that is permanently affixed to the bed of a pickup truck or vehicle that does not contain a trunk, and is locked by a padlock, keylock, combination lock, or other similar locking device.
(C) “Peace officer” means a sworn officer described in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2, or a sworn federal law enforcement officer, who is authorized to carry a firearm in the course and scope of that officer’s duties, while that officer is on duty or off duty.
(D) “Trunk” means the fully enclosed and locked main storage or luggage compartment of a vehicle that is not accessible from the passenger compartment. A trunk does not include the rear of a hatchback, station wagon, or sport utility vehicle, any compartment which has a window, or a toolbox or utility box attached to the bed of a pickup truck.
(E) “Vehicle” has the same meaning as specified in Section 670 of the Vehicle Code.
(2) For purposes of this section, a vehicle is unattended when a person who is lawfully carrying or transporting a handgun in a vehicle is not within close enough proximity to the vehicle to reasonably prevent unauthorized access to the vehicle or its contents.
(3) For purposes of this section, plain view includes any area of the vehicle that is visible by peering through the windows of the vehicle, including windows that are tinted, with or without illumination.
(e) This section does not apply to a peace officer during circumstances requiring immediate aid or action that are within the course of his or her official duties.
(f) This section does not supersede any local ordinance that regulates the storage of handguns in unattended vehicles if the ordinance was in effect before September 26, 2016.
(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 94, Sec. 1. (SB 1382) Effective January 1, 2019.)
25850 In order to determine whether or not a firearm is loaded for the purpose of enforcing this section, peace officers are authorized to examine any firearm carried by anyone on the person or in a vehicle while in any public place or on any public street in an incorporated city or prohibited area of an unincorporated territory. Refusal to allow a peace officer to inspect a firearm pursuant to this section constitutes probable cause for arrest for violation of this section.
Securing Firearms in Vehicles
18 U.S.C.
United States Code, 2023 Edition
Title 18 - CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
PART I - CRIMES
CHAPTER 44 - FIREARMS
Sec. 926A - Interstate transportation of firearms
From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov
§926A. Interstate transportation of firearms
Notwithstanding any other provision of any law or any rule or regulation of a State or any political subdivision thereof, any person who is not otherwise prohibited by this chapter from transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm shall be entitled to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any other place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm if, during such transportation the firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle: Provided, That in the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver's compartment the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.
(Added Pub. L. 99–360, §1(a), July 8, 1986, 100 Stat. 766.)
SB 869 (Stats. 2016, ch. 651}- Securing Handguns in Vehicles Amends 25140, 25452, 25612, 
Requires a person, when leaving a handgun in an unattended vehicle, to secure the handgun by locking it in the trunk of the vehicle or locking it in a locked container and placing the container out of plain view, or locking the handgun in a container that is permanently affixed to the vehicle's interior and not in plain view.
25610. Section 25400 shall not be construed to prohibit any citizen of the United States over 18 years of age who resides or is temporarily within this state, and who is not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm, from transporting or carrying any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person for any purpose specified in Sections 25510 to 25595, inclusive, provided that either of the following applies to the firearm:
(a) The firearm is unloaded, within a motor vehicle, and locked in the vehicle’s trunk or in a locked container in the vehicle.
(b) The firearm is unloaded, carried by the person directly to or from any motor vehicle, and, while carrying the firearm, the firearm is contained within a locked container.
(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 249, Sec. 8. (SB 2) Effective January 1, 2024.)
Legal Methods to Transport Firearms
25400. (a) A person is guilty of carrying a concealed firearm when the person does any of the following:
(1) Carries concealed within any vehicle that is under the person’s control or direction any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.
(2) Carries concealed upon the person any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.
(3) Causes to be carried concealed within any vehicle in which the person is an occupant any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.
(b) A firearm carried openly in a belt holster is not concealed within the meaning of this section.
(c) Carrying a concealed firearm in violation of this section is punishable as follows:
(1) If the person previously has been convicted of any felony, or of any crime made punishable by a provision listed in Section 16580, as a felony.
(2) If the firearm is stolen and the person knew or had reasonable cause to believe that it was stolen, as a felony.
(3) If the person is an active participant in a criminal street gang, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 186.22, under the Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention Act (Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 186.20) of Title 7 of Part 1), as a felony.
(4) If the person is not in lawful possession of the firearm or the person is within a class of persons prohibited from possessing or acquiring a firearm pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 29800) or Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 29900) of Division 9 of this title, or Section 8100 or 8103 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, as a felony.
(5) If the person has been convicted of a crime against a person or property, or of a narcotics or dangerous drug violation, by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170, or by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed one year, by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine.
(6) If both of the following conditions are met, by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170, or by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed one year, by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment:
(A) The pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person is loaded, or both it and the unexpended ammunition capable of being discharged from it are in the immediate possession of the person or readily accessible to that person.
(B) The person is not listed with the Department of Justice pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 11106 as the registered owner of that pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.
(7) In all cases other than those specified in paragraphs (1) to (6), inclusive, by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed one year, by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine.
(d) (1) Every person convicted under this section who previously has been convicted of a misdemeanor offense enumerated in Section 23515 shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail for at least three months and not exceeding six months, or, if granted probation, or if the execution or imposition of sentence is suspended, it shall be a condition thereof that the person be imprisoned in a county jail for at least three months.
(2) Every person convicted under this section who has previously been convicted of any felony, or of any crime made punishable by a provision listed in Section 16580, if probation is granted, or if the execution or imposition of sentence is suspended, it shall be a condition thereof that the person be imprisoned in a county jail for not less than three months.
(e) The court shall apply the three-month minimum sentence as specified in subdivision (d), except in unusual cases where the interests of justice would best be served by granting probation or suspending the imposition or execution of sentence without the minimum imprisonment required in subdivision (d) or by granting probation or suspending the imposition or execution of sentence with conditions other than those set forth in subdivision (d), in which case, the court shall specify on the record and shall enter on the minutes the circumstances indicating that the interests of justice would best be served by that disposition.(f) A peace officer may arrest a person for a violation of paragraph (6) of subdivision (c) if the peace officer has probable cause to believe that the person is not listed with the Department of Justice pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 11106 as the registered owner of the pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person, and one or more of the conditions in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (6) of subdivision (c) is met.
(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 15, Sec. 543. (AB 109) Effective April 4, 2011. Amending action operative October 1, 2011, by Sec. 636 of Ch. 15, as amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 39, Sec. 68. Section operative January 1, 2012, pursuant to Stats. 2010, Ch. 711, Sec. 10.)
25505. In order for a firearm to be exempted under this article, while being transported to or from a place, the firearm shall be unloaded and kept in a locked container, and the course of travel shall include only those deviations between authorized locations as are reasonably necessary under the circumstances.
(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 711, Sec. 6. (SB 1080) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative January 1, 2012, by Sec. 10 of Ch. 711.)
25510. Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, any of the following:
(a) The possession of a firearm by an authorized participant in a motion picture, television, or video production, or an entertainment event, when the participant lawfully uses the firearm as part of that production or event, or while going directly to, or coming directly from, that production or event.
(b) The transportation of a firearm by an authorized employee or agent of a supplier of firearms when going directly to, or coming directly from, a motion picture, television, or video production, or an entertainment event, for the purpose of providing that firearm to an authorized participant to lawfully use as a part of that production or event.
(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 711, Sec. 6. (SB 1080) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative January 1, 2012, by Sec. 10 of Ch. 711.)
25515. Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the possession of a firearm in a locked container by a member of any club or organization, organized for the purpose of lawfully collecting and lawfully displaying pistols, revolvers, or other firearms, while the member is at a meeting of the club or organization or while going directly to, and coming directly from, a meeting of the club or organization.
(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 711, Sec. 6. (SB 1080) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative January 1, 2012, by Sec. 10 of Ch. 711.)
25520. Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm by a participant when going directly to, or coming directly from, a recognized safety or hunter safety class, or a recognized sporting event involving that firearm.
(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 711, Sec. 6. (SB 1080) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative January 1, 2012, by Sec. 10 of Ch. 711.)
25525. (a) Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm by any citizen of the United States or legal resident over the age of 18 years who resides or is temporarily within this state, and who is not within the excepted classes prescribed by Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 29800) or Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 29900) of Division 9 of this title, or Section 8100 or 8103 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, directly between any of the following places:
(1) The person’s place of residence.
(2) The person’s place of business.
(3) Private property owned or lawfully possessed by the person.
(b) Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm by a person listed in subdivision (a) when going directly from the place where that person lawfully received that firearm to that person’s place of residence or place of business or to private property owned or lawfully possessed by that person.
(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 711, Sec. 6. (SB 1080) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative January 1, 2012, by Sec. 10 of Ch. 711.)
25530. Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm by a person when going directly to, or coming directly from, a fixed place of business or private residential property for the purpose of the lawful repair or the lawful sale, loan, or transfer of that firearm.
(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 711, Sec. 6. (SB 1080) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative January 1, 2012, by Sec. 10 of Ch. 711.)
25535. Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, any of the following:
(a) The transportation of a firearm by a person when going directly to, or coming directly from, a gun show, swap meet, or similar event to which the public is invited, for the purpose of displaying that firearm in a lawful manner.
(b) The transportation of a firearm by a person when going directly to, or coming directly from, a gun show or event, as defined in Section 478.100 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations, for the purpose of lawfully transferring, selling, or loaning that firearm in accordance with Section 27545.
(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 711, Sec. 6. (SB 1080) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative January 1, 2012, by Sec. 10 of Ch. 711.)
25540. Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm by a person when going directly to, or coming directly from, a target range, which holds a regulatory or business license, for the purposes of practicing shooting at targets with that firearm at that target range.
(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 711, Sec. 6. (SB 1080) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative January 1, 2012, by Sec. 10 of Ch. 711.)
25545. Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm by a person when going directly to, or coming directly from, a place designated by a person authorized to issue licenses pursuant to Section 26150, 26155, 26170, or 26215, when done at the request of the issuing agency so that the issuing agency can determine whether or not a license should be issued to that person to carry that firearm.
(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 711, Sec. 6. (SB 1080) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative January 1, 2012, by Sec. 10 of Ch. 711.)
25550. (a) Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm by a person when going directly to, or coming directly from, a lawful camping activity for the purpose of having that firearm available for lawful personal protection while at the lawful campsite.
(b) This section shall not be construed to override the statutory authority granted to the Department of Parks and Recreation or any other state or local governmental agencies to promulgate rules and regulations governing the administration of parks and campgrounds.
(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 711, Sec. 6. (SB 1080) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative January 1, 2012, by Sec. 10 of Ch. 711.)
25555. (a) Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm by a person in order to comply with or utilize Section 26556, 26892, 27875, 27920, 27925, 29810, or 29830, as it pertains to that firearm.
(b) Section 25400 does not apply to or affect the transportation of a firearm by a person in order to comply with paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 32000 as it pertains to that firearm.
(c) Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect the transportation of, a firearm by a person in order to comply with Section 6389 of the Family Code.
(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 251, Sec. 3. (SB 368) Effective January 1, 2024.)
25560. Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm by a person in order to utilize Section 28000 as it pertains to that firearm.
(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 711, Sec. 6. (SB 1080) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative January 1, 2012, by Sec. 10 of Ch. 711.)
25565. Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm by a person in order to sell, deliver, or transfer the firearm as specified in Section 27850 or 31725 to an authorized representative of a city, city and county, county, or state or federal government that is acquiring the weapon as part of an authorized, voluntary program in which the entity is buying or receiving weapons from private individuals.
(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 711, Sec. 6. (SB 1080) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative January 1, 2012, by Sec. 10 of Ch. 711.)
25570. Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, any of the following:
(a) The transportation of a firearm by a person who finds the firearm, if the person is transporting the firearm in order to comply with Article 1 (commencing with Section 2080) of Chapter 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code as it pertains to that firearm, and, if the person is transporting the firearm to a law enforcement agency, the person gives prior notice to the law enforcement agency that the person is transporting the firearm to the law enforcement agency.
(b) The transportation of a firearm by a person who finds the firearm and is transporting it to a law enforcement agency for disposition according to law, if the person gives prior notice to the law enforcement agency that the person is transporting the firearm to the law enforcement agency for disposition according to law.
(c) The transportation of a firearm by a person who took the firearm from a person who was committing a crime against the person who took the firearm, and is transporting it to a law enforcement agency for disposition according to law, if the person gives prior notice to the law enforcement agency that the person is transporting the firearm to the law enforcement agency for disposition according to law.
(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 110, Sec. 3. (AB 1292) Effective January 1, 2020.)
25575. Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm by a person in order to comply with Section 27560 as it pertains to that firearm.
(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 711, Sec. 6. (SB 1080) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative January 1, 2012, by Sec. 10 of Ch. 711.)
25580. Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm that is a curio or relic, as defined in Section 478.11 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations, by a person in order to comply with Section 27565 as it pertains to that firearm.
(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 711, Sec. 6. (SB 1080) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative January 1, 2012, by Sec. 10 of Ch. 711.)
25585. Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm by a person for the purpose of obtaining an identification number or mark assigned to that firearm from the Department of Justice pursuant to Section 23910.
(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 711, Sec. 6. (SB 1080) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative January 1, 2012, by Sec. 10 of Ch. 711.)
25590. Section 25400 does not apply to, or affect, the transportation of a firearm by a person if done directly between any of the places set forth below:
(a) A place where the person may carry that firearm pursuant to an exemption from the prohibition set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 25400.
(b) A place where that person may carry that firearm pursuant to an exemption from the prohibition set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 25850, or a place where the prohibition set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 25850 does not apply.
(c) A place where that person may carry a firearm pursuant to an exemption from the prohibition set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 26350, or a place where the prohibition set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 26350 does not apply.
(Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 725, Sec. 11. (AB 144) Effective January 1, 2012.)
25595. This article does not prohibit or limit the otherwise lawful carrying or transportation of any handgun in accordance with the provisions listed in Section 16580.
(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 725, Sec. 12. (AB 144) Effective January 1, 2012.)

Section 6: Handgun and Concealed Carry Law
26165. (a) For new license applicants, the course of training for issuance of a license under Section 26150 or 26155 may be any course acceptable to the licensing authority that meets all of the following minimum criteria:
(1) The course shall be no less than 16 hours in length.
(2) The course shall include instruction on firearm safety, firearm handling, shooting technique, safe storage, legal methods to transport firearms and securing firearms in vehicles, laws governing where permitholders may carry firearms, laws regarding the permissible use of a firearm, and laws regarding the permissible use of lethal force in self-defense.
(3) The course shall include a component, no less than one hour in length, on mental health and mental health resources.
(4) Except for the component on mental health and mental health resources, the course shall be taught and supervised by firearms instructors certified by the Department of Justice pursuant to Section 31635, or in a manner to be prescribed by regulation.
(5) The course shall require students to pass a written examination to demonstrate their understanding of the covered topics.
(6) The course shall include live-fire shooting exercises on a firing range and shall include a demonstration by the applicant of safe handling of, and shooting proficiency with, each firearm that the applicant is applying to be licensed to carry.
A.	Lethal Threat and Use of Force: Ability–Opportunity–Jeopardy–Preclusion
1.	What Constitutes a Lethal Threat
The following is from https://www.useofforce.us/3aojp/

“The use of lethal force that can end in homicide is justified in the situation of immediate, otherwise unavoidable danger of death or grave bodily harm to the innocent.” — Massad Ayoob

That statement by Mr. Ayoob, one of the premier authorities on these matters, is a succinct summary of the basic elements of any justifiable use of force in self-defense. Essentially, it is very simple: In order to determine justifiability, the courts want to know that you had to do what you did. Since “had to” is a pretty subjective judgment, it is legally defined, usually in the following way:
Ability; “possession of the means or skill to do something”
Your attacker must have the ability—the physical, practical ability—to cause you harm. Common sense applies here, as does context. A gun gives your attacker ability (lethal ability, in fact); a knife gives ability as well. Indeed, most weapons qualify, all the way down to glass bottles, baseball bats, and screwdrivers. While the latter are not designed as weapons, if they are applied as such, they can certainly kill you just as dead.
Other “ability” considerations include disparity in size or physical power between you and your attacker—a very large man versus a very small man, a strong man versus a cripple, a trained fighter versus a bookworm, a man versus a woman, all can apply. And don’t forget disparity in numbers—four men attacking one can very easily kill or cripple, unless that one is a Hollywood action hero.
Most of the above are valid lethal force scenarios, but non-lethal force uses the same standard. Just about anyone can punch you and break your nose, or break your arm, or bruise your stomach.
In short, common sense is a more or less effective guide on this point. The important question is simply whether, as far as you know, the attacker has the ability to harm you—kill or maim you, if you respond with lethal force, or lesser degrees of danger for equivalently lesser uses of force.
Opportunity; “a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something”
Although opportunity can be viewed as a subset of ability, it is an equally important criterion. Basically, while your attacker may very well have the ability to cause you harm, it means nothing unless he also has the opportunity to do so—right here and right now. After all, there are probably countless criminals in the world who “could” kill you and might do so, given the chance; but they aren’t standing in front of you at this moment, so they don’t have that opportunity.
The biggest consideration here is range or proximity. Although a man with a gun is considered dangerous at any reasonable distance, a man with a knife standing 300 feet away is not, simply because he cannot stab you from that far away. Yet there is another factor, as well. If he were standing mere yards away, he still probably couldn’t reach you with his knife, but because it would only take him moments to approach you and change that, he would still be considered dangerous. A common police standard is to assume that a knife-wielding assailant is capable of covering 21 feet and striking with the blade in 1.5 seconds. Mull on that time span.
Some other considerations may apply when it comes to Opportunity. For instance, is a knife-wielding assailant behind a locked door a threat? Probably not. Therefore, if you were to shoot him through the door, that would not be justifiable. On the other hand, if he started—successfully—breaking the door down, then he would promptly become dangerous again. Again, use common sense.
Jeopardy; “exposure to or imminence of death, loss, or injury”
The most subjective factor of the AOJP analysis is the jeopardy requirement, sometimes called “imminent jeopardy.” This criterion requires that, in your specific situation, a “reasonable and prudent” person would have believed himself to be in immediate danger.
In other words, jeopardy is what distinguishes between a potentially dangerous situation and one that is actually dangerous. Hundreds of times every day, you walk by people who could punch or stab or shoot you. The reason you aren’t “defending” yourself against them is because you have no reason to think that they are actually about to attack you. (Why would they?)
On the other hand, if someone screams a threat and points a gun at you, any sane person would expect that behavior to indicate an intent to cause you harm.
It’s important to recognize that you cannot actually know this person’s intent; you are not a mind reader. All you can judge is his outward appearance and demeanor, which, in that case, are consistent with harmful intent. If it turns out that he was joking, or lying, or the gun was fake, or he wouldn’t actually have pulled the trigger, nothing changes, because you could not have known those things.
The other important qualifier to remember is that the jeopardy must be immediate. A general threat to your well-being in the distant future is meaningless, but “I’m gonna kill you right now!” is meaningful.
Finally, it’s essential to understand that the “immediate jeopardy” condition can go away at the drop of a hat. On the one hand, if you are attacked, beaten, and left lying in an alley, you are not justified in shooting your attacker in the back as he walks away, because he will have ceased to be a threat. On the other hand, if he turns around and comes back for more, then the immediate jeopardy resumes. Jeopardy can cease suddenly and unexpectedly if your attacker surrenders or clearly ceases to be a threat (if you knock him unconscious, for instance, or he tries to run), and continuing to use force in such situations can change your action from legal self-defense to illegal battery in moments.
Preclusion; “the act of preventing”
Preclusion is not so much an individual consideration as it is an all-encompassing lens through which to view your actions. More complex than the others, it is nevertheless just as important. It is the idea that, whatever the situation, you are expected to use force only as a last resort—that is, only when the circumstances preclude all other options.
In other words, even when the ability, opportunity, and jeopardy criteria are satisfied, and knowing that you must clearly do something to protect yourself, the use of force, particularly lethal force, may only be that “something” if you have no other safe options.
The word “safe” is key there, because at no time does the law ever require you to choose an action that endangers yourself. If you can run away or retreat, you should, but if doing so would put you in harm’s way, you are not required to do so.
Preclusion is the factor that is missing in most self-defense arguments, and thus the reason most fail. You must remember that you bear the burden of proof; until you prove otherwise, the law merely sees two equal citizens in a dispute. You can say, “He tried to hit me,” but then the police and the courts will ask, “Why didn’t you _____?” You must have no options to offer to fill in that blank—there must have been no other courses of action you could have taken to maintain your safety except the use of force. Otherwise, you’re just fighting because you want to, and that’s a crime.
Does the Preclusion standard mean that an ultimatum like “give me your money or I’ll hurt you” requires you to, well, give him your money? Unless you honestly believe that he may hurt you anyway, yes. The law values “life and limb” above property. Or you can refuse, but you may not respond with a fist. He’s giving you a choice, which, by definition, means that you still have options other than force.
The point is simply that you must exercise self-restraint to the greatest extent possible. One vital aspect of this requirement concerns the appropriateness or degree of the force you employ, or how well suited your response is to the threat itself. If a man punches you, you probably cannot justifiably shoot him, because that’s a lethal response to a non-lethal attack. If a three-year-old punches you, you probably cannot do anything at all. If, on the other hand, a 300-pound boxer punches you, you may be justified in responding with deadly force, because his fists can be deadly as well.
Always remember:
The threat must be current, immediate, and unavoidable.
Your level of force must be appropriate to the threat.
Your use of force must stop when the threat ceases.
If at any point you smudge the first, exceed the second, or forget the third, you are running the risk of a criminal indictment—and if the results are glaring (e.g., you killed him), it’s nearly certain.
2.	A firearm is always lethal force.
Warning shots, with very few exceptions, are not an option. You are responsible for every bullet you fire. You can’t endanger innocent people by launching a lethal projectile into the air or ground.
B.	Places you can and can't carry a firearm
California LTC is a State License
Assuming there are no other restrictions printed on one's permit (you are bound by those, but those are not 'general' for all LTC holders), and the guns carried are listed etc. one may carry everywhere in the State of California EXCEPT:
Federal Law/Regulation
•	On post office property, including the parking lot and grounds, even if it is in a locked container [39 CFR 232.1].
•	Federal courthouse. [TITLE 18 > PART I > CHAPTER 44 > § 930 Possession of firearms and dangerous weapons in Federal facilities]
•	Sterile area of an airport [49 CFR 1540.111(a)]
•	POSTED PROHIBITED federal facilities staffed by federal employees [TITLE 18 > PART I > CHAPTER 44 > § 930 Possession of firearms and dangerous weapons in Federal facilities]
•	Social Security Administration offices
•	US Military Installations
•	Common carriers without written consent of the carrier. [18 U.S.C. § 922 (e)]
State Law/Regulation: (Subject to change pending court action relating to SB2)
•	Courthouse when you are a party to an action pending before the court [PC 171b(b)(2)(B)]
•	Family Law courts [depending on the presiding judge]
•	Gun Shows [PC 27330] *OK to carry if you have no ammo to fit the carry gun and have complied with other provisions in the PC. Once you have a paperweight you may conceal it at the gun show.
•	While picketing [PC 17510(a)] *picketing described as "informational activities in a public place relating to a concerted refusal to work" AKA a strike.
•	Sterile area of airports [California Penal Code Section 171.5]
•	While masked so as to hide your identity, while on a public street or in a public place [PC 25300(a)]
•	School grounds (includes ammunition)
•	Wildlife Refuges [California Fish and Game Code Section 10500(b)]
•	The State Capitol, any legislative office, any office of the Governor or other constitutional officer, or any hearing room in which any committee of the Senate or Assembly is conducting a hearing, or upon the grounds of the State Capitol, which is bounded by 10th, L, 15th, and N Streets in the City of Sacramento unless one has permission from Chief Sergeants at Arms of the State Assembly and the State Senate. [PC 171c (b)(2)]
•	The grounds belonging or adjacent to any state prison or prison road camp or prison forestry camp, or other prison camp or prison farm or any other place where prisoners of the state prison are located under the custody of prison officials, officers or employees, or any jail or any county road camp in this state. [PC 4574].
C.	Brandishing: California Penal Code 417
Brandishing
417 (a)(1)	Every person who, except in self-defense, in the presence of any other person, draws or exhibits any deadly weapon whatsoever, other than a firearm, in a rude, angry, or threatening manner, or who in any manner, unlawfully uses a deadly weapon other than a firearm in any fight or quarrel is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not less than 30 days.
(2)	Every person who, except in self-defense, in the presence of any other person, draws or exhibits any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, in a rude, angry, or threatening manner, or who in any manner, unlawfully uses a firearm in any fight or quarrel is punishable as follows:
(A)	If the violation occurs in a public place and the firearm is a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person, by imprisonment in a county jail for not less than three months and not more than one year, by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment.
(B)	In all cases other than that set forth in subparagraph (A), a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not less than three months.
417(b) Every person who, except in self-defense, in the presence of any other person, draws or exhibits any loaded firearm in a rude, angry, or threatening manner, or who, in any manner, unlawfully uses any loaded firearm in any fight or quarrel upon the grounds of any day care center, as defined in Section 1596.76 of the Health and Safety Code, or any facility where programs, including day care programs or recreational programs, are being conducted for persons under 18 years of age, including programs conducted by a nonprofit organization, during the hours in which the center or facility is open for use, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for 16 months, or two or three years, or by imprisonment In a county jail for not less than three months, nor more than one year.
417(c) Every person who, in the immediate presence of a peace officer, draws or exhibits any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, in a rude, angry, or threatening manner, and who knows, or reasonably should know, by the officer's uniformed appearance or other action of identification by the officer, that he or she is a peace officer engaged in the performance of his or her duties, and that peace officer is Engaged in the performance of his or her duties, shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail for not less than nine months and not to exceed one year, or in the state prison.
417(d) Except where a different penalty applies, every person who violates this section when the other person is in the process of cleaning up graffiti or vandalism is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not less than three months nor more than one year.
417(e) As used in this section, "peace officer" means any person designated as a peace officer pursuant to Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2.
417(f) As used in this section, "public place" means any of the following:
(1)	A public place in an incorporated city.
(2)	A public street in an incorporated city.
(3)	A public street in an unincorporated area.
D.	Homicide: California Penal Code 197
Homicide
197. Homicide is also justifiable when committed by any person in any of the following cases:
1.	When resisting any attempt to murder any person, or to commit a felony, or to do some great bodily injury upon any person; or,
2.	When committed in defense of habitation, property, or person, against one who manifestly intends or endeavors, by violence or surprise, to commit a felony, or against one who manifestly intends and endeavors, in a violent, riotous or tumultuous manner, to enter the habitation of another for the purpose of offering violence to any person therein; or,
3.	When committed in the lawful defense of such person, or of a wife or husband, parent, child, master, mistress, or servant of such person, when there is reasonable ground to apprehend a design to commit a felony or to do some great bodily injury, and imminent danger of such design being accomplished; but such person, or the person in whose behalf the defense was made. if he was the assailant or engaged in mutual combat, must really and in good faith have endeavored to decline any further struggle before the homicide was committed; or,
4.	When necessarily committed in attempting, by lawful ways and means, to apprehend any person for any felony committed, or in lawfully suppressing any riot, or in lawfully keeping and preserving the peace.
198. A bare fear of the commission of any of the offenses mentioned in subdivisions 2 and 3 of Section 197, to prevent which homicide may be lawfully committed, is not sufficient to justify it. But the circumstances must be sufficient to excite the fears of a reasonable person, and the party killing must have acted under the influence of such fears alone.
198.5. Any person using force intended or likely to cause death or great bodily injury within his or her residence shall be presumed to have held a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or great bodily injury to self, family, or a member of the household when that force is used against another person, not a member of the family or household, who unlawfully and forcibly enters or has unlawfully and forcibly entered the residence and the person using the force knew or had reason to believe that an unlawful and forcible entry occurred. As used in this section, great bodily injury means a significant or substantial physical injury.
199. The homicide appearing to be justifiable or excusable, the person indicted must, upon his trial, be fully acquitted and discharged.
192–Manslaughter is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice.
(a) Voluntary – upon a sudden quarrel or heat of passion.
(b) Involuntary – in the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony; or in the commission of a lawful act which might produce death, in an unlawful manner, or without due caution and circumspection; provided that this subdivision shall not apply to acts committed in the driving of a vehicle.
E.	Sheriffs’ Conditions of CCW permit
You are bound state wide to whatever restrictions the issuing agency places on your license.
State of California, Department of Justice
Standard Application for CCW License (excerpts)
The licensee is responsible for all liability for, injury to, or death of any person, or damage to any property which may result through any act or omission of either the licensee or the licensing authority. In the event any claim, suit, or action is brought against the licensing authority, its chief officer or any of its employees, by reason of, or in connection with any such act or omission, the licensee shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the licensing authority, its chief officer or any of its employees from such claim, suit, or action.
The licensee authorizes the licensing authority to investigate, as they deem necessary, the licensee's record and character to ascertain any and all information which may concern their possible disqualifications to be issued a CCW license and release said issuing agency of any and all liability arising out of such investigation.
While exercising the privileges granted to the licensee under the terms of this license, the licensee shall not (pursuant to Penal Code section 26200), when carrying a concealable weapon as authorized by this license:
• 	Consume any alcoholic beverage, or controlled substance as described in Health and Safety Code sections 11053 to 11058, inclusive.
• 	Be in a place having a primary purpose of dispensing alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption.
• 	Be under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, medication, or controlled substance as described in Health and Safety Code sections 11053 to 11058, inclusive.
• 	Carry a firearm not listed on the license or a firearm for which they are not the recorded owner (unless the licensee was issued a CCW under Penal Code section 26170 and has been authorized to carry a firearm that is registered to the agency for which the licensee has been deputized or appointed to serve as a peace officer).
• 	Falsely represent to a person that the licensee is a peace officer.
• 	Engage in unjustified display of a deadly weapon.
• 	Fail to carry the license on their person.
• 	Impede any peace officer in the performance of their activities.
• 	Refuse to display the license or provide the firearm to any peace officer upon demand for purposes of inspecting the firearm.
• 	Fail to comply with any reasonable restrictions or conditions the licensing authority imposes, including restrictions as to the time, place, manner, and circumstances under which a licensee may carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed on the person.
• 	Carry more than two firearms under the licensee's control at one time.
• 	Violate any federal, state, or local criminal law.
Title 49, section 46505 of the United States Code states that a license to carry a concealed weapon does not authorize a person to carry a firearm, tear gas, or any dangerous weapon aboard commercial airlines. Such violation can result in arrest by law enforcement.
Any violation of these restrictions or conditions may result in the CCW license being revoked, or may void any further use of the license until reinstated by the licensing authority. 
F.	Other Law Information
The following Penal Code sections are of special importance to the holder of a CCW license regarding the use, carrying, and storage of firearms:
Penal Code Section 26180–Applications for CCW Licenses; False Statements
(a)	Any person who files an application required by Section 26175 knowing that any statement contained therein is false is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b)	Any person who knowingly makes a false statement on the application regarding any of the following is guilty of a felony:
(1)	The denial or revocation of a license, or the denial of an amendment to a license, issued pursuant to this article.
(2)	A criminal conviction.
(3)	A finding of not guilty by reason of insanity.
(4)	The use of a controlled substance.
(5)	A dishonorable discharge from military service.
(6)	A commitment to a mental institution.
(7)	A renunciation of United States citizenship.

26200. (a) While carrying a firearm as authorized by a license issued pursuant to this chapter, a licensee shall not do any of the following:
(1) Consume an alcoholic beverage or controlled substance as described in Sections 11053 to 11058, inclusive, of the Health and Safety Code.
(2) Be in a place having a primary purpose of dispensing alcoholic beverages for onsite consumption.
(3) Be under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, medication, or controlled substance as described in Sections 11053 to 11058, inclusive, of the Health and Safety Code.
(4) Carry a firearm not listed on the license or a firearm for which they are not the recorded owner. This paragraph does not apply to a licensee who was issued a license pursuant to Section 26170, in which case they may carry a firearm that is registered to the agency for which the licensee has been deputized or appointed to serve as a peace officer, and the licensee carries the firearm consistent with that agency’s policies.
(5) Falsely represent to a person that the licensee is a peace officer.
(6) Engage in an unjustified display of a deadly weapon.
(7) Fail to carry the license on their person.
(8) Impede a peace officer in the conduct of their activities.
(9) Refuse to display the license or to provide the firearm to a peace officer upon demand for purposes of inspecting the firearm.
(10) Violate any federal, state, or local criminal law.
(b) In addition to the restrictions and conditions listed in subdivision (a), a license issued pursuant to this chapter may also include any reasonable restrictions or conditions that the licensing authority deems warranted, including restrictions as to the time, place, manner, and circumstances under which a licensee may carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.
(c) Any restrictions imposed pursuant to subdivision (b) shall be indicated on any license issued.
(d) A licensee authorized to carry a firearm pursuant to this chapter shall not carry more than two firearms under the licensee’s control at one time.
(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 249, Sec. 19. (SB 2) Effective January 1, 2024.)
26210 (a) When a licensee under this article has a change of address, the license shall be amended to reflect the new address and a new license shall be issued pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 26215.
(b) The licensee shall notify the licensing authority in writing within 10 days of any change in the licensee’s place of residence.

Section 7: Mental Health
Firearm Suicide Prevention
Protecting your family involves more than keeping them safe from accident or attack.
Time & Distance
Putting time & distance between a suicidal person and a gun may save a life.
But won’t they just substitute another method?
Some may, but nearly anything else is less likely to kill.
Others may delay their attempt.
Either way, the odds of survival go up, for three reasons…
Why Means Matter
Suicidal crises are often brief.
The deadliness of an attempt depends in part on the method used. 
90% of those who attempt suicide and survive don’t go on to kill themselves-even those who make very serious attempts.
Suicidal crises are often brief.
The deadliness of an attempt depends in part on the method used. 
90% of those who attempt suicide and survive don’t go on to kill themselves - even those who make very serious attempts.
Protecting One Another
Having access to a firearm during a suicidal crisis increases the odds that an attempter will die.
We can protect one another. Be alert to signs of suicide in friends and family. 
If someone is at risk, help keep guns from them until they recover.
It’s like holding on to a friend’s keys when they’re drunk.
Who’s at Risk of Suicide?
People who struggle with depression, substance abuse, or other mental health problems, especially if they’re also facing a painful crisis like a relationship break-up, arrest, trouble at work, or financial crises – problems that make you feel hopeless and trapped.
Teens at Home? Teens who die by suicide may show few or not warning signs. A wise precaution: store all guns locked if you have children at home- especially teenagers.
Storage Options
If a household member is at risk of suicide, you could store guns away from home until they’ve recovered (e.g., with a relative you trust, at a self-storage unit)
Or change the locks and make sure they can’t find the keys/combination.
Another option: don’t keep ammunition at home until they’ve recovered.
Hiding guns isn’t recommended. Family members often know one another’s hiding places.
If it’s a friend at risk, offer to hold onto their guns.
What if it’s You at Risk?
If you feel yourself spiraling down, take precautions before things get to a crisis point.
Any strategy that builds some time between you and a gun in a suicidal crisis will keep you safer.
Store your guns off-site temporarily, or ask someone you trust to hold onto the keys, or store keys somewhere they’re not available in a crisis like a bank safe deposit box, or disassemble guns. 
These are temporary measures until you’ve recovered.

Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
National Suicide Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
In an emergency, call 911 and ask for a CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) officer
To learn more about suicide prevention, visit https://focus.senate.ca.gov/mentalhealth/suicide

Section 8: Exam
Test
1. You may be guilty of "criminal storage of a firearm" if you keep a loaded firearm where a child obtains access to the firearm and thereby causes injury or death, or carries the firearm to a public place.
True False

2. Generally, it is illegal to carry a loaded handgun in public.
True False

3. You can safely assume a semiautomatic firearm is unloaded if its magazine has been removed.
True False

4. Bringing a firearm into the home increases the risk of suicide for everyone in the home, including the gun owner, spouse, and children.
True False

5. The sale or transfer of a firearm between two private parties (non-dealers) must be completed through a licensed firearms dealer only if the buyer and seller do not personally know each other.
True False

6. Trigger locks and cable locks are designed to prevent unauthorized individuals from firing your firearm.
True False

7. Easy access to loaded firearms in homes is a major cause of accidental shootings involving children.
True False

8. As long as the safety is on, it is safe to rest your finger on the trigger.
True False

9. Most ammunition can penetrate residential doors and walls.
True False

10. The legal right of self-defense ends when there is no further physical danger from an assailant.
True False

11. Generally, it is legal to carry a concealed firearm in public under which of the following circumstances?
a. You are in an unsafe part of town.
b. You are an experienced gun handler and know all of the safety rules.
c. You were honorably discharged from the military.
d. None of the above.

12. You are responsible for a firearm stored in your house:
a. At all times.
b. Only when you use it.
c. Only if children are present.
d. Only when it is loaded.

13. The use of lethal force may be lawful when defending yourself from which of the following attempted crimes?
a. Disturbing the peace.
b. Assault with a deadly weapon.
c. Trespassing.
d. All of the above.

14. The safest direction to point a firearm is:
a. Up at all times.
b. Down at all times.
c. Where an accidental discharge of the firearm will not cause injury or damage.
d. Away from the nearest object.

15. Caliber information can typically be found on:
a. The slide of a semi-automatic pistol.
b. A box of ammunition.
c. The barrel of a revolver.
d. All of the above.

16. Generally, to legally purchase a long gun in California you must be at least:
a. 18 years old.
b. 16 years old.
c. 25 years old.
d. 21 years old.
17. Which of the following is a legal and safe way of transporting your firearm in a motor vehicle?
a. Unloaded in the trunk of the vehicle.
b. Unloaded in the glove compartment of the vehicle.
c. Loaded, on the passenger seat in plain view.
d. Loaded, but under the passenger's seat, out of the reach of the driver.

18. The safety on a firearm should be used:
a. As the primary safety measure.
b. Only when the firearm is in storage.
c. As an additional safety measure.
d. Only when cleaning a firearm.

19. You should always keep your finger off the trigger until:
a. The safety is in the on position.
b. You are ready to shoot.
c. The firearm is unloaded.
d. There are no children in the area.

20. It is legal to sell a firearm, without completing the transfer through a licensed firearms dealer, to:
a. Your best friend.
b. Your brother/sister.
c. Your co-worker.
d. None of the above.

21. You should assume a firearm is loaded:
a. At all times.
b. Only if children are present.
c. Only while at a firing range.
d. Only if you are unfamiliar with the firearm.

22. As a firearm owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that all your firearms are:
a. Safe to operate.
b. Safely stored when not in use.
c. Inaccessible to children.
d. All of the above.

23. To legally purchase a handgun in California you must be at least:
a. 16 years old.
b. 18 years old.
c. 21 years old.
d. 25 years old.

24. Shooting incorrect ammunition in your firearm could result in:
a. Damage to the firearm.
b. Injury to yourself or bystanders.
c. A jam or misfire.
d. All of the above.

25. When a person is convicted of a felony offense, he/she is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms for what length of time?
a. Ten years.
b. The rest of his/her life.
c. Twenty five years.
d. Five years.

26. A basic safety rule when handling a firearm is to know your:
a. Barrel length.
b. Bullet velocity.
c. Target and its surroundings.
d. None of the above.

27. It can be unsafe to shoot at which of the following?
a. Water.
b. Rocks.
c. Pavement.
d. All of the above.

28. The first thing you should do when cleaning your firearm is:
a. Make sure it is unloaded.
b. Put a bore brush through the barrel.
c. Oil the hammer.
d. Remove the grips.
29. When your firearm and ammunition are not in use, you should make sure:
a. They are easily accessible to anyone.
b. They are stored safely, securely, and separately.
c. They are in the same container.
d. They are close to your other valuables.

30. Which of the following steps will help "childproof" a firearm kept in your home?
a. Using a trigger or action locking device
and storing the firearm in a locked
container.
b. Storing the firearm unloaded.
c. Storing the ammunition in a locked container separate from the firearm.
d. All of the above.