Question about transporting a rifle in a backpack while on a motorcycle?

Anyone familiar with california state law please give me some insight on this.

If I buy a california legal rifle, like a bushmaster carbine and I want to go to the shooting range, but all i have is a streetbike, if I find a way to fit it into a backpack is it legal for me to carry it to and from the range?

I know how it works for a car but not sure how transportation laws would count if it was in a backpack on a motorcycle. I mean its not immediately accessable any more than if it was in your trunk, and I could put a lock on it.

Do you see any way i would be able to get the rifle to the range on my bike?
Additional Details
Probably wouldnt get caught, but just want to do it legally. Wondering if carrying rifle in a backpack or other carrying device on a motorcycle is legal.

John S

There are no laws in California prohibiting the concealed carrying of long guns. The only prohibition is upon carrying a loaded weapon (and a police officer has the right to inspect the weapon to make sure it is not loaded). A rifle is loaded if there is an unexpended shell in or attached to (e.g., a clip) the weapon. (Pen C 12031.)

All the other suggestions here might make your transportation of the weapon safer, but are not legally mandated.

smtfs2113

Get a Rifle case with some type of sling and carry it over your shoulder, There is nothing illegal about that.

Ralfcoder

I would ask the local police station. You may get answers here that say yes, no, maybe, and only if you paint the rifle purple. None of them will make a difference if it's illegal, and you get stopped.

Worse yet - you may get to the rifle range 30 seconds before the swat team descends on you, and the TV news helicopters start swarming overhead.

Get the answer from a source you can trust. The downside if you get the wrong info here can be pretty dramatic - or even severe.

Bifwellington

Find a way to lock the backpack. You will also need to keep the ammo separate from the gun. Keeping it in a separate tank bag and locked should be good.

That said, it really depends on the officer. If you get pulled over do not volunteer that you are carrying a firearm. If they ask, do not lie as that will really make them suspicious. You might want to have directions to the range on your person to help prove where you are going. Get a receipt from the range to prove where you've been.

Never ever stop to even take a leak or pick up a soda or fill up the bike with gas to or from the range. Doing so just opens up more possibilty of an incident outside your control. Mind the traffic laws to the letter. Getting pulled over would just lead to greater possibility of officer discretion.

James

I left in 1992, but when I lived there, when I rode the Harley out to go shoot, my rifle was in a gun case and the case was strapped to the sissybar. Never got stopped or given any trouble and drove past uncounted dozens of LEO vehicles.

THEAmericanPatriot

Instead of asking us... a bunch of yahoos... ask the PROFESSIONALS. Call your local law enforcement office or the CHP.

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